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Archive for the ‘Praise’ Category

Booster Shots

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on November 20, 2025| 33 Comments »

I trust you’ve received your flu and Covid shots for 2025/2026. Viruses are already making their rounds in our area; maybe where you live too.

There’s another booster you may wish to add to the list, a very powerful one that impacts body, mind, emotions, and spirit: a gratitude booster.

Most of us know the research, that great benefit results from simply expressing gratitude: improved sleep, mood, and immunity as well as a decrease in depression, anxiety, chronic pain and risk of disease [1].

But some of us need a little boost now and then, to jump start gratitude. And what better time to make that our focus than during the season of Thanksgiving?

Such boosters would include:

Actively choosing to see what God has provided [2]

‘We just have to turn up our joy detectors, notice, and give credit to the God who provided [every blessing, big and small]” [3].

Try listing the eight adjectives in Philippians 4:8 and then name something God has provided for you that fits each adjective. For example:

  • True: The daily delights God bestows, like morning sunbeams, apparent when I’m attentive
  • Noble: The young neighbor who shoveled our walk
  • Right: A car mechanic who treated us more than fairly
  • Pure: A perfect fall day of cool temps and sunshine, enjoyed with a compelling book
  • Lovely: a grandchild sitting on my lap
  • Admirable: The warm hospitality offered frequently by our nearby son and daughter-in-law
  • Excellent: The music and preaching at our church
  • Praiseworthy: a golden peach sunset followed by a glowing harvest moon

Turn the contemplations into praise for even more benefit.

Thinking on God’s Character Traits

“Our ability to be thankful and content in all things is directly related to our understanding of God’s character” [4].

One website out of many that list God’s attributes:

https://www.blueletterbible.or/faq/attributes.cfm

Here you’ll find not only a list but relevant scriptures, and a brief explanation highlighting the wonder of each trait.

Replacing Negativity with Positivity

As soon as we’re aware our thoughts have turned gloomy, we can flip the switch to positivity. There are many things to be grateful for no matter what, including:

  • I’m a Jesus follower, on my way to heaven (John 3:16)
  • I’m a child of the King—the King of the universe (1 John 3:1)!
  • He always supplies what I need (Philippians 4:19)
  • God can redeem any situation and make me triumphant in any circumstance [5] (Romans 8:31-39)
  • His presence with me always provides guidance, comfort, and more (Psalm 23:3-4)
  • His love for me never wavers (Jeremiah 31:3)
  • His goodness to me will never end (Psalm 23:6)

And as we express gratitude for these realities and many others, “confidence in God replaces complaint, which leads to rejoicing” [6].

Another way to augment positivity is to linger on pleasant memories, God’s promises, and how he’s already fulfilled them. God has equipped our brains with neuroplasticity, giving us the capability of changing how our minds function.

“When we linger on happy experiences or positive truths, these thoughts become encoded. Neural connections strengthen. The brain undergoes actual physical change” [7].

No wonder God inspired the Apostle Paul to write: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).

Now Imagine adding gratitude in the mix—gratitude for each memory, each promise, each fulfillment. The transformation is sure to be augmented. 

*         *          *

St. Augustine wrote:

Doesn’t that sound like a happy way to live? These gratitude boosters will surely help each of us become that Alleluia—just in time for Thanksgiving.

 

[1] https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health

[2] Melissa Krueger, The Envy of Eve, 134.

[3] Deanna Chadwell, contributor to Soul Bare, 82.

[4] Krueger, 49.

[5] Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck 148.

[6] Feinberg, 153.

[7] Jennifer Dukes Lee, The Happiness Dare, 199.

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Joy-Makers

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Joy, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on October 2, 2025| 30 Comments »

Doesn’t that sound perfectly blissful—fullness of joy? According to the verse above, that kind of joy can be found in the presence of our Heavenly Father, at his right hand of favor.

That’s because, “There has never been a parent on earth who wants joy for his or her children as much as your Father in heaven wants joy for you, his child” [1].

To that end, God has provided numerous ways for us to experience his joy—all augmented as we share in each pleasure with him.

Just for fun, I took that phrase fullness of joy and challenged myself to create an acronym from its letters, to name some of the joy-makers our Heavenly Father provides. Then I dressed up each statement with the best-fitted quotes I could find:

F oster your relationship with God; F east on a world filled with his wonders (Psalm 92:4).

