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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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Times of Refreshing

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged Acts 3:19, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Grace on February 24, 2014| 4 Comments »

“Times of refreshing may come from the Lord,” Peter said (Acts 3:19b).

I wonder: What might those refreshing times look like?

If we think about those moments that restore us physically and emotionally, we’ll find clues to the spiritual refreshment God offers.

For example, do you feel renewed after…

…a good night’s sleep?

Jesus offers rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29-30)–rest that includes insulation against fear and worry.

…a tall, cool glass of water on a hot day?

Jesus offers “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). He was speaking of an enhanced life–characterized by peace, joy, and his comforting presence. Finally, this enhanced life will turn to ecstasy once we’re transported to heaven.

…a delicious meal?

Just as food satisfies our stomachs, God’s Word satisfies our spirits. The Bible fills us with truths that strengthen and promises that revive.

…a heart-to-heart chat with a friend?

God actually designed us for symbiotic relationship. “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). But the uplift is augmented when we know Jesus and seek his wisdom–his ways–in our interactions.

Then consider the relationship we have with Jesus himself. I can’t imagine living without him, can you? Just a quick reminder that he is in control and has a plan can ease any anxiety. When I affirm he will supply my needs and those of family and friends, I can breathe easier. Knowing he is always with me is great comfort. When I avail myself of these benefits, he does indeed restore my soul (Psalm 23:3a).

…a hot shower?

Nothing is quite as restorative as washing away the grime of the day and allowing the pelting water to ease weary muscles.

Peter spoke clearly and bluntly, “Repent…turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19a).

Why do we resist repenting–confessing and turning away from those things we know deep down aren’t good for us? We’re like little kids, grungy and itchy from playing in the dirt, and resisting a bath!

But if we do not repent, if our sins are not wiped out, the times of refreshing from the Lord cannot come. Here’s the whole of Acts 3:19, parts A and B together:

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

I do not want to be tired, thirsty, hungry, lonely, or dirty in my spirit. Not when God’s refreshing grace is always available for renewal, restoration, and replenishment.

* * * * * * * * * *

So here I am, Lord, coming to you with a repentant heart. I don’t want to live in some remote wasteland, removed from your presence! Thank you for your restoration that is complete and your provision of refreshing times that are continual. All day long you replenish my spirit! Even in the night you restore my soul. Your loving kindness and grace are boundless, and my spirit soars with praise!

(Photo credit: http://www.wikimedia.org)

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Pray, Believe, and Fight

Posted in Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Ways, Isaiah 61:3, Perseverance, Prayer on February 13, 2014| 15 Comments »

The place: Spindletop, Texas.

The time: 1892

A group of five investors formed the Gladys City Oil Company. Sulphur springs in the area gave them great hope that black gold lay beneath the surface, especially since gas seepages in the area would ignite if lit.

Soon the area was dotted with holes–holes that produced nothing. Two investors pulled out.

A geologist was brought in. More investors were convinced to take the risk.

Nine long, unproductive years went by, and still no oil. That’s 3,285 days of discouragement, disappointment, and exhausting labor. Yet those men would not give up.

Finally, on January 10, 1901, their long-held dreams were realized. At the depth of 1,139 feet, the company struck oil. And it wasn’t just a gurgling flow. The discovery at Spindletop gave new meaning to the term, “gusher.” The oil shot over one hundred feet into the air, spewing enough to fill 100,000 barrels a day. It took nine days to get the well under control. No oil field in the world, up to that time, had been so productive.

I wonder what those men said to each other each morning, over those 3,000-plus days of working, learning, waiting, and wondering? Surely their conversations included some positive uplift, or they would have quit. Perhaps they made such comments as:

“If we don’t find oil, at least we can say we gave the effort everything we’ve got. If we quit before all possibilities are tried? That‘s failure.”
“All the signs indicate there is oil. We can‘t quit!
“Today might be the day!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Just as oil is sometimes discovered by accident, so God’s blessings fall into our laps as glorious surprises. Other times, God chooses to postpone a blessing while we dig our way through learning, working, waiting, and wondering–like the oil men of Spindletop, Texas.

How do we press on when circumstances look bleak, when common sense tells us to quit?

1. Pray! The key to knowing when to persevere and when to change direction is to spend time with God. Ask him to make clear what the next step is. Most likely he will not reveal the whole plan at once. He rarely works that way, because it eliminates the faith factor. Our moment-by-moment trust in him is too crucial to the abundant living he desires for us.

