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Archive for the ‘God’ Category

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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A Sheer Gift

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Strength, Intimacy with God, Maturity, Perseverance, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on October 23, 2025| 38 Comments »

‘Won’t be long and we’ll either be the asker or receiver of the question, “What would you like for Christmas?”

Here’s one answer you likely won’t hear: “Give me some tests and challenges, please!”

And yet, in the Bible we find this encouragement written by James, the half-brother of Jesus:

What could he possibly have meant? How can tests and challenges be considered gifts?

And then we might remember the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

James does mention strength that comes from perseverance, contributing to maturity and spiritual competency (v. 3). But difficult circumstances produce even more, including these ten aspects of the gift of trials:

GREATER GODLINESS

Pressure will make us into the kind of people God wants us to be—more responsive to him, more like him [1]. (And isn’t that who we want to be also?)

HEIGHTENED AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE

In the darkness of adversity, we’re able to see more clearly the radiance of his face. It happens as we spend time with him, and he ministers to us [2].

INCREASED SPIRITUAL POWER

God creates more friction when he desires to create more power in our lives [3].

Think of Joseph’s trials before becoming prime minister of Egypt, or David’s troubles while on the run from King Saul, or Jonah’s suffering in the belly of the great fish before preaching in Nineveh.

STRENGTHENED CONFIDENCE

Trouble strengthens our confidence that with God, we can endure whatever difficulties the future may hold [4].

A CLEARED PATHWAY

Some storms come, not to disrupt our lives, but to clear our path [5].

For example, a young couple we know put an offer on a house they really liked, but the sale fell through. Highly disappointing, of course, but that cleared the path for a better-suited home at a better price.

And during the season of waiting, they learned lessons in faith and perseverance.

ENHANCED EMPATHY

The pressure we endure helps us understand the challenges faced by others, equipping us to empathize and help [6].

ETERNAL INFLUENCE

God will make our sacrifice of suffering count for all eternity [7]. The person who serenely trusts God to bring good out of their pain demonstrates the power of faith and draws others to Christ.

SWEET DISCOVERIES

“It is often through the most difficult trials that God brings the sweetest discoveries of himself” [8].

During a particularly trying season, I sensed God next to me in the car every day while driving to the school where I taught. His sweet presence was so palpable I sometimes had to blink away tears.  

A SIGN OF VALUE

Trials indicate we’re precious to God. Otherwise, why would he spend so much time and energy perfecting us [9]?

ENHANCED JOY

Paul wisely advised we think on those things that are excellent and praiseworthy [10], turning our minds from what hurts to what helps—gratitude. To do so magnifies our joy, even during troublesome times.

These bits are from my gratitude journal:

  • An hour-plus of fun with the toddlers at church. Who can think about troubles when playing with little ones?
  • Six different species of birds, frolicking in the backyard trees–a veritable circus to enjoy.
  • The prayer of a friend that warmed the heart and lifted the spirit
  • The treasure of family, whose love and support are especially meaningful during stressful times
  • The good medicine of laughter. I texted our younger son that his third niece had taken her first steps. “I don’t understand what the big deal is,” he wrote back. “I’ve been doing that for years!”

And there you have it. Ten facets of the sheer gift that tests and challenges bring into our lives—all wrapped in God’s unfailing love.

The question is, will we receive it?

[1] Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light, 142; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[2] Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 361; Psalm 89:15-17a

[3] Based on an A.B. Simpson quote.

[4]Sarah Young, Jesus Always, 152; Philippians 4:13 AMP

[5] Unknown.

[6] A.B. Simpson, quoted in Streams in the Desert, 197; Philippians 1:6 AMP

[7] F. Elaine Olsen, Beyond the Scars, 163.

[8] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, Jim Reimann, ed., 143.

[9] L. B. Cowman, 77.

[10] Philippians 4:8

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The Most Sparkling Jewel of God’s Crown

Posted in Bible Study, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Holiness, Obedience, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on October 16, 2025| 33 Comments »

In 1937, the Imperial State Crown of England was created for the coronation of King George VI. It is inarguably one of the most beautiful in the world.

The number of jewels staggers the imagination. Among them: eleven emeralds, seventeen sapphires, 269 pearls, and 2868 diamonds [1].

Front and center, just above the ermine band, sits the largest diamond—the “Star of Africa II, weighing 317.4 carats. (“Star of Africa I,” which is even larger, sits atop the British royal scepter.)

