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Archive for the ‘Godly Character’ Category

Surprise in the Fruit Bowl

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, God, Godly Character, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on March 14, 2024| 50 Comments »

Years ago I served as a short-term missionary in Ecuador. One of my first meals there included a fruit I’d eaten many times back home in Illinois, although more often from a can than the produce section.

But that day the golden wedges provided an uber-delightful surprise: more flavor, more sweetness, and less acidity than any I’d enjoyed in the States. It was as if I was eating a different fruit.

That’s because Ecuador grows some of the world’s best pineapple. Their location on the equator and the volcanic soil of the Andes Mountains provides perfect growing conditions. I gained new appreciation for what pineapple could be.

There’s another kind of fruit that many of us are familiar with, but it’s not the kind we eat. It’s the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Many of you can probably recite its nine aspects:

What follows are brief thoughts on each. I pray we gain new appreciation for what this fruit can be—perhaps even uncover a surprise or two.

LOVE

If you were asked, what’s a powerful, practical way to express love for others, what would you say? Theologian John Calvin suggested intercession [1]. To pray for a person is to love that person.

Who might you love with a prayer today?

JOY

Scripture tells us to “rejoice always” [2], but that’s hard to do when problems and pain come our way.

Selwyn Hughes offers this perspective: Even though our difficulties may have begun with the devil, by the time they get to us and through us, they will have a divine purpose running through them [3].

Now that we can joyfully celebrate.

PEACE

“The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person,” asserts Lysa TerKuerst [4]. And Isaiah 26:3 suggests why:

What better way to fix our thoughts than with thanksgiving? And as we affirm God’s blessings, peace will warm our hearts.

PATIENCE

Patience blossoms best in the soil of God’s promises, as we wait for him to intervene. His promises cover every circumstance; our part is to know them and believe, then patiently anticipate their fulfillment.

Are you clinging to a scripture-promise today? Turn it into a prayer of faith, hope, and patience [5].

KINDNESS

We can grow this attribute with one action: meditate on God’s kindness to us [6]. Meditation fosters appreciation; appreciation fosters emulation, and soon we find God’s kindness becoming more a part of who we are.

GOODNESS

This trait often seems out of reach. But instead of trying harder to be good, author Philip Yancey recommends: simply love God. “A person who truly loves God will be inclined to please God” [7].

Also worth remembering, the inclination to always please self results in dissatisfaction and restlessness [8].

FAITHFULNESS

Every year thousands gather to see Old Faithful, even though it’s not the tallest geyser in the world. Why is it so popular? Dependability. You can count on Old Faithful.

What might dependability look like for you today?

GENTLENESS

A list of traits of successful people rarely includes gentleness. Yet this attribute contributes much to prosperity in life. That’s because: “[Gentleness] creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” [9].

It’s the gentle-spirited souls who lean in toward God with yielding hearts to rest in his sovereignty. And then, think of it: God, with all his glorious attributes, comes close (James 4:8).

SELF-CONTROL

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”[10]–vulnerable to all sorts of problems.

Better to take the wise course, prayerfully availing ourselves of the Holy Spirit’s help, to develop those habits we know will bring benefit and usefulness.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

And now, our fruit bowl is full! Did you find any surprises?

I pray this week, you enjoy one or more aspects of this familiar fruit–with fresh appreciation!

 

[1] https://gracequotes.org/topic/love-others_for/

[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:16

[3] Every Day Light, 124.

[4] Embraced, 256.

[5] A few favorite scripture-promises include: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10, 31; Romans 8:28; James 1:5.  

[6] From a sermon our pastor preached last spring.

[7] Grace Notes, 325.

[8] Ecclesiastes 2:10-26

[9] Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiring Quotations Contemporary & Classical, 91.

[10] Proverbs 25:28 NLT

Art & photo credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pickpic.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.deviantart.com (vulcanknight).

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Strange Celebrations

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Godly Character, Humility, Maturity, Service, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , on November 2, 2023| 34 Comments »

Looking ahead at the calendar for 2024, I found more than a few wild-and-crazy celebrations in store for those who care to participate. Just in January alone, we can look forward to:

  • National Cream Puff Day—January 2 (Who thought this was a good idea right after the holidays when so many will be embarking on diets?)
  • World Logic Day—January 14 (If only we could fix in one day the irrational and absurd thinking that seems to be increasing these days.)
  • National Popcorn Day—January 19 (This one I can get behind!)
  • National Blonde Brownie Day—January 22 (If you prefer cream cheese brownies, your day is coming February 10.)
  • National Backwards Day—January 31 (Seems like we’d benefit more from honoring evidence of going forward—toward integrity, responsibility, and maturity.)

Didn’t I tell you they were wild-and-crazy observances?

To be honest, we Christians are encouraged to celebrate some wild-and-crazy things—things that make no sense at first glance, like:

Weakness

Too many of us assume we have to be supremely talented and gifted in order to be used by God. But the opposite is true.

God most often chooses ordinary people who’ve emptied themselves of prideful ambition and self-centered motives. They are the ones whom God can fill with himself, who become the ideal showcases for his greatness and glory [1].

