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Archive for the ‘God’s Promises’ Category

A Prayer God Will Answer

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Maturity, Meditation, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, Suffering, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2026| 35 Comments »

Black coffee steamed, a fir-scented candle glowed as I began to journal a prayer from Colossians 1:9-12, in response to a Bible study prompt. What follows is the result, with recent additions and revisions.

Perhaps you’d like to pray along?

Thank you, Father, for including many exemplary prayers in the Bible. Moses showed us how to intercede for others, David, how to praise, and Daniel, how to pray using scripture (1).

You’ve also provided promises, assuring our prayers will be answered–for those who believe in you, seek to live your ways, and pray according to your will (2). 

With these assurances in mind, I appropriate for me Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians (1:9-12), desiring to experience the same realities in my life: knowledge of your will, obedience worthy of you, power to endure, and joyful gratitude for the promised inheritance in your kingdom.

I too pray to be filled with the knowledge of your will (v.9)—for small matters and major decisions alike. I know that fulfillment of your purpose will result in prosperity of soul (3).

I pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9), “to recognize truth and discern reality from your point of view.” Many want to make truth relative to fit their world view apart from you. But “ignorance of spiritual realities is the constant source of error, instability, and sorrow” (4).

In contrast, knowledge of your divine truth brings helpful instruction, guidance, comfort, and more. For me to live by your truth is what you deserve, as my all-wise, loving Father. It also brings you honor and allows me to enjoy “life in all its fullness.” How lavish you are in your goodness, O Lord (6)! 

May my life “be the kind that brings credit to [your] grace” (7). One way to do that is to bear fruit (v. 10); to be your instrument of mercy to others with my words and actions. But to do that I need your power, Father, your enablement to carry out what you ask. 

I also need your power to persevere, equipping me to even triumph through trials. Eugene Peterson called it “glory-strength—strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy” (v. 11 MSG). Such an incredible gift!

I praise you for your supply of endurance. Millions of martyrs who’ve gone before have proved: no circumstance in life can ever defeat . . . no event can ever vanquish (8).

How many, Lord, were tortured and maimed, killed by lions in the Roman Colosseum, burned alive, or tied inside a burlap sack and thrown in a river to drown?

The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1883

And yet as death drew near, they spoke and sang words of joy, because of their love for you and their confidence of heaven with you. You made it possible for them, you’ll make it possible for me to deal triumphantly with whatever life delivers.

You also provide patience to withstand unpleasant, even malicious people. You make it possible to set aside bitterness, despair, and exasperation and focus instead on the joyful conclusion ahead, just as Christ did.

Help me to do so, Father. May I remember to take encouragement from your promise that even out of evil, you bring good (9).

Your most mature saints exemplify “giving joyful thanks” (v. 12), even as they suffer. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, offered a perfect example.

She was often in pain from neuralgia, sometimes bedridden for weeks at a time, yet served faithfully for fifty-five years, even writing thirty-five inspiring books.

Amy Carmichael

“Joy is not gush, ” she wrote. “Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect acquiescence ~ acceptance, rest ~ in God’s will, whatever comes.”

I know she’s right. 

Thank you, O God, for your willingness to bestow all these life-enhancing entities: knowledge of and compliance with your will that leads to satisfaction, strength and power to endure, and joy–especially in the glorious inheritance you’ve provided in your kingdom of light!

Help me do your bidding, Lord, joyfully leaving the outcome to you.

Notes:

  1. Exodus 32; Psalm 145 among many, Daniel 9.
  2. 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15.
  3. Psalm 40:8.
  4. 4. J. B. Phillips, The New Testament in Modern English, Colossians 1:9; Charles Spurgeon, http://www.preceptaustin.org.
  5. Psalm 119:14, 105, 52.
  6. John 10:10 GNT; Psalm 31:19.
  7. http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org.
  8. William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible, The Lettters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, 131.
  9. Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:15.

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Quietness Is . . .

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on October 30, 2025| 31 Comments »

Enter a deep woods this time of year and experience an intensity of quiet that most of us rarely encounter. No traffic din or sirens, no lawn mowers or leaf blowers, even birdsong is only intermittent, since most of our feathered friends have headed south.

Stand still or sit on a rock for a spell and absorb the soft quiet that hovers in the trees [1].

Research has proven that quiet solitude provides benefits, including improved mental clarity, reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and enhanced creativity [2].

For Jesus followers, there are even more benefits with profound effect.

Andrew Murray (1828-1917), a South African pastor, teacher, and author stated:

Of course, he wasn’t talking about a walk in the woods—valuable as that is. Murray wanted his readers to know that blessing, strength, and great gain result from quiet solitude with God, as we spend time with him in worship, meditation on his Word, prayer, and listening.