Puritan preacher and author, Thomas Watson (1620-1686), named one of God’s attributes as the most sparkling jewel of God’s crown. But before I reveal his answer, which of God’s quality traits would you consider his “attribute of attributes?”

  1. Love
  2. Holiness
  3. Power
  4. Infinitude

Watson chose B, perhaps because of the word’s meaning: separate and set apart. God is completely removed from every other creature, given his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. In addition, he is perfect in purity, goodness, faithfulness, and so much more.

In heaven the seraphim (fiery angels!) continually celebrate God’s holiness. The prophet Isaiah heard them saying:

The Apostle John, during his vision of heaven, heard a similar chant [2].

We can’t help but notice the repetition of holy three times, and if you’re like me, that makes us curious. Why three times?

First, “holy” in triplicate may seek to honor each Person of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit.

Second, repetition indicates emphasis.

The ancient Hebrew language included no punctuation, no bold print, no way to indicate greater importance. When writers wanted to highlight something, they’d repeat it.

Other examples would include:

  • In Genesis chapter one “God saw that it was good” is repeated six times.
  • 1 Kings 9:26-10:29 includes the word gold fifteen times to emphasize King Solomon’s wealth.
  • Psalm 130:6 offers heartfelt longing: “I wait for the Lord more than the watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.”
  • Psalm 136 includes “His love endures forever” twenty-six times.
  • In Ezekiel 21:27, the prophet related God’s soon-coming judgment on Jerusalem—“A ruin! A ruin! I will make it a ruin!”

But nowhere in scripture do we see a triple-repetition of an attribute for anyone but God and only for this one attribute [3]. God’s holiness is superlative; he is infinitely holy. And that holiness impacts everything else about him.

His love is holy love. His power is holy power. His justice is holy justice. All his attributes are characterized by purity and splendor beyond those of anyone else.

Gaze upon the crowning jewel of God’s holiness and be overcome with awe and reverence, as well as “a sense of our incredible, desperate need for a fresh infusion of who He is”—because he’s instructed us to be holy too [4].

“Oh, I can’t do that,” someone will say. “Even at my age I still do and say things I shouldn’t, and then leave undone the things I should do. Being holy is impossible!”

Here’s what that person doesn’t understand:

“What God’s truth demands; His grace will provide.” “Faithful is he that calls, who also will do it” [5].

The more we expand our awareness of God’s holiness, the more honor and respect we’ll long to give him through obedience—obedience that he rewards with blessing.

Just how do we expand that awareness? Through Bible study that instructs, prayer that empowers, worship that inspires, and practicing his presence that encourages.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Holy God, who is like you? You are majestic in holiness beyond my comprehension; you are awesome in glory that takes my breath away. Every moment you are continually working wonders. There is no one holy like you! There is no one besides you!

I praise you, Father, for working your holiness into my spirit, enabling me to reflect your holy love, your holy goodness, your holy compassion to those around me. Empower me this day, I pray. AMEN.

(Exodus 15:11; 1 Samuel 2:2; Philippians 2:13)

[1] https://www.rct.uk/collection/31701/the-imperial-state-crown

[2] Revelation 4:8

[3] James MacArthur, Gripped by the Greatness of God, 28.

[4] MacArthur, 31.

[5] Francis Frangipane, Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God, 23; 1 Thessalonians 5:24

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Glorify the Light

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Delight, God's Grace, God's Love, Godly Character, Obedience, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on September 25, 2025| 46 Comments »

In ancient times, someone noticed that candles held up high extended the light further and made the room brighter. That observation led to an invention.

He (or she!) crisscrossed two small boards, fastened them together, hammered a spike through each of the four ends, and fixed a candle on each spike. Last he suspended the contraption from the rafters [1].

Perhaps something similar to this!

Voilà! The first chandelier was born.

Fast forward to the 1600s. Artisans began producing the first crystal chandeliers that reflected and refracted the light, creating more ambient light than candles alone, not to mention stunning beauty.

1600s rock crystal chandelier, from the Nethercutt Collection, Sylmar, CA

Some designers incorporated mirrors, increasing the luminosity even further.

Louis XIV of France famously ordered numerous chandeliers—forty-three of them—for the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Thousands of crystals maximized the light of approximately twenty thousand candles, which was also reflected in the 357 pieces of mirrored glass [2].   

A chandelier offers us a radiant picture of the kingdom of God with the crystals and mirrors representing us. Just as a chandelier glorifies a room with its resplendent light, so we’re called to glorify GOD by reflecting his resplendent light to those around us [3].

