God’s Provision | From the Inside Out

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It Just So Happened

Posted in God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Coincidences, God's Goodness, God's Provision, God-incidents, happenstance on April 3, 2014| 16 Comments »

“I just got a call from Mary, “ Frieda began. “And you are not going to believe this.”

Frieda was the chairperson for the parsonage committee of our church. The congregation had just purchased a newer home for their clergy family (Us!), one that was closer to the church.

Some new furniture would also be required. (Back then, parsonages were supposed to be furnished, too.) Frieda had called to tell me about an interesting development.

She had just happened to mention to Mary, our choir director, that the committee was shopping for parsonage furniture. Mary had said, “Well, I’ve got a whole storage unit full of furniture, and I need to sell it!”

“ What do you have?” Frieda asked.

The more items Mary listed, the more excited Frieda became: A dining room table and four chairs, a matching buffet, a bedroom set, a curio cabinet —just happened to match a number of items on our list.

Within a day or two, Frieda and I visited the storage unit with Mary. The furniture was in good condition and lovely—much of it off-white, which suited our Florida climate. Dear Mary was more than fair on the price of it all. That left more in the budget for other expenditures.

My one concern was the number of chairs for the dining room table. If only there were six, it would be perfect, I thought. Frieda and I decided to check some thrift stores. Perhaps we’d find two chairs that would at least coordinate with Mary’s set.

Can you imagine our surprise when we just happened to find two chairs almost identical to Mary’s? The seat covers were different, but when all six chairs were reupholstered, you’d have to look very carefully to notice any difference.

Each of you surely have some “just-so-happened” stories of your own. Isn’t it delightful to be at just the right place at the right time to enjoy such coincidences?

Actually, in a universe under the control of God Almighty, such events are much more than coincidence; they’re God-incidents. He’s the one doing the orchestrating. How do I know? Scripture tells us:

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

Jesus taught the same truth: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8).

In addition, the Bible is full of examples:

The Egyptian princess just happened to find Moses in the bulrushes.
The Israelite spies just happened to meet Rahab, a woman willing to help them escape Jericho’s authorities.
Ruth just happened to choose Boaz’ field for gleaning.
David just happened to be a marksman with a slingshot, when Goliath and the Philistines threatened Israel.
Esther just happened to be chosen queen of Persia, as Haman was plotting to annihilate the Jews.

Our all-knowing God foresees each need. And before we’re even aware of what’s around the corner, he is already there. He has already supplied.

What a gracious, faithful God he is!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, oh Lord, for the countless times you have engineered events for my benefit. In actuality, those occasions when I recognize your handiwork are probably just a small sampling of the hundreds (thousands?) of times you’ve supernaturally provided, protected, and guided.

And you’re not finished yet! Your faithfulness will continue until I am safely home in heaven, because you will not “be false to your faithfulness” (Psalm 89:33b). Not ever.

Oh, how I want to be faithful to you in return!

(Art and photo credits: www.overstock.com; http://www.sammyvintage.com; http://www.catholicradiodramas.com.)

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It’s Raining, It’s Pouring

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Samuel 23:4, Deuteronomy 32:2, Ezekiel 34:26, Hosea 10:12, Hosea 6:2, Psalm 51:7, Showers of Blessing on March 20, 2014| 16 Comments »

As you undoubtedly know, Florida summers are long, hot, and humid. Winter can vary from warm and humid to cold and damp. In between we enjoy those glorious, balmy days the Sunshine State is famous for.

We also have a dry season through the winter months, and a wet season during the summer. Our “wet” usually comes in a daily downpour, accompanied by much thunder and lightning. In the southernmost parts of the state you can practically set your watch by the arrival of the afternoon storm. The good news is, it’s almost always short-lived.

Then there are days like Monday, with dense cloud cover and a steady rain for hours. Highly unusual, especially during the dry season.

For those planning a trip to the beach or a round of golf, it was a wash out. (Sorry. Couldn’t resist the pun.)

For the bookish who didn’t have to go to work, it was a godsend. Nothing cozier than curling up with a good book, to the patter of soft rain.

And for Tuesday, we could all look forward to crisp, clean air and vistas of sparkling greenery and flowers.

And we could remember: “He will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth” (Hosea 6:2).

