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Archive for the ‘God’s Power’ Category

Crowded with Happiness

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , on September 3, 2026| 24 Comments »

Such a quote sets my mind to reminiscing the many delightful blessings that have crowded our family’s lives with happiness over the years—all manifestations of his awe-inspiring attributes.

And the thought occurred to me, what a gratifying exercise it might be to list a number of God’s traits and name an event to illustrate each one.

Perhaps this list will trigger memories of your own refreshing joys.

WATCHFUL CARE

It was my responsibility to disarm the alarm at church for our Women Connect meetings. After opening the door, a timer ticked off thirty seconds until the alarm sounded. But one morning I couldn’t find the new code in my wallet.

More than a few tense moments transpired while I rummaged, and then, just in the nick of time the slip of paper with the code appeared, and I quickly punched it in.

About half an hour later, our pastor came by and asked, “Do these belong to anybody?” He held up my rubber-banded charge cards, license, insurance cards, etc. They must have popped out as I grabbed the paper with the code, and in the dark hallway I didn’t see them.

PROVISION

I just happened to come across pertinent ideas in Jesus Always (by Sarah Young) that fit perfectly with what I was preparing to share as a devotional for the Mother’s Day Brunch at church. Such a lovely discovery.

CREATIVE POWER

Perhaps you too have stood amazed on the shore of Reflection Lake in Washington State, gazing up at majestic Mt. Rainier, whose peak reaches 14,410 feet and whose base covers approximately one hundred square miles. How mind-boggling to contemplate God’s creative capacities!

COMPASSION

Countless times over the years, when feeling apprehensive about the future, we’ve received God’s comfort through such scriptures as: “Has not the Lord gone ahead of you?” (Judges 4:14b). He’s proven everything is under his capable control.  

GOODNESS

Indeed, my cup overflows (Psalm 23:5)! I enjoy the delight of a loving family, wonderful friends, a vibrant church community, Steve’s continuing health after a liver transplant nearly eight years ago, and SO much more.

WISDOM

In hindsight we see God’s astute engineering of events for our benefit. One outstanding example: in 2001 Steve just happened to be assigned as pastor of a church that just happened to maintain a scholarship fund, thanks to a generous endowment and successful fund-raising.

Our younger son just happened to be preparing to enter the ministry. He received a full scholarship to attend seminary, and has now served as a pastor for more than fifteen years.

NURTURING

All my life I’ve been blessed with spiritual teachers and mentors who’ve guided and inspired my experience with God and contributing greatly to my growth in biblical understanding. The instruction of his Word continues to give me much pleasure.

PROTECTION

Another purse story! One day I left my purse at the outdoor student-dismissal area where I taught school. An hour after I’d returned to my classroom from that duty I suddenly remembered. God watched over that purse until I retrieved it, saving me from a heart-sickening and time-consuming setback.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Sometimes spiritual refreshment comes through an experience rather than words.

One morning on my way to school I reveled in a scene worthy of a painting: dark green trees and vegetation reflected from the calm surface of a pond as a great egret gracefully winged across just above it. His brilliant white feathers against the dark foliage provided a breath-taking sight.

The moment felt like a special gift.

RIGHTEOUSNESS

SO many times over the years, circumstances or decisions we’ve been concerned about have turned out “just right,” thanks to God’s leading and provision. One example: our home in retirement, close to our older son and his family, perfect in size and layout.

There you have it: ten of God’s attributes, demonstrated in personal blessings. My heart is indeed crowded with happiness as I remember the wonderful works he has done (Psalm 105:5a).

Now it’s your turn. Please share in the comment section below an example of a “refreshing joy” that has crowded your heart with happiness!

Images credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.unsplash (Aaron Burden); http://www.easy-peasy.ai; http://www.canva.com.

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Mission Impossible

Posted in Courage, Dreams, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Heroes of the Faith, Obedience, Perseverance, Service, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on August 27, 2026| 48 Comments »

Missionary John Flynn removed his hat to wipe his forehead with a kerchief, then leaned back in his camel’s saddle to drink deeply from his canteen. Neither strategy offered much relief from the heat of the Outback in South Australia, but John scarcely minded.

Camels of the Outback ready to transport wool and other goods.

As a recent 1910 graduate from Melbourne University (with a theology degree), he was living his dream, planted within his heart by God himself—a dream so out-sized, so impossible, some people would find it laughable:

“Your assignment, should you accept it, is to provide for the spiritual, social, and medical needs of people in the Outback.”

That assignment came through the Presbyterian Church General Assembly, to serve in Beltana, a small settlement of less than 200 people–with the surrounding region, about the size of the British Isles.

