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God IS for Us

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, Godly Character, Hope, Maturity, Perseverance, Suffering, tagged 2 Corinthians 4:17, God's goals for us, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:31 on June 8, 2017| 12 Comments »

“If God is for us,

who can be against us?”

–Romans 8:31 NIV

As I write…

…two friends are fighting cancer, one of them for the second time.

…Another deals with debilitating illness every day while a fourth deteriorates as the result of Alzheimer’s.

…A married couple among our acquaintances is separated. He is filing for a divorce that she doesn’t want or deserve.

…Families and friends of those who died in the recent terrorist attacks suffer through the aftermath, as well as those injured, their families and friends. My heart aches for the first responders as well.

Though I wish it weren’t so, even devout believers in Jesus endure physical pain, emotional hurt, and horrific circumstances. How can God be for us when so many endure anguish?

Here’s what I’ve come to understand:

#1. My interpretation of a particular verse must be measured against the whole of scripture and the experience of countless saints through the ages.

Evidence from the Bible and church history would indicate that “God for us” does not mean he will engineer a problem-free life—even for one of his beloved. Perfection is reserved for heaven.

What God has promised here and now is to:

be with us,
provide strength,
help us through the situation, and
uphold us with encouragement and comfort (Isaiah 41:10).

But when shocking news sends me spinning toward fear, when trouble threatens to destroy my peace and joy, when pain exhausts my strength, those familiar promises seem—dare I say it?—inadequate.

God may have promised:

His presence with me, but I want him to show me the way out.
His strength, but I don’t feel it. Instead, I feel terribly weak.
His help through the situation, but I want his help around it.
His encouragement and comfort, but I am discouraged and uncomfortable.

Such statements bring immediate clarity to the inadequacy. Look how I am the focus of those statements, how I assert my desires for relief and ease.

The problem is me.

#2. God’s desire for me during my time on earth is not endless comfort and pleasure.

His goals include:

maturity (James 1:4)—fully developed character of faith, discipline, and integrity.
Heightened awareness of him so that “in the darkness of adversity, [I am] able to see more clearly the radiance of his face”* (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Lessened awareness of the inconsequential things on earth (Colossians 2:1-2).

And why are these goals important to him? Because the result is an indescribably glorious prize:

“Our momentary light affliction is producing for us

an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”

–2 Corinthians 4:17 HCSB

Paul wrote that—a man who suffered much. He was beaten, imprisoned, and even stoned because of his faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:4-5).

Yet he was able to assert that anything he had suffered was nothing compared to the glorious joys of heaven awaiting him. That’s a critical truth to remember.

Also helpful to keep in mind:

#3. Evidence abounds that God is for us no matter the circumstances.

Just for fun, I counted up God’s attributes in the index of one of my resources—attributes such as God’s Attentiveness, God’s Blessings, and God’s Care. The list includes twenty-eight different categories. No doubt there are even more.

How can I doubt the motives of such a loving, generous God?

My own experience provides bountiful evidence.

As some of you will remember, I’ve kept a journal since 1983 of God’s faithfulness to our family. Each year I total up the blessings, and praise God for his help, kindness, and miracles during the previous twelve months. To date there are more than 1,200 entries in all.

(Can you see how yellowed and tattered the edges of this first page are?!)

At the end of one particularly difficult year my jaw dropped to discover more entries than any year previously. God had indeed been for me—through it all.

The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor (1832-91905), was right:

(“All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestations of his grace, power, and love.”)

Every day, every moment, the Almighty God of grace, power, and love is at work for our benefit.

Who could possibly win against such supremacy?

* Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, Thomas Nelson, p. 361.

* * * * * * * * * *

How have you experienced God’s grace, power, and love during a time of difficulty? Please share in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.picturequotes.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.biblesociety.ca; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.quotefancy.com.)

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Unspoken Truth

Posted in God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Uncategorized, tagged Creator God, God's attributes revealed in nature, Psalm 104:24, Romans 1:20 on May 11, 2017| 17 Comments »

Though another cold spell (down to 33 degrees!) just moved through our area, spring is still evident everywhere. Small leaves on tree and bush have quickly grown into verdant foliage. Flowers bloom in dazzling colors, and birds happily twitter nonstop. I’m captivated again by the beauty and grandeur of nature, especially as the earth reawakens from winter.

Just being outdoors surrounded by God’s splendor can increase our awareness of him. His attributes are on grand display every day, in every corner of our planet. For example, we see confirmation of:

His glory – God’s magnificence is personified in the splendor of sweeping prairie vistas, the majesty of mountains, and the vastness of oceans.