2. Believe! Dozens of promises in scripture probably apply to your situation and mine. We can recite those promises–not as demands (“God, you said this, so I’m expecting you to do it.”) but as faith-builders. (“God, you said this, and I know with you all things are possible.”)

3. Fight! Fight against discouragement with plenty of encouragement. God is very creative in the ways he brings hope to our spirits. Often it’s through Bible reading and other Christian material. We must keep reading! Sometimes it’s in a sermon or a song. We must keep listening!

A friend or even a stranger can speak uplifting words that resonate in our hearts. Sometimes it’s as if God is speaking directly. One sign for me, that someone is speaking for God? Goosebumps! I can almost feel his light touch on my arm and his voice saying, “Pay attention to this, Nancy.”

Our God is a well of unending supply. Whatever we need in this life, including wisdom, direction, and perseverance toward a goal, he will provide. In fact, he will do whatever it takes for his praying, believing, fighting children to discover the oil of gladness, instead of mourning (over failure), a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

That’s one way our loving, supportive Heavenly Father displays his splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

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Top Choices

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Galatians 6:7, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Luke 6:45, Meditation, Philippians 4:8, Praise, Worship on February 6, 2014| 6 Comments »

Paul told his beloved friends in Philippi: “You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

As a meditative exercise, I decided to choose one event, object, or truth which embodied adjectives from this verse. Which examples below are similar to choices you would make? What might you select that would be different?

One important truth:

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That one was rather obvious, wasn’t it. The veracity and certainty of eternal life colors every moment of life with peace and joy. How incredibly splendorous!

One supreme example of nobility:

First, a definition. Nobility includes qualities of high moral character such as honor, generosity, and courage.

I have been blessed and influenced by many noble people. Any one of them would be worthy to contemplate and hold up as an example: family members, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, missionaries, colleagues, friends.

So if I stick my hand into an imaginary hat filled with their names on slips of paper, I might pull out…M. and L.

M. lost his job unfairly and in a hurtful way. But they persevered through that dark time with honor and courage. These two are also known for generosity and hospitality, in their church community and beyond.

One person of good repute:

Again, I have to put my hand into that hat and pull out . . .

…Rachel Asherman, my grandmother. To this day her grandchildren arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28), because of her kind, gracious ways. Everyone loved Grandma Rachel.

One example of holy authenticity:

The Bible. How grateful I am for the reliability of God’s Word—filled with wisdom, promises, and encouragement. The more I learn of archaeology, prophecy, history, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding its authenticity.

One item that demands compelling attention:

An impossible choice! As I contemplate towering mountains and tiny snowflakes, colorful flowers and majestic trees, soaring birds and fluttering butterflies, radiant rainbows and ethereal sunbeams, crashing waves and delicate seashells…my heart is filled with wonder and appreciation. And yet there is so much more!

God created such astounding beauty to display his attributes to us. With his power he carved out ocean beds. In wisdom he designed the evaporation cycle. With creative genius he splashed color over the earth–even out into the galaxies. His engineering prowess is highlighted in a honeycomb, and his artistry in a rose.

“The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)!

So where might that glory be most evident? Perhaps at the birth of a baby, when the little one takes that first breath of life and greets everyone with a wobbly cry. And surely there is glory in that moment when the parents first glimpse this new little person who will forever be entwined around their hearts.

Who is not compelled to give attention to that wonder? “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4)!

One example of graciousness:

A dear friend, Dixie, died of a brain tumor a number of years ago. Her treasure of life stories included great heartache, but you wouldn’t have known that to look at her. Dixie seemed to live in a cloud of contentment and peace, never showing anger, never gossiping, never complaining. Her example is still an encouragement to me today.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the bounty of beautiful things and inspiring people you have brought into my life. Meditation on all your blessings can keep me happily occupied for hours!

But you have ordained greater purpose in the exercise, because there is power generated by our thoughts. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,” Jesus said, “. . . for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”

That means the more I meditate on your goodness, the more goodness will come out of my mouth. And the more goodness that comes out of my mouth, the more will be evident in my life, because a man [woman] reaps what [s]he sows (Galatians 6:7).

May I make choices, moment by moment, that will demonstrate the overflow of your Spirit.

Top choices.

(Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.flicker.com; http://www.whattoexpect.com.)

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Praise 101

Posted in Encouragement, God's Presence, Hope, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Encouragement, God's Ways, Gratitude, Hope, Praise, Psalm 103:2-6, Psalm 145, Psalm 28:6-7, Worship on February 3, 2014| 9 Comments »

“I can’t remember the last time I felt truly happy.”

“Nobody understands what this situation is like.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve experienced one or more of the emotions behind those statements, including: discouragement, self-pity, hopelessness, and fear.

When circumstances seem out of control and problems defy solution, what can we do?

A good place to start: praise God.

I know. That seems an odd course of action and counter-intuitive. But that’s what God instructs us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Now why would that be?

Reason #1: Praise is a powerful weapon against those emotions listed above. It fosters peace and contentment by taking our minds off our problems and focusing our attention on God.

David shows us the way in Psalm 103. In verse two he says, “Forget not all [God’s] benefits.” Then he lists a number of them: forgiveness of all sins, healing of all diseases*, redemption from the pit, God’s love, compassion, righteousness, and justice (vs. 3-6).

What would your personal list include? What specific ways has he provided for you, guided and protected you, fulfilled promises to you, and empowered you?

“Praise is the honey of life

which a devout heart extracts

from every bloom of providence and grace.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon

Reasons #2: Praise invites his presence, and with his presence comes his strength and help.

“Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.” (Psalm 28:6-7).

I have to be honest here. There have been times when my praise to God had to be squeezed through gritted teeth. And the first words of affirmation did not immediately lift me into golden clouds of euphoria.

What I can tell you is this: Depression, discouragement, self-pity, and hopelessness were kept at bay. And I felt the presence of God around me, giving me strength to press on.

How has praise brought God’s strength and help into your life?

Reason #3: Praise lifts our spirits and gives us hope. When words won’t come, we can turn to the psalms. Chapter 145 offers one example of eloquent praise:

“God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness. ..

“God is all mercy and grace–not quick to anger, is rich in love. God is good to one and all; everything he does is suffused with grace…

“Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures. Everything God does is right–the trademark on all his works is love…

“My mouth is filled with God’s praise” (vs. 3, 8-9, 16-17, 21, The Message)!

Can you feel the hope, comfort, and strength stirring in the depths of your soul?

Keep praising!

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, yes, Lord, may my mouth be filled with your praise, whether I’m celebrating on a mountaintop or plodding through a valley. Thank you for the delight of the former and your comfort and care through the latter. I praise you that all things are under your control. With a grateful heart, I put my hope and trust in you.

* All of our diseases are healed: 1) instantly and miraculously, often as the result of prayer, 2) slowly over time, often with extended prayer and medical intervention, or 3) eternally, when we reach heaven.

(photo credits: www.pxhere.com; http://www.stockvault.com.)

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The Touch of God

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, Uncategorized, tagged Appreciation, Blessing, God's Goodness, God's Presence on January 27, 2014| 11 Comments »

“No hugs today,” Laura said as she stepped back from my outstretched arms. “I’ve got a cold.” Laura proceeded to turn around and we shoulder-bumped, laughing like school girls.

You know what? That shoulder bump felt just as good as a hug. It provided connection, silly as it was.

Research shows that physical touch actually causes a number of health benefits. Lowered blood pressure and cortisol levels are two positive outcomes, which in turn reduce stress. In addition, the hormone, oxytocin, is released, creating a sense of well-being. Studies have also shown that touch eases asthma symptoms and migraines. The power of touch even impacts the quality of a person’s sleep.

And it’s not just hugs. Many different types of touch suffice. Of course, loving hugs from family members or friends would certainly be at the top of the list. But a squeeze around the shoulders, even a touch on the arm can have a positive influence, creating happiness and joy in our spirits.

In 2006, a research study determined we can accurately communicate a number of emotions through touch alone, including: anger, fear, disgust, love, gratitude, and sympathy. The study involved total strangers using touches on the forearm. No words, no body language, no facial expressions. Just touch.

There is power in human touch.

There is even greater power in the touch of God. Have you felt it?

Perhaps you’ve heard a sermon and the minister seemed to be speaking directly to you. That’s God’s hand on your shoulder, communicating encouragement. “You, see, child? This is the way that will take you forward.”