He’d come to love the Outback in spite of multiple challenges: no communication between far-spread sheep ranchers and miners, no radio service, no medical help for hundreds of miles, and the arid climate with sweltering summers.

Undaunted by these factors, John had set about fulfilling his assignment. In 1912 he presented his report to the Assembly. They then formed the Australian Inland Mission and delegated John as “the first superintendent, responsible for the northern half of the continent” [1].

Mission impossible indeed!

His staff included one nurse who managed the single nursing station, and one traveling “patrol padre” who ministered as he could—from conducting worship services, weddings and funerals, to offering medical aid, and assisting ranchers with their work [2].

John’s team also received five camels for transportation and as beasts of burden.

Within a year, John had overseen the construction of the first Outback hospital, paid for by a generous friend. Always, he was traveling, helping in any way he could, and sharing about the wonderful life-change Jesus offers.

Young John Flynn

He considered his impossible mission an honor:

“If Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Son of Almighty God; if He was in reality ‘God with us,’ showing us the Father; if it is a fact that we only sojourn on this earth for a while, and then appear before the Creator of the universe . . . what more honourable [sic] calling can a man follow than getting his fellows to realise [sic] this fact and act upon it” [3]?

In 1917, John received a letter from Clifford Peel, a lieutenant in the Australia Air Corps. He’d left medical school to help Britain fight against Germany.

Australian bombers, World War 1

Clifford explained he’d read about John’s work and suggested aeroplanes might be useful in providing medical care to remote areas. John too became enthused about the idea.

Had Clifford survived the war, he undoubtedly would have sought to join John in his work. But weeks before Germany’s surrender, his plane disappeared over France.

It was up to John to bring Clifford’s idea to life—a challenge that would take ten years. First was the cost—hundreds of dollars for just one plane, not to mention pilots, fuel, mechanics, landing strips and more.

 Another impossible mission.

But for John that word impossible just fueled his determination. He launched The Inlander Magazine that highlighted Outback conditions and needs, suggesting ways that life could be improved. Thousands of people donated to the cause [4].

In 1928, the Flying Doctor Service (FDS) became a reality with a rented plane from a new airline, Qantas. Within the first year, Doctor St. Vincent Welch visited 255 patients [5].

One of first Qantas airplanes

Of course, such visits would have been impossible without a way for people to contact the FDS. John had inspired inventor Alfred Traeger to solve that problem. He designed a pedal-operated generator to power radio receivers [6].

During World War II, FDS provided medical care to troops and civilians in Australia and other areas of the Pacific region. It soon became apparent the ministry greatly strengthened Australia’s position against the Japanese [7].

Medical care wasn’t John’s only dream. His vision included support for the children being homeschooled in isolated areas, who rarely had contact with other children or teachers.

School of the Air was established in 1951, using the FDS radio network. Children could interact with others, ask questions of their teacher, and supplement their correspondence lessons [8].

John Flynn died of cancer that same year. Imagine his pleasure to know the Royal Flying Doctor Service (renamed in 1955) still functions today.

In fact, his impossible mission has grown to impossible size. More than 900 patients receive care each day in one of the 22,000+ RFDS clinics, or by aeromedical transport in one of eighty-three planes, based in twenty-three locations, as well as many by telehealth consults [9]. In addition, School of the Air still ministers to Outback families.

Perhaps even John Flynn would marvel at the outcome of his impossible mission. Then again, he’d probably just smile and softly quote Matthew 19:26:

 

[1] https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/people/john-flynn-obe/

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://dailydeclaration.org.au/2021/10/13/the-royal-flying-doctor-service-and-the-rev-john-flynn/

[4] https://vision.org.au/read/articles/episode-247-john-flynn/

[5] Ibid.

[6] https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/how-alfred-traeger-gave-outback-its-voice/

[7] https://medrecruit.medworld.com/articles/the-history-of-the-royal-flying-doctor-service;

https://vision.org.au/read/articles/episode-247-john-flynn

[8] https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/about-the-rfds/history/john-flynn-bio/

[9] Ibid.

Other Sources:

https://www.chr.org.au/schools-content/2.-John-Flynn

https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/dailystory/permalink/rev-flynn-advocated-a-flying-ambulance-for-australias-outback

https://didyouknow.org.au/johnflynn/

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The Healthiest Fear of All

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Obedience, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on August 13, 2026| 27 Comments »

The date: October 31, 1991.

The place: Juno Beach, Florida–our home at the time.

The event: The “Halloween Swell,” when monstrous waves nearly twenty feet high broke close to the Atlantic shore and pounded the beach, generated by a powerful “perfect storm” off the coast of New England.

Our family stood on high ground with a gathering crowd, watching the surreal display of awesome power and strength. (Such waves can exert forces over 5,000 pounds per square foot.*)

[Watch a video from an observer on the beach that day:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnQJHFEDxyo.]