“When I am consciously aware of him,

life fills with wonder and wonder brings joy” [2].

U se time, gifts, and talents to bless others (Proverbs 11:25).

“In spreading my joy, God restored ME. MY JOY WAS FULL!

. . . As we pour out ourselves for others,

we ourselves are renewed” [3].

L ive in community with other believers (Psalm 133:1).

“When large numbers of people share their joys in common,

the happiness of each is greater

because each adds fuel to the others’ flame” [4].

L ift your voice in prayer (John 16:24).

“When I think upon and converse with Thee,

ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,

then a thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,

then a thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,

crowding every moment with happiness . . .

I love Thee above the powers of language to express” [5].

N ourish your spirit with scripture (Psalm 19:8).

“[The Bible] is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory,

and a river of pleasure” [6].

E xperience God’s presence (Psalm 21:6).

“The difference between tears and laughter

is found in being aware of the presence of God” [7].

S pend time outdoors, reveling in creation (Psalm 104:24-25).

“Time outdoors accomplishes a three-fold blessing:

better health, better mind, and better spirit” [8].

S ing (Psalm 100:1)!

“Nothing is more indicative of a fulfilled life,

a contented soul, and a happy heart

than the expression of song” [9].

O ffer encouragement to others (Proverbs 11:25).

“When someone does something good, applaud—

you’ll make two people happy” [10].

F ill your heart with gratitude (Psalm 9:1-2).

“Joy doesn’t cause us to be grateful;

joy is born out of our gratitude” [11].

J ump for joy–because sometimes you have to reach for it (Psalm 28:7)!

“Begin to rejoice in the Lord,

and your bones will flourish like an herb,

and your cheeks will glow

with the bloom of health and freshness.

Worry, fear, distrust, care—all are poisonous!

Joy is balm and healing,

and if you will but rejoice, God will give power” [12].

O ffer praise for who God is (Psalm 145).

“As I decreased my praise time, my joy also decreased.

I found out that when I made a habit

of intentionally giving God the praise he deserves,

I appreciated life so much better” [13].

Y ield to God’s ways, designed for our good that we may prosper (Psalm 19:7-8).

“The ultimate purpose of obedience is joy” [14].

By way of these Joy-Makers and more, we can experience the fullness of joy God wants to bring to our lives—the kind that permeates each moment as we abide in his presence.

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,

and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

–Psalm 47:1 ESV

(P.S. Continue your praise, guided by the free resource offered below as part of our newsletter!)

[1] Timothy Keller, Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God, p. 238.

[2] Deanna Chadwell, contributor to Soul Bare, 83.

[3] Barbara Johnson, Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box, 197.

[4] St. Augustine, Confessions.

[5] From a Puritan prayer included in Valley of Vision by Arthur Bennett.

[6] Anonymous.

[7] Beth Moore, Believing God Bible study workbook, 44.

[8] F. Elaine Olson, Peace for the Journey, 191.

[9] John MacArthur, Ephesians, 256.

[10] Sam Goldwyn.

[11] Brother David Steindl-Rast.

[12] A. B. Simpson.

[13] Thelma Wells, contributor to Boundless Love, 231.

[14] Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, Songs of Jesus, 199.

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Perspective, Promise, and Praise

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, Hope, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on September 18, 2025| 47 Comments »

Since Charlie Kirk’s tragic death last week, perhaps you’ve heard people ask, “Why didn’t God stop Tyler Robinson?” Or, ”Why is so much violence occurring in our country? Why does God allow such suffering [1]?”

Perhaps you’ve been wondering yourself.

But even if we knew the answers to all of our why questions, we’d still want to ask God: Couldn’t you have accomplished your purpose some other way?

Better than seeking answers (that likely won’t satisfy), we’d settle our spirits more effectively if we sought perspective, built our hope and faith with God’s promises, and encouraged our hearts with praise.  

See Job’s example, Job 1:20

Perspective

I appreciate this wisdom from Eugene Peterson:

“We underestimate God and overestimate evil. We don’t see what God is doing and conclude he’s doing nothing . . .