Turns out, when we recognize just how weak we are—with our inadequacies, missteps, and fears—we’re actually in the best position to manifest the power of God.

Now that’s worth celebrating!

Meekness

The Hebrew word for meekness suggests “being molded.” The meek are God-molded; they’ve submitted to him and are patterning their lives after him [2]. The meek delight in leaving everything in God’s capable hands.

That may sound unappealing to some, but little do they know: the meek get the most out of life.

For example:

  • They view life with joyful gratitude, not disgruntled entitlement
  • They appreciate their resources—not for the prestige they offer but for their usefulness
  • They don’t harbor envy or jealousy, but genuinely enter into the joys of others

And note what God promises to the meek in Psalm 37:11 (above): an abundance of peace. Isn’t that a happy reality to celebrate?

Servanthood

Not many of this world are interested in the role of servant. But God’s kingdom works very differently:

Every day is a new opportunity to discover what eternal business might be lurking in the ordinary business of being human [3].

Bruce Wilkerson

Yes, there is eternal business in serving others as we:

  • prepare meal after meal that keeps the family fed, but also nourishes their hearts with comfort and delight
  • perform small deeds of kindness—because they’re woven into the larger expanse of God’s far-reaching grace
  • work for the benefit of others and the glory to God—whether anyone notices or not

There is honor in such serving.

Trouble

Now I’ve gone too far, some will say. Celebrating difficulty seems downright sadistic. But consider:

We can take delight in what God will do through the trial.

First, God delights in transforming the black-carbon pressures of our lives into diamonds of radiant beauty, as he chips away at the rough places of our character and the distractions in our lives, allowing the Light of Christ to shine with greater clarity.  Such an undertaking rarely happens overnight; it’s a process that takes time [4].

Second, think of those you’ve known or learned about who did shine with the radiant Light of Christ. They undoubtedly faced trouble, yet persevered and triumphed in the end. We too can experience fulfillment as the Light of Christ shines through us to impact others.

Third, while we’re in the midst of the trial, God often brings the sweetest discoveries of himself [5].

These realities also warrant celebration.

The question remains, how will we celebrate?  Perhaps with an ancient song:

[1] Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth, Biblical Womanhood in the Home, 67.

[2] Ralph Sockman, The Higher Happiness, 65.

[3] A Life God Rewards, 114, emphasis added.

[4] Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, 199.

[5] L. B. Cowman, Jim Reimann (ed.), Streams in the Desert, 143.

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixexid.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pixexid.com; http://www.depositphotos.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.

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The Most Important Outcome of Prayer

Posted in Blessings, Faith, God, Godly Character, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on October 12, 2023| 39 Comments »

According to American theologian R. C. Sproul (1939-2017): “Prayer does change things, all kinds of things. But the most important thing it changes is __________ [1].”

What would you put it the blank? A few possibilities include:

  1. The lives of those we pray for
  2. The way events unfold
  3. The attitudes and perspective of those prayed for
  4. Us—the people doing the praying

Sproul wrote, the most important thing prayer changes is us.

Author and Bible teacher Kay Arthur (1939- ) wrote similarly: “You cannot spend time in prayer, even intercessory prayer [for others], and not have it impact you personally [2].”

Such statements as these beg the question how. How could our prayers for others affect us?

One possibility comes readily to mind. Praying for others and watching miraculous answers unfold strengthens our faith, which contributes to peace of mind and heart.

On the other hand, in those situations when God chooses to postpone his response and yet we continue to pray, the waiting teaches us patience and persistence.

But might there be more ways intercessory prayer impacts us? A bit of research turned up the following. You may be surprised as I was by how many there are.

Intercessory prayer fosters unity in our hearts with those we pray for. We can even find ourselves growing in compassion and affinity for them.

I’ve prayed for Kiana for a number of years now. We’ve never met; I know very little about this young woman in India and yet love for her has bloomed in my heart just the same. I’m looking forward to meeting Kiana in heaven and hearing her story [3].

Intercessory prayer teaches us selflessness as our thoughts are directed away from ourselves and toward others.

Intercessory prayer changes our perspective as we see our desires for a person or situation shift to what God wants to do. We remember: his expansive plan always includes more benefit than we can perceive [4].

We also acknowledge that even times of pain and trouble produce worthwhile results.

Esther Ahn Kim was a Korean Christian who spent six years in a Japanese prison during Word World II as a result of her faith. No doubt many prayed for her release, and yet freedom wasn’t granted. However, at least two guards and many of Esther’s fellow prisoners became believers in Jesus—because of her [5].

Intercessory prayer shifts our attitudes from fear and anger to peace and calm as we affirm the truth of scripture, including:  

  • Whatever transpires has been allowed by God
  • We will never understand all the workings of God this side of heaven
  • Even suffering achieves purpose [6]

Intercessory prayer develops humility as we acknowledge our limited ability to impact people or circumstances and affirm only God can affect any change he chooses.