But Murray only summarized the results of stillness before God. Others have added more specificity, including the benefits listed below.

QUIETNESS IS . . .

. . . REVITALIZATION

As dew refreshes grass and flowers during the stillness of the night, so God’s presence revitalizes us as we sit quietly with him [3].

. . . TRUST IN GOD

As we rest in God’s Presence, focusing on him, he quietly builds bonds of trust between us and him [4].

. . . TRANSFORMATION

Stillness transforms heart and mind [5].

. . . PEACE

Resting in God’s presence is the best way to receive his gift of peace [6].

. . . SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“In order to grow in grace, we must spend a great deal of time in quiet solitude” [7].

. . . STRENGTH

“In quietness and trust we collect God’s strength” [8].

. . . TRUTH

“It is in quiet solitude that we catch the deep and mysterious truths that flow from the soul of the things God allows to enter our lives” [9].

. . . INTIMACY WITH GOD

“We cannot realize true intimacy with God until we learn to come before him in quietness of spirit, mind, and body” [10].

. . . PLEASURE

The practice of creating quiet is not meant to be a constrictive discipline; it’s meant to be a restful pleasure as we enjoy the glorious presence of our Heavenly Father [11].

No wonder God inspired a psalmist to write: “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). The benefits are many and far-reaching—down into our own spirits and outward into the lives of others, as these delights impact our responses and reactions.

In fact:

Let’s choose to sit for a spell by the Rock of our salvation, and absorb in our spirit the soft quiet that hovers in the heavenlies around us (Ephesians 1:3).

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Now it’s your turn! How do you make time for quiet? How has stillness before God impacted your life? Have you found ways to quiet the inner noise that interferes with focusing on God?

Please share in the comment section below!

 

 

[1] The last eight words based on a line from Sara Teasdale’s poem, “Silence.”

[2] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-the-wild-things-are/202501/the-benefits-of-quiet-solitude

[3] Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 258.

[4] Young, 119.

[5] Young, 161.

[6] Young, 267.

[7] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 372.

[8] F. Elaine Olsen, Beyond the Scars, 105.

[9] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, 406.

[10] Linda Dillow, Satisfy the Thirsty Soul, 49.

[11] An impression I recorded one morning not long ago.

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Perspective, Promise, and Praise

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Hope, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on September 18, 2025| 47 Comments »

Since Charlie Kirk’s tragic death last week, perhaps you’ve heard people ask, “Why didn’t God stop Tyler Robinson?” Or, ”Why is so much violence occurring in our country? Why does God allow such suffering [1]?”

Perhaps you’ve been wondering yourself.

But even if we knew the answers to all of our why questions, we’d still want to ask God: Couldn’t you have accomplished your purpose some other way?

Better than seeking answers (that likely won’t satisfy), we’d settle our spirits more effectively if we sought perspective, built our hope and faith with God’s promises, and encouraged our hearts with praise.  

See Job’s example, Job 1:20

Perspective

I appreciate this wisdom from Eugene Peterson:

“We underestimate God and overestimate evil. We don’t see what God is doing and conclude he’s doing nothing . . .

“We see evil everywhere, holding countless people hostage whether as perpetrators or victims. We must remember: ‘evil is not everything and it is not everywhere’ . . . [neither is it] wild and uncontrollable. It has an origin and a finish . . .

. . . “We cannot afford to be naïve about evil—it must be faced. But we cannot be intimidated by it either. It will be used by God to bring good [2].”

Evil must be faced, he says, raising the question, how? The Bible tells us: with prayer, with goodness, and with soft (not incensed or arrogant) responses to anger [3].

Peterson also asserts God uses evil for good. What possible good could God accomplish from Charlie Kirk’s assassination?

Just since last Wednesday, there are more than one million new subscribers to Charlie’s organization, Turning Point USA, and more than 54,000 new requests for Turning Point chapters at high schools, colleges, and universities across the country.

I pray that as participants hear about Charlie’s faith, his passion for the institutions of marriage and family, as well as his irrefutable logic in support of biblical values, they too will accept Christ into their lives, to experience the God-enhanced life he offers [4].

Promise

Charles Spurgeon would have us understand:

What might those stars of promise include?

  • Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
  • Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
  • Romans 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

We can also be encouraged by such scripture-based affirmations as:

  • “Underneath are the everlasting arms, full of sustaining comfort and strength” [5].
  • “I know nothing which can so comfort the soul, so calm the swelling billows of grief and sorrow, so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead” [6].
  • “The devil may land a punch or two. He may even win a few rounds, but he never wins the fight” [7].