Perhaps you’ve been overcome with emotion at the sight of sunbeams breaking through rose-hued clouds. That’s God enveloping you in a loving hug, saying, “This gift is for you. I do love you, child.”

Perhaps while reading the Bible, a particular truth has stood out. And as you began to apply the principle, change occurred—not necessarily in your circumstances, but in your attitude and ability to cope. A quiet sense of joy pervaded your spirit. That’s God squeezing your shoulder, infusing confidence, and saying, “Well done! Press on!”

Perhaps tears have welled up in your eyes as you’ve sung to God a praise song from your heart. Peace enveloped you. That’s his hand tracing your brow with comfort as he says, “My peace I give you…do not be afraid” (John 14: 27). “Let my joy be complete in you” (John 15:11).

“What a wonderful thing to be touched in the heart by God…When the heart is touched, the core of our being is touched.” – John Piper

Have you ever heard someone gush about shaking hands with a dignitary or celebrity? Many people place great importance on the value of such a touch.

Now think of being touched by the sovereign King of the universe . The all-powerful, all-wise, always loving and kind God reaches out to touch each of our hearts.

Incredible, isn’t it?

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for the power of your touch that offers peace and comfort, encouragement and support, strength and confidence. Thank you for coming so close, so frequently, to touch our spirits. I thrill with adoration and gratitude every time!

Photo credit: http://www.pxhere.com

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Blessed Are the Flexible

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Will, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Ways on January 23, 2014| 21 Comments »

Once again I found myself dashing out the door after…my quiet time of Bible study and prayer, making the bed, writing two get-well cards (couldn’t put that off another day), printing some documents to read and prepare with comments, breakfast, showering, drying my hair, putting on make-up, getting dressed, etc., etc.

I hurried to get in the car, and checked my watch. In twenty minutes I was due to meet Steve at church , about fifteen minutes away. I had just enough time to stop for gas. After the fill-up, and back in the car, I checked the time again. The pit stop had taken four minutes. If the traffic lights worked with me instead of against me, I’d arrive at my destination with a couple of minutes to spare. Whew.

In the peaceful quiet of the car, I prayed as I often do: “Lord, help me be a blessing to those I meet today. May I be an attentive listener, speak words of encouragement, and maybe even share a bit of wisdom from you.”

Soon I was pulling into the church parking lot. According to the dashboard clock, I did indeed have two minutes to spare. Hallelujah.

With a deep cleansing breath (a holdover habit from Lamaze classes) and a smile, I opened the door…to this news from Steve:

“I’m so sorry, Honey. The computers at Northwestern Mutual just went down. I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.” (Must have been while I was pumping gas.) “They said they’ll have to reschedule our meeting for next week.”

For a split second I wanted to say, “WHAT?! After all the rushing around I did this morning in order to get here on time? All that effort for NOTHING?! I have a long to-do list I could be tackling! This is so UNFAIR!”

But just who deserved that rant? Certainly not Steve. It wasn’t his fault the computers at Northwestern Mutual weren’t working. So just where could I direct my angst? Nowhere. I had to stuff it down.

And while I was stuffing, my prayer spoken in the car came to mind.

Oh, boy. I had just asked God to help me be a blessing to whomever I might meet. And when a small monkey wrench gets thrown my way I want to throw it back. Some blessing. Will the day ever come when I can react with a gentle and quiet spirit–even in the first moment of upset?

And speaking of upset, this little setback is nothing compared to the heartache and suffering of others. Why do I allow an inconsequential matter, like a postponed meeting, to steal my joy–even for a second?

God is still teaching me some important lessons (because I’m a slow learner):

What seems to be a waste of time in my shortsightedness may not be, in God’s long view of eternity.
The to-do list is not a binding, legal document. The wise person leaves space on the page and in her spirit for serendipitous possibilities.
Changes of plan and interruptions (another bug-a-boo of mine) may be God-engineered events. Greet them with expectation and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Live in the present. Put aside the frustration that the plan for the day has been reconfigured. Accept the moment as a surprise gift–to be passed on to someone else who needs a favor, a listening ear, or a bit of encouragement. Another possibility? The moment may turn out to be a gift for you.

I did indeed receive a gift that day. Instead of attending that meeting, I ended up having an impromptu lunch with some of the church staff–a delightful group of people!

Steve has said for years, “Blessed are the flexible.”

I’m starting to catch on.

(Image credit http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.)

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