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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 Christian living, Psalm 119:1, Romans 12:1-2, Spiritual Practices 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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In the Waiting Room

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Godly Character, Hope, Patience, Perseverance, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Lamentations 3:25, Patience, Psalm 130:5, Psalm 37:23 on September 10, 2020| 31 Comments »

I read the poster, then checked my watch—again. It was time to notify.

“Excuse me, but my appointment with Dr. D. was at 10:30 and it is now 11:15.” I spoke in even tones that belied my frustration.

The receptionist referred to the schedule on her computer. “Thank you,” she responded pleasantly. “I’ll check to see what the problem is.”

Returning to my seat, I expected to be called shortly, but it still took ten to fifteen minutes. Another annoyance: no one ever explained the delay or apologized.

No doubt you’ve endured similar experiences. Waiting nearly always creates nuisance no matter how many magazines they provide. Who hasn’t been stuck in the waiting areas of car repair shops, office buildings, and airports—when we’ve places to go and things to do?

But those aren’t the only forced pauses we face. At one time or another all of us spend time in the waiting room of life—as we anticipate achieving a long-term goal, receiving that long-awaited email or phone call, or seeing an ongoing prayer finally answered.

How are we supposed to handle the interminable pauses in life?

The following truths promise to ease our frustration and offer hope.

In God’s view, to wait is not to waste.

There is always purpose in God’s delays. King David wrote, “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord” (Psalm 37:23 GNT). Next to this verse in the margin of his Bible, George Mueller wrote: “And the stops too” (1).

Just what might God be doing during the stops? He often uses wait time to work on our character, transforming pride into humility, doubt into faith, weakness into strength, and impatience into serenity.

A time of waiting provides a time for discovery.

As we turn attentive hearts toward gratitude for what is, praise for who God is, and satisfaction in serving him now wherever he has placed us, we’ll discover contentement. With Paul we’ll be able to say:

“The heart is rich when it is content, and it is content when its desires are set upon God,” wrote Miguel of Ecuador (2).

On the other hand, a heart cannot be content if set primarily upon an attainment in the future.

Waiting is part of the wonder to come.

It’s a basic principle of investment: the longer we wait, the greater our return. Delay enhances delight.

And one day we’ll finally receive the explanation for the pauses in our lives. No doubt our eyes will widen in wonder to see all that God accomplished when in our view, progress stood still.

* * * * * * * * * *

I thank you, Heavenly Father, that we can trust you during wait times.

You know the perfect sequence and timetable for events to unfold; we do not. You see the whole picture—the lives of others who will be impacted during this wait time; we cannot.

So may we rest on what we do know: You are a God of goodness, faithfulness, and wisdom. The one who trusts in you, whose confidence is in you, is blessed.

(Psalm 130:5; Psalm 139:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:24;

Psalm 100:5; Romans 11:33; Jeremiah 17:7)

Notes:

George Müller (1805-1898) founded schools and orphanages in Bristol, England, in the early 1800s, providing care for thousands of children. His testimony of great faith included numerous miracles of provision for the orphans under his care.
Miguel of Ecuador (1854-1910)–teacher and author

Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.canva.com (3).

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The Desires of the Diligent

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, Godly Character, Heroes of the Faith, Patience, Perseverance, Renewing the Mind, Service, Success, Suffering, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged A Life That Glorifies God, Indianapolis Colts, Perseverance through Adversity, Proverbs 13:4, satisfaction in life, Super Bowl, Tony Dungy, Tragedy Turned to Triumph on March 7, 2019| 13 Comments »

Tony always loved team sports. In his teens he focused on football, and at the University of Minnesota he distinguished himself as a talented quarterback.

But no pro team picked him up after graduation in 1977. He finally signed on with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent.

Over the next three years he played for three different teams. His career seemed to be going nowhere. And at the end of that third year Tony anticipated transitioning from football to something else.

But his alma mater drafted him as assistant coach for their team. And the following year he was offered the same position with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Over the next fifteen years, Tony held two different coaching positions with two more teams before becoming head coach for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers did well for five years, making it to the playoffs three years in a row, 1998-2000. But the fifth year did not go well, and Tony was fired.