About fifty yards north, one particularly large wave crashed ashore and washed over the dunes. Several cars parked on the beach road (A1A) actually lifted from the pavement and drifted toward the middle of the road. You’d think they were made of balsa wood.

Understand: by then the wave had lost most of its power, but it still packed a wallop.

We experienced a mix of serious respect and breathtaking wonder that afternoon. Those waves could have crushed us if we’d stood too close.

Yet there was mesmerizing beauty too as the water rose high in a graceful curve, formed a foamy crest, then glided toward shore to crash explosively into the sand.

The waves we witnessed that day were much taller!

Such imagery may help us understand a phrase used over one hundred times in the Bible: the fear of God. One example, Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”

Such fear does not mean terror for a Being with infinite strength, but rather serious reverence and respect for who he is: the all-powerful One of the universe (just as we respected the power of those waves that day).

On the other hand, the fear of God also includes awe and breathtaking wonder.

Think of the heart-swell while gazing upward at his innumerable stars . . .

. . . downward into clear, tropical waters where brightly-colored fish and coral dazzle . . .

A parrotfish feeding on algae

. . . into the eyes of a newborn baby . . .

. . . or outward upon his immense and powerful ocean (especially as it heaves tons of water on the shore).

In such moments we can’t help but cry out to the Maker of all wonders, “God, you are so incredibly magnificent! There are no boundaries to your greatness” (Psalm 145:3 MSG, not a direct quote).

Some might think God directs us to fear him as a means of self-gratification, as if he takes prideful satisfaction in our admiration and praise. No, scripture makes clear: his instruction that we fear him leads to blessing for us.

The book of Proverbs alone lists at least twelve benefits:

  • Wisdom and understanding (9:10)—because these qualities originate with God (Job 12:13)

  • Strong confidence (14:26 ESV)—in the character and promises of God

  • A fountain of life (14:27)—a continual prosperity of spirit

  • God’s trustworthy instruction (15:33) as we grow in our relationship with him

  • Avoidance of evil (16:6)—under the influence of God’s grace and goodness

  • True [fulfilling] life, contentment, and ultimate deliverance from evil (19:23)

  • Riches [of mind and spirit] and honor [from God himself one day] (Proverbs 22:4)

  • Happiness (Proverbs 28:14 HCSB)!

And consider this:

The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.

–Oswald Chambers

So how do we cultivate such a strong fear of God?

Possibilities include:

  • Feeding our confidence on scripture each day
  • Centering our thoughts frequently on God’s attributes, including his love, forgiveness, power, wisdom, and goodness
  • Looking for evidence of his gracious involvement in our lives and expressing continual gratitude
  • Spending time with God-fearing people and learning from them
  • Seeking to obey his wise ways

Forest Landscape by Peter Monsted, 1908

As we stood on the beach that day in 1991, a healthy fear made us choose a safe distance from a power that could have killed us.

As we contemplate the truths about the healthiest fear of all, the fear of God, we’re also faced with a choice. Only this time it’s a decision to move in close with reverence and awe, toward a Power that gives us life (John 10:10).  

*https://www.sky-chaser.com/perfstrm.htm

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When God’s People Pray

Posted in Courage, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Protection, God's Provision, Prayer, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on May 14, 2026| 40 Comments »

Harry Leigh-Dunmore listened to waves strike the shore and gulls shriek overhead. A year ago, he mused, I’d have considered this a lark, sitting on the beach under a sunny sky.

But this was May 25, 1940, and Harry found himself waiting on the French coast for rescue while dozens of German panzer tanks barreled westward toward him and more than 300,000 others of the British Expeditionary Forces gathering on the beaches of Dunkirk.

The Germans had blitzed through Belgium, Holland, and southern France, surrounding the Allied forces and leaving them stranded on the coast.

Rumors spread that ships from Britain would soon rescue them, but how could such an effort be mounted in time and for so many? Harry dared hope they’d find a way.

In the distance, he and every other soldier heard the rumble of the Luftwaffe (the German air force) approaching again from the east.

Quickly they spread out and hunched down small and tight, to make themselves difficult targets. There wasn’t enough cover to protect them all.

Meanwhile in England, in spite of predictions that only 20,000 to 30,000 men could be rescued, Prime Minister Winston Churchill had sanctioned Operation Dynamo on May 20, to begin on Sunday May 26.

Vice Admiral Ramsay called for every boat or ship owner willing to participate in the dangerous mission, to gather their crafts around Dover on the southeastern coast. More than eight hundred began to assemble [1].