Yes. God comes…

…with his love and grace to wash away the cloying dust of sin (Psalm 51:7).

…with his Word that refreshes our spirits (Deuteronomy 32:2). Drop by drop, day by day, providing life-giving nutrients to our spirits. Nutrients like strength, wisdom, and encouragement.

…with cleansing (2 Samuel 23:4). He removes false-guilt, negativity, and fear. In their place he provides freedom, contentment, and peace.

…with showers of joy and blessing (Ezekiel 34:26), to cast a fresh glow on our surroundings. All day, every day he is bestowing love-gifts through creation, family, friends, circumstances, and pleasures great and small.

…to shower righteousness on all who claim Jesus as Savior (Hosea 10:12), not just a select few. Anyone can exchange his/ her smudges and stains of imperfections for his sparkling righteousness.

Oh, yes…

It’s raining, it’s pouring;

Our God we’re adoring!

His mercies fall fresh;

They are new every morning!

Hallelujah!

(Photo credit: hdwallpapersuk.com.)

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When Circumstances Spin Out of Control

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Prayer, Uncategorized on March 17, 2014| 10 Comments »

Remember the legends of knights in shining armor, rescuing damsels in distress?

Many young girls have daydreamed about such a warrior, rescuing them from school ( in time to miss the math test, please), from irritating siblings (who mess with our stuff), and from chores (which are so boring).

But, Sir Lancelot never did ride his steed up the street, clank up to the front door, and announce his desire to marry the maiden of the household. Warriors do not exist in today’s world.

Except, in a much more serious realm than fantasy land.

In the spiritual realm.

We have a Prayer Warrior. Someone who is continually presenting to God Almighty our needs.

“The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26).

Think of it. The Holy Spirit of God is praying for us!

When we’re highly distracted, and can’t keep our minds focused, the Spirit steps in and becomes our Champion.

During those times when we’re too distraught to put out thoughts into words, he comes to our aid.

When situations confound us, he knows what’s needed.

I’m thinking of the time our thirteen-year old daughter awoke us around 4:00 in the morning, because she was in terrible pain. After explaining the situation to our older son, we bundled Heather into the van, and sped to the ER.

En route, she lay in the fetal position, moaning intermittently, and sometimes crying out when a severe spasm cramped her midsection.

Those long moments on the road and then waiting in the ER were tortuous. I was the quintessential mother-in-distress, frustrated by helplessness and anxious about the outcome. Putting together a coherent prayer was out of the question.

I just repeated silently in my heart, “Oh, Jesus. Oh, Jesus. Oh, Jesus.”

Was that enough?

If, at that moment, I could have glimpsed into the heavenly realm, I may have witnessed the Holy Spirit taking firm hold of the situation and speaking eloquently to God the Father on our behalf.

Then, he would have communicated the fear in our hearts “with intense groanings that words could not express.” He knew the height of our anxiety. Words do not suffice at such a moment, any more than mere words can properly convey love or grief, or any number of emotions.

Ray Stedman (1917-1992), author and pastor, concluded: “Language is not essential to Divine intercession.” I agree.

God chose to intervene that morning. A physical exam and sonogram revealed that a cyst was causing all the trouble. Miraculously it burst on its own within hours of our arrival at the hospital. Surgery was not necessary. By 9:00, we were on our way home, with Heather resting comfortably.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, God, thank you for providing your Holy Spirit to come to our aid, to bear us up in our weakness. We do not know how to pray as we ought, and sometimes we don’t even know what to pray.

But your Spirit pleads on our behalf, even communicating unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for words. And because you, your Spirit, and your Son, Jesus, are three-in-one, you know the Spirit’s every thought. Inaudible prayers are more than sufficient.

We praise you, oh God, for the depth of your loving provision, especially when circumstances spin out of control.

(Art & photo credits: www.pinterest.com, www. dawnwhitmorespeaks.org.)

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Goodness and Mercy Will Follow

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Presence, God's Provision, Psalm 23:6 on March 13, 2014| 8 Comments »

“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Sound familiar? That’s the last verse of Psalm 23.

It turned up somewhere in my reading this week. Can’t remember exactly where.