Praise

Even though it’s counterintuitive to praise God when we’re distressed, it’s a powerful way to lift our spirits [8].

Perhaps we could begin . . .

I praise you, Lord, for drawing especially near to those who are hurting. You DO make your presence known in palpable ways. And to sense your presence is to experience inexplicable peace and comfort. I pray this for Charlie Kirk’s family and friends.

I praise you also for your Word that ministers consolation and strength. May we all avail ourselves with renewed appetite for your truth.

Psalm 34:18; 139:7-10; John 16:33;

Lamentations 3:32-33; Psalm 119:49-50;

Proverbs 15:14

P.S. Continue your praise, guided by the free resource offered below, as part of our newsletter.

[1] Two worthwhile books that consider such questions: The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis and Os Guinness’ book, Last Call for Liberty.

[2] Excerpts from pp. 55-57 of Run with the Horses.

[3] Luke 6:27-28; Proverbs 15:1

[4] John 10:10

[5] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 145; Deuteronomy 33:27

[6] Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon, “The Immutability of God”; Isaiah 26:3

[7] Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, 91; 1 John 3:8

[8] Isaiah 61:1-3

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The Restful Life

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on May 8, 2025| 32 Comments »

We’ve all known people who push themselves hard all day long until they fall into bed at night. Their lists and schedules make sure they use every minute to the fullest.

And though efficiency experts might be impressed by their productivity, it’s likely these ultra Type-A folks are harming themselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

The truth is, “Renewal and restoration are not luxuries, they are essentials. Being alone and resting for a while is not selfish; it is Christlike.” Even Jesus took time away to be with his Father [1].

Also important to understand: Rest is an attitude of the heart amidst the responsibilities of the day.  It’s not “some holy feeling that comes upon us in church. It is a state of calm rising from a heart deeply and firmly established in God” [2].

The restful life begins in trusting God, and he’s given us plenty of good reasons to do so:

 OUR GOD PERFORMS RIGHTEOUS DEEDS AND MIGHTY ACTS (Psalm 71:16-18)

OUR GOD HELPS IN NUMEROUS WAYS (Psalm 27:9)

He supplies our needs, guides our decisions, strengthens our spirits, and more.

In addition, his power is at work to help us “understand his love, live a life worthy of our calling, bear fruit in every good work, endure with patience, live a life of thanksgiving, escape the corruption caused by evil desires and overflow with hope” [3].

In other words, he helps us experience the God-enhanced life that truly satisfies our souls.

OUR GOD PROTECTS HIS PEOPLE (Psalm 3:8 CEV)

It’s not his way to protect us from all pain and trouble. Instead, he grants us stamina and strength of spirit to endure, growing us into maturity.

OUR GOD LAVISHES US WITH HIS LOVE (Psalm 86:13)

His compassionate care is expressed as “His wisdom is our direction, His knowledge, our instruction, His power, our protection, His justice, our surety, His love, our comfort, and His mercy, our solace. He holds back nothing from us” [4].

OUR GOD BESTOWS BLESSINGS, BENEFITS, AND GOODNESS (Psalm 103:1, 5)

OUR GOD FULFILLS HIS PROMISES (Psalm 145:13b)

But how can we be sure of that?

“The permanence of God’s character guarantees the fulfillment of his promises” [5].

OUR GOD ANSWERS WHEN WE CALL (Psalm 86:7)

To rest in spite of a “No” or “Wait” answer surely gives indication how well we trust.

These seven assurances of God’s influence in our lives certainly offer wonderful encouragement. But they won’t contribute to spiritual rest unless we “grasp them by faith, plead them by prayer, expect them by hope, and receive them by gratitude” [6].

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

O Lord, I bow before you in wonder that you, the God of the universe, with your infinite power and glory, would provide all these blessings and benefits for me.

Thank you for your gracious benevolence. Help me to REST in these truths, knowing that you have everything under control and you will see me through until I’m home with you.

[1] Chuck Swindoll, The Quest for Character, 49; Luke 6:12.

[2] Henry Drummond, quoted in Streams in the Desert, Jim Reiman, ed., 232.

[3] Melissa Krueger, The Envy of Eve, 104.

[4] Charles Spurgeon, Morning by Morning, 141.

[5] A. W. Pink, http://www.gracequotes.org.

[6] Charles Spurgeon

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As a Shield

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Salvation, God's Strength, Renewing the Mind, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on May 1, 2025| 23 Comments »

In May of 2019 archaeologists in central England discovered an ancient shield made of bark, dating back to the Iron Age. It’s the oldest shield ever found.