Intercessory prayer augments our usefulness and causes spiritual growth.

When Pastor Hendricks learned that Matt T. had been asked to teach the Sunday School class for junior high boys, his eyebrows went up. Matt was just out of college and still had some growing up to do himself.

But before long, Pastor Hendricks began hearing reports of the once-rowdy boys eagerly participating in the class. He invited Matt to lunch and asked about his secret of success.

Matt showed him a little black book with one page for each boy. On each page were comments like, “Having trouble in math,” “comes to church against his parents’ wishes,” and “wants to be a missionary but doesn’t feel capable.” Matt was praying over the pages every day.

Pastor Hendricks observed: When we pray for others, we become more like Jesus. And as we grow, God shows us more, and uses us more [7].

Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father? Even as we seek to bless others with our prayers, God is also blessing us.

P.S. Please join me in prayer for the suffering people of Israel and the innocents of Gaza. Let’s pray that the perpetrators of evil are thwarted at every turn [8].

[1] The Prayer of the Lord

[2] His Imprint, My Expression, 157.

[3] You can read how I learned about Kiana at https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/12/12/advent-ure/  

[4] Ephesians 2:20

[5] https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/esther-ahn-kim-steadfast-in-persecution/

[6] Romans 11:33-36; James 1:2-4

[7] https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-prayer-life-of-a-christian-colossians-4

[8] Psalm 125:4-5

Photo credits: http://www.freerange.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com.

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You Too Can Be an Artist!

Posted in Encouragement, Godly Character, Hope, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , on June 22, 2023| 39 Comments »

Some paintings appear so realistic, we can mistake them for photographs:

Painting by Simon Luttichuys, 1650

And while studying the fine brush strokes, the accuracy of color, proportion, and shading, we wonder, How can someone paint like that?

Architecture can stir up the same awe in our hearts. Gloucester Cathedral in England offers a fine example:

The foundation was laid in 1089, and forty-one years later the builders completed the main structure. Its fan-vaulting is a marvel of architecture; its Great East Window is the size of a tennis court.

Other forms of artistic genius can bring us to tears, like a soul-stirring song or a writer’s words that surprise us by their beauty or wisdom.

Some of you have devoted yourselves to training and practiced for hours in order to achieve expertise in one or more of these fields. Others of us have to make do with amateur efforts.

But there’s one dimension where we can all participate with glorious results—as artists of the soul. Scripture provides a few guidelines for us, as we consider the strengths of the masters in each of the above pursuits. For example:

The perceptive artist sees differently.

Just as an artist sees more than most of us—the subtleties of detail, color, light, and contour—the enlightened heart sees all the nuances of hope that God supplies–for positive change, answers to prayer, better tomorrows, and eternal life.

In addition, hope splashes the colors of joy into our souls and casts light into every corner.

The skilled architect builds solidly.

The requirements for a stable structure include a firm foundation on rock, sturdy walls, and a reliable roof.

A soul that is stable and secure for eternity must include the same entities: a firm foundation of faith on our Rock, Jesus Christ, sturdy walls of certainty in God’s truth, and reliable protection over us in the storms of life [1].

The effective writer communicates plainly.

All writers seek to tell their story or share their message with clarity; all of us who follow Jesus should desire to communicate clearly our love and trustworthiness.

But how we express these traits may vary–especially when it comes to love–just as authors’ writing-styles can differ.

For example, you may know a person who exhibits warmheartedness toward others with his cheerfulness and infectious laugh, someone else by listening and empathizing, and still another by lending a hand wherever needed.

But no matter our style, love (and integrity) are what we’re called to communicate [2].

The proficient vocalist and instrumentalist express passion.   

Those who really know how to express music bring more to their performance than perfected technique. They sing or play from their hearts and artfully communicate the emotion of the piece.

In Psalm 147:7 above, we’re told our music before God should communicate grateful praise. And genuine gratitude sparks passion. We’d do well to remember our audience also:

“Sing [or play] as if performing for a King.

You are.”

Unknown

Even as we strive to honor God, a small miracle unfolds within us: the music washes away from our souls the dust of everyday life [3].

So, as an artist of the soul, what form will your worship take today? Will you:

  • Determine to splash the colors of joy in your spirit with the nuances of hope?
  • Add more bricks of faith from God’s Word, to increase your stability?
  • Communicate love and faithfulness to those around you?
  • Sing or play your grateful praise to God your King—with passion? (Remember, he won’t mind a bit if it’s not perfect.)

Let’s make today a work of art for him!

 

[1] 1 Corinthians 3:11; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 5:11.

[2] John 13:35; Proverbs 4:26 NIV

[3] Based on a Berthold Auerbach quote

Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.wallpaperflare.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org.

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Beyond Imagination

Posted in Courage, Excellence, God's Power, God's Provision, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Service, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on June 15, 2023| 34 Comments »

“I’m sorry, but we cannot treat those who cannot pay,” the doctor explained.

Katie Davis blinked in shock. How could a physician turn away an injured child, even if she was an orphan? Then again, this was Uganda, not Brentwood, Tennessee where she grew up. Fifty percent of the population here lived in poverty, and the under-resourced hospital couldn’t handle all the overwhelming needs.