But I do remember thinking, Wait a minute. Follow? Why didn’t David say, “Surely goodness and mercy are with me?” It doesn’t seem very helpful to have God’s goodness and mercy behind me.

After all these years of familiarity with this beloved psalm, I was suddenly quite puzzled. What could David’s statement mean?

I started with the dictionary. Did you know there are twelve different meanings for the verb, follow? Several of the definitions opened up new understanding for me. See what you think:

1. Follow means to be the result of, as in, “A discussion followed the presentation.”

God’s goodness and mercy are the result of availing ourselves of his shepherding, his watchful care and wise guidance (vs. 1-3). We don’t have to beg for his loving kindness; it is automatically bestowed as we trust in God. Isn’t that glorious?

“Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you” (Psalm 71:19)?

But. If we take a pass on his leadership, we have no right to expect his blessing.

2. Follow means to keep to or stick to, as in “Follow these guidelines.”

The Bible scholars of GOD’S WORD Translation must have embraced this definition. “God’s goodness and mercy will stay close to me,” they wrote. One commentator said these attributes of God cling to us. I like that, too.

3. Follow means to pursue, to move behind with the intention of overtaking as in “The detectives followed the suspect.”

Isn’t that wonderful imagery, of God pursuing us with his goodness and mercy and never giving up?

Those translators who have chosen stay close to me, or pursue, do enlighten our understanding. But one truth of David’s statement is best served with the more familiar verb, follow: We often don’t see God’s goodness and mercy until the experience has passed. It’s in looking back we see that he did pursue us and cling to us, lavishly imparting all his attributes.

For example, ever have one of those weeks when the to-do list is long, and there seems no way to accomplish it all? I’ve seen God engineer circumstances so that an item or two could be postponed, another one or two are cancelled, and a few don’t take as long as expected. One way or another, the list of tasks is checked off. And with a sigh of relief I look back and realize God had been following me, taking care of things as the week progressed.

“He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth” (Daniel 6:27). Even for one woman with too much to do.

Every time God demonstrates his close attention, I try to record the incident in my blessings journal. Watching that list grow has increased my faith; all the experiences have taught me I can continue to trust. The goodness and mercy of God will follow me all the days of my life.

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Father, I marvel to think your continual presence is close to me. I can turn to you at any moment and you are there, ready and waiting to minister to my needs. Out of your goodness you give me countless blessings that I don’t deserve; out of your mercy you have withheld consequences for my sin that I do deserve. Thank you for pursuing me with patience, gentleness, and compassion.

Now may I be passionate to follow you, all the remaining days of my life. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” How glorious to know that, even while living on earth, I can dwell in your presence within my spirit. I rejoice in your name all day long and exult in your righteousness, for you are my glory and strength (Psalm 89:16-17)!

(Photo credit: http://ourdailyblossom.com.)

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A Foundation of Absolutes

Posted in Bible Study, Faith, God's Provision, God's Strength, Jesus, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Biblical Absolutes, Deuteronomy 32:4, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Ways, Hebrews 13:8, Jesus our Rock, Matthew 7L24-27, Psalm 27:5, Psalm 40:1-2, Renewing the Mind, The Wise Man and the Foolish Man on March 10, 2014| 10 Comments »

You probably remember the story.

A foolish man built his house on sand; a wise man built his home on rock. When a storm came, the house built on sand fell with a great crash. But the wise man’s house stood firm (Matthew 7:24-27).

With this parable Jesus offers visual imagery for choosing man’s way to live or God’s way:

1) You can choose to build your life on getting ahead and having a good time, but in the end you will have nothing.

Or,

2) You can choose to build your life on faith in Jesus, and in the end you will receive great gain–a Rock of stability to depend on now, and perfect bliss in heaven for eternity.

Jesus is:

Reliable. “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

Unchanging. “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

Protective. “In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling..and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).

But I’m thinking the story about houses built on sand and rock could be applied to our thought lives, too.

For example, if we allow our minds to focus on the shifting sands of circumstance, we sink into negativity, worry, and fear.

If we focus on a firm foundation of scriptural absolutes, a sense of tranquility and strength pervades our spirits.