“We see evil everywhere, holding countless people hostage whether as perpetrators or victims. We must remember: ‘evil is not everything and it is not everywhere’ . . . [neither is it] wild and uncontrollable. It has an origin and a finish . . .

. . . “We cannot afford to be naïve about evil—it must be faced. But we cannot be intimidated by it either. It will be used by God to bring good [2].”

Evil must be faced, he says, raising the question, how? The Bible tells us: with prayer, with goodness, and with soft (not incensed or arrogant) responses to anger [3].

Peterson also asserts God uses evil for good. What possible good could God accomplish from Charlie Kirk’s assassination?

Just since last Wednesday, there are more than one million new subscribers to Charlie’s organization, Turning Point USA, and more than 54,000 new requests for Turning Point chapters at high schools, colleges, and universities across the country.

I pray that as participants hear about Charlie’s faith, his passion for the institutions of marriage and family, as well as his irrefutable logic in support of biblical values, they too will accept Christ into their lives, to experience the God-enhanced life he offers [4].

Promise

Charles Spurgeon would have us understand:

What might those stars of promise include?

  • Psalm 9:9-10 “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
  • Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
  • Romans 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

We can also be encouraged by such scripture-based affirmations as:

  • “Underneath are the everlasting arms, full of sustaining comfort and strength” [5].
  • “I know nothing which can so comfort the soul, so calm the swelling billows of grief and sorrow, so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead” [6].
  • “The devil may land a punch or two. He may even win a few rounds, but he never wins the fight” [7].

Praise

Even though it’s counterintuitive to praise God when we’re distressed, it’s a powerful way to lift our spirits [8].

Perhaps we could begin . . .

I praise you, Lord, for drawing especially near to those who are hurting. You DO make your presence known in palpable ways. And to sense your presence is to experience inexplicable peace and comfort. I pray this for Charlie Kirk’s family and friends.

I praise you also for your Word that ministers consolation and strength. May we all avail ourselves with renewed appetite for your truth.

Psalm 34:18; 139:7-10; John 16:33;

Lamentations 3:32-33; Psalm 119:49-50;

Proverbs 15:14

P.S. Continue your praise, guided by the free resource offered below, as part of our newsletter.

[1] Two worthwhile books that consider such questions: The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis and Os Guinness’ book, Last Call for Liberty.

[2] Excerpts from pp. 55-57 of Run with the Horses.

[3] Luke 6:27-28; Proverbs 15:1

[4] John 10:10

[5] Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, 145; Deuteronomy 33:27

[6] Charles Spurgeon, from a sermon, “The Immutability of God”; Isaiah 26:3

[7] Max Lucado, Grace for the Moment, 91; 1 John 3:8

[8] Isaiah 61:1-3

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Have you signed up for the monthly newsletter? You can do so below.

STILL AVAILABLE: “Thirty Days of Praise”–scriptures and question-prompts to draw our hearts and minds toward the joy of celebrating God.

Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource. And thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!

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Bon Appétit!

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, Joy, Maturity, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , on September 4, 2025| 26 Comments »

Remember the Sesame Street game, “One of These Things Is Not Like the Others?”

See if you can find the misfit in this list of especially nutritious superfoods. One of these things is not like the others! Berries, cruciferous vegetables, cucumber, fish, leafy greens, legumes, nuts, olive oil, tomatoes, whole grains, and yogurt [1].

Did you choose cucumber? You win! Go eat some broccoli as a special winner’s treat!

And know this: prioritizing these foods on our plates leads to beneficial outcomes, including more energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, plus less risk of diabetes, depression, cognitive decline and even some cancers.

It’s no secret: our souls also need to be fed well. Choose the best options and experience such outcomes as these: lower anxiety, less depression, more contentment in life, and improved ability to handle life’s challenges with confidence and hope [2].

In addition, the well-fed soul tends to be resilient, able to navigate the ups and downs of everyday life [3].

So what are the best options for feeding our souls? There are a number of them, but for today, we’ll concentrate on just five.

No doubt they’re familiar to you. But I’d encourage you to at least skim-read below for an A-HA moment or two. I found worthwhile insights among the following; perhaps you will too.