People waiting in Ugandan hospital

But Katie, a kindergarten teacher, couldn’t accept the doctor’s pronouncement. This child was a student in her school, living in a shack down the street. She was the oldest of three and caretaker of the younger two; their parents had died of AIDS.

The orphanage was already full to capacity; Katie feared for the girls’ future. That very day she managed to secure custody papers, and single Katie became a mother of three—at age nineteen.[1]

What will Mom and Dad say about THIS? she must have thought.

They’d already been hesitant about Katie’s first three-week trip to Uganda, to work at a Christian orphanage her senior year of high school, 2006. Almost as soon as she arrived, Katie fell in love with the staff and students.

Upon returning to the States, Katie couldn’t wait to get back to Uganda after graduation, to take the kindergarten position offered her. The Davises had agreed, with the understanding she’d begin college the following year.

Katie returned home as promised, but her heart remained in Uganda. After one semester, her parents acquiesced and Katie flew back to the people and country she loved.

Uganda–a small land-locked country of East Africa

It was January 2008 when Katie’s adopted daughters moved into her small living quarters, but God soon provided a house to rent.

Over the next eighteen months, more orphans were brought to Katie—girls who’d been abandoned, abused, or whose parents had died of AIDS. One baby was given to Katie by an HIV-positive mother, just twelve years old herself. Child-by-child, Katie’s family grew to thirteen.

Of course, her teacher-salary couldn’t cover all the expenses. But Katie had already researched how to start a nonprofit organization, to aid Uganda’s children. Amazima International Ministries was established in 2008, based in Katie’s hometown of Brentwood.[2]

Soon 150 children were receiving assistance that included school supplies, basic medical care, and two hot meals a day—things their families couldn’t afford.

Two years passed. Katie’s life brimmed with all the responsibilities that thirteen children entail. In addition, numerous houseguests came and went—people in dire circumstances needing temporary lodging.

As with any household, disagreements and frustrations flared. But the word Katie chose to describe the atmosphere was elation—for the laughter, singing, happy noise and gratitude that filled her home.[3]

Then tragedy unfolded. A dear friend and mother of five, died. And the biological mother of one of Katie’s adoptees returned to claim her daughter—a mother unfit for parenting—but Katie had to let the child go. Grief beyond words gripped her heart as she turned to her Heavenly Father for solace. 

Early in 2014, twenty-something Benji Majors arrived in Uganda on a mission trip. He soon recognized the need for young men to be mentored. So Benji decided to stay and come alongside those wanting to become God’s men of integrity.

When Benji asked Katie out–twice, she said no both times, not sure if marriage was part of God’s plan. Besides, what man would commit himself to a woman with thirteen children? Better not to get involved, she thought. 

But Katie found herself attracted to Benji’s passionate heart for God and for people. She finally invited him for coffee—the first of many dates.

The following year Benji proposed over a picnic. When Katie said yes, her thirteen daughters jumped out of the bushes and tossed flowers at the couple. Benji had included them as part of the plan. He and Katie were married in late 2015.

The couple still lives in Uganda, running Amazima Ministries. They provide education for hundreds of children in their own Amazima School, food and health services for thousands of families, as well as job opportunities.

Who could have imagined such a far-reaching outcome when young Katie left for Uganda?

GOD could.

P.S. Ben and Katie no longer parent 13 children; the number has grown to 15 with their two biological sons.

[1] Though Ugandan law specifies an adoptive parent must be at least twenty-one, a judge can override the law in the best interest of the child(ren).

[2] Amazima means “truth” in Lugandan.

[3] https://youngadults.lifeway.com/2012/01/no-ordinary-life-katie-davis-story-of-serving-children-in-uganda/ 

Sources:

https://amazima.org/about/ . Visit here for numerous photos and information about Amazima Ministries.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/katie-davis-majors-young-adoptive-mother-of-13-ugandans-where-is-god-in-suffering-interview.html

Katie Davis Majors Became An Adoptive Mother To 13 Daughters At 23

https://justbetweenus.org/magazine/exclusive-interviews/extraordinary-love/

https://myhero.com/katie-davis-a-serving-heart-2

https://toptwentyfiveinterviews.transistor.fm/episodes/7-daring-to-hope-part-1-katie-davis-majors

No Ordinary Life: Katie Davis’ Story of Serving Children in Uganda

Photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (Toshihiro Horii); http://www.wikimedia.org; http://www.flickr.com; sni.no/Skole_og_utdanning_i_Uganda (Richard Lord); http://www.publicdomainpictures.com (Michael Spisak).

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Striving Too Hard for All the Wrong Reasons

Posted in Decision-Making, Encouragement, Excellence, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Holiness, Humility, Renewing the Mind, Service, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 8, 2023| 45 Comments »

The Ruegg crew–1980

Years ago when my husband Steve was two-and-a-half years into his first pastorate and our three children were ages five and under, I found myself over-committed.