What are those absolutes? The Bible teaches many, including the following:

God loves us — so much that he sent his only Son to die in our place. Jesus took the punishment for our sins that we deserve (John 3:16). Now, I’ve heard that statement thousands of times. Perhaps you have, too. But we mustn’t allow familiarity to reduce this truth to banality. His love for us is everlasting. Deep. Caring. Forgiving. Full of grace. Let’s bask in the wonder of his love!

God has a plan for each of our lives, and it’s a good plan (Jeremiah 29:11). Notice God doesn’t promise a pleasurable plan. God loves us too much to allow addiction to fun. With his goodness comes discipline, so that we become mature. In the final analysis, immature people are not the most content anyway. They are self-centered and tend to whine and complain. I don’t want to be that kind of person, and I’ll bet you don’t either. So let’s accept the absolute goodness of God’s plan.

God will equip and empower us for his plan (Isaiah 41:10). He’s the one who formed mountains, engineered ecosystems, and filled infinite space with countless stars. This same God lives within us and works through us, fostering resolve, strength, and perseverance. Let’s turn to him moment by moment to avail ourselves of his power.

And as we affirm such truths, we are reinforcing our foundation upon the Rock. Stone upon stone. Solid, firm, and strong. When the storms come– economic setbacks, health problems, emotional hurts–we will not collapse into a heap.

With David we will be able to exult in God’s provision:

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand…Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust” (Psalm 40:1-2, 4b).

* * * * * * * * * *

What scriptural absolutes are part of your foundation? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!

( art credit: www.intheleafytreetopsthebirssing.blogspot.com)

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Fearless Independence

Posted in God's Presence, God's Protection, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Ways, Humility, Obedience, Psalm 119:112, Psalm 121:3, Psalm 144:2, Psalm 25:9 on February 27, 2014| 21 Comments »

“Oh no, Elena, you don’t want that,” I say to our one-year old granddaughter. Obligingly she holds up to me a minuscule scrap of paper she’s found on the floor. Thanks to much practice with Cheerios, her thumb and forefinger can pick up the tiniest items.

Elena and I are on an excursion through the living room and dining room. From her jaunty steps, I can tell she’s loving the freedom to explore. And I’m glad to provide the watchful eye she needs.

No sooner do I slip the paper into my pocket than her little hands are grabbing for a cell phone on a side table. You wouldn’t think her arms are long enough to reach that far. Daddy says she has the wingspan of a pterodactyl.

“I’m sorry, Elena,” I tell her. “We’ll have to put that up here on the shelf. Mommy’s phone isn’t a toy.”

I think she’s heard that before. The removal of the phone doesn’t upset her; she just moves on. Quickly Elena toddles toward the living room fireplace where unlit candles stand in a decorative formation. Not for long. She grabs the chunky, center candle, clutches it to her chest, and proceeds on her way around the table.

“Let’s leave the candle here,” I say, gently prying it out of her fingers. “If you drop that on your toes, it will hurt.”

I’m surprised Elena doesn’t become upset. For a moment I think she’ll march on to other discoveries and leave the other candles in the fireplace. Instead, she wastes no time turning around and heading back. Soon there are five candles up on the table.

And so it goes as I tag along behind a toddler who knows very little, fears practically nothing, and desperately wants to be free and independent. We adults must be attentive, instructive, and protective.

You know what? There are times I’m not much more than a toddler in God’s family. I, too, know very little, lack a healthy fear of those things that could hurt me, and struggle against the desire to be free and make my own choices.

Good thing I have a Heavenly Father who is so attentive.

“He who watches over [me] will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3).

My Heavenly Father is instructive.

“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:9). Key word: humble. I have to be accepting of instruction and willing to apply it.

My God is also protective.

“He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 144:2).

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, Father, forgive me for the times I act like a toddler and take off on my own. Thank you for your constant, watchful presence, for those times you’ve grabbed things from my grasp because you knew they were not in my best interest. Thank you for instructing me through your word and through wise, godly people. Slowly but surely you have equipped me with the knowledge of your ways–ways that are good and right. Then you’ve patiently trained me to follow those ways. May my heart be set on keeping your decrees to the very end (Psalm 119:112)!

(Photo credit: http://www.pexel.com)

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Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

Posted in Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Provision, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged 1 John 4:18, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13, Trust in God, Worry on January 20, 2014| 20 Comments »

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:18a

M-m-m. Interesting. John doesn’t say perfect courage drives out fear. Not even perfect faith. Why does he say perfect love will drive out fear?