Now what, he wondered.

Within days Tony’s question was answered. The Indianapolis Colts offered him the position of head coach. And in 2007 they won the Super Bowl. Tony Dungy became the first African-American coach to achieve that distinction.

Then-President George W. Bush receives an honorary jersey from the Super Bowl champs of 2007. Quarterback Peyton Manning is to the president’s right, Tony Dungy is to the left.

It certainly hadn’t come easy. But after thirty years of ups and downs and hard work, Tony had finally achieved a long-held dream.

Tony’s story and the experiences of countless other persevering people have proved:

“The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”

–Proverbs 13:4b NIV

However, there is much more to that proverb than success in one’s work, as valuable as that is (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

And there’s much more to Tony’s story than a struggling football player who became a successful coach.

Tony is a Christian. And while he taught and trained athletes all those years, Tony was diligently applying himself to desires of eternal value. He always felt that Christian principles were more important than everything else. Whatever position he held, Tony kept his faith at the forefront.

Proof of that statement lies in the choices he’s made—on the field as a calm, self-disciplined coach and off the field as a dedicated servant of God.

He’s been the national spokesman for “All Pro Dad,” and has worked with a number of organizations like Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors of Life, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Prison Crusade Ministry.

In addition, he and his wife Lauren have adopted seven children to round out their family of three biological children. They also established the Dungy Family Foundation that works with Christian organizations, including pregnancy centers and youth ministries.

Tony says he loved coaching and winning the Super Bowl, but that was never his ultimate objective. “My purpose in life is simply to glorify God,” he says.*

(Tony receives the prestigious American Spirit Award

in November, 2007.)

There’s the secret to satisfaction in life. Those who diligently desire to glorify God are the ones fully satisfied in their spirits.

But diligence requires effort—efforts such as:

Conditioning of the mind (Romans 12:1-2)

Tony would be the first to tell you the positive impact of scripture study in his own life. To highlight its importance, he put a Bible in his Hall of Fame locker, prominently displayed on the top shelf.

Humble submission (1 Peter 5:6)

Tony surrendered his expectations, knowing that God would bring fulfillment to his life, though not always in the ways Tony anticipated.

Patience (Galatians 6:9)

All the while Tony was playing football and coaching, he was learning to be a man of integrity, self-discipline, and courage.

Years spent in the public eye has also provided Tony a unique platform for: 1) mentoring players and coaches, 2) speaking at meetings and conferences on such topics as integrity, personal discipline, and overcoming adversity, and 3) writing books, including Quiet Strength and Uncommon–all endeavors of eternal worth.

Allowing pressure to achieve purpose (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

At the onset of each setback in his career, Tony wondered what God was doing. But he knew God could be trusted.

Then came the most painful setback of all—the suicide of his son in 2007.

Even then Tony did not falter. He allowed the pain to press him closer to his Heavenly Father, and he set about to use the tragedy as a way to honor God and help others.

In the final analysis, satisfaction is the outcome of diligent surrender to God’s purpose and diligent rest in God’s providence.

Just ask Tony Dungy.

* * * * * * * * * *

I thank you, Father, for brothers and sisters like Tony Dungy who diligently spend their time and energy in usefulness to you, and all for the praise of your glory. May I, too, diligently follow the narrow path of such uncommon people.

(Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.org (2), http://www.georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.bibleversestogo.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.macdill.af.mil; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.canva.com.)

*https://www.I/20160802/hof16-tony-dungys-faith-is-central-to-his-success.com

Sources:

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A Matter of Genius

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Provision, Godly Character, Patience, Perseverance, Service, Success, Uncategorized, tagged Faith, focus, Patience, Perseverance on July 12, 2018| 11 Comments »

We’re all familiar with the extraordinary accomplishments of:

Beethoven—composing masterful concertos, symphonies and more while deaf
Michelangelo—creating over-sized artworks with awe-inspiring realism
Shakespeare—writing dozens of plays and hundreds of sonnets with words that flowed “like a miraculous Celestial Light-ship, woven all of sheet-lightning and sunbeams” (Thomas Carlisle)

Geniuses indeed. But even more important than brilliance was their willingness to exert great effort.