But how do we do that? Consider these possibilities:

We Glorify God by Trusting Him (Psalm 147:11)

It must warm God’s heart when his saints keep returning to him for strength and comfort during a difficult season. Such people, calmed by the profound and inexplicable peace of God, stand in beautiful contrast to the angry or anxious around them.

We Glorify God by Enjoying Him (Psalm 96:6-8)

That enjoyment will surely create a noticeable glow of contentment on our faces, as we delight in his mercy, goodness, compassion, and more.

We Glorify God by Letting Him Love Us (Romans 8:35-39)

“Do you want to glorify God? . . . Let him love you. Receive his grace, drink it down, without adding one drop of your own goodness to it. Your very purpose in life and eternity is to be ‘to the praise of his glorious grace‘” (Ephesians 1:5-6).

Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge, 381.

We may know God loves us, but how often do we rest in his warmth, contemplating his love-gifts throughout the day, like:

  • a multi-hued sunrise
  • the cheery song of a cardinal
  • a friendly wave from a neighbor
  • an uplifting word of encouragement
  • the long-awaited rain pattering on the roof
  • a sweet memory that suddenly comes to mind and makes you smile

This is just a short-list of possibilities. God continually expresses his love. Receive it—no, better yet, revel in it and glorify him for his lavish demonstrations and the grace behind each one.

We Glorify God by Living His Ways (Matthew 5:16)

Years ago a church member told me she’d recently been driving along the main street of our neighborhood and caught up with a car going the speed limit.

“Who goes the speed limit these days?” She laughed and then continued. “But to be honest, I began to get frustrated, because I was in a hurry to get home! And then the car turned down your street and I could see who was driving–your son!

“Imagine: a teenager going the speed limit! I just had to tell you: he’s a good driver, even when he thinks no one’s paying attention.”

E. honored us, his parents, that day, by choosing character over convenience. But better yet he honored God. Without even knowing, he reflected the light of Christ and His character to that church member.

Now imagine the dazzling light-display we can create corporately to glorify God–as we all trust him, enjoy him, let him love us, and live by his ways.

Surely we can even outshine those chandeliers in the Hall of Mirrors!

[1] https://chandelierrental.com/the-history-of-a-chandelier/

[2] https://artisanelevators.com/articles/palace-of-versailles/

[3] James 1:17; Matthew 5:16; 2 Corinthians 3:18

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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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Restore, Refresh, Renew

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Strength, Godly Character, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on September 11, 2025| 30 Comments »

One fall years ago, we visited friends in North Carolina during peak leaf season.  At the time, Steve and I lived in Florida. It had been years since we’d enjoyed autumn leaves.

The day after our arrival, plans included a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in all the festive foliage of: birch (yellow), dogwood (deep red), oak (russet to maroon), red maple (from yellow to maroon), sassafras (orange), and more.

But our much-anticipated excursion had to be postponed due to fog and rain.

On Day Three we finally ventured forth, and surveyed mountains transformed. Dust had been washed away, sunlight reflected from gleaming leaves, and the vibrant colors took our breath away.

Sometimes the dust of concern, discontentment, frustration and more can accumulate in my spirit, clouding the colors of joy and awareness of God’s presence. Life loses its luster.

My eyes miss his blessings, my ears miss his words, my heart misses moments of intimacy with him.

What then? Is there refreshing rain for the soul? Oh yes!

God himself renews. All we have to do is ask [1], perhaps with such a prayer as this:

Restore my EYES, Father. May the tears of repentance clear my vision to see more clearly the beauty of your perfections.

And with an enhanced view of you, I’ll be able to view all other things more clearly [2]–like what you want to show me instead of what I want to see.

Refresh my MOUTH, O God. May I be quick to share gracious words with others as well as appreciation and songs of praise to you for your marvelous deeds.

King Solomon wrote, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Keep me mindful of this power, to use my words as refreshing balm for others, for my own spirit, and to celebrate you also [3].

Renew my EARS, O Lord—to be attentive to your gentle whisper within.  May I heed your instruction as you train me in the delight of right-doing, and lead me ever deeper into the abundant life you provide.

Tune my ears to hear your words of inspiration, cheering me on [4].

Restore my MIND, Father—my understanding, thoughts, and intentions. The things I think are the things that impact my soul.

May I meditate on all the wonders of your attributes and think Christ-honoring thoughts, becoming more Christ-like as a result [5].

Refresh my HEART, O Lord—my motivations, dreams, and desires. I want my heart to align with yours because I know that’s the first step toward fulfilling purpose and satisfaction in life.