First of all, this verse is not talking about fears of financial ruin or life-threatening events. Verse eighteen gives us the context. John is talking about Judgment Day. He’s reminding us that, if we know Jesus, there is nothing to fear when we leave this earth for eternity. Jesus gave his life to save us from the consequences of our sin. Our place in heaven is secure, if our faith is in him.

And once that matter has been settled, other fear-producing questions can be put in proper perspective. We have to remind ourselves that earthly life fades quickly like the leaves (Isaiah 64:6). These questions will cease to matter–questions like:

Will my job survive the cutbacks?
Will I be able to keep my health insurance?
Will my kids make it through their personal crisis?

But such questions can cause torment to the point of ulcers and high blood pressure. If we allow fear to control us, we’re saying that the troubles we face are more powerful than our God.

So here are a few ways to fight against fear:

Rename your difficulties as possibilities—possibilities for God to do something glorious. Without a problem, there’s no opportunity for a miracle.

Picture God Almighty accompanying you all day long. He’s standing right behind you at the sink. He’s sitting beside you in the car. His ever-watchful eye is upon you, his infinite strength is available to you, and his perfect wisdom will guide you.

Don’t feed your fear with worry; feed your faith with the truth of God’s Word. Psalm 23 is a perfect place to begin. Remember verse four? “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Listen to what he says: “I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you (Isaiah 41:13). Visualize God holding you by the hand as you walk through each day.

Years ago, when a I was a young teenager, my family visited Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. Dad and I were hiking over the mountain paths when we came to a deep, narrow ravine. He easily jumped across, turned, and held out his hand for me.

“I can do it myself,” I announced confidently. Then I looked down into that deep ravine. What if I fall? I thought. Grinning sheepishly at Dad, I said, “’Guess you’d better help me after all!” I had great confidence in my father. I knew he loved me and would never let me fall.

God is ready to walk hand-in-hand with me along the mountain paths of life. Problems arise, though, when I repeat that moment on Lookout Mountain and focus on the ravine, the what-ifs. The result? I’m frozen with fear.

How downright foolish of me, when my loving, trustworthy Heavenly Father has assured me:

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you” (Isaiah 41:10, The Message).

You see, perfect love drives out fear because we can trust the perfect love of our perfect God.

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B-12 Shots

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision on January 6, 2014| 9 Comments »

“…So the doctor recommended B-12 shots,” my friends explained. “Hopefully they’ll do the trick. I’m so tired of being tired!!”

Got me to thinking. Some days I’ve had to drag my spirit around. Discouragement, hurts, and concerns weigh me down. Maybe what I need are some spiritual B-12 shots.

“B” might stand for beauty. Something lovely and joy-inspiring is always energizing.

And the number twelve might stand for the twelve months of the year.

So what beauties are there to behold each month that would foster joy? Here in Florida, the change of seasons is subtle, not offering as much variety as climate zones to the north. But there are other splendors in which to delight.

January: The fresh start of a new year, the reorganizing (after all the decorations are put away) that provides satisfaction in tidiness and motivation for productivity!

February: I love our annual Festival of Choirs. A number of church choirs come together, provide two selections of their own, and then everyone joins together for several rousing anthems. It’s a taste of heaven to hear 200-plus voices unite in praise!

March: Such glorious weather we enjoy–the low humidity, balmy temperatures, and clear skies. Migrating birds passing through the area give us occasional glimpses of rare species. One year a small flock of indigo buntings pecked about in our backyard. Such intense blue I had never seen!

April: I love the euphoria of Easter morning! He is risen indeed!

May: Roadways clear after the Snowbirds go home, and driving becomes less stressful. However, there are a number of Northern friends we’d love to keep with us here!

June: The schedule slows down as the summer warms up. The slower pace is most welcome—at least for a while.

July: I love the patriotism that comes to the forefront as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. “The Star Spangled Banner” still stirs pride and gratitude in my heart.

August: The best time to visit the old-fashioned ice cream shop in town. Such delightful flavors to choose from! And a hot August day only augments the pleasure.