Beethoven rewrote nearly every bar of his compositions at least a dozen times.

Michelangelo produced more than 2,000 preparatory sketches for “Last Judgment” alone, a painting considered by many as one of the best artworks of all time. It took eight years to complete.

Even Shakespeare must have revised again and again before his words approached the sublime eloquence he is known for.

The more we know of such masters, the more we realize: their works required enduring patience, tenacious persistence, and sharp focus.

It just so happens that God values those three attributes also. And since he’s working in us to foster all positive traits, we each have the potential to create masterpieces.

Of course, works of genius include much more than symphonies, paintings, and plays. Are you part of a ministry, community project, or volunteer organization? Are you a parent, grandparent, mentor, or friend? These are just a few ways you and I contribute to the most valuable masterpieces of all—the people around us.

But there is effort involved. God chooses not to do it alone; he invites us to join with him in the work. So what might be our part in developing those important qualities of patience, persistence, and focus, necessary for developing our genius?

The following steps may provide a good start.

Step #1: Practice waiting.

It is a fact: most worthwhile endeavors take time. Usually lots of it.

In addition, patience requires stamina to endure delay.

Consider Dr. Albert Sabin, who researched polio and developed the oral vaccine. His mission required thirty-one years of painstaking effort.

Step #2: Expect to be stretched by struggle.

Oswald Chambers, in My Utmost for His Highest, likens the believer in the hands of God to the bow in the hands of an archer. God stretches us beyond what we think we can bear. And when his purpose is in sight, then he lets fly.

Consider Dr. Jason Fader, son of medical missionaries who now serves as a medical missionary himself in Berundi, Africa–after grueling medical training, intense language school, and challenging fund-raising. But in 2017 he was chosen as the first recipient of the Gerson L’Chaim Prize for Outstanding Christian Medical Missionary Service ( Jason’s story).

Step #3: Persist—with the application of faith, prayer, and hope.

We must be willing to tolerate discomfort, perhaps for an extended period of time.

However, the genius-in-the-making under God’s tutelage does not plod along as he perseveres; he plots. He sets his coordinates for the course ahead by faith, prayer, and hope—trusting in God’s promises, asking for God’s guidance, and embracing the possibilities of tomorrow as well as the challenges of today—because in all of it there is good.

Consider George Muller of Bristol, England, whose five orphanages housed over 2,000 children at any one time. Muller not only wanted to care for these children but demonstrate that God would meet “all their needs as a result of prayer and faith, without any one being asked or approached” (www.mullers.org). His story includes miracle after miracle.

Step #4: Remain focused on the task at hand.

A genius does not allow distraction or discouragement to sidetrack him. He takes delight in the present moment while: composing one bar of sublime, symphonic fusion, getting the light just right in one small area of the canvas, or choosing specific, rhythmic words for one line of imagery.

But even more important for the believer, she is inspired and directed by God himself. His plan may include an exceptional piece of music, art, or writing. Or, perhaps even more importantly, it may include exceptional input into the lives of others–through kindness, encouragement, and integrity.

It is God who is the Supreme Genius, masterfully weaving a tapestry of circumstances and relationships among his people. The full beauty of this masterpiece will not be revealed until we all arrive in heaven.

Then we’ll see the results of the God-given genius in each of us, our patience, perseverance, and focus, woven into God’s perfect design.

And what a celebration will ensue.

(Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.wikipedia.com (2); http://www.ramstein.af.mil; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.vi.wikipedia.com; http://www.georgemuller.org; http://www.flickr.com.)

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In Patient Hope

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Patience, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Peter 1:3, anticipation for the future, assurance, expectation, Isaiah 40:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Lamentations 3:25, Micah 7:7 on January 4, 2018| 17 Comments »

Hope.

Such a small word for such a big, important concept.

Multi-syllable synonyms seem to carry more clout: expectation, assurance, confidence, and conviction offer a few. (Thank you, Dr. Roget.)

Stir them together and we can create a definition for faith-filled hope: the constant, confident, assured expectation that God will see us through every circumstance until we’re standing before him in heaven. Those are words with heft that we can hang onto through dark and stormy nights.

You see, hope is much more than wishful thinking.