Sundays, of course, included Sunday School, church, and an evening service. Mondays we hosted a small group in our home that grew to about 30 (which, in my mind, required a clean house plus fresh iced tea and coffee). Thursday evening was choir practice.

From a handful of members to a loft-full; I’m 5th from the left

Every other week, I facilitated a Moms’ support group/Bible study. Also on the to-do list: leading Children’s Church each Sunday for a year, and participating in numerous other activities that happened on a less frequent schedule.

Do you see any issues here?! I didn’t.

All this activity felt important for the growth and community-building of our church that had been dying before we arrived. As a result, I was always on the go between the responsibilities there and at home. Sometimes I resented it (which can be one of the symptoms of striving too hard).  

But the bustle felt gratifying too. In seeking to please the people around me, I was feeding my own neediness for validation. Pride and self-satisfaction lurked in the corners of my soul—wrong reasons for the striving. In addition, I was discovering those attitudes are never satiated.

What’s a Type-A person–who wants to do what’s right–supposed to do?

The following questions can help us evaluate our choices of activity, how many we choose, as well as analyze the motivations behind them:  

Am I propelled most days by determination or devotion?

The determined person rarely reads her Bible or prays except on the run. Her calendar is impressively full of good-deed commitments for others, but contentment is illusive.

This woman may know that a quiet time spent with God refreshes and transforms the spirit, but she can’t seem to make it happen.

Do I find myself pressing on (to the point of exhaustion), while rarely pressing in to be strengthened?

Pressing in includes connecting with God throughout the day, especially in the thick of stress, frustration, or anxiety.  One means is to recite scripture verses that bring our focus back to our all-powerful, all-wise God. [1]

Such verses include:

  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
  • “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15).
  • “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).

God is ever-ready to help—with the choices before us, when to say yes and when to say no, as well as the right motivations behind those choices.

Does people-pleasing supersede God-pleasing in my life?

Author Shauna Niequist speaks for some of us when she asks: “Why am I doing this? What is it in me that keeps things moving so breakneck fast, . . . that sacrifices my own health and happiness so that people who aren’t me will think I’m doing a good job, in some vague, moving-target kind of way?”[2]

I too find my service for others frequently tinged with people-pleasing. Does that mean I should forego such activity until I can purify my intentions?

No, wrote author and pastor, Tim Keller: “If you wait until your motives are pure and unselfish before you do something, you will wait forever.”[3]

BUT! Our heavenly Father offers this glorious hope:

Because we are covered by Jesus’ righteousness, even our imperfect efforts to please God are acceptable. And as we grow in dependence upon Christ, he’ll purify our hearts more and more.[4]

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Father, I know it’s downright foolish of me to strive so hard, especially for all the wrong reasons. I want to be free from people-pleasing, self-gratification of the ego, and pride. Forgive me for giving room to such attitudes in my mind.

Help me to be an eager and compliant participant as you work within me to create a pure heart and make my attitudes new.

In the powerful name of Jesus, AMEN.

(Proverbs 4:23; Psalm 51:10; Romans 12:2)

[1] Psalm 72:12 ESV

[2] Present over Perfect, 58.

[3] The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

[4] Isaiah 61:10; Titus 2:11-14

Photo credits: Nancy Ruegg (2); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pixabay.com (TheDigitalArtist); http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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What’s Your Title?

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, God's Delight, God's Goodness, Godly Character, Holiness, Jesus, Self-Esteem, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on April 6, 2023| 36 Comments »

Have you noticed how many titles there are for God in the Bible—titles like Ancient of Days, Hiding Place, and Father of Glory?

In fact, there are hundreds of names and titles for him, and each is worthy of study, as it reveals facets of his character.

Scripture also refers to us, his people, by different titles. There’s value in carefully considering these also—titles like:

Sheep

This is one we’d rather not claim, but it’s true. On our own we act very much like sheep, tending to follow the crowd, react out of fear, dig in our heels with stubbornness, and make foolish choices. 

And yet our Good Shepherd has purchased us at great price and made us his own. He actually takes delight in caring for us [1].  

Perhaps you agree with me: I’ll gladly wear the humble title of sheep if it means I can live in his divine pasture!

Saints

When many of us visualize saints, we see practically-perfect, self-sacrificing people. Their halos may be invisible, but we’re sure they’re there.

In reality, the word saint simply means holy one, and holy means set apart.

That describes you if you’ve become a Jesus-follower. God clothes every believer in his Son’s righteousness, and places within his perfect nature [2].

To honor God for all he’s done, saints aspire to unwavering focus on him and on his people.

Masterpieces

“Since you are God’s idea, you are a good idea.”

Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life, 26.

You may remember the Greek word used for masterpiece or workmanship in Ephesians 2:10: “poema.” And just as quality poems require much effort; God expended great effort to instill quality in each of his children. We are masterpieces, each one uniquely designed to be a heavenly piece of poetry on earth.

May others be blessed as they read the verses of our lives [3]!