The plan called for smaller boats to shuttle the soldiers from the shallow waters of Dunkirk to larger vessels and naval ships anchored further out, that would then transport the men back to Dover. French ground forces and the RAF would provide cover.

King George VI, a man of strong faith, received briefing of the plan and the dire predictions. On May 24th he called for a National Day of Prayer to occur as evacuations would begin May 26.

Within hours of that call to prayer, Hitler halted that western-bound panzer assault, just ten miles or so from Dunkirk [2], in order to give the German infantry time to catch up [3].

German General Göring assured Hitler the Luftwaffe could decimate the beach-stranded soldiers, even though only one run per day was possible. (They had to fly from Germany and attack quickly in order to conserve fuel for the return trip [4]).

On Sunday May 26th as the rescue mission began, millions of Britons overflowed the churches into the streets, praying for God’s intervention on behalf of their boys.

On Tuesday, more stormy weather grounded the Luftwaffe. Wednesday brought uncommonly calm waters in the English Channel, making it possible for the smallest of boats to participate in the rescue and make the crossings quickly.

When the storms subsided, fog rolled in. The Luftwaffe still couldn’t fly. In fact, for the ten days boats and ships crisscrossed the English Channel, the German pilots only had two and a half days of good weather for attack.

Even then their efforts were often stymied. One group of about four hundred men suffered machine-gun fire and bombing from about sixty aircraft. Not a single man was killed [5].

Another soldier related that many of his comrades knew Psalm 91 by heart. During the Luftwaffe attacks they shouted the verses together [6].

When each Luftwaffe attack subsided, the scattered men would return in orderly fashion to their places in the lines [7].

Meanwhile, a breeze took the smoke from the German bombs and protected from view the soldiers loading onto boats [8].

By June 4, the mission was complete. Yes, there were casualties, but the British had evacuated 338,226 soldiers, including approximately 140,000 French, Belgian, Dutch, and Polish troops [9].

“Battle of Dunkirk” (1940) by Charles Ernest Cundall

Harry Leigh-Dunmore was among them. After a three-hour crossing, he and hundreds of other soldiers were loaded onto a train. Harry promptly fell asleep; he awoke in Wales [10].

In fact, trains took the Dunkirk evacuees all over Britain.  Women’s organizations provided food and drink at railway stations as the trains passed through.

Once each train arrived at its destination, the men were taken to barracks made ready to house and feed them—another divinely-engineered feat of staggering proportions.

God had answered their prayers; he’d brought about the “the miracle of Dunkirk.”

King George designated the next Sunday, June 9, a Day of Thanksgiving. Citizens and rescued soldiers stood side-by-side in churches across Britain and sang together Psalm 124 [11]:

 

[1] https://www.godreports.com/2017/07/dunkirk-god-answered-prayers-in-miraculous-ways/

[2] https://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/200052/Christians_Together_in/Christian_Life/The_Miracle_of.aspx

[3] https://the-past.com/feature/was-dunkirk-really-a-miracle/

[4] tij.tv/shows/the-miracle-of-dunkirk

[5] https://www.standingforfreedom.com/2025/05/26/this-week-in-history-gods-miracle-at-dunkirk/

[6] https://kinshipradio.org/home/psalm-91-and-the-miracle-of-dunkirk/

[7] https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/stories/remembering-dunkirk

[8] https://guideposts.org/articles/angels-and-miracles/miracles/gods-grace/the-four-miracles-of-dunkirk/

[9] https://www.standingforfreedom.com

[10] https://www.britishlegion.org.uk

[11] https://www.christianstogether.net

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Uplift

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Hope, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 16, 2026| 48 Comments »

A prayer in the midst of distress:

Heavy concerns weigh upon my heart, Lord,

beyond my abilities to remedy.

My thoughts bounce from faith-affirmations 

to faltering “what-ifs.”

I wonder, “How long, O Lord; how long?” (Psalm 6:3)

And so I come, to curl up on your footstool (Psalm 132:7), 

to rest in your comforting presence ( Psalm 62:1),

to catch my breath, slow my heart rate, and

look to you for uplift in my mind and spirit (Psalm 145:14).

I hear your tender voice reminding me:

“I am watching over you (Psalm 121:8),

surrounding you with my unfailing love (Psalm 32:10). 

Just as I’ve promised in my Word,

I will provide guidance for the path ahead (Proverbs 3:5-6)

and the power to endure (Isaiah 40:29).

I am faithful in all I do, never forsaking those who seek me (Psalm 36:5; Psalm 9:10).

Remember, I have always been your help (Psalm 46:1);

I have always sustained you through every challenge (Isaiah 41:10).”

Thank you, Father, for your reassurances.

Already I feel strength returning to my soul (Psalm 138:3)

and hope cheering my heart (Psalm 94:19).