But sometimes it hides behind the overwhelming issues we face: health concerns, financial problems, troubled relationships, difficult circumstances, foreboding futures.

How can we live with confident assurance that all will be well when uncertainty seems to rule the day, the week, the year?

As always, scripture offers us insight:

Understand that hope doesn’t come from a hidden reservoir within ourselves. According to 1 Peter 1:3, our hope comes from God, provided for us out of his loving mercy. It’s a living hope, breathing energy and strength into our souls.

Remember: we can move forward with positive expectation because He is our all-powerful, grace-filled God—loving, kind, and wise, too. He’s not just watching from afar; he’s an involved God, tending over us like an attentive Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11a).

Rest assured that our faithful God will see us through to a satisfying conclusion—either through events that unfold over time, or perhaps through an instantaneous miracle. It may be the satisfying conclusion will not come until we cross the threshold into eternity (1 Peter 5:10). But then, in the glorious ecstasy of that moment, our earthly trials will no longer matter (Philippians 1:21-23).

God’s plan is designed for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Hope involves waiting (Micah 7:7)—expectantly and patiently.

Sometime during second grade I noticed that being a teacher looked like fun. And soon my favorite pastime became playing school with whomever I could cajole into being students. When necessary, dolls were pressed into service.

That desire to become a teacher stayed with me all through high school and college. Finally, after fourteen years, I was the one sitting at my own teacher’s desk, awaiting the arrival of my first students. My hope, my confident expectation that I would one day be a teacher, had at long last become reality. The import of the moment was not lost on me. I had to fight back the tears.

Such euphoric joy does not happen often without waiting. We appreciate more what we have to wait for. And frequently, hard work is also involved.

God allows us to be part of the process, teaching us important lessons about patience and perseverance along the way.

Here’s what I need to remember:

Long-term waiting and steady hard work toward a dream makes the fulfillment all the sweeter when it finally comes.

For now, we can enjoy hopeful anticipation of a new reality that is coming, perhaps in this new year 2018—good health, financial security, improved relationships, or fulfilled dreams. We can take comfort from the knowledge that our God, who is unlimited by the constraints of time, already resides there. And…

Through the dark and stormy night

Faith beholds a feeble light

Up the blackness streaking;

Knowing God’s own time is best,

In patient hope I rest

For the full day-breaking!

– John Greenleaf Whittier

Let’s step out into each new day breaking with trust and obedience, because God is preparing us for that new reality.

And may these words ring in our ears:

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,

to the one who seeks him.”

–Lamentations 3:25

* * * * * * * * * *

What hope have you been clinging to? Are there scriptures which contribute to your confidence and expectation? What experiences of the past give you assurance for your hopes of the future? Please share your insights below in the comments section!

(Revised and reblogged from January 31, 2013. I do apologize for posting a reblog again. Steve and I have been sick, catching a nasty bug on New Year’s Eve. First I succumbed, and then he did. A new post will be forthcoming next week!)

Art & photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.wikipedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com.

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When Dreams Begin to Fade

Posted in Dreams, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Promises, God's Will, Maturity, Patience, Perseverance, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Dreams, God's Promises, God's will for my life, Hopes and dreams for the future, unfulfilled dreams, Waiting on God, wrong dreams on July 7, 2016| 8 Comments »

Have you heard or read such statements as these?

Dream big! With God you can go as far as you can think or imagine.

Faith may not make things easy; but it does make them possible.

When God makes a promise he also makes a provision.

All three statements are valid IF the promises we’ve embraced coincide with God’s plan. If not, God may not be making that dream come true, or turning the unimaginable into possible, or making provision for a particular fulfillment.

That means the perfect wife or husband may not show up, the perfect job may not open up, the perfect family may not be delivered up, and the perfect ministry opportunity (in our view) may not match up with those making the choices.

What do we do when our dreams seem to be fading away like vapor?

We need to remember:

God is not limited to our timeframe.

We know that, right? Sometimes God requires a waiting period before making our dreams reality. The dream will be fulfilled—but in his time. Scripture is full of examples of those who had to wait; we’ve considered them before: Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, David—to name a few.

Eventually their dreams came true. Abraham became a father, Jacob was blessed with twelve sons, Joseph became prime minister of Egypt, and David, the king of Israel.