Temples

God could have chosen anywhere in the universe as his dwelling place, among the galaxies of stars, towering mountain peaks, or peaceful tropical islands. Instead, the all-powerful, absolutely perfect King of the universe chose to live in you and in me.

Meditate on the wonder of that for a moment.

Light

Then consider the mesmerizing beauty of light in the golden glow of sunrise or radiant sunbeams soaring heavenward into infinity.

Our Savior, the Light of the world, shines with enthralling beauty, giving us “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

In addition, he’s privileged us with the honor of reflecting his glorious light to others—the light of his compassionate love, effervescent joy, constant peace, and more [4].

Who will you shine on today?

New Creations

To create doesn’t mean to just improve something that already exists. It means to bring something out of nothing. God didn’t simply change us when we accepted Jesus into our lives; he created new persons! We are not the same people we were before saying “yes” to him [5].

“Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with God’s Presence.”

Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 381.

*                    *                    *

Some of us don’t feel like new creatures, saintly masterpieces, or glowing light-bearers. Since we’re still capable of sin and fall short of God’s best, we’ve concluded he must barely put up with us out of his unfailing mercy.

NOT SO!

Think of the last time you saw a colorful butterfly, like the Tiger Swallowtail. Did you say, “Wow! Look at that transformed caterpillar!”

Of course not. Its former state probably didn’t even cross your mind. You saw the swallowtail for what it was in that moment, an exquisite creature of beauty and grace.

That’s how God sees you and me, dear readers, as expressed in these titles we’ve considered. The old is past; we’re new persons, living a new life, resplendent in Christ’s robe of righteousness [6].

May the true identity of who we are emphatically impact how we live.

 

[1] 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Psalm 147:11

[2] Isaiah 61:10; Galatians 2:20

[3] Herbert Lockyer, Seasons of the Lord, 330.

[4] 2 Corinthians 4:6; Matthew 5:14-16

[5] Steve McVey, Grace Walk, 43.

[6] McVey, Grace Walk, 48.

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.wikipedia.org (Anne Aubert); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.publicdomainpictures.com.

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The Art of Living Well

Posted in Excellence, Faith, Godly Character, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Patience, Perseverance, Renewing the Mind, Salvation, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on March 2, 2023| 25 Comments »

“Living well [the Christian life] is both a discipline and an art,” wrote Sarah Young [1] .

The discipline-part was easy enough to affirm. From experience I know: spiritual practices do enhance the joy of relationship with my Heavenly Father—behaviors like Bible study, prayer, worship, giving, and more.

But what might the art of Christian living look like? For me that was more difficult to qualify.

I turned my thoughts to artists themselves. What actions impel them toward creating art that produces beauty and meaning, and pleases the eye?

(One of our son’s recent paintings)

That question spawned another. What might I learn about producing beauty and meaning in my life that pleases God and my soul?

The following truths presented themselves:

Artists are observant, paying attention to detail. They’re constantly learning; delighting in discovery.

Imagine studying a blade of grass. Take note of the rich green color and subtle striping, its graceful curve downward and sharp, pale-yellow point. Add crystal dew drops and the sight is indeed beautiful and pleasing.

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself”.

Henry Miller

But how often do we barrel through our days with no attentiveness, no reflection, no listening to God’s voice? In the middle of the bustling, niggling, babbling pother we miss God’s presence and other glorious gifts [2].

Lesson #1: The art of living well includes attentiveness to God’s beauty—in creation, in people, in words and deeds, in everything.

Artists spend time with inspiring people, including other artists.

And who is more inspiring than God?! He invites us to concentrate on staying close to him, the divine Artist [3].

Just think: God wants to spend quality time with us. He looks forward to our time together and misses us when we don’t show up. Quiet time isn’t meant to be a ritual; it’s meant to be a relationship [4].

Lesson #2: The art of living well includes the great privilege and pleasure of keeping company with God.

Artists are deep thinkers and curious about truth.

While the subject matter of the masterpiece, The Girl with a Pearl Earring is obvious enough for a child to understand, it will not yield its astonishing riches except to those who study the painting and reflect on Vermeer’s attention to light, shade, balance, color, and even the brush strokes. (Only two strokes created the pearl.)

The same is true for those of us who seek truth from God’s Word. Its basic message is clear enough for a child to understand [5]. But it will not yield its astonishing riches unless we study and reflect on its teachings (Proverbs 4:20-22).

Lesson #3: Open the treasury of the Bible and delight in its magnificent contents. 

Artists are persistent and patient.

It took Georges Seurat two years to paint A Sunday on Le Grande Jatte—with tiny dots.

Leonardo da Vinci spent about four years to get the Mona Lisa just right.

Michelangelo lay on his back the better part of five years to create the 343 figures on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Consider: “Even God does not make a glorious sunset in a moment. For several days He gathers the mist with which to build His beautiful palaces in the western sky”[6].

Lesson #4: Take joy in process and progress; stay the course and proceed steadily in the way God reveals (Psalm 119:1 MSG).

Artist, Robert Henri (1865-1929) observed:

“The object isn’t to make art, it’s to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.”