Some might think such a shield would offer little protection during battle. But experiments have proven the bark of such trees as alder and willow would have served well, providing an effective but lightweight shield, easy to maneuver [1]. 

Fast forward to today. Modern technology has made Israel’s Iron Dome possible. The system shields the country with exceptional radar protection–detecting, tracking, and destroying incoming enemy rockets, high in the sky before they can do any harm [2].

One of Israel’s missile launchers in action

Both shields impress—one for its age and unusual material; the other for its advanced technology and precision.

Scripture speaks of another shield, much older than the one found in England yet still available today, and even more impressive than Israel’s Iron Dome:

The Lord himself.

As we consider that truth, a few questions present themselves:

  • Why would God inspire that metaphor?
  • What does God want me to understand about him being my shield?
  • How might new understanding impact my life?

In researching and pondering the answers to those questions, I discovered that:

God is our shield because of his attributes.

His power shields us from ultimate ruin.

His wisdom shields us from foolishness.

His compassion shields us from emotional and spiritual wounds too deep to heal.

His righteousness shields us from the evil one.

His mercy and grace shield us from the punishment we deserve for our wrongdoing [3].

The list could go on.

God is also our shield because of his actions.

His shield offers:

  • Protection against our arch-enemy Satan and all his cohorts
  • Salvation, saving us from the condemning power of sin
  • Help in times of trouble
  • Faithfulness we can rely on, because of his covenant of love
  • Truth—like the promises of God’s Word that can protect us against discouragement and confusion
  • Favor in the form of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace [4]

God’s shield can cover every aspect of our lives, but . . .

 . . . we must each take up our shield.

God is a gentleman; he doesn’t force his protection, help, or favor upon us. We must come to him and choose to take refuge in him [5].

How? Through prayer.

We invite him to watch over us and protect us.

We affirm the promises and encouragement from his Word.

We remind ourselves of who he is, our Almighty God of Refuge, Shelter and Strength, our Rock of Stability and Safety.

Will you pray with me right now?

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     * 

I praise you, O God, for being my strength and impenetrable shield. I can put my trust in you with unwavering confidence because of who you are [6].

I praise you for not only being a shield in front of me; you are a shield that surrounds me, guarding on all sides [7].

You are above, beneath, around, and within, protecting me from ultimate ruin, irreparable damage to my spirit, and foolishness. You shield me from the full brunt of trouble, the fiery darts of the enemy, and his lies [8].

I praise you for the overflowing peace in knowing you are guarding me as a shield!

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/may/23/2300-year-old-iron-age-bark-shield-leicestershire

[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20385306#:~:text=Iron%20Dome%20detects%20and%20tracks,to%20fall%20on%20open%20ground.

[3] Proverbs 3:23-26; 28:26; Psalm 86:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Ephesians 2:4-5

[4] Ephesians 6:16; Psalm 18:35 ESV; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalm 91:4 and Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 91:4c; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 5:12

[5] Matthew 11:28-30

[6] Psalm 28:7 AMP

[7] Psalm 3:3 GWT

[8] Psalm 91:4a; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 3:3; Colossians 1:27; Ephesians 6:16

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With or Without?

Posted in Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Intimacy with God, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, Wisdom, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 24, 2025| 23 Comments »

Life is about choices, and there are just two ways to make them. We can trust our own wits, or we can put our faith in guidance from outside ourselves.

Guidance from outside might come from trusted family and friends, counselors, self-help books, and God. But only one source offers infallible wisdom every time: God.

The question becomes, will we live a life of faith with God [1], or will we choose to live without?

As a child I chose the former and never regretted it. Many of you have walked a similar path.

Sometimes, though, we get weary. Doubts creep in. Problems crop up like weeds and answers to life’s dilemmas don’t come as quickly as we’d like.

What then?

There are a number of faith-building actions you’re probably familiar with, including: praise and gratitude to God, scripture study, prayer, as well as spending time with mature and wise Christians.

You know what else is helpful? Studying the facets of faith. As we deepen our understanding of how faith works, we enhance our connection with God, increase our usefulness, and experience more contentment in life.

No doubt there are quite a few facets to our faith, but today we’ll briefly look at just eight.

FAITH IS:

Affirmation of What We Know

God would have us understand he is righteous, good, faithful, and compassionate [2].

He never forsakes those who seek him. He arms us with strength and keeps our way secure. God guides us along the right path, and surrounds us with his unfailing love [3].

In the book of Psalms alone you’ll find hundreds of such encouraging affirmations as these, highlighting who God is and the glorious things he does. It’s a delight-of-discovery to seek them out [4].