However, we’d be wise to hold onto our dreams with a light grip, as these same four patriarchs demonstrate:

Abraham saw the birth of only one son of promise, not exactly the nation God foretold.
The full extent of blessing promised to Jacob was not fulfilled until the birth of Jesus.
David dreamed of erecting a temple for God, and though he collected an impressive store of materials, the privilege of building went to his son, Solomon.

Perhaps, like these Bible heroes, God has chosen to fulfill our dreams after we’re gone.

I have to decide: Will I balk at such a reality or embrace it?

Maybe my heart is set on the wrong dream—even though it seems right and worthwhile.

God may desire that I set aside my Plan A and take hold of his Plan B. Oh, but that sounds like settling, doesn’t it? Not at all. God’s plan is never second best. It’s always better (Hebrews 11:39-40)!

Also important to understand: God may have chosen me to be a foundation-builder—part of the preparation process. Someone else will be the presentation. John the Baptist is a perfect example, as he prepared the way for Jesus.

Foundation builders serve as mentors, planners, and seed planters. Again, will I balk at such a reality or embrace it?

We can be “certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

That includes this truth: When we do not see one promise (or more) being fulfilled, we can be certain other promises are. God is loving and good. Always. He will demonstrate his grace and compassion–no matter what.

Part of God’s goodness prompts him to foster within us: a) a deeper relationship with him (Jeremiah 33:3); b) greater obedience to his all-wise ways (Hebrews 12:7-11, 14), and c) greater spiritual strength (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Once we begin to realize the benefit of these blessings, other desires will fade in importance.

(Note to self: When my appreciation for spiritual blessings overrides my celebration of material and circumstantial blessings, I’ll know that the maturity James talked about is taking root.)

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, oh God, for your omnipotent ability to supply, guide, sustain, change, correct, and improve–in your time, for your good purpose. Help me to rely upon your love and wisdom to choose what’s best for me, and your power to live in godly ways for your glory. That is the way to a fulfilling, satisfying life!

(Art & photo credits: www.twitter.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.saltlakebiblecollege.org; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.knowing-jesus.com.)

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The True Measure of Success

Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Decision-Making, Dreams, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Godly Character, Patience, Perseverance, Success, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Kings 2:3, Jeremiah, Joshua 1:8, Perseverance, Persistence, The prophet Jeremiah on June 27, 2016| 4 Comments »

We’ve all heard the story of Joseph (or seen the musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat). You’ll remember he’s the one who endured years of slavery and prison before his dreams (of bowing wheat sheaves and stars paying homage) came true.

We also know about Moses, an adopted prince in Pharaoh’s household who ended up in the wilderness herding sheep. Forty years later God called him to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.

And we’re familiar with Paul who spent years traveling from place to place and, yes, suffering all kinds of trials—beatings, imprisonment, dangers, shipwrecks—all for the privilege of serving God, introducing people to Jesus and establishing churches.

These Biblical stories and others teach us to never give up, because we never know when God will show up to turn a prisoner into a prime minister, a shepherd into a great leader, or a Pharisee tentmaker into a world evangelist.

Then there’s Jeremiah. His is a different kind of story altogether. He was called by God to warn the inhabitants of Judah that destruction would come if they did not return to God and follow his ways. It was not a one-time message. Over a period of forty years Jeremiah spoke many times of coming doom.

Almost no one listened. (A brief revival took place under King Josiah, but when he died, the people returned to their complacency and evil ways.)

We love the stories of Joseph, Moses, Paul, and others, whose perseverance was rewarded with success. But what about Jeremiah?

He, too, persevered through trials–poverty and deprivation, imprisonment and ill-treatment, rejection and ridicule. For what? According to the evidence (minimal results for his efforts), Jeremiah was a wretched failure. Yet he had obeyed God faithfully, endured patiently, and preached courageously.

Perhaps visible evidence is not the best way to quantify success.

Instead, the true measure of success involves our characters, not our acquisitions (Joshua 1:8).