Robert Henri

Such an applicable statement to the art of living well as a Christian! Our object isn’t to perform for God as much as it is to know him, love him, and desire to honor him–which makes a beautiful, God-honoring life inevitable.    

[1] Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, 193.

[2] Leslie William, Night Wrestling, quoted in Refresh My Heart, compiled by Terri Gibbs, 124.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, 73.

[5] Jesus took the punishment we deserved for our wrongful behavior. When we confess our sins, believe in Jesus as our Savior, and accept him into our lives as Lord, he bestows many blessings now, and eternal life in heaven with him to come. Millions of children have responded with simple faith to these wonderful truths. I was one of them.

[6] L. B. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, p. 206.

Art & photo credits: J. Eric Ruegg; http://www.wikimedia.commons.org; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.hippopx.com; http://www.wikimedia.commons.org (2); http://www.canva.com.

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Enough Was Enough

Posted in Courage, Faith, God's Faithfulness, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on February 23, 2023| 31 Comments »

“Can I come watch with you, Papa? There’s no school tomorrow.”

Papa nodded and motioned with his left hand for her to join him on the front porch. His right hand remained on the rifle across his lap. “Come on, Sugar. But you sit light, y’hear? Be ready. ‘Member what I told you?”

“Yessir. I’m to run inside but shut the door easy, and tell everybody to skedaddle to the creek, and run.”

“That’s my girl. No KKK Klan is going to mess with us, right? Now, recite for me Psalm 23 soft and slow. Such beautiful words and promises!”

Six-year-old Rosa settled herself in the rocker next to her grandfather, confident he would keep the family safe through the night. She began to recite the favorite psalm.

Violence never came to the McCauley home in Pine Level, Alabama, but throughout her growing up years there and then in Montgomery, Rosa endured the burden of racial injustice against blacks, including different (and deficient) schools and libraries, separate restaurants and water fountains.

One time a white boy shoved Rosa hard from behind. She was expected to endure such abuse without retaliation, but Rosa shoved back. The boy’s mother witnessed the incident and bellowed, “Who do you think you are?”

Rosa courageously replied, “I won’t be pushed around by your son or anyone else.” Then, in spite of her pounding heart, Rosa calmly turned and walked away. The mother let the matter lie.[1]

In 1932 at age nineteen, Rosa married Raymond Parks. He was an activist-member of the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. A decade later, Rosa’s growing frustration with the status quo led her to join also. She eagerly learned about civil disobedience and served as secretary to the local and then state organization.

(NAACP Meeting in Montgomery, about 1947)

Along with many blacks in the South, Rosa suffered daily humiliation on the city bus, as she rode to and from work. Black passengers were required to pay their fare at the front, then get off and re-enter the bus through the back to sit in the rear. If the bus became crowded, black people had to give their seats to whites.

But on December 1, 1955, Rosa refused to relinquish her seat—not because she was physically exhausted, as some have said. No, she was tired of mistreatment because of the color of her skin.

Enough was enough.

“When that white driver waved his hand and ordered us up and out of our seats,” she later recalled, “I felt a determination cover my body like a quilt on a winter night.[2]

“God’s peace flooded my soul, and my fear melted away. All people were equal in the eyes of God, and I was going to live like the free person God created me to be. I refused to move.”[3]

Instantly Rosa felt infused with God’s strength. Police arrested her, put her in jail, and charged a $14 fine, but she remained composed through the ordeal. They released Rosa that evening.

As news of her arrest spread, more people—black and white—began to express indignation over the evil of segregation. Leaders in the NAACP decided to establish a boycott of the Montgomery bus company until the law was changed.

Supporters knew they would need God’s wisdom, strength, and perseverance. A prayer meeting was scheduled, and a young minister addressed the crowd: Martin Luther King, Jr.

“We must protest the law of the land because it violates God’s law,” he said. “But violence is not the answer. It is our duty to protest segregation, but we must do so with dignity and Christian love. Join me in praying that the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will soon shine over our great nation.”[4]

Boycott participants (which included blacks and whites) had to find alternate transportation. Many walked up to several miles to work and then home again. Churches helped to find rides for some. Others were given rides by coworkers—again, black and white.

Of course, opposition came quickly. False arrests, harassment, and even bombings occurred, yet the boycott continued. The bus company was losing thousands of dollars and began supporting integrated seating. City commissioners, however, would not back down.

Meanwhile, Rosa’s attorney, Fred D. Gray, took the case from Montgomery all the way to the Supreme Court. A year later, the regulation demanding black people to give up their bus seats to whites was declared unconstitutional.

That decision created a domino effect. If separation was wrong on buses, it was wrong in schools, restaurants, libraries, and elsewhere. Slowly and painfully, one segregation-law after another was abolished.

That pain would impact Raymond and Rosa. They had to leave Montgomery because of harassment and death threats. Rosa responded by spending long hours in prayer, after which “an intense calm swept over her.”[5]

The couple eventually settled in Detroit. From 1965-1988 Rosa worked for Michigan Congressman John Conyers. She remained active in the civil rights movement for sixty years and wrote several books.