(Cook’s Inlet, Alaska)

His power – Who else could create innumerable galaxies of stars, planets, and moons, then place them over light years of endless space?

His holiness – God is perfect; his works are perfect. Evidence abounds in the exact count of petals on a buttercup (It’s always five), the ever-changing hues of a sunset sky, and on the rainbow wings of a Fire Clipper butterfly.

His grace – God keeps Planet Earth in a state of perpetual renewal as the sun provides energy, rain supplies hydration, flora and fauna exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.

His wisdom – Unlike most substances, water expands when frozen, increasing its volume. As a result, ice floats. Imagine what would happen if glaciers sunk to the ocean floor. Sea water would have chilled dramatically a long time ago and cooled the planet. Life would have been unsustainable.

His ability to work wonders – God made creatures that morph in astounding ways: caterpillars become butterflies, tadpoles turn into frogs, and newborn kangaroos, no more than pink blobs the size of bees, transform into two hundred pound adults.

His goodness – Our world abounds with countless plants and animals in various shapes, colors, textures, and more. Such diversity is surely not necessary for our survival. Wouldn’t a world in shades of gray suffice? Wouldn’t bread and water keep us alive? But God sees fit to bless us with the delight of variety.

His orderliness — God has designed entire ecosystems so precisely that every organism is perfectly provided for in a methodic, rhythmic cycle.

His creativity – Planet Earth is home to at least 9,000 species of birds, 15,000 different kinds of mammals, 27,000 types of fish, 400,000 different sorts of flowers, and 900,000 species of insects. Each one is unique.

(Rainbow Leaf Beetle)

The scope of creation is so vast, the most detailed descriptors only skim the surface of its marvels. Everywhere we look—into the deepest recesses of space with a telescope, or into the minutia placed under a microscope, we see intricacy, precision, and complexity.

(Microbe Organism)

* * * * * * * * *

The earth is full of your riches, O God. Day and night the visible things of creation silently shout the unspoken truth that you are the all-powerful, ever faithful, and perfectly wise God. Lead me, I pray, to experience your world with the eyes of worship.

Psalm 104:24 ASV; Romans 1:20; Grace Notes by Philip Yancey, p. 165.

What additional evidence of God’s attributes do you see in creation? Please share in the comments section below!

(Photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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The Name of Our God

Posted in God, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Psalm 105:3, Psalm 34:3 on November 3, 2016| 4 Comments »

“Glorify the Lord with me,” David invited. “Let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3).

M-m-m. That’s puzzling. Why didn’t David say, “exalt his names?”

He has dozens—Creator, Father, Holy One, King, I AM, —to name just a few.

My question led to three observations.

One, most of us do have at least three names: first, last, and middle. Royals are often given multiple names. Prince William of Great Britain, for example, is actually William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Yet even when he’s asked to give his full name, that word name is used in singular form.

Two, most parents, including royalty, take great care in choosing names for their progeny. They not only consider how first, middle, and last sound when spoken together, they consider the meanings of the names.

Three, some moms and dads choose names that honor family members or friends. Perhaps they hope the name will also bequeath to their child the positive traits and accomplishments of the honorees.

Based on these observations, it would seem appropriate to do the following when we desire to praise or rejoice in God’s name:

Think on at least several of his names
Consider their meanings, especially as they relate to personal experience
Meditate on the attributes and accomplishments of God associated with that name

Let’s try it. The name-list above offers a start.

God of heaven and earth, you are Creator of all. My mind cannot begin to fathom your power, wisdom, and creative genius that brought this universe into existence—out of nothing. From vast planetary movements to intricate ecosystems, your divine proficiency produces perfect function.

You are the Holy One of the universe—completely righteous and totally separate from anything or anyone else. You are the only one who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. There is no one like you.

Yet you are my Heavenly Father! You lovingly and patiently care for me, providing guidance and instruction on how best to live. You graciously bestow blessings—sometimes special desires of my heart, and even serendipity gifts that I haven’t asked for.

You are the King of the universe, in control of everything. But unlike some rulers, you know what you’re doing. Everything you do is perfect. I can trust you with the concerns of my life because of your great wisdom and understanding.

You are the great I AM, who always was and always will be. You live in a perpetual present tense. And you are always the same—dependable and faithful, loving and gracious to your children.