Turn my heart, I pray, from what I’d like to have happen, to who you’d have me become—a reflection of your image. That’s where contentment lies [6].

Renew my SPIRIT, O God—my faith, passions, and confidence. May I navigate the challenges of this day with your strength pulsing through my spirit.

Remind me: when negativity or frustration begin to rise, you are my God of help to quell such emotions.

When setbacks occur, you are my God of guidance to show me the way forward, and when disappointments come, you are my God of hope who brings good out of every situation [7].

I praise you, Father, that I can rely upon you to wash away the grime of discouragement, listlessness, and aggravation.

Because of your compassionate love and with your omnipotent power you will restore, refresh, and renew my inner self—just as you have promised.

Begin this moment, I pray.

Restore my eyes, to see more clearly.

Refresh my mouth, to speak gratitude, grace, and praise.

Renew my ears to listen well (and then obey).

Restore my mind to think Christ-honoring thoughts.

Refresh my heart to align my desires with yours.

Renew my spirit to navigate this day with your strength.

P.S. Try renewing your spirit with “Thirty Days of Praise,” offered below (as part of the newsletter).

 

[1] Psalm 51:10b

[2] Psalm 119:15; 50:2. Last statement based on Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light, Day 1.

[3] Psalm 98:1; Proverbs 16:24

[4] Proverbs 2:1-5; 1 Kings 19:11-13; John 10:10

[5] Hannah Whitall Smith, quoted in Values for Life, 256; Psalm 143:5; Romans 12:1-2

[6] 2 Corinthians 3:18

[7] Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 32:8; Romans 15:13

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Our God of Abundant Supply

Posted in Courage, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, God's Provision, Heroes of the Faith, Perseverance, Seeking God, Service, Success, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on August 28, 2025| 42 Comments »

Joy Ridderhof pulled the blankets around her head to warm her shivering body, knowing she’d soon be throwing them off as sweat soaked her nightgown.

Joy had succumbed to malaria before, but this episode wouldn’t subside. As a result, she’d had to leave the people she’d grown to love in Honduras and return home to Los Angeles. The year: 1937.

Her doctors weren’t sure why she didn’t improve. Added to her discomfort was their discouragement: “You mustn’t go back to Honduras, Joy.”

A mountain village of Honduras , 2008

The thirty-four-year-old had served as a missionary in a remote, mountain village for five years. In spite of hardship, illness, and even threats on her life, she’d loved her time there, and many Hondurans had come to know Christ.

Now it appeared that challenging yet satisfying life-chapter was over. Joy faced the possibility of being an invalid the rest of her life—or at least a semi-invalid.

One day as Joy lay in bed, a wonderful idea occurred to her. The gramophones many villages owned could be put to good use if she made records of stories and songs about Jesus. As far as she knew, no such records existed in Spanish.

But how could she implement such a plan? Joy began to pray and asked others to join her.

Slowly, her health improved. And then, she happened to be introduced to a missionary returned from Central America who’d built a recording studio in his home. She shared her idea, and he became enthused about such a project.

Joy wrote the scripts and arranged for singers and their accompaniment. She herself read the stories.

The first record was produced on December 31, 1938. Joy sent them to various locations in Central America. Now people who couldn’t read would hear about Christ in their own language.

But each record cost fifty cents to produce and Joy had no income. The Great Depression meant resources were tight everywhere. Joy prayed for God’s provision. She believed what the great missionary Hudson Taylor had said [1]:

And supply God did.

In May 1939, Joy established Spanish Gospel Recordings.

Missionaries in Mexico heard about Joy’s work and asked for records in another language. Of course, finding native speakers in L. A. for an indigenous Mexican-Indian language would be nearly impossible.

So Joy and her college friend Ann Sherwood left for Mexico and Central America in 1944, a trip made possible by a doctor who loaned them a car and provided gas ration coupons.

Once they arrived in Mexico, a man invited them to use his new recording studio. The women spent ten months producing records in thirty-five languages, then returned to the States, satisfied their task was complete.

But God had more in store.

Missionaries to the Navajo Indians in Arizona asked for recordings; Joy found native speakers to translate and record scripts for them [2].

Next came a call from Alaska. The two women drove from L.A. to Alaska, equipped with one of the first tape recorders produced in America. While there, someone mentioned that such records would be helpful in the Philippines.

“Oh no!” Joy laughed. “Now we’ve got to go to there!”

Joy and Ann spent one year in the Philippine Islands, producing records in ninety-two languages [3].