BIBLE STUDY

The Center for Bible Engagement conducted extensive research to determine what happens when people engage with scripture at least four times per week. They found that people involved in Bible study are:

  • more pro-active in their faith (improving their quality of life as a result)
  • less likely to deal with bitterness, unforgiveness, discouragement, and more
  • more likely to resist temptations such as excess drinking, lashing out in anger, gossiping, or lying [4]

There’s much joy to be experienced in Bible study as well.

Theologian Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) wrote that the Bible communicated “such refreshing food,” that “almost every sentence seemed to be full of wonders” [5].

I couldn’t agree more and know many of you would also.

PRAYER

And what might those changes include?

  • Less anxiety and more peace (Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Improved attitude as trust replaces doubt and hope replaces despair (Isaiah 40:31)
  • More understanding of God’s will (Colossians 1:9)
  • Greater endurance (Colossians 1:9-11)
  • Fine-tuned perspective as we allow God to reorient our thinking (Romans 12:2)

PRAISE AND WORSHIP

“Praise . . . is one great means of promoting the growth of the spiritual life. It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, and to increase our faith.

“It is a healthful and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer and prepares him for fresh enterprises in his Master’s service” (Charles Spurgeon) [6].

Here’s a praise-appetizer to whet your taste for glorifying God:

GRATITUDE

Gratitude is not just for those times when blessings abound.

“What was the prayer Daniel prayed right before being thrown in the lions’ den . . . ? Thanksgiving. What was Jonah’s prayer right before he was finally delivered onto dry land? Thanksgiving. How are we instructed to pray in Philippians 4:6 when we feel anxious? With thanksgiving. And what is the outcome . . . ? Peace” [7].

And that’s just one of many glorious benefits of gratitude—even when circumstances don’t seem to call for it. You can augment the positive impact by keeping a gratitude journal [8].

COMMUNITY

If we’re going to grow spiritually, we need the encouragement, prayer, and insight of other Jesus followers. Character and wisdom do not develop in a vacuum; interaction with others is an important factor [9].

All of these things—Bible study, prayer, praise and worship, gratitude, and community—are alike, in that they lead to the exceptionally satisfying life Christ offers [10].

Bon appétit!

[1] https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/10-superfoods-to-boost-a-healthy-diet-2018082914463

[2] https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help-how-practicing-spiritual-disciplines-can-positively-impact-your-mental-health/

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/emotionalhealth

[4] https://www.centerforbibleengagement.org/post/bible-engagement-a-key-to-spiritual-growth

[5] www.gracequotes.org

[6] Morning by Morning, 306.

[7] Lysa Terkhuerst, Embraced, 257.

[8] See https://nancyaruegg.com/2020/11/19/one-single-strategy-for-an-exceptional-life/

[9] Kenneth T. Aiken, Proverbs (from the Daily Study Bible Series), 170.

[10] John 10:10; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 34:1-3; Proverbs 27:17

Image credits: http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.stockvault.net.

Have you signed up for the monthly newsletter? You can do so below.

STILL AVAILABLE: “Thirty Days of Praise”–scriptures and question-prompts to draw our hearts and minds toward celebrating God, for a few moments of reflection and worship.

Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource. And thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!

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On the Precipice of God’s Glory

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2025| 29 Comments »

Which would you say is the most common human weakness?

  • A. Living unaware?
  • B. Greed?
  • C. Pride?
  • D. Selfishness?

According to pastor and author, Lou Guntzelman, the answer is A.*

Even twenty years ago when Guntzelman wrote his book, he saw many people living superficially, busily, and distractedly –moving too fast and focusing too much on insignificant matters.

Maybe those descriptors don’t apply to you. But I have been guilty on all counts. And those of us who tend to fly through our days risk missing many delights of life.

For example, we don’t see the unique qualities of the people around us.

We don’t hear the laughter of our children.

We don’t even think to take in deep gulps of rain-scented air, just for the pleasure of breathing.

We don’t taste and see God’s goodness in the world.

Blackwater Falls, WV

We don’t sense His presence.

But!

When we learn to engage the mind and especially the spirit in the moment at hand, we discover the splendor of God’s glory tucked into surprising places–right in front of us.

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

The obvious question is: how do we reprogram ourselves to live more aware?

Perhaps the first step is to condition our minds through quiet reflection.

In a place of solitude, we avail ourselves of his presence and redirect our attention from the day’s cares to God’s truth.