The true measure of success may include the tenacity to get up every day and face the same tasks as yesterday, to persistently make choices that further God’s objectives for each of us, and to remain steadfast even when discouraged (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Last, a true measure of success is how our choices honor God (1 Kings 2:3). Jeremiah may not have turned thousands back to Yahweh, but that was not due to his lack of effort or disobedience to God. Jeremiah doggedly preached to the people of Judah—month after month, year after year.

So the true measure of success includes: 1) pursuing godly character, 2) persevering toward God-given purpose, and 3) making choices that honor him.

Today, such successful people might look like:

The parent who has put his career on hold to invest time in his young children.
the business owner who drives a twelve-year old car so he can give generously to ministries.
The college student slowly working her way through school, anxious to return to her inner city neighborhood and teach school

For those of us looking for that kind of success, Jeremiah is our hero.

He lived out these precepts :

Do our prayerful best and leave the results with God.

Press on–day by day, month by month, year by year if necessary. Allow such perseverance to build our trust in God and strengthen our character.

Persist until God tells us to stop. (How do we know we’ve reached that moment? Peace, not uncertainty, will fill our spirits.)

We may not understand what God is doing, but we know him. And he is holy love and perfect wisdom.*

*Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, p. 129.

(Art & photo credits: www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.christianquotes.info; http://www.pilgrimsrock.com.)

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The Greater Plan

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Will, Patience, Waiting on God, tagged Confusion about the will of God, Dealing with Disappointment, How to Accept Plan B, How to Handle Disappointment, Joseph of the Bible, Psalm 27:14, Romans 8:28, Trusting God when we don't understand, Waiting on God, When Plan A doesn't materialize, When things don't go as planned on August 24, 2015| 19 Comments »

Twenty-eight years ago today, I sat alone at our kitchen table in a quiet house. It was the first day of school. Each of our three children had been delivered to their classrooms for second, fifth, and eighth grades.

I hadn’t expected to be home alone that day; my plan had included my own class of elementary students. For thirteen years I’d focused on raising our three and had taken a hiatus from teaching.

Two years prior to this particular morning I’d returned to work part-time and taken classes to update my teaching certificate. Then came resume-writing and the application process. I also started substitute teaching in order to become known within the district.

But few positions were posted. A candidate with no recent experience was probably shuffled to the bottom of the resume pile. I did not receive one call for an interview.

Frustration and depression clouded my spirit. Yes, the part-time job was still available (come October), but part-time pay was not going to cover college expenses for our three children. It was time to grow the retirement nest egg too.

That morning I wrote the following in my journal (with some recent editing).

Dear God,

Today is the first day of school and I am without a teaching position. Needless to say I‘m frustrated, depressed, and confused. Why did I put myself through such a hectic schedule last year, working part-time and going to school? Why did I not receive even one call for an interview? What am I doing wrong? Am I supposed to be pursuing something else?

These kinds of questions have plagued me for days.

Yet, Lord, you are in control, and you always work things out for my good (Romans 8:28). Intellectually I know that’s true but emotionally I’m still struggling.

Then last night you led me to that article in Decision Magazine, written by the young woman who’d been ordained a minister but had no church to pastor.

She said, “I just don’t get it. I told a group of friends, ‘God has given me a marvelous vision for my life, so much encouragement and training. But now it’s as if he has put me on a shelf. My talents are being wasted.’ ”

Months earlier someone had told her she’d have a long and illustrious career. Articles were written about her achievements. There were awards.

“But circumstances suddenly turned against me. My search for a position went unrewarded. I asked the Lord to intervene. He was silent.”

The article included highlights from the story of Joseph. He endured much greater tribulation than just waiting. And though Joseph too must have had questions, he refused to quit believing.

The author expressed questions of her own:

“When God reveals his plans for us, aren’t the paths we take supposed to be smooth and sure? Shouldn’t we go from Point A to Point B without a hassle? Apparently not.”

Again, Joseph and countless others are our examples. Yet I was beginning to think that because no teaching position had opened up, my desire to return to the classroom was misguided, that somewhere I’d gone wrong.

But this author says: “When we encounter seemingly insurmountable difficulties in striving to do God’s will, we may be certain that it is all part of a greater plan.”

And then she quoted Romans 8:28. M-m-m. The same verse you’ve been whispering to me.