Faith grows depending on what it is fed.

–Unknown

And affirmation of God’s character is a beneficial first course.

Attentiveness

Faith is seeing light with your heart

when all your eyes see is darkness.

–Barbara Johnson

And where might we find that light? In the presence of God and in the encouragement and promises of scripture that fill our hearts with the light of hope [5].

Confidence

As we practice affirmation and attentiveness, we build confidence in the truth that God will do what is right when the time is right, though for now we may see no sign of it.

Courage

Confidence in God fuels our courage to trust without proof, to thank God in advance (even before there’s evidence of anything happening), and to step into the unknown.

Faith is taking the first step even when

you don’t see the whole staircase.

–Martin Luther King, Jr.

Empowerment

Be inspired by what Charles Spurgeon wrote decades ago:

Faith links me with divinity.

Faith clothes me with the power of God.

Faith engages on my side

the omnipotence of Jehovah.

Faith insures every attribute of God in my defense.

–Charles Spurgeon

With almighty God on our side, what have we to fear [6]?

Expectancy

And surely, such an attitude will contribute joyful up-timism [7] in our spirits.

Rest

Faith invades the muddle; it does not eliminate it.

Peace develops in the midst of chaos.

Harmony is achieved slowly, quietly, unobtrusively. . .

Such clarities result from courageous commitment to God.

–Eugene Peterson, Run with the Horses, 194-195

When we trust without reservation we find peace and rest.

Waiting

Without the discipline of wait-time, our faith would remain underdeveloped. This facet provides opportunity for strength of spirit to grow [8]. And we can take comfort from the knowledge that:

While we are waiting on God,

we are waiting with God.

–Lou Giglio

As we live life with him we’ll find:

  • Affirmation, attentiveness, and waiting will grow our faith.
  • Confidence, courage, and empowerment will result from our faith.
  • Expectancy and rest will flow from our faith.

I can’t imagine making any other choice than living life with God.

How about you?

[1] Life with God is precipitated by accepting Jesus’ glorious invitation into God’s family (John 1:12).

[2] Psalm 7:17; 13:6; 31:5; 51:1

[3] Psalm 9:10; 18:32; 23:3; 32:10

[4] See the post, https://nancyaruegg.com/2025/01/16/celebrating-god-through-the-psalms/

[5] Psalm 146:5

[6] Psalm 27:1

[7] See the post, https://nancyaruegg.com/2022/10/06/better-than-optimism/

[8] Isaiah 40:31

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He’s a Keeper!

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Peace, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 3, 2025| 47 Comments »

What would happen if the keeper(s) of the house gave up their responsibilities? Can you imagine the pile-up of dishes and dust, garbage and grime, dirty clothes and clutter? The house would soon become uninhabitable.

Now think of what would happen if the Keeper of the universe gave up his responsibilities–just on Planet Earth.

His carefully-engineered habitats for plants and animals would collapse, weather patterns conducive for agriculture would become sporadic, and the regulation of Earth’s orbit and rotation would end. Our planet would soon become uninhabitable.

Our God is indeed Keeper extraordinaire of creation!

But his preservation skills impact more than the physical realm. Skim-read these scriptures and see what categories-of-keeping you notice:

  • “The Lord bless you and KEEP you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]” (Numbers 6:24 AMP).
  • “Lord God of heaven, . . . you faithfully KEEP your promise and show mercy to those who love you and obey your commandments” (Nehemiah 1:5 NIV).
  • “You Lord, KEEP my lamp burning and turn darkness to light” (Psalm 18:28 CEV).
  • “The Lord will KEEP you from evil; he will KEEP your life” (Psalm 121:7 ESV).
  • “You will KEEP in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
  • “He will KEEP you strong to the end” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT).

More scriptures could be added, but even this short list makes clear: We are cared for, guarded, preserved, protected, provided for, shielded, upheld, and watched over (all synonyms for kept).

I’ve lived long enough to see much evidence of God’s keeping, including:

  • His provision when the A/C repairman “just happened” to have in his truck the part we needed, slightly used but still good, which he gave us without charge.
  • God’s protection when the IRS declared our son owed the government $5000. He engaged a tax accountant who verified he only owed $1500. But she also found additional deductions and discovered the IRS owed him $1500!
  • God’s care during sieges of too much to do and not enough time to do it, relieved by changes of plans, help from unforeseen sources, and tasks that didn’t take as long as expected.
  • God’s preservation when troubling events haven’t happened: exposure to illness and we didn’t get sick, dangerous weather projected by meteorologists turned out to be much less severe, or a meeting expected to be stressful actually went smoothly.