Sometimes that might include:

  • Studying and contemplating scripture, open to a change of heart or a change of direction
  • Naming God’s attributes and celebrating how he’s demonstrated those attributes in our lives
  • Keeping a gratitude journal, to help us tune in to the positive  (It’s a transformative habit!)
  • Reading books by thought-provoking Christian authors, then mentally processing their tenets, and seeking ways of application to life when appropriate

The state of our minds affects our perception of everything.

Second, we condition our focus.

We determine to:

Backyard beauties at our house, on display the end of April

  • Appreciate more fully the natural wonders around us—even in the backyard, on the way to work, while running errands.
  • Honor each person we meet with eye contact, smiles, and a kind word.
  • Sift out the immaterial and apply ourselves to the important.
  • Refuse pointless worry and find priceless treasure in scriptural reassurance and God’s inimitable peace.
  • Pursue wholeness—the state of being perfectly well in body, soul (mind, will, and emotions) and spirit.  That happens as we submit more and more to God’s perfect ways (Psalm 119:1-2).

And what will be the result?

Each day there will be the anticipation of discovery and delight, joyful praise and expectant hope.

We’ll find ourselves speaking to God more and more often, and hearing his whispers in our hearts. We’ll experience greater satisfaction in life as we train our focus on him and savor his endless blessings.

Bottom line: We will live on the threshold of heaven.

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

Oh, this is where I want to live, Father—on the precipice of your glory. Though responsibilities must be taken care of, I can still take note and inwardly soak in all the beauty, blessings, discoveries, and lessons that you bring to my attention. Help me to live aware!

*Lou Guntzelman, So Heart and Mind Can Fill, St. Mary’s Press, 1998.

Image credits:  

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; wwwpxhere.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pixnio.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.quotefancy.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com.

(This post reblogged from June 21, 2018 while we enjoy a visit from out-of-town family.)

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Honor Him with an Acronym!

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Strength, Meditation, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on June 19, 2025| 35 Comments »

One delightful (and relatively easy) way to remember biblical concepts, celebrate God, and include our God-given creative side is to compose an acronym. (Perhaps you remember the process from elementary school?)

Start with a word, phrase, or even a short sentence. Write or type it vertically. Use each letter to begin another word, clause, or phrase (composed horizonatally).

For example, the letters P.R.A.Y. can remind us to:

And as we experiment with various words that fit our desired outcome, we’re planting concepts deeper into our consciousness where we’re more likely to remember them.

Of course, we want to make sure those concepts reflect biblical truth. I like to include a correlating scripture reference with each line. The research benefits my spirit also.

Recently in my reading I came across a familiar phrase to describe God, “beyond comprehension,” and decided to tackle an acronym that explores the question: In what ways does he surpass understanding?

Below you’ll find a celebration of the transcendence of God, reminding us just how glorious he is.

He is:

BEYOND COMPREHENSION!   

B  eautiful in his perfections (Psalm 27:4)

E  arnest in attending to our needs (Psalm 23:1-6)

Y  earning for relationship with us (Isaiah 30:18)

O  mnipotent over the universe (Psalm 103:19)

N  ourishing our souls with trustworthy truth (Psalm 19:7; Matthew 4:4)

D  eclaring his glory through all that he has made (Psalm 19:1)

C  ompletely loving of all, with no exceptions (John 3:16)

O  mniscient of all things (Job 37:16)

M  indful of each of us, every moment (Psalm 139:7-12, 17-18)

P  atiently waiting for us to respond to him (2 Peter 3:9)

R  ighteous in all his ways (Psalm 145:17)

E  xceedingly merciful (1 Peter 1:3)

H  oly in splendor and glory (Psalm 96:7-9)

E  ternally faithful to his people (Psalm 100:5)

N  urturing of his children (Isaiah 40:11)

S  upremely inventive as Creator of all things (John 1:3)

I  nfallibly wise (Romans 11:33)

O  mnipresent in every place (Psalm 139:7-10)

N  ear to all who call on him (Psalm 145:18)

We’d do well to remember:

“There is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no set of people who always do what you expect them do.

“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, impeccable wisdom, and infinite love [1].”

“May we see him as he is, the God of eternal excellence. May we stand in awe of Him [2].”