September: Rehearsals begin for Christmas. This is one of the reasons I love to sing in choirs and ensembles. We get to enjoy the music of Christmas for three months instead of three weeks!

October: The weather begins to cool a bit, renewing energy. And while many northerners enjoy hillsides of fall foliage, we Floridians have our golden rain trees.

November: Right after Thanksgiving Steve and I decorate for Christmas. I love unpacking the decorations, many of them given to us by family and friends. Memories of times past bubble merrily in my heart as I arrange the crèches, angels, candles, and bows.

December: Oh, how glorious to end the year with a crescendo of music, camaraderie, secrets, surprises, and worship. Christmas would not be complete without the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Beautiful moments through all twelve months of the year. B-12 shots of joy.

What are your favorite B-12 shots?

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing a pleasing cadence to the year. As one month flows into the next, your goodness is on display. Thank you for those events and experiences that come at expected times, providing rhythm, delight, and comfort to our lives.

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Post-Holiday Hope

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Hope, Salvation, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God's Promises, God's Provision, Hope, Salvation on January 2, 2014| 8 Comments »

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day fills our senses with:

Sights of Christmas trees, candles, Santas, and angels.

Sounds of carols, from the light-hearted “Frosty the Snowman” to the heart-stirring “O Holy Night.”

Textures from prickly pine to plush velvet.

Aromas of cinnamon, spice, and gingerbread.

Tastes of iced sugar cookies and egg nog.

But the seasonal pleasures are over for another year. And the uncertainties of our times—political, economical, as well as personal—that we set aside for a few weeks, are coming to the forefront again. If we’re not careful, troublesome thoughts can raise our blood pressure and take away restful sleep!

What to do? Take comfort in God’s Word. “Great peace have they who love your law,” said the psalmist,” and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). I suppose that would include uncertainties, don’t you?

Two verses have ministered to me lately, Romans 8:30-31:

“Those he [God] predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified, those he justified, he also glorified. What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Of course, those key words in the first sentence beg to be examined more closely.

Predestination has been the subject of entire books and sometimes causes controversy. I like the way the Living Application Bible explains the concept, in a footnote to Ephesians 1:5. “Predestined” means marked out beforehand.

God knew each of us and loved us before we were even born. He provided the way of salvation so we could be in relationship with him. That does not negate our responsibility to believe in Jesus, in order to bring to pass God’s predetermined plan.

Called means we have been divinely summoned or invited. Some Christians are divinely summoned for specific tasks. Peter (John 21:15-17) and Paul (Acts 9:15) are perfect examples.

Most of us are called to love, obey, and serve God right where he’s placed us—in our homes, churches, business, schools, and neighborhoods.

Whatever our task, he cheers us on to work heartily because we’re doing it for him—to please him and bring him honor (Colossians 3:23-24).

And with his call comes hope, peace, joy, and blessing!

Justification is God’s way of making us right with him. Out of his gracious love for us, he declares us “not guilty” for our sins. We deserve harsh punishment, but he treats us as righteous if we put our trust in Jesus. Then the perfect sinlessness of God’s Son is credited to us (Romans 3:22-25).

Imagine standing before a mighty king who’s dressed in elegant robes. And there you are, wearing ragged, smelly clothes, staring at the floor, and wishing to be anywhere else but in this imposing throne room.

Suddenly the king’s words break through your embarrassment. He’s calling for one of his son’s perfect robes to be brought for you. He doesn’t just want to trade your rags for a beautiful, pristine robe—he’s eager to do it! And then, even more amazing, he welcomes you to his banquet table.

That’s justification—being treated as if we weren’t soiled by sin. Being treated like a royal son or daughter of the king, though it’s the last thing we deserve.

Full glorification will occur when we arrive in heaven. It refers to that moment when you and I will become like Christ (1 John 3:2.) It is so certain, Paul uses past tense. Our glorification is taken care of; it’s just a matter of when.

But the process has already begun. Our glory—that is, anything that brings honor and praise to God—is developing day by day as we allow the Holy Spirit to have influence of our thoughts and choices.

* * * * * * * * * *

Now consider the magnitude of these four processes which God lovingly, even anxiously, works within us. I like the way Ken Taylor expresses verse twenty-nine in The Living Bible:

“Having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came he declared us ‘not guilty,’ filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory.”

