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Uplift

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Hope, Intimacy with God, Meditation, Peace, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 16, 2026| 33 Comments »

A prayer in the midst of distress:

Heavy concerns weigh upon my heart, Lord,

beyond my abilities to remedy.

My thoughts bounce from faith-affirmations 

to faltering “what-ifs.”

I wonder, “How long, O Lord; how long?” (Psalm 6:3)

And so I come, to curl up on your footstool (Psalm 132:7), 

to rest in your comforting presence ( Psalm 62:1),

to catch my breath, slow my heart rate, and

look to you for uplift in my mind and spirit (Psalm 145:14).

I hear your tender voice reminding me:

“I am watching over you (Psalm 121:8),

surrounding you with my unfailing love (Psalm 32:10). 

Just as I’ve promised in my Word,

I will provide guidance for the path ahead (Proverbs 3:5-6)

and the power to endure (Isaiah 40:29).

I am faithful in all I do, never forsaking those who seek me (Psalm 36:5; Psalm 9:10).

Remember, I have always been your help (Psalm 46:1);

I have always sustained you through every challenge (Isaiah 41:10).”

Thank you, Father, for your reassurances.

Already I feel strength returning to my soul (Psalm 138:3)

and hope cheering my heart (Psalm 94:19).

I praise you for your attentiveness (Matthew 10:29-31)—

your watchful care, unfailing love, and reliable guidance, 

your unstoppable power, everlasting faithfulness, and ever-ready help.*

I picture you reaching down,

cupping my chin in your hand,

and lifting my head to look into your eyes (Psalm 3:3)—

eyes that speak-without-words of your love,

compassion, patience, and forgiveness.*

And in my heart I hear you reaffirm:

“Know this:

As you come into my presence and

allow me to lift your head (Psalm 3:3)—

To encourage, edify, and inspire your spirit,

I will bestow multiple blessings, including:

ALLEVIATION—

As I firmly support you to bear these burdens (Psalm 68:19),

ANTICIPATION—

for the intervention I can provide (Isaiah 64:4),

CONSOLATION—

to ease the distress (Matthew 11:28-29).

INSPIRATION—

to press on with confidence (Galatians 6:9),

LIBERATION—

 from crippling guilt and nagging doubts (Romans 8:1; Isaiah 41:10),

MANIFESTION—

of my comforting, empowering presence (Psalm 23:4), and

RESTORATION—

of hope to fuel your spirit and faith to carry on (Isaiah 40:31).

“Then the uplift of your spirit will become evident

In the uplift of your face (Proverbs 27:19),

as trust supersedes concern, and

expectation displaces doubt.”

I praise you, Lord—

You’ve heard my cry for mercy.

You are my strength and shield;

my heart trusts in you, and you help me (Psalm 28:6-7).

Hallelujah!

*Psalms 103 and 145 celebrate many of God’s awesome attributes.

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Patience, Persistence, and Promise

Posted in Excellence, Faith, God's Delight, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, Jesus, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on April 2, 2026| 33 Comments »

The Agony in the Garden, by Francesco Trevisani, 1740

I praise You, Lord Jesus, Founder of our faith and supreme exemplar of what the life of faith looks like. You demonstrated what it means to live in continual obedience to our Father [1], doing nothing of your own initiative but only what God directed you to do.

In the Garden of Gethsemane you poignantly affirmed trusting submission, even while anguishing over the suffering to come [2].

Yet you acquiesced to your Father’s will. You trusted your Righteous Father to provide the supernatural strength you’d need, knowing his right hand would sustain you, and he’d provide ultimate victory [3].

Your submission cost you horrific pain yet you endured to the end. By comparison, my submission has cost me little and yet I sometimes balk at even small sacrifices.

How dare I stoop to complaining and self-pity when people don’t respond the way I think they should, when disagreeable tasks require attention and I ignore them, when “little” temptations beset me and I make excuses to give in?