And . . .  

[1] Unknown

[2] Linda Dillow, Satisfy the Thirsty Soul, 31.

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My Peace I Give You

Posted in Bible Study, Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Jesus, Peace, Praise, Salvation, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on April 17, 2025| 32 Comments »

Another time, another meal

Easter afternoon we’ll join our son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters for dinner in their home—with six other guests.

E. and H. have planned a Georgian feast, based on traditional dishes from the Eastern European country of Georgia. (Did you know that 85% of that nation’s population are Christian? I certainly didn’t.)  

Each family or single person attending this celebration has been given a recipe, so we’ll be able to sample eight different dishes of this new cuisine. And because of the many delicious meals we’ve enjoyed with E. and H., we know:

Within the warm ambiance of their home and the congenial atmosphere as we converse and laugh together, each of our individual concerns will recede to the background. In their place, joy, contentedness, and peace (shalom) will settle upon our spirits.

By contrast, the Passover feast that Jesus celebrated with his disciples, the night before his crucifixion, held little joy or peace for him. In fact, the Apostle John wrote, “Jesus was troubled in spirit” [1].

He knew what would happen that night and into the next day: the pain of betrayal, scourging [2], a crown of thorns thrust on his head, mockery, the crucifixion, and separation from his Father.

The plan had already been set in motion, when Judas approached the chief priests and officers of the temple guard to discuss how—for a price—he might hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present [3].

Under these stressful circumstances Jesus stated to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” [4].

The Amplified Version adds: “Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.”

But if Jesus was troubled in his own spirit, how could he promise his peace to the disciples? How could he tell them not to be troubled?

The answer lies in his confidence in his Father. Though fully aware of the suffering to come, Jesus displayed confidence in the purpose and power of his Father and moved forward unhesitatingly to meet the pending crisis [5].

Consider his demeanor over the next eighteen hours or so. Jesus conducted himself with calm quietude from the moment of his arrest to his last breath on the cross. God did indeed supply courage and strength for every torment.

This is the nature of the peace Christ gives to all of us who trust in him [6].

But how do we avail ourselves of this precious gift? (And for those of us who are familiar with these ways to peace, how well are we implementing them?)

Get to know God in his Word.

We considered one way in the post, “Celebrating God in the Psalms.” So many of his attributes and gracious actions are highlighted in these ancient songs.

No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.

–Croft M. Pentz

Practice his presence.

Possibilities include expressing gratitude, speaking simple prayers throughout the day, and singing worship songs.

Be quick to praise God.

You’ll find your cares reduced and your anxieties lessened. The result: expanded peace.

Focus less on the problems ahead and more on the victories behind.

–Max Lucado, Mocha with Max, 82

Come Sunday, our son and daughter-in-law’s home will provide a splendid place of refuge and peace—for a few hours.

How glorious to contemplate that Christ’s refuge and peace is much more splendorous, much more impactful, and for all time!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for enduring unimaginable suffering in order to restore our relationship with God and provide the gift of eternal life. Now you are our Lord of peace, ready to give us peace at all times and in every way. You ARE indeed worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!

1 Peter 3:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Revelation 5:12

[1] John 13:21

[2] A flogging, inflicted with a whip of leather straps imbedded with pieces of metal and glass, meant to rip into the flesh. Such a brutal beating often led to death.

[3] Luke 22:1-6

[4] John 14:27

[5] Merrill Tenney, www.preceptaustin.org

[6] Colossians 3:15

Image credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com (3); http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.flickr.com.

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A Deep River

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Joy, Meditation, Obedience, Praise, Salvation, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 6, 2025| 32 Comments »

Some of you may remember singing this song in Sunday School:

As a child, I knew God loved me. He proved it by sending his Son to take the punishment for my sins, provide the way for me to live in heaven one day, and know him in the present.  

But I also knew my little eyes, hands, and mouth were not as careful they should have been. Surely God was disappointed in me much of the time.

The truth that I could enjoy God never entered my mind. My false impression of his disapproval stood in the way for many years.

Somehow I’d missed the message of such scriptures as:

  • The joy you have in the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10 GWT).
  • Take delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4a NIV).
  • I will go to the altar of God, . . . my joy and my delight (Psalm 43:4 NIV).