Thank you, God, for revealing these names to us—and many more. They help us to understand who you are and how you respond to your children. And as we meditate upon them, our hearts are filled with wordless wonder and overwhelming gratitude.

With David we glory in your holy name(Psalm 105:3)!

_________________________

Photo credits: www.ourdailyblossom.com; http://www.fishwallpaper.net; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wallpapercave.com.

(Reblogged from January 28, 2013)

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How Do I Praise Thee? Let Me Count the Ways

Posted in God's Goodness, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Daniel 4:3, Praise to God, Psalm 105:2, Psalm 145:9, Psalm 86:15 on October 20, 2016| 4 Comments »

Years ago I purchased Joni Eareckson Tada’s book, A Quiet Place in a Crazy World (Waterbrook/Multnomah Books, 1993). Have you by chance read it also? If so, you might remember that within its pages she calls attention to the many ways God meets us in the midst of the craziness, offering us a place of refuge, promise, confidence, and more.

One way to meet with God, no matter where we are or what we’re facing, is to fill our mouths with his praises (p. 141). If you know Joni’s story as a quadriplegic for over twenty-five years (when she wrote the book), you understand what an incredible statement that is. If she can praise God continually, I have no excuse.

It was during a recent rereading of A Quiet Place that Joni inspired me to conduct a word study of praise and fill an entire page with synonymns.

‘Care to guess how many I found, as one word led to another? Twenty-five!

Their definitions and synonymns overlap one another, like the pleasing harmonies of a pastoral symphony – a symphony of praise.

Not wanting to bore you (!), I’ll include just ten here, as I contemplate a few reasons for praising God’s wonderful deeds (Psalm 105:2):

How do I praise thee, Lord? Let me count the ways.

I acclaim you, Father, with enthusiastic approval—

Even with passionate applause and loud shouts—

Because you watch over me with gracious, attentive care.

You uphold me every day of my life.

I adore you, my Redeemer, with profound love and reverence.

You provided the way of salvation for me

Through the sacrifice of your only Son.

Now I revel in the continual access of your presence.

I am in awe of you, God Almighty.

With unspeakable wonder I contemplate your power—

Your ability to create out of nothing,

To preserve and protect with a word.

I celebrate you, Sovereign Lord,

To honor your magnificence and rejoice in your goodness.

Your reign is all-inclusive and spans all time.

You are good and compassionate on all you have made.

I exalt you, King of Glory, in order to increase in my spirit

The intensity of your splendor—

Splendor that surrounds me but is only perceived in part,

Holy magnificence to be fully revealed one day in heaven!

I give tribute to you, Lord Jehovah,

With my testimony of praise,

Expressing gratitude for your benevolent gifts

And admiration for your astounding attributes.

I glorify you, Creator God, with honor and high praise

For the perfection of all your works on the earth.

Billions of components function as a cohesive whole,

Manifesting your wisdom and power.

I honor you, God of Grace,

With deep respect and humble reverence.

Without you as my deliverer I’d drown in my failures,

But with you as my treasure I have all things in One.

I marvel at your constancy, the one and only I AM.

You are self-existent and self-sufficient, dependent on no one.

You are always present, everywhere at once.

And you are pure, holy, and astonishingly perfect.

I revere you, God Most High,

With profound awe, deep respect, and grateful love

Because yours is the greatness and power, the glory and splendor.

All dominion belongs to you.

And wonder of wonders, I belong to you, too.

(Art & photo credits: www.waterbrookmultnomah.com; http://www.dayofgrace.me; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.interest.com (3).

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Signs and Wonders

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Power, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Job 5:9, Miracles, Psalm 104:24, Psalm 66:5, Psalm 77:11, Psalm 92:4 on October 10, 2016| 14 Comments »

“Come see what I found!” our middle-school neighbor called to us the other day. Steve and I had just pulled into the driveway from doing errands.

We joined Emmie under their tall oak tree; she pointed to a fat,three-inch caterpillar slowly making his way up the trunk. It was the Hungry Caterpillar and he’d discovered steroids!

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“Do you know what kind of moth or butterfly he’ll become?” I asked.

“Yeah. I looked him up on the internet. He’s an Antheraea Polyphemus. He’ll turn into a moth with big eyes on his wings.”

Even though the metamorphosis of caterpillar to moth is a common occurrence, the process is still a miracle–a special revelation of God’s creative genius and power.

As I studied that chubby green fellow lumbering up the tree, I marveled again:

Of course, God’s astounding works are not limited to creation. Supernatural manifestations of his divine power occur all around us. Frequently.