And last, in light of whatever you may be facing in 2014, please take comfort in these joyous words:

“What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:30, The Living Bible).

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What’s in a Name? Plenty!

Posted in Christmas, Faith, God, God's Love, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Jesus, Salvation, tagged Christ, God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lord, Lord Jesus Christ, Salvation on December 19, 2013| 8 Comments »

Like most expectant parents, Steve and I considered dozens of names before each of our three children were born.

First of all, the name had to have a pleasing ring with our unusual last name, Ruegg (pronounced “rug”). We passed by Douglas. Doug Ruegg rings too loudly.

We wanted a name that would not attract teasing or silly nicknames. We passed by Dustin. Dusty Ruegg would be too tempting.

And we wanted a name that meant something worthwhile, so we passed by Darnell. “A-Type-of-Grass” Ruegg would not be very inspiring.

No doubt many of you who are parents experienced the same struggle to find appropriate names for your children.

Mary and Joseph, however, had no such struggle with their firstborn. The angel who visited Joseph in a dream to tell him about Mary’s child, also informed him of the name. “You are to give him the name Jesus,” he said (Matthew 1:21a).

And when an angel brought good news of great joy to the shepherds, he said, “A Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).

These two scriptures give us the three names we probably use most often when referring to God’s Son: Jesus, Christ, and Lord.

And each name carries significant meaning.

Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew, means “Yahweh (the Lord) is Salvation.” Could a more perfect name be chosen for the One who would “save his people from their sins?” (Matthew 1:21b). Yeshua becomes “Joshua” when translated into English. And in Greek (the language in which the New Testament was written), Yeshua becomes Iesous, or Jesus in English.

Jesus, our Savior. The only perfect God-Man able to save us from the consequences of our sins. He is our supreme Christmas gift, given by God, because he loves us. Deeply.

Christ is English for Christos (Greek), which means “anointed.” In Hebrew the word would be moshiach, or “Messiah.”

Anointing was a God-ordained custom, to dedicate someone for a special task. You might remember the prophet, Samuel, anointed David to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16). That is, Samuel took oil (probably olive oil) and poured it over David’s head, signifying divine equipping for his royal position.

Again, what could more appropriate than our Savior to be symbolically anointed by God? Jesus was divinely equipped for the special task of saving his people from their sins.

Lord is also a name bestowed on God’s Son. It is the name that is above every name. And the glorious day is coming when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). Imagine that. Millions of voices proclaiming his majesty!

Lord is a familiar term, come down to us from feudal times in England, when kings and nobles were addressed as “lord.” It denoted power and influence.

The history of the word, though, reveals a fascinating connection to Jesus.

Lord is derived from a compound of two very early Old English words: hlaf (pronounced with a long “a”) and weard. Hlaf means “bread,” and weard means “ward” or “guardian.” Lord literally means “guardian of the bread.” In feudal times, such a position would be highly important to the household. And so lord came to mean “a man of authority and rank” (Webster’s New College Dictionary).

Such background gives new meaning to Jesus’ words, “The bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world…I am the bread of life” (John 6:33, 35a). In other words, he is the Sustainer of life. Whoever comes to him can experience deep satisfaction of spirit (v. 35).

Jesus stands as the guardian of our abundant life now and eternal life in heaven yet to come. He is also the guardian over of our minds and hearts, supplying peace, joy, comfort, and more.

Paul celebrated the magnificence of the Lord Jesus Christ at the close of Romans 8:

“I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (vs. 38-39).

And now, what do these names signify to me? Am I deeply grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ? Are my thoughts, attitudes, and actions pure and holy gifts I can give back him– my Savior, anointed Deliverer, and Guardian of my life?

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, your very names proclaim astounding truths: you are the Savior of the world! In fact, you are the only Deliverer who can proclaim us “not guilty” before Almighty God. And you are our Guardian, caring for our every need, when we depend upon you. I praise and thank you for your love and grace, demonstrated supremely when you died in our stead. Oh how I want my life to be a delightful Christmas present for you!

(photo & art credits: www.babble.com, http://www.thefamily.com, http://www.ortzion.org, http://www.everydaywithmy savior.blogspot.com.)

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What’s in a Name? Plenty!

Nancy Ruegg

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