I read such passages as directives for prayer and worship rather than invitations to take pleasure in relationship with God.

Psalm 100 provides Exhibit A for enjoying him by praising him. “Shout for joy,” the psalmist begins. “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (vs. 1-2, emphasis added).

Then he gives one example why: God has made us his own—in spite of our frailty—and cares for us like a compassionate, attentive shepherd (v. 3).

Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7)

That’s certainly cause for thanksgiving and praise (v. 4), which in turn fosters our delight in God. Then the psalmist concludes with three more reasons to enjoy him: he is good, loving, and faithful (v. 5).

This psalm hints at another important truth. Dare I use a sport analogy?

My first attempts at playing tennis sent balls whizzing every which way. However, various drills and hitting the ball thousands of times against a wall built up my skills until I could actually play the game.

That’s when I began to enjoy the sport. The better I knew how to play tennis, the more pleasure I took in the game.

‘See the parallel in the spiritual realm? The more we know God, the more we’ll enjoy him.

But that’s not all.

The more we delight in God, the easier it becomes to obey him and live by his ways.

And as we see those ways contributing satisfaction, contentment, and purpose to our lives, we enjoy him all the more.

So how do we foster our pleasure in God? Here are three ways to get us started:

LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT GOD—his character and his ways.

In January we explored the exercise of slowly reading through the psalms and writing down every mention of God’s character and deeds. As the list grows so does our delight in his multi-faceted splendor [1].

LEARN ALL YOU CAN ABOUT JESUS—his life, sacrificial death, provision of eternal life for us and all its implications.

For example, while reading the gospels, note his responses to people, his choices, and his behavior. What character traits can you identify?

While reading the letters written by the Apostles Paul, Peter, and others, consider all that Christ’s sacrifice has purchased for us.

The more we learn about Jesus, the more our love for him grows. The more our love grows, the more we find our hearts filled with joy in him.

REVEL IN GOD’S BEAUTY—his magnificence, the glory of his creation, and the beautiful blessings he bestows.

“His love notes are stashed everywhere,” says Sara Hagerty [2].

And as we discover them, we’ll find ourselves smiling and even laughing in pleasure with God, in the awesome works he performs [3].

Oh—and one more thing to celebrate. There will always be more to enjoy, and we can always acquire more ability to enjoy our God because . . .

quote from Morning by Morning, 268.

How do you enjoy God? Please share in the comment section below!

[1] https://nancyaruegg.com/2025/01/16/celebrating-god-through-the-psalms/

[2] Unseen, 206.

[3] https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/06/06/love-notes/

Image credits: http://www.youtube.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.freebibleimages.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pixahive.com (Vijay Richhiya).

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Celebrating God through the Psalms

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged , , , , , , , , , on January 16, 2025| 32 Comments »

One way to get better acquainted with God is to read through the psalms, watch for statements pertaining to him, and write them down.

That last step is important, as research has proven: writing (not typing) helps us learn and retain what we’ve written [1]. In this case it will also increase our appreciation of God’s glorious attributes and gracious acts on our behalf.

I chose to participate in this exercise during Advent, and became astonished by the number of statements about God, totaling over three hundred by the time I reached Psalm 150. I even skipped over those that I remembered listing previously.

Some psalms offer a number of statements about God, one after another. Psalm 23 includes nine, Psalm 103, sixteen, and Psalm 145, twenty.

Perhaps that explains why these psalms are among the favorites of many people. Subconsciously we crave reassurance of God’s power, wisdom, and goodness working on our behalf.

A lesser-known psalm perhaps, #71, offers seven encouraging descriptors of God:

He is our sovereign Lord (v. 5) over all things, even our blunders and regrets.

No matter my poor choices, God can redeem them. “Our mistakes can never thwart the sovereign will of God” [2].

How thankful I am for that!

He is the One who’s been my hope and confidence since my youth (v. 5).

I’ve been a Jesus-follower since age four. Never have I toyed with the idea of abandoning my faith in him, because I learned early on from the saints around me:

  • God is a good and loving Father
  • There is purpose in everything God does
  • He will bring me through whatever I might face
  • He is accomplishing a good and eternal work in my life [3]

I’d be foolish to turn my back on Someone so invested in my welfare.

God is splendorous (v. 8).