Examples include those times when:

Events coincide to produce a glorious result.

My friend, K, was visiting from out of town, and we decided to get our hair done together. At the time, my hairdresser’s son was dealing with a medication addiction, and K was able to speak with M from experience, about dealing with an addiction of a family member. M was so grateful for K’s wisdom. “God sent you here today!” she said to my friend as tears welled up in her eyes.

The impossible is made possible.

I thought I lost my watch at the Atlanta Airport. It turned up in my carry-on bag in the outside pocket. I’m quite sure God picked it up and put it there! Granted, some would call it a coincidence. Most of you know what I call it: a God-incidence.

A need is not just met, but supplied beyond what we’d even thought of.

The church my husband pastored for ten years awarded a number of scholarships each year to students furthering their education. They provided our son a full scholarship to seminary. He’s been a pastor now for six years.

Perfect, surprise blessings seem to fall from heaven itself.

In the 1980s our church enjoyed the ministry of an outstanding music director. However, Diane’s husband was transferred less than two years later and sadly, they had to move.

Fast forward twenty years. Steve was pastor of a different church on the other side of the state. When we needed a music minister, guess who applied?! Diane and her husband lived just to the north. Soon we were enjoying her creativity, passion, and expertise—all over again!

Sure disaster doesn’t materialize.

I pulled Steve’s new car into a parking space at a strip mall, so proud of driving his stick shift with no frog-jumps. Imagine my surprise, upon returning to the lot to discover the car had rolled across the aisle! I’d forgotten to set the brake. But the car sat in its new spot as if that were the space I’d pulled into—albeit backwards. One more God-incidence that filled me with wonder.

And wonder is a perfect gateway to worship.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, O Father, for the countless miracles you perform, demonstrating your gracious compassion and the splendor of your glory. How awesome are your deeds on our behalf. Contemplation of your astounding works makes me giddy with joy!

(Psalm 77:11; Job 5:9; Psalm 66:5b; Psalm 92:4)

What sign or wonder provides a gateway to worship for you? Please share in the comment section!

(Art & photo credits: www.bugguide.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3).

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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.

__________________________________________________

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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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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In Quietness and Trust

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Strength, Perseverance, tagged 1 Chronicles 29:12, 2 Chronicles 20:12, Confidence in God, Isaiah 30:15, Isaiah 40:31, Spiritual Strength, Trust in God on September 12, 2016| 6 Comments »

(A conversation between God and me)

GOD: In quietness and trust is your strength.*

Me: Wait a minute, Lord. I don’t understand. Quietness and trust result in strength? How can such static activities result in power?

GOD: Let’s analyze the key words of that statement I first spoke to Isaiah.

Quietness is the atmosphere within a tranquil, peaceful spirit where agitation and turmoil are not allowed access.

Me: How do I keep out agitation and turmoil, God?

GOD: Keep your spirit filled to the brim with other thoughts: 1) praise and gratitude, 2) scripture truth and promises, 3) memories of how I’ve guided you and provided for you in the past, and, of course, 4) prayer (Philippians 4:4-8, Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 105:5a).

You can even thank me for the circumstances that are threatening your peace right now, because they are turning you towards me and accomplishing my purpose (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When your spirit is filled with these things, there will be no room for agitation or turmoil.

Me: I know you’re right, Father. But sometimes it’s so hard to stay focused on the positive while negative thoughts shout at me.

GOD: I know, Child. Be mindful that many people of faith before you have fought the same fight. Remember King Jehoshophat? He and the people of Israel faced war with strong neighboring tribes. And in his prayer for deliverance, Jehoshophat said: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” (2 Chronicles 20:12).

Me: What did King Jehoshophat mean when he said, “Our eyes are upon you?”

GOD: That’s a word picture for trust. He and the people of Israel were not looking to their own tactics or their own power to overcome. They looked to me—the Omniscient One—for wisdom on how to proceed. They looked for me—the All-Powerful One—to intercede on their behalf.

Trust is total confidence in the integrity, ability and good character of another. I am your most trustworthy Ally, just as I was for King Jehoshophat. No matter what uncertainty you may face, I am with you, working for you and enabling you to cope.

Keep your attention focused on me, not your circumstances, by:

Affirming my attributes—attributes like sovereignty, omnipotence, grace, and perfect love,
Naming your blessings—including those occasions when I’ve interceded for you and bestowed gifts you didn’t even ask for, and
Remembering how I’ve guided you, especially when you weren’t aware until hindsight gave you a clearer view.