Such circumstances occur more frequently than we realize. In fact, “There are not five minutes in the day when [we] do not need the Almighty Keeper to keep charge of [us]” [1].

For some, however, keeping sounds constrictive, like God is repressing us under his thumb, insisting on control, spoiling our fun.

Charles Spurgeon offers a different perspective: “It is . . . a delightful thing to be kept of God . . .  They are kept indeed whom God keeps: they are preserved from evil; they are reserved unto boundless happiness” [2]. The above examples offer proof.

“No, no,” some will say. “Evil happens to good people much too often; sadness intrudes upon every life. Where is God’s keeping then?”

Surely the Apostle Paul was addressed such a question, while held under house arrest in Rome.

He might have answered, “I’ve known and served Christ for many years, and have enjoyed countless blessings along with dynamic relationships. I’ve watched God perform astounding miracles and seen people’s lives transformed by faith in Christ.

“But I’ve also experienced hardship, persecution, suffering, and sorrow, including my imprisonment now. God doesn’t necessarily remove us from difficulty; he preserves us through it.

“We’re upheld by his light in darkness, his comfort in stress, his strength in trouble, his peace in upheaval, and even his joy in spite of disappointment” [3].

And because he wanted everyone to remember that nothing can interfere with God’s compassionate keeping of our lives, Paul wrote:    

How has God demonstrated his compassionate keeping in your life? Please share in the comments below!

[1] Andrew Murray, The Spiritual Life, Whitaker House, 1996, 235.

[2] Faith’s Checkbook, August 4.

[3] Psalm 55:22; 139:12; 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; Nehemiah 8:10c.

Image credits: ww.flickr.com; stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com; stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com (2).

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The Mismatched Pairing

Posted in Blessings, Courage, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Promises, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, God-Given Abilities, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Joy, Perseverance, Service, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on March 27, 2025| 38 Comments »

“God preserved me so I might tell the story of my life and of God’s goodness to me,” wrote Jeanette Li in her autobiography. And readers might expect her to share stories indicating a life of continual blessing.

They would be wrong.

Jeanette Li (known first as Li Mao Ya, or “Jasmine Bud”), was born in 1899 and grew up in Southeast China with a large extended family of forty-plus people. They lived in hardship and poverty along with most everyone else in the village.

At age six, Jeanette suffered her first trauma—her beloved father died.

Many more ordeals followed, including:

At age 9: Jeanette contracted malaria and received treatment at a mission hospital. One blessing: while there, she and her mother, Taai-So, became Christians.

Perhaps a mission such as this one in central China

When Jeanette was released, they returned home, only to be turned away by their Buddhist family because they’d become Christians.  Taai-So and Jeanette returned to the mission and lived there.

Age 10: The mission was closed due to political strife; all their missionary-friends had to leave.

Age 16: Against Jeanette’s will, Taai-So arranged a marriage for Jeanette, in order to provide for her daughter’s future. Jeanette went to live with her husband’s family under the thumb of a domineering mother-in-law.

Age 20: Jeanette bore a son. But her husband was rarely home, first because he was in school, and then because he was hired as a teacher some distance away. Eventually he married someone else.

Age 32: Jeanette left all she knew to live and serve in bitter-cold Manchuria, requiring her to learn a new language and culture. For thirteen years she traveled by cart on unpaved roads, telling people about Jesus.

Age 38: War broke out between China and Japan in 1937, lasting eight years. Millions died in combat or the result of starvation or disease.

Age 47: The Communists warred against the Nationalists in a three-year civil war, resulting in more suffering and the death of another million-plus people.

Jeanette returned to South China, to the mission where she and her mother had lived. Jeanette was questioned many times by Communist Army officials.

Age 50: All foreign missionaries were constrained to leave China as the Communist Party took power. Jeanette assumed responsibility for the mission-orphanage.

Age 51: She suffered imprisonment for seventeen months, accused of being a counter-revolutionary. Jeanette had to sleep on the floor “in a damp cell infested by mosquitoes, with hardly any food”[1].

They forced her to perform hard labor, and interrogated her day and night. she became ill with fever and developed hemorrhaging dysentery. Her captors offered no medical treatment [2].

Some would ask, “Where was God in all this? The poor woman endured such hardship, pain, and unfair treatment!”

Jeanette would have us know that God graciously involved himself throughout her life, blessing her, and bringing her joy:

He was there during the siege of malaria that took Jeanette and her mother to the regional mission. God spared Jeanette’s life and introduced them to Jesus.

When they returned home, God used the family upheaval to lead the two back to the mission. Taai-So obtained employment and they grew in their Christian faith.