In closing the author said, “The story of Joseph taught me the importance of putting my total trust in the Lord at all times and leaving it there, especially when the path ahead is covered by fog.

“Following Jesus is an adventure in living…At times we are confused by delays and detours. We may think God is remote. Yet the more intimate our relationship with the Master becomes, the more we will trust him for the business of our lives.”

Oh Lord, thank you for speaking to me so directly through this timely article.

“I WILL wait on you; I will (try to!) be courageous and allow you to strengthen my heart” (Psalm 27:14).

The following Monday, August 31, I began a one-week substitute job at a nearby elementary school. I’d subbed there before.

On September 11, the principal offered me a position; one of the third grade teachers was moving to another school.

I stood before my own class on September 15, breathless from the quick reversal of circumstances.

But my questions were never answered. I don’t know if my resume was faulty. I don’t know why no one called for an interview. I don’t know why God didn’t open up a position sooner.

Here’s what I do know:

In that time of delay and disappointment, I experienced a small miracle. Through that article I just happened to read he provided the peace, hope, and comfort I needed.
God was perfecting my ability to trust in him—no matter what.
· He was also perfecting patience, humility, and submission.

Important lessons, right?

Note to self: When Plan A does not unfold, it is likely a greater plan is being fulfilled. Our Plan A is often circumstantial; God’s greater plan is most often spiritual.

Can I submit to that?

(Photo credits: http://www.piqsels.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org.)

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From Lifeless to Life-Filled

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, Hope, Patience, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Encouragement, Faith, Fruitfulness, Germination, God's Power, God's Timing, God's Ways, Hope, Romans 15:13, The God of Hope, Waiting on God on March 30, 2015| 16 Comments »

I was talking to a few aliens the other day–little green guys from outer space–trying to explain some earth-phenomena, since life in their galaxy is so different from ours.

First, a bit of background to explain what prompted the conversation.

Elena, our two-year old granddaughter, and I were exploring the church grounds across the street from her house. She loves looking for treasures: sticks, stones, acorns, leaves, etc.

On this particular day I noticed the oak trees sporting chubby little buds. Another pair of trees were bursting with bud-clusters, ready to explode into bright pink finery.

Elena and I inspected the juvenile growth. I tried to explain what would soon happen. But with no remembrance of last spring, her understanding was no doubt very limited. I might as well be explaining this to an alien, I thought.

That’s when my imagination kicked in.

What if inhabitants from another galaxy did come to visit Earth? And what if they had never seen buds or seeds before? Imagine trying to educate them on the process of germination…

“Now, inside this seed is the beginning of life. If we plant it in soil, making sure to choose a sunny spot, and we shower it with water when the weather doesn’t supply rain, it will grow into a plant, bush, or tree.”

They look at me with doubt in their big, round eyes.

“I know it seems impossible. The seed is just a small, lifeless speck. But I can tell you, having seen it happen repeatedly, that’s what seeds do.”

So the little green guys and I plant the seed in a sunny spot and shower it with water.

A few moments later, one of them wants to dig it up to see the first signs of life.

“Oh, no,” I explain. “It takes time for the water to seep into the seed and for the miracle of germination to take place. But believe me. If we come back in a week or ten days, there will be a little green shoot coming up out of the soil in that very spot.”

They like the idea of green, but shake their little round heads in disbelief.

I have to admit. The progression of tiny seeds to plants, much less tall trees, does sound ludicrous.

And yet that’s exactly what God does.

Sometimes our lives resemble brown, lifeless seeds. There is no sign of hope that circumstances might change for the better.

Sometimes we think it’s too late for a reversal of destiny. It seems our best, productive years are behind us.

Not so fast.

Consider George*, our friend who has retired. Twice. During his first career, George worked his way up in law enforcement to chief of police; his second career, associate pastor. Ten years or so later, he and his wife moved north to be near family. When the boxes were unpacked and the pictures hung on the walls, George sat down and thought, Now what? I’m not ready to park on the porch and drink iced tea. What can I do, Lord?

No immediate answer.