I praise you for your attentiveness (Matthew 10:29-31)—

your watchful care, unfailing love, and reliable guidance, 

your unstoppable power, everlasting faithfulness, and ever-ready help.*

I picture you reaching down,

cupping my chin in your hand,

and lifting my head to look into your eyes (Psalm 3:3)—

eyes that speak-without-words of your love,

compassion, patience, and forgiveness.*

And in my heart I hear you reaffirm:

“Know this:

As you come into my presence and

allow me to lift your head (Psalm 3:3)—

To encourage, edify, and inspire your spirit,

I will bestow multiple blessings, including:

ALLEVIATION—

As I firmly support you to bear these burdens (Psalm 68:19),

ANTICIPATION—

for the intervention I can provide (Isaiah 64:4),

CONSOLATION—

to ease the distress (Matthew 11:28-29).

INSPIRATION—

to press on with confidence (Galatians 6:9),

LIBERATION—

 from crippling guilt and nagging doubts (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 41:10),

MANIFESTION—

of my comforting, empowering presence (Psalm 23:4), and

RESTORATION—

of hope to fuel your spirit and faith to carry on (Isaiah 40:31).

“Then the uplift of your spirit will become evident

In the uplift of your face (Proverbs 27:19),

as trust supersedes concern, and

expectation displaces doubt.”

I praise you, Lord—

You’ve heard my cry for mercy.

You are my strength and shield;

my heart trusts in you, and you help me (Psalm 28:6-7).

Hallelujah!

*Psalms 103 and 145 celebrate many of God’s awesome attributes.

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With Fear and Great Joy

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, Jesus, Joy, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 9, 2026| 26 Comments »

The women were Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, mother of the disciple James. They’d witnessed the crucifixion of Christ, had been present when Joseph of Arimathea buried Christ, and arrived first at the tomb that Sunday morning, to anoint their Lord’s body with spices.

But as they approached, a violent earthquake threw them to the ground and an angel, bright-white as lightning, descended from the sky. Even the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb became frozen with fear.

The angel paid them no attention and set about rolling the massive stone away from the tomb. Then he sat upon it. The women warily peeked inside; Jesus wasn’t there.

No doubt they huddled in fear as these events unfolded in rapid succession. But the angel reassured them, “Do not be afraid.” He then announced Christ had risen from the dead, and they must go quickly to tell his disciples (1).

Can you imagine their conversation as they hurried to the upper room where these men would likely be gathered?

“I’ve never been so frightened in all my life! My heart is still pounding.”

“And I’m still shaking! Have you ever seen someone glow like that?”

“No indeed! 

“I can scarcely believe what he told us. How is this possible?”

“Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead. It must be true.” 

“But what if the disciples don’t believe us? They’re going to think we’re crazy.” 

And so, with trepidation the two Marys made their way to the house with the upper room. 

Yet their hearts were also filled with joy. Jesus was alive! It was the most glorious news they could hope to hear. And they’d been chosen to announce it.

____________________

We too experience fear and joy at the same time, in spite of the fact these emotions occupy opposite ends of the spectrum.

Think how you felt when hired for that highly-desired job. Worries may have included: Will I be up to the task? Able to fit in with other employees? Get along with the boss? But you were also thrilled for the opportunity God had provided, just as you’d hoped and prayed.

Think about your wedding day. You and the love of your life would soon promise to cherish one another for the rest of your days. The thought certainly brought great joy, but perhaps a niggle of fear as well. Will our love last, or will we fall prey to division?

Think about the birth of your first child. No other joy compares to bringing new life into the world. But, this tiny, fragile creature is now your responsibility for the next eighteen years—at least. It’s a fearsome thing to contemplate. 

This joy-and-fear combination is also part of our experience with God, all-powerful and awe-inspiring as he is, capable of fearsome acts. After all, he once annihilated an enemy-army of 185,000 in one night (2). 

To fear God—reverence him and highly respect him—is a wise choice!  

Then, as we face worrisome unknowns and fears begin to rise, we can still take joy in such blessings as:

  • God’s unfailing strength and goodness to carry us through
  • Scripture-promises to quiet our spirits
  • Enhanced intimacy with God as he draws especially near with comfort and encouragement 

And during the process of the unknown becoming known, we discover God’s plan includes multiple delights.

Steve and I saw this occur in all six churches where he served as pastor during forty years of ministry. Each seemed a fearsome challenge for different reasons, and yet we also felt the joy of expectation, to see what God would do.

And each church did provide multiple delights, as God blessed us and others.

Praise God, he “guides us only into that which will finally result in our joy and radiance, even if it means passing through pain”(3)–or fear, we might add.