Upon her death in 2005, then-Governor Bob Riley of Alabama said, “Rosa Parks will always be remembered as a courageous woman who quietly confronted injustice, and in so doing, changed a nation.”[6]

No doubt Rosa Parks would agree.

[1] https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/rosa-parks-and-the-bus-ride-that-changed-america-11635083.html

[2] https://www.journeywithjesus.net/Essays/20130401JJ.shtml

[3] https://canonjjohn.com/2021/10/23/heroes-of-the-faith-rosa-parks/

[4] https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/rosa-parks-and-the-bus-ride-that-changed-america-11635083.html

[5] https://www.journeywithjesus.net/Essays/20130401JJ.shtml, quoting from Jeanne Theoharis’ biography, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks

[6] https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/civil-rights-pioneer-rosa-parks-dead-at-92-found-strength-in-scripture-church/

[7] Sinclair Ferguson quote from Grow in Grace, 33-34.

Other sources:

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/rosa-parks-journey-as-a-civil-rights-icon

https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/rosa-parks-martin-luther-king-jr-and-the-montgomery-bus-boycott

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com (Pat Henson); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.flickr.com; wwwflickr.com (Jim Forest); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.picryl.com; rawpixel.com.

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Jesus’ Prayer for You

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Excellence, Godly Character, Holiness, Jesus, Maturity, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on November 3, 2022| 21 Comments »

I remember the moment; I don’t remember when it took place . . . perhaps in young adulthood, during my quiet time. A Bible verse caught my attention–John 17:21–causing my eyes to widen and fill with tears.

First, a bit of context. That chapter includes Jesus’ prayer after the Last Supper and mere hours before the crucifixion. He asked his Father to sustain him, to manifest God’s power through his death, resurrection, and ascension, and in so doing, prove that Jesus was the Son of God (vs. 1-5).[1] 

Second he prayed for his disciples—for their protection, joy, spiritual growth, and unity (vs. 6-18).

And then (wonder of wonders!) Jesus prayed for you and me, his future followers!

“I pray also for those who will believe in me,” he said (v. 20, emphasis added).

I read on with eager expectation. What did he ask God to do on our behalf? Strength to endure? Guidance for wise choices? Kind and generous hearts?

Those are worthwhile prayers, but it would seem Jesus left those for us to request.

Instead, he prayed for one over-arching blessing to characterize his believers: unity.

“I pray that they may all be one, Father!

May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you.”

John 17:21a GNT

Among all the things we need as his followers, why would Jesus pray for unity? We’ll get to that in a moment.

First, we need to understand he wasn’t praying for uniformity, expecting his followers to agree on every issue. The apostle Paul and his co-missionary Barnabas disagreed over their young companion Mark (Acts 15:37-39), and godly men throughout church history have taken different sides of various issues: Martin Luther with Huldrych Zwingli, John Wesley with George Whitefield, and John Stott with Martyn Lloyd-Jones—to name a few.

It’s doubtful Jesus expected his followers to grow into one big denomination. What he did desire was a spirit of love and an attitude of grace to bind us together, equipping us to overlook differences of preference and tradition. He’d have us focus on what we have in common.

At the Christian university I attended, all students were required to take the course, Philosophy and Christian Thought. One of our textbooks (a very thick one!) was titled, The Protestant Faith. And though the differences between denominations were certainly laid out, I was struck by how much doctrine and theology we share in common—much more than what divides us.

That’s what we need to concentrate on: the foundational truths like those we recite in the Apostles’ Creed, and our purpose of introducing others to Christ as well as taking delight in obeying him and growing more like him.

Even more important? A covering of love—love that admits wrong, forgives grievances, allows for differences of opinion on nonessentials, and doesn’t dishonor others but seeks the best for them.

Last but foremost: we must continually look to Jesus through prayer and worship, privately and publicly.

Perhaps you remember A. W. Tozer’s illustration. If one hundred pianos are all tuned to the same fork, they’re automatically in tune with each other. Similarly, if one hundred worshipers look to Christ, they’re going to be much more in tune with one another than if they focus on other matters, worthwhile as they might be. That would include unity itself.[2]

And now to answer that question, why would unity be so important to Jesus? His reason is revealed at the end of John 17:21.

“May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.”

John 17:21b GNT

The world is plagued by ugly divisiveness, hatred, and vitriol.

Jesus desired his followers to be characterized by the beauty of unity as we strive to love like him—overlooking slights, sidestepping fights, and giving up our rights.[3]

When people witness such beauty, there will be those who desire it for themselves and come to faith in Christ.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

O Father, point out those areas where my preferences and opinions interfere with my love for your people. Help me put aside differences and focus on areas of commonality. May I play an active part in the beauty of unity within my circle of influence, drawing others to you.   

[1] Barnes Notes on the Bible, www.biblehub.com.

[2] A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, 90.

[3] Patsy Clairmont, Boundless Love, 236.

Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedi.org; http://www.flickr.com (Long Thien); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (Peter Swain); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.rawpixel.com.

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