By 1955, the two women and others had travelled around the world. Records were being sent to more than one hundred countries [4], prepared on top-of-the-line recorders that God supplied.

He also provided workers who lived in various countries. By 1980 about 3,500 languages had been recorded [5]. Millions of records had been produced.

Of course, not all remote villages owned a record player. So Joy’s organization developed and supplied a number of different players over the decades.

The simplest was a cardboard sleeve that also housed the record for shipping. When opened up, a needle fastened to one edge played the record when placed on the stubby spindle attached to one side. The record could be turned by a pencil or stick stuck into a hole on the edge of the label.   

Hand-wound box-players were later issued, then cassette players, followed by hand-wound mp3 players. Today, the internet and apps allow people all over the world to hear about Jesus and his gift of salvation.

In an interview recorded in 1974 [6], Joy Ridderhof (1903-1984) passionately affirmed:

“We have a God that’s alive, who answers prayer, takes care of us, gives us joy in the work, and provides great results from our work.

“Many thousands have heard about Jesus; little churches have sprung up in different places. He has met our needs and proven himself faithful [7]!”

Today, the Global Recordings Network includes forty offices worldwide, and has produced recordings in more than 6,500 languages [8].  

Joy Ridderhof

 

[1] https://www.globalrecordingsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Magazine-viewing-version-1.pdf

[2] https://fromthevault.wheaton.edu/2024/03/04/too-impractical-to-be-a-missionary-remembering-missions-pioneer-joy-ridderhof/

[3]  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsLfY9bOkxo

[4] https://fromthevault.wheaton.edu.

[5] www.globalrecordings.org

[6] (and [7])  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsLfY9bOkxo

[8] https://www.globalrecordingsusa.org/about/overview/

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Six Ways to Add EXCITEMENT to Your Life!

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Joy, Prayer, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2025| 30 Comments »

Sometimes life can become little more than a repetitive rhythm of responsibilities and commitments. If we’re not careful, the day-to-day routine furrows a rut of monotony and dissatisfaction.

In addition, it may not be feasible to make the changes we dream of: a new job, a move across the country, pursuit of an exciting pastime like paragliding, vacations in exotic locations, or other adventuresome options.

We have kids. Others are counting on us. We don’t have the resources or time.

Does that mean we’re chained to tedium for the foreseeable future? Not at all.

Listed below are six ways (out of many) to spark excitement in our spirits: 

Make Others Smile–and Even Laugh

In fact, Jesus taught that providing benefit to others is actually a greater blessing to the giver than the receiver [1]. Surely that principle applies to smiles and laughter also.

I wonder how many smiles and chuckles we can cause today?

Celebrate the Small

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

Kurt Vonnegut

Sometimes we have to be proactive and stir up a little excitement—make a big deal out of something small, such as:

  • Celebrate the achievement of a family member. Did one of the children (grandchildren, nieces or nephews) earn an award, make the honor roll, successfully complete a project, or finish his first chapter book? Commemorate the occasion with the honoree’s favorite main dish for dinner, create a song or present a speech; include plenty of applause.
  • Research an interesting historical event that happened on an upcoming date. Have the kids plan a dinner celebration in honor of the anniversary. They might create table decorations, a reenactment or presentation, a quiz to stump the parents [2].
  • Try something new—a restaurant, park, museum, or activity. Explore another neighborhood or town nearby.

Afterwards, add a prayer of thanksgiving, and you’ll find such experiences enhanced even further.

Be Curious and Pursue Discovery . . .

. . . in creation, in knowledge, in the backstory of people you know, and especially in scripture.

Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.

Lovelle Drachman

It’s exhilarating to discover something new, don’t you think?

Equally delightful is the realization that no matter how long we live, how much we read, how many people we get to know, how much time we spend studying scripture, there will always be more to discover.

I find that exciting!

Encourage Others

How exciting is that?

Speak Gratitude and Praise

Write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world.

George A. Buttrick

No doubt, such a list would foster excitement in our hearts—for a God of goodness, compassion, generosity and power, who provides enumerable blessings each day.

Pray about Everything . . .

. . . and enjoy the thrill God has ordained, allowing us to be a part of his healings, provisions, guidance for decisions and more.

Now review the headings above and note:

Finding adventure in everyday life is not about grand gestures, but about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.

John Claborn [3]

Finding adventure . . . seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary . . . sounds like an exciting pursuit, don’t you think?

What sparks excitement for you? What strategy might you try next? Please share in the comment section below!