God brought good out of the abandonment of Jeanette’s husband, providing the opportunity for her to obtain a teaching certificate. She was able to support her son as a teacher and then as school administrator.

God fulfilled Jeanette’s desire to tell others about Jesus and made it possible for her to serve in Manchuria, teaching in village after village.

God led her to return to South China where he used her to assume leadership of the mission-orphanage, putting to use her skills as educator and administrator.

God sustained Jeanette during her imprisonment as she suffered acute misery with grace, courage, and stamina—a witness to all in the prison of God’s power at work in her life.

God also spared her life as illness and weakness nearly overcame her.

After her release, God provided for her recovery and subsequent missionary-work in Canton.

God bestowed a miraculous escape from Communist China, first to Hong Kong where she ministered to children and refugees, and finally, in 1962, to Los Angeles, California where her son already lived.

Throughout her life, Jeanette was one of those “true saints who [could] wear the mismatched pairing of suffering and joy” [3]. And as a result,  she drew attention to Christ.

May we do the same.

Addendum: For six years prior to a fatal stroke, Jeanette ministered in the Chinese community of Los Angeles, told her story at every opportunity, and wrote her autobiography.

[1] https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/jeanette-li-and-her-faith-in-gods-promises

[2] Ibid.

[3] https://jenniferdukeslee.com/on-suffering-and-joy-a-lesson-from-the-garden-tomato/ 

Other Sources:

https://www.bdcconline.net

https://rpwitness.org

Jeanette Li (Yin Wei Jie)

Image credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.getarchive.net (2); http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.freebibleimages.org; http://www.getarchives.net.

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Three Ways to Enjoy God

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Delight, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , on September 19, 2024| 41 Comments »

(An imaginary conversation between God and me, but I invite you to put your name in the blanks):

ME: You’ve heard me say, Lord, “I can’t imagine life without You,” because You’ve been an invaluable, all-wise influence through the years.

You’ve provided protection, guidance, care, and more. Just knowing You are with me gives me comfort, strength, and peace.

GOD: Ministering to you in these ways has been My delight, __________. I do love to see you practicing My presence—asking for My help and connecting with Me through praise and prayer.

As you draw near to Me, you experience wonder, quiet, calm, and warmth.  

ME: Thank you Father for these blessings! But I’m still on the learning curve of sustained awareness. Distractions frequently interfere. It seems I’ll never attain moment-by-moment communion with You.

GOD: I understand, __________. Remember, I’m the One who made you and am well aware you cannot achieve perfection [1].

What I value is progress, and rest assured, that is occurring.

Think back to the days when you experienced great difficulty practicing My presence. Your thoughts rarely turned toward Me once your morning quiet time was over—unless you ran into trouble.

Now you come to Me much more frequently, giving Me the opportunity to strengthen and encourage you. Keep coming back to Me, __________.

The day will come when we enjoy almost-unbroken communion and it will be all the sweeter for the wait. Meanwhile, there are habits-of-thought to embrace that will advance your progress toward that day:

BE ATTENTIVE TO MY ATTRIBUTES

Stay alert to discover reminders of Me everywhere. And let each discovery bring to mind one or more of My attributes.

As attentiveness leads to praise and praise to joy, you’ll find yourself nestled more closely to My side. That’s where I long for you to be!

BE GRATEFUL FOR MY BLESSINGS

Ask yourself throughout the day, “What can I thank God for right now?”

For example, your answer in this moment might include the colorful fall flowers in the deck planter—a delight for your eyes—enjoyed in the surroundings of My living room [2].

And as we enjoy such blessings together, you’ll find your heart drawing close to Me.

AFFIRM MY PROMISES

Come worship at My footstool, __________ (Psalm 132:7).

Look up into My face and see in My eyes the love I have for you. See in My smile the delight you bring Me. Imagine My hand upon your back and feel My compassion.

Now, breathe out your cares and breathe in the truth of My promises. Listen closely as I affirm:

  • I love you __________ with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
  • I will always help you (Isaiah 41:13).
  • My lovingkindness prevails over you (Psalm 117:2 AMP).
  • I am in control of all things (Ephesians 4:6).
  • I will work all things together for the good of those who love Me, who seek to live out My purpose for them (Romans 8:28).

It delights Me that you want to be more aware of My presence. Know that I take deep pleasure in every occasion you turn your attention toward Me.

Know too that beautiful transformation is taking place within you each time you do, because you can’t spend time in My presence and not grow more into My likeness [3].

 *      *      *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

ME: Thank You, Father, for encouraging me toward greater intimacy with You, to enjoy You more fervently. Help me pause and sense Your presence, even in the ordinary moments of life.