We could surely add more attributes to Brooks’ list. God provides so many wonderful, spiritual blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)!

He is the One who performs marvelous, mighty, and righteous deeds (vs. 16-18).

In truth, “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things” [4].

May we rediscover the wonder of God’s deeds in evidence all around us, and respond with gratitude and praise.

He is the One who’s taught me since my youth (v. 17).

Over time I’ve come to cherish God’ Word. And even though I’ve spent many happy hours in study, its inspiration never grows old.

That is very good news.

God is the One whose righteousness reaches up to the heavens (v. 19).

That’s good news too, because “there is no perfect life, no perfect job, no perfect childhood, no perfect marriage, and no set of people who always do what we expect them to do.

“What we do have is a perfect God who is able to lead us through this imperfect life with unfailing strength, infallible wisdom, and infinite love”—Unknown.

Praise God for his attentive participation in our lives!

He is the One who’s done great things. Who is like You, God (v. 19)?

All of these descriptors, among the dozens of others proclaimed in the psalms, do make clear:

P.S. My list of God-descriptors has become the basis for personal worship. Each morning I slowly read and pray back to him one page of the collected statements. The practice renews wonder and gratitude for my marvelous Heavenly Father.

Perhaps you’d like to try it too?

[1] Denise Hughes, Deeper Waters, 89.

[2] Bev Rihtarchik, contributor to A Moment to Breathe, 151.

[3] Dr. Charles Stanley, Advancing through Adversity, 101.

[4] Hans Christian Andersen

Photo credits: http://www.pxhere.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.canva.com (2).

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January Joy . . . and Beyond

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Jesus, Joy, Obedience, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 2, 2025| 45 Comments »

Joy is a word seen frequently during the Christmas season–on cards, ornaments and even fence gates.

But holiday-pleasure based on Santa, gifting, and parties, quickly disappears with the decorations and Christmas cookies.

Where do we find January-Joy that will carry us through the new year and even beyond?

First, we have to understand: true joy is more than feel-good endorphins.

To some that sounds ridiculous. Acquiescence sounds like distasteful servitude. And what possible delight can a person find in Someone we can’t see or hear?

Little do they know the depth of joy Jesus offers us (John 15:11).

We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex

and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child

who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot

imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.

—C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory

Little do many people understand:

This deep sea of joy is made available to us as we obey God–another reality that makes some bristle. They don’t realize when Christ tells us to follow God’s ways, he’s not trying to make our lives miserable. He’s showing us the way to enjoy abundance of life (John 15:9-11; John 10:10)!

Anything God commands of us is so that our joy may be full.

—Beth Moore, quoted in Values for Life

Scripture presents a number of principles that contribute to our fullness of joy, including:

POSITIVITY (Philippians 4:4)

GRATITUDE (Psalm 126:3)

 It’s not happiness that makes us grateful,

it’s gratefulness that makes us happy.

–Brother David Steindl-Rast

We just have to turn up our joy detectors,

notice, and give credit to the God who provided them.

—Deana Chadwell, When I’m in His Presence

MINDFULNESS (Psalm 89:15-16)

(How else might we make space for joy? That’s a question worth contemplating!)

GENEROSITY OF JOY (Acts 20:35)

In spreading my joy, God restored ME. MY JOY WAS FULL! . . .

As we pour out ourselves for others, we ourselves are renewed.

—Barbara Johnson, Pack Up Your Gloomies in a Great Big Box

Also worth remembering:

Empathy (Romans 12:15a)

Joy happens as we enter into the joys of others. The meek get

the most value out of others because they enter in the joys

of others. Not being envious, they rejoice in the successes of

others. Thus they live expansively, multiplying their own lives

in the careers around them.

—Ralph W. Sockman, The Higher Happiness

And what happens to those who focus on all things beautiful, good, and true—no matter how small—and thank God for them?

What happens to those who discover the joys of the here and now—no matter their circumstances–and praise God for them?

“They are the change agents who bring fullest Light [and JOY] to all the world.”*

JOY to the world! For January–beyond.

Now there’s an objective to embrace for 2025.

* Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, 58.

Art & photo credits: http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.freerangestock.com; http://www.negativespace.co; http://www.pickpik.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.canva.com.

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