____________________

[1] Acts 20:35

[2] See https://www.ducksters.com/todayinhistory.php, a resource for possibilities to celebrate.

[3] https://theruggedface.com/finding-adventure-in-everyday-life/

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In the Stillness

Posted in God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on August 13, 2025| 35 Comments »

Wingstem waltzes at woodland edge,

Gilt buckeye leaves tumble and twirl.

Creation sighs a cool breeze of relief

As summer wanes and fall approaches.

Squirrels scamper over tree-branch highways,

A hummingbird breakfasts on day lilies,

Mums turn round faces to bask in the sun–

A bustle of activity, but not a sound.

Much is accomplished in the stillness.

Trees stretch skyward, adding rings of growth,

Dew crystals bring moisture to petal and leaf,

Butterflies pollinate flower after flower.

God orchestrates harmony, even in stillness,

But not for self-flattering fanfare.

His efforts provide undeniable evidence

Of who he is—proof of his glory.

Note his artistry on sunset dahlias,

His genius in the strength of spider silk,

His wisdom in the female finch’s cloak,

His faithfulness in the circle of seasons.

God also desires to work within us,

Applying his artistry, genius, and wisdom—

Fostering change, fulfilling purpose—

Quietly, faithfully, day by day.

In the stillness of God’s holy presence,

We find strength and serenity of soul.

All we need do is accept his welcome

Into the quiet discovery of HIM.

(Romans 1:20; Psalm 104:24; Job 12:7-10; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 28:7, 29: 11, & 46:10.)

P.S. Ways to involve ourselves in the quiet discovery of God include Bible study, reflection, and praise. Currently my newsletter includes a resource for just such purpose. You can sign up below!

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(Reblogged from 9-27-18 while we enjoy house guests.)

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Everything Serves God’s Purpose

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Hope, Maturity, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , on August 7, 2025| 34 Comments »

(A personal, prayer-response:)

How I love this passage, Lord, with its comfort and reassurance!

Paul reminds me here that You, O God, are all-wise and all-knowing; You know what’s best for each of us.

You cause all things to work together for our benefit, for those who love You (Romans 8:28).

Sometimes though, I have to admit, certain events confound and frustrate me. My finite mind cannot understand what good you could possibly bring out of:

  • Severe financial setbacks for a godly family
  • A rejection letter from a mission board for an eager candidate
  • An announcement of divorce between a respected couple in the church
  • A cancer diagnosis for a young mother
  • The death of a child

But those of us who trust in You know that we can count on Your wisdom and knowledge in all things, and the absolute dependability of Your character—Your benevolent goodness, Your perfect righteousness, Your deep compassion, Your unfailing faithfulness and infinite love (to name a few)—even in the face of struggle and tragedy.

Remind me, Father, that “making room for mystery in my worldview”(1) is an important element of spiritual maturity.

And to demonstrate that mature trust, I can follow Job’s example. His first response to catastrophe was worship (Job 1:20).

And as I worship, I can praise and thank You, not only for those blessings I see but also for those I can’t.

Help me Father to rest in the knowledge that:

  • Out of Your infinite wisdom, You select the best possible conclusion of events, and You adopt the best possible means for accomplishing that conclusion (2).
  • You are the Most High God, Lord of heaven and earth. You are subject to no one and influenced by no one; neither can anyone thwart or hinder Your plans (3).
  • Even my mistakes could never obstruct Your will.
  • You, on the other hand make no mistakes. Your choices for me are always right, because they come from Your perfect mind and heart. You always know exactly what you’re doing.
  • “Everything from You and for You” (v. 36) often includes mundane tasks, tedious routine, and lack of recognition. But I can count on the fact that, “in the midst of what seems terribly ordinary, You—in your wisdom and power–are doing something extraordinary” (4).
  • Everything serves Your purpose (5). You direct everything toward the conclusion you ordained for it.

May I be joyfully submissive to Your plans for me, in light of these marvelous truths!

Notes:

  1. Sarah Young, Jesus Always, 65. 
  2. Based on a J. L. Dagg quote, www.gracequotes.com.
  3.  Based on an A. W. Pink quote, www.gracequotes.com.
  4. Alice Mathews, A Woman God Can Use, 77.
  5. A quote my dad copied into one of his Bibles, source unknown.

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AVAILABLE THIS MONTH: “Thirty Days of Praise”–scriptures and question-prompts I’ve gathered, to turn our hearts and minds toward celebrating God. As we draw near to him with a few moments of reflection and worship, we can KNOW: he will draw near to us (James 4:8).

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