Did you notice? The same strategies that quiet your spirit also expand your trust.

Me: Yes, I see how serenity and trust are intertwined. As I quiet my spirit, trust has an opportunity to develop. As trust flourishes, my spirit grows all the more tranquil. But how do these two qualities of quietness and trust result in strength?

GOD: Strength of spirit includes power to endure stress and resist attack. It is developed by: persevering with calm patience, looking forward with expectant hope, affirming what you know in order to withstand doubt and worry, and declaring trust in spite of circumstances.

My desire is for you to become like the eagle, allowing the winds of storm to lift you higher on the wind of my Spirit (Isaiah 40:31).

Me: I praise you, Oh God, for your ability to take the storms of life and use them to develop my strength. Remind me to choose quiet rest in your loving care and confident trust in your powerful competence. “In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all” (1 Chronicles 29:12). Hallelujah!

*Isaiah 30:15 NIV

Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com; http://www.christianquotes.info.

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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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Crazy Blessings!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Salvation, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Hope, Maturity, Perseverance, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Dealing with life's challenges, Ecclesiastes 1:2, Failure, Handing failure, Handling Difficulty, Handling Disappointment, Isaiah 61:3, James 1:2, James 1:4, John 15:2, Matthew 5:6, Philippians 4:13 on May 23, 2016| 10 Comments »

Say the word, “blessing,” and what immediately comes to mind?

For me, it’s happy events and lovely gifts, engineered or bestowed by God out of his loving kindness.

But James, the brother of Jesus, saw a different side of blessing: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides” (James 1:2, MSG, italics added).

Tests and challenges as gifts?! Sounds a bit daft—until we consider:

Take, for example…

THE CRAZY BLESSING OF WANT

Do you wish you had a bigger house? A newer car? Better furniture? Consider yourself blessed, that you’re not like King Solomon–the wealthiest person who ever lived. For all his striving to achieve and accumulate, Solomon discovered that when every desire is gratified, the end result was nothing but meaningless smoke (Ecclesiastes 1:2, MSG).

The blessing of want protects us from the pit of depression caused by self-indulgence.

The blessing of want fosters contentment, as we learn to enjoy and be grateful for what we already have.

THE CRAZY BLESSING OF DIFFICULTY

Difficulties provide a surprising number of positive opportunities. Here are ten:

To press in closer to God and trust him more completely.

To experience the adventure of God’s sufficiency (Philippians 4:13) as he enables us to endure—in ways we never thought possible.

To see how God will bring beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3).

To discover more of who God is.

To witness the fulfillment of his never-failing promises.

To present a sacrifice of praise to God, beginning with the affirmation that he has our best interests at heart—in spite of what we see.

To be prepared for greater usefulness for God (John 15:2), which fosters greater fulfillment and satisfaction in our spirits.

To have a compelling story to share, as encouragement for others. Years ago I heard a speaker say, “With no test there is no testimony.” In the final analysis, I’d rather have the latter. You, too?

To become mature, complete, not lacking anything (James 1:4). That doesn’t happen without trials. As Thomas Carlyle wrote:

To love our Savior more passionately. Josif Trif, a pastor from Romania during the days of Communism, said, “If it weren’t for Communism, I would not have loved our Lord as much. I kissed the cross the Communists gave me” (1).

THE CRAZY BLESSING OF FAILURE

If failure served no purpose in our lives, God would not allow it to happen. But since he does, we can know that failure is either for our benefit or for God’s glory—often both.

Failure is the soil from which great success can grow, beginning with a crop of positive character traits, such as perseverance, humility, and greater reliance upon God.

Out of failure comes experience; from experience comes greater wisdom; and wisdom leads to a godly life.

“How blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because it is they who will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6, ISV)!

* * * * * * * * * *

Crazy as it sounds, I want to praise you, Father, for the blessings of challenges and tough times. Thank you for your loving attention that carries me through, transforming me and makes me a better version of myself. I also praise you for the glorious promise that through trouble, hardship, disappointment, or pain–“overwhelming victory is ours through Christ” (Romans 8:37, NLT)!

What crazy blessing have you experienced in the crucible of trouble, hardship, disappointment, or pain? Please join the conversation below!

(1) His Imprint, My Expression, Kay Arthur, Harvest House, 1993, p. 135.

(Art & photo credits: www.imagesbuddy,com; http://www.wallpaper4god.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.izquotes.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.harvesttotable.com.)

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Nancy Ruegg

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