May I create space for You through attentiveness to Your attributes on display, gratitude for Your countless blessings, and review of Your uplifting promises.

May I remember:

 I don’t want to miss that pleasure, even for a moment.

[1] Psalm 103:13-14

[2] Those of you who visit here often will probably remember that Michael Hyatt, former CEO of Thomas Publishing, is the one who calls the outdoors God’s living room. I love that imagery!

[3] 2 Corinthians 3:18

Photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.canva.com.

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IM-Possible? No, HIM-Possible!

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Salvation, God's Strength, Hope, Meditation, Peace, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 18, 2024| 37 Comments »

(An imaginary conversation between God and me.)

ME:

You know me, Lord. If I’m not careful my mind can slide into fear and worry, especially about the needs and struggles of loved ones. Or I can slip backward into hurts or regrets of the past. Release from such thoughts is not always easy.

But I’ve heard it said, “What is IM-possible is HIM-possible” (Unknown).

So when negativity seeks to pull me down, I want to be quick to remember who YOU are, your promises, and what you can do that make all things HIM-possible.

GOD:

Indeed, nothing is IM-possible with me (Luke 1:37).

Here are four important truths to keep in mind that make for HIM-possible-living:

I am greater than your fears.

Think on My sovereignty and might.

I am in control of all things. I have established My throne in heaven and My kingdom rules over all. Therefore, the one who fears Me need not fear anything else [1].

I am all-wise and all-powerful, always with you and ready to offer counsel.

I am your all-sufficient Father, able to provide everything and anything you’ll ever need.

ME:

I praise You, Lord, for equipping me to contend with whatever circumstances unfold. You are the Mighty Warrior who saves!

(Psalm 103:19; 1 John 4:18a; Romans 11:33; Psalm 15:3, 46:1; Ephesians 3:20; Zephaniah 3:17)

GOD:

I am greater than your troubles.

Remember My power and strength.

Out of My omnipotence, I promise to supply you with strength sufficient for the day. Each morning I provide a fresh supply of all my mercies.

No matter what the future may hold, you can keep on bearing all things through My Son, Jesus Christ, who constantly infuses you with His strength.

Every trouble produces benefit–strong, honorable character in you, and blessing for others as they see My peace and joy reflected in you.

ME:

I praise you, Lord, for being a present-and-active help in times of trouble.

(2 Chronicles 20:6; Psalm 18:32; Lamentations 3:22-23; Philippians 4:13;

Romans 8:28; James 1:2-4; Matthew 5:16; Psalm 46:1)

GOD:

I am greater than your hurts.

Remember my love and tenderness, my grace and kindness.

I provide a solid foundation on which to rest, even when wave after wave of challenge sweeps through your life [2].

I am your Great Physician. Cling to Me by immersing yourself in My Word and find the cure for your heartache.

I am patiently transfiguring all the notes of your life into the song of My Son, Jesus . . . All is grace, as your hurts and heartaches become tools in My hands, to transform you into the image of Christ [3].

ME:

I praise you, Lord, for your devoted, attentive care.

(Isaiah 66:13a; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 147:3; Psalm 119:49-50; 2 Corinthians 3:18)

GOD:

I am greater than your regrets.

Remember my compassion and forgiveness.

Dwell on regrets and you’ll stir up a whirlpool of excruciating details. It’s an easy place to drown [4].

Leave the irreparable past in My hands, and step into the irresistible future with Me [5]. You’ll find joy replacing remorse and peace replacing agitation.

When thoughts of your failures do push their way into your consciousness, allow my total forgiveness to relieve your pangs of guilt. Then offer Me praise for accepting you just as you are, thanking Me for growing you into more than you were yesterday [6].

ME:

I praise you, Lord, for your mercy to forgive and your grace that meets me where I am but does not leave me where it found me [7].

I praise you that victory over fears, troubles, hurts, and regrets is more than HIM-possible with you!

(Psalm 103:8, 13; Romans 8:37)

[1] The fear of God in the original language doesn’t mean to be afraid. It means sustaining a joyful, astonished, awe and wonder before Him—Timothy Keller.

[2] Jane Fryar, Be Blessed, 34-35.

[3] Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, 100; Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, 180.

[4] Based on a David Powlison quote, https://www.sgclouisville.org/blog/2024/01/16/sermon-quotes-what-do-we-do-with-regret.

[5] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, Dec. 31.

[6] Ruth Bell Graham, Blessings for a Mother’s Day, 101.

[7] Anne Lamott, GRACE Eventually.

Art & photo credits: http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.rawpixels.com.

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