Imagine the joy and radiance of the two Marys as they followed the angel’s instructions and made their announcement!

The same pleasure can be ours—in spite of fear—as we follow God’s guidance for us.

__________

Notes:

  1. Matthew 27:32-61; 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-7
  2. 2 Kings 19:32-36
  3. Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge, 90.

Image credits: http://www.publicdomainpictures.net (Marina Shemesh) & http://www.canva.com; http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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Patience, Persistence, and Promise

Posted in Excellence, Faith, God's Delight, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, Jesus, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 2, 2026| 33 Comments »

The Agony in the Garden, by Francesco Trevisani, 1740

I praise You, Lord Jesus, Founder of our faith and supreme exemplar of what the life of faith looks like. You demonstrated what it means to live in continual obedience to our Father [1], doing nothing of your own initiative but only what God directed you to do.

In the Garden of Gethsemane you poignantly affirmed trusting submission, even while anguishing over the suffering to come [2].

Yet you acquiesced to your Father’s will. You trusted your Righteous Father to provide the supernatural strength you’d need, knowing his right hand would sustain you, and he’d provide ultimate victory [3].

Your submission cost you horrific pain yet you endured to the end. By comparison, my submission has cost me little and yet I sometimes balk at even small sacrifices.

How dare I stoop to complaining and self-pity when people don’t respond the way I think they should, when disagreeable tasks require attention and I ignore them, when “little” temptations beset me and I make excuses to give in?

Oh Lord, forgive me for losing sight of your example. Remind me too that obedience is not for performance’ sake but for love’s sake [4]. Out of gratitude, I do want my love for you to overflow; out of love, I do want my submission to you to grow.  

I praise You, Lord Jesus, that you are the Perfector of my faith [5]. You didn’t just set me on the path to abundant life and then leave me to figure out the journey on my own.

“Your Spirit has enlightened my understanding of spiritual matters, developed my conscience, drawn my affections toward things of eternal value, created the desire within me to follow [your] will, with new motives, principles, and purpose” (Unknown) [6].  

THANK YOU!

You guide and empower, to mold my life into what is useful and even beautiful. You faithfully work to release me from those things that ensnare me [7]. How gracious you are!

You change my perspective, so I can see things from your point of view; you work repentance in my heart, desiring to purify and transform me, day by day, into your likeness [8]. That’s my desire too.

I’ve not been an easy project for you, Lord, given my stubbornness and slowness to learn.  And yet, scripture assures me your continual inner-work within me is for your good pleasure [9]. You do it because it gives you pleasure! That astounds me.

How thankful I am to belong to you, that you never give up on me. You never tire of wielding your transforming power, to refine all your children into radiant reflections of you [10].

I praise you, Jesus, for your patience and persistence! And I praise you for your promise, that you’ll carry to completion the good things you—with all your wisdom, goodness, and love—have planned for me [11].

May I be an enthusiastic participant to the end!

 

[1] Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:21; John 6:38

[2] John 5:30; Matthew 26:36-46

[3] Philippians 2:6-8; Psalm 18:32, 35b; 37:39-40

[4] John 14:15

[5] Hebrews 12:2

[6] Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 9:14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 4:24-26; Ezekiel 36:26-27

[7] John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 25:15

[8] Romans 12:2; 1 John 1:9; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[9] Philippians 2:13

[10] Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[11] 1 Timothy 1:16; Luke 15:4-7; Philippians 1:6

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Surprise!

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, Maturity, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on March 12, 2026| 44 Comments »

Our daughter-in-law’s alarm sounded at 4:00 a.m. a few Sundays ago. She needed to work on writing a grant, assigned to her on Friday and due the following Wednesday.

Of course, no time during the work-day had been provided. (How can bosses consider such directives appropriate?)

H. intended to accomplish several hours of work before church. But when she opened her laptop, a message proclaimed that a key code was needed.

WHAT key code?

H. checked her list of passwords; no code. And nothing she tried allowed her access. Finally she woke our son E., who’s quite computer-savvy. But he too was stymied.

H. got dressed and drove to her office to work there, frustrated by the time lost. E. continued his efforts to unlock the computer. He called Apple, but they couldn’t help without the code.

E. texted us to pray, then kept searching for a solution. About twenty minutes later he found what he called a back door, but still needed a password not on their lists.

“Lord, what might we have set as a password?” he prayed.

He sat for a few quiet moments, and suddenly, a scene from the first Ghostbusters movie popped into his head, when one of the characters used a password. E. typed it in:

And H.’s computer came back to life.

No doubt you tell stories of happy-surprises within your family, illustrating God’s attentiveness, generosity, power, and more.

But not all surprises fall into the “happy” category. 