One day George went golfing with his brother-in-law. They were paired with two more men at the course, to make a foursome. One just happened to be a high-ranking officer on the police force. As George and Tom* became acquainted, Tom expressed how they needed a chaplain on the force to minister to the officers. Stress was high, their jobs becoming more and more difficult as the years passed.

George’s heart started beating faster. A chaplain to police? Could this be the answer to his prayer? It would almost be like a merger of his first two careers into one challenging and fulfilling third career.

Yes, it was. For the next five or six years, George served as chaplain of police in his new community, impacting hundreds of lives in the name of Jesus.

We’ve all known people whose circumstances looked as promising as brown, lifeless seeds. Yet God caused miraculous change, and the lives of those folks burgeoned into glorious fruitfulness.

We can learn like those little aliens of my imagination. We can feed our hope by feasting on the miraculous springtime evidence around us. We can wait with confident expectation for the fulfillment of God’s plan.

And if hope seems all but gone, we can cling to the Source of hope.

romans_15_13_the_power_of_the_holy_spirit_powerpoint_church_sermon_Slide03

(“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”–Romans 15:13.)

*Names have been changed.

(Art & photo credits: www.dreamstime.com; http://www.brilliantbotany.com; http://www.imagkid.com; http://www.allposters.fr.; http://www.slideteam.net.)

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Our Time vs. God’s Time

Posted in God's Love, God's Wisdom, Maturity, Patience, Prayer, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Acts 17:26, Chronos, God's Timing, God's Wisdom, Kairos, Patience, Psalm 75:2, Waiting on God on August 7, 2014| 13 Comments »

Does it ever seem to you that God shows up late sometimes? Surely you’ve had it happen to you. In spite of persistent prayer and patient waiting (OK, almost patient), God did not intervene in a timely manner.

For example:

Applications for grad school were turned down—three years in a row. Finally, the fourth year, acceptance was granted. Why?

The job you needed ASAP didn’t materialize for two years. Why?

The bracelet that had been your grandmother’s suddenly disappeared. Heartsick, you searched and searched and prayed to find it. No bracelet. Suddenly, months later, there it was–caught in a sweater you hadn’t worn in ages. Why?

Why the delay???

I know this sounds impertinent, but in all of these cases and many more, it would appear God was not paying attention.

Or…

…Could it be God operates in a different time frame, one not governed by days, months, or years?

After all, God is eternally the same, always was and always will be. Time is rather inconsequential to him. He lives in a dimension where past, present, and future are not separated.

Time for God is measured more in seasons. Paul included the concept in his persuasive address at Athens:

“From one man [God] made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live” (Acts 17:26).

The Greek word Paul used in that verse is kairos. It means, “the suitable or appropriate time for something to occur or for something to be accomplished.”

In his speech, Paul was referring to the appropriate times certain people-groups would rise to power, such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, Greeks, and Romans.

The Greeks had a second word for time: chronos. This is the kind of time we measure with clocks and calendars. This is our comfort zone–the kind of time we know and understand best. Perhaps that’s why we anticipate God should operate within chronos.

But kairos is God’s time, as in “I choose the appointed time, it is I who judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2).

Taking the definition of kairos into consideration, this verse would read:

“I choose the suitable and appropriate time to accomplish my purposes.”

And what would be the foundation of God’s choice of kairos?

His righteousness.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89:15).

Everything God does is right, including when he does it.

His wisdom.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out” (Romans 11:33)!

It’s been said: “If I had the power of God, there are many things that I would change; but if I had the wisdom of God, I would not change a thing.”

That would include the timing of events, too.

His love.

“God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him” (1 John 4:9, NLT).

Would a God who loves like that fail to pay attention, and mess up the timing of his involvement?

Kairos implies “at just the right time.”

At just the right time, the door opened for grad school.

At just the right time, that job was provided.

At just the right time, the keepsake bracelet was found.

By not asking why we had to wait, perhaps we demonstrate a modicum of maturity.

(Art credit: www.inscribewritersonline.blogspot.com.)

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The Art of Living Well

In the Waiting Room

The Desires of the Diligent

A Matter of Genius

In Patient Hope

When Dreams Begin to Fade

The True Measure of Success

The Greater Plan

From Lifeless to Life-Filled

Our Time vs. God’s Time

Nancy Ruegg

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