UNHAPPY SURPRISES

They also come in the form of cancer diagnoses, family members announcing a divorce, or the company’s decision to relocate you across the country.

Doubts of God’s attentiveness and power begin to fester. What then? Debbie Macomber would challenge us to:

And Charles Spurgeon offers this nourishing faith food:

“We have gone through many trials. They have never been to our detriment but always to our advantage . . . He who has been with us in six troubles will not forsake us in the seventh. What we have known of our faithful God proves that he will keep us to the end.”

MIXED-BAG SURPRISES

A third category of surprises includes those that cause delight and doubt. 

For example:

L. had invited our family over for dinner a few weeks before we’d be moving across-state.

With her gift for interior design and crafting abilities, L. had created an inviting home. She showed me her guest room, recently refurbished and exuding a warm welcome, given the restful color-scheme, well-coordinated furniture, and attractive linens.

I oohed and aahed over L.’s surprise-display of her handiwork, truly happy for her success and the wherewithal to make it happen.

But I did wonder why she didn’t ask, “Nancy, are you feeling all right? You look a little green!”

Surely my face betrayed the envy in my heart for that beautiful room.

You see, we’d recently visited the parsonage* that our family of five would soon be living in—small, sorely lacking storage, with long-outdated furniture, and no color-scheme at all.

Not only was I struggling to say good-bye to a loving congregation, but also to the pleasant, new-to-us parsonage the current church had purchased and furnished just three years previously.  

Perhaps you too have struggled, when others enjoy circumstances you desire.  Again, the question arises:

What then? 

Since that night in L.’s home I’ve learned:

That would include prayer for the person we envy, that they might flourish. No doubt you’ve heard “prayer changes things.” That includes the person praying.

In addition, we can be attentive to what God has supplied and express gratitude for all he is and all he does—like the unknown Puritan did who wrote this prayer:

“When I think upon and converse with Thee, ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding every moment of happiness.”

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

I praise you, God, for the numerous happy surprises you provide.  And for those times when surprise comes through difficulty, I praise you for your ministering presence, providing wisdom, grace, and strength. May I be faithful to avail myself of your enablement. 

*A home provided by a church for their pastor and family, sometimes furnished.

Image credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.freerangestock.com (Enieda Nieves); http://www.ropbymhome.com (Pierce Martin); http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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Dust on the Balance Scale

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, Joy, Perseverance, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on March 5, 2026| 35 Comments »

Many of us memorized 1 Peter 5:7 as children:

Did you ever wonder how we cast our anxiety?

After all, our concerns aren’t jammed into heavy backpacks we can physically heave onto God’s back. We’re talking in the abstract–about nagging problems, physical ailments, troubling situations.

And in spite of God’s capacity and willingness to be our Burden-Bearer (Psalm 68:19), we find anxiety and fear niggling among our thoughts just the same. It’s difficult to get rid of them.

We know gratitude and praise to God can be effective burden-lifters, but worries can linger on the periphery, waiting for the first opportunity to return. Is that a sign of failure?

Here’s what I’ve learned; maybe you have too.

First, ‘remember learning math facts in school?

Mastery required practice because that’s how God made our brains to work. We learn by making neural connections, called synapses. For most of us, it takes a good deal of repetition for synapse-connections to become hard-wired (1).

Second, it makes sense that the advanced skill of controlling our thinking is also going to require practice. It’s a sign of wisdom to keep turning our minds back to God–a hundred times a day if necessary.

Third, I also know this: God appreciates progress; he doesn’t withhold his delight in us until we’re perfect. 

Consider God’s message through the prophet Zechariah: 

So, when a concern wants front-and-center attention in our minds, let’s implement:

Strategy #1: Keep turning the mind to gratitude and praise.

Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator of the 1600s had his wallet stolen one day. But instead of fretting about it, he wrote this in his journal:

“I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

Henry’s reasons for gratitude surely helped to shift the burden of anxiety from his own shoulders to the formidable shoulders of God. Just reading his entry lifts my spirit. 

Strategy #2: Affirm that God can turn burdens into blessings.  

God achieves purpose, even in our suffering. One purpose: to expand the joy in our lives (James 1:2).

For twenty-six years I taught elementary school. One difficult year, the problems and resulting tension intensified. And yet, as I got in the car each morning, I strongly sensed God’s presence with me, as if he sat in the passenger seat! 

His presence gave me joy–to the point of happy tears sometimes–while also offering reassurance and strength. Without the increased stress, I would not have experienced that singular blessedness.

Strategy #3:  Remember who God is.

For God to be our Burden-Bearer, we have to trust him, and trust grows as we remember:     

He’s our Father of compassion, our ever-present help in trouble, our King of power and glory, our loving and faithful God, our strong deliverer, and more (3). He can handle any load of trouble.

In fact, what seems to us a crushing burden is as inconsequential to him as a speck of dust on a balance scale (4).

*     *     *     *     *     *     * 

Lord, help me remember: You are the one with the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and the wisdom for every decision (5). To worry is to forget Who’s in charge. May I joyfully rest in you.   

Notes:

  1. https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/early-learning-at-home/read-and-count/the-power-of-repetition
  2. Karol Ladd, Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, 54-55.
  3. Psalm 103:13; 46:1;1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 57:10; 18:2.
  4. Based on a Charles Spurgeon quote from Morning by Morning, 8.
  5. Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, 36.

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Surprised by Prayer

Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, Peace, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on February 12, 2026| 41 Comments »

Currently my prayers for others include healing from illness, avoidance of surgery, a smooth path ahead into a new life-phase, and guidance for an important decision. 

Good things for good people.

But not long ago I had occasion to peruse Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonian church.  Four times in three short chapters, Paul expressed his prayers for these Christians facing persecution and trials (2 Thessalonians 1:4).

His prayers surprised me.

Did he include protection from their enemies? No. Rescue from persecution? No. Lives of peace so they could share about Christ without threat? No. 

Instead, Paul asked for God’s empowerment, encouragement, strength, understanding of God’s love, endurance, and inner peace.

Why were these qualities uppermost in his mind? 

First, GOD’S EMPOWERMENT would help them live true to their faith (1:11 CEV), so they might honor God and God might honor them (v. 12).

And what might that honor look like?  Shalom—which includes inner tranquility, divine wholeness, prosperity of soul, and more (1)—even during trials.

We too can ask God to empower those we pray for, that they might honor him, experience his shalom, and anticipate the supreme honor of hearing him declare, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (2).  

We’d do well to pray the same for ourselves. 

Second, GOD’S ENCOURAGEMENT AND STRENGTH would lead the Thessalonians to always do and say what is good (2 Thessalonians 2:17 GNT).

In the previous verse, Paul reminded these readers of God’s love and grace to them.

Perhaps he wanted to stir up memories of God’s goodness on display in the past, and once inspired, they’d be fueled to show goodness to one another within their church—to keep one another lifted up. 

And that integrity would draw those outside the church to Jesus (3).

Third, GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF GOD’S LOVE AND ENDURANCE, provided through Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5 GNT), would cause their confidence in him to grow.

Then, when challenges arose, the Thessalonian church would remain steadfast and unflinching in the face of persecution.

Down through the centuries Christians have suffered for their faith. Even now in Asia and Africa, Christ-followers bear up under imprisonment and torture.

Meriam Ibrahim was just such a prisoner, sentenced to death for refusing to become a Muslim.  Her second child was born while Meriam was behind bars. 

Finally her captors threatened to torture her with one hundred lashes followed by hanging, but Meriam later stated she never even considered acquiescing to her captors. 

An international campaign for her release saved Meriam’s life. She now lives in the U.S (4). 

Though we and our loved ones may never face such circumstances, we’re wise to prepare ourselves, and pray for endurance to stay the course—for all of us.

And last, PEACE—Shalom—from the Lord of Peace himself (3:16 HCSB).

Here shalom is not just alluded to; Paul prays for it specifically, that the Thessalonians might enjoy “at all times and in every way” this most sublime blessing.

No doubt, Meriam experienced such inner tranquility and deep, settled confidence. It can be ours also, as we stand on the strong foundation of:

  • God’s promises. He is a refuge, a stronghold, who never forsakes those who seek him (5). 
  • God’s sovereignty and perfections. With flawless wisdom he always acts rightly (6).
  • God’s power. Sometimes he rescues, as he did in Meriam’s case. Other times, in his wisdom of all things, he deems it best not to. It’s then we see his miraculous power to carry his followers through, as he has thousands of martyrs who’ve gone to their deaths praying and singing.

So what about our prayers for good outcomes and guidance? Are they improper somehow? Not at all. In another letter, Paul told us to pray about everything.

So I’ll continue to pray for D. to be healed, for N. not to require surgery, for C.’s path ahead to be made clear, and A., as she and her family look to God for guidance.

But I’ll also add God’s empowerment to persevere, his encouragement and strength to live with integrity in spite of challenges, to experience God’s love in palpable ways, and to rest in his shalom. 

California landscape by Thomas Hill (1829-1908)

Notes:

  1. Isaiah 32:17
  2. Matthew 25:21
  3. Matthew 5:14-16
  4. (https://www.eauk.org/idea/five-famous-christians-who-went-to-prison.cfm )
  5. Psalm 9:9-10
  6. Psalm 145:17

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