Oh Lord, forgive me for losing sight of your example. Remind me too that obedience is not for performance’ sake but for love’s sake [4]. Out of gratitude, I do want my love for you to overflow; out of love, I do want my submission to you to grow.  

I praise You, Lord Jesus, that you are the Perfector of my faith [5]. You didn’t just set me on the path to abundant life and then leave me to figure out the journey on my own.

“Your Spirit has enlightened my understanding of spiritual matters, developed my conscience, drawn my affections toward things of eternal value, created the desire within me to follow [your] will, with new motives, principles, and purpose” (Unknown) [6].  

THANK YOU!

You guide and empower, to mold my life into what is useful and even beautiful. You faithfully work to release me from those things that ensnare me [7]. How gracious you are!

You change my perspective, so I can see things from your point of view; you work repentance in my heart, desiring to purify and transform me, day by day, into your likeness [8]. That’s my desire too.

I’ve not been an easy project for you, Lord, given my stubbornness and slowness to learn.  And yet, scripture assures me your continual inner-work within me is for your good pleasure [9]. You do it because it gives you pleasure! That astounds me.

How thankful I am to belong to you, that you never give up on me. You never tire of wielding your transforming power, to refine all your children into radiant reflections of you [10].

I praise you, Jesus, for your patience and persistence! And I praise you for your promise, that you’ll carry to completion the good things you—with all your wisdom, goodness, and love—have planned for me [11].

May I be an enthusiastic participant to the end!

 

[1] Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 2:21; John 6:38

[2] John 5:30; Matthew 26:36-46

[3] Philippians 2:6-8; Psalm 18:32, 35b; 37:39-40

[4] John 14:15

[5] Hebrews 12:2

[6] Ephesians 1:18; Hebrews 9:14; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 4:24-26; Ezekiel 36:26-27

[7] John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 25:15

[8] Romans 12:2; 1 John 1:9; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[9] Philippians 2:13

[10] Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[11] 1 Timothy 1:16; Luke 15:4-7; Philippians 1:6

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Dust on the Balance Scale

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Power, Joy, Perseverance, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , , on March 5, 2026| 35 Comments »

Many of us memorized 1 Peter 5:7 as children:

Did you ever wonder how we cast our anxiety?

After all, our concerns aren’t jammed into heavy backpacks we can physically heave onto God’s back. We’re talking in the abstract–about nagging problems, physical ailments, troubling situations.

And in spite of God’s capacity and willingness to be our Burden-Bearer (Psalm 68:19), we find anxiety and fear niggling among our thoughts just the same. It’s difficult to get rid of them.

We know gratitude and praise to God can be effective burden-lifters, but worries can linger on the periphery, waiting for the first opportunity to return. Is that a sign of failure?

Here’s what I’ve learned; maybe you have too.

First, ‘remember learning math facts in school?

Mastery required practice because that’s how God made our brains to work. We learn by making neural connections, called synapses. For most of us, it takes a good deal of repetition for synapse-connections to become hard-wired (1).

Second, it makes sense that the advanced skill of controlling our thinking is also going to require practice. It’s a sign of wisdom to keep turning our minds back to God–a hundred times a day if necessary.

Third, I also know this: God appreciates progress; he doesn’t withhold his delight in us until we’re perfect. 

Consider God’s message through the prophet Zechariah: 

So, when a concern wants front-and-center attention in our minds, let’s implement:

Strategy #1: Keep turning the mind to gratitude and praise.

Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator of the 1600s had his wallet stolen one day. But instead of fretting about it, he wrote this in his journal:

“I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before; second because although they took my purse they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth because it was I who was robbed, and not I who robbed.”

Henry’s reasons for gratitude surely helped to shift the burden of anxiety from his own shoulders to the formidable shoulders of God. Just reading his entry lifts my spirit. 

Strategy #2: Affirm that God can turn burdens into blessings.  

God achieves purpose, even in our suffering. One purpose: to expand the joy in our lives (James 1:2).

For twenty-six years I taught elementary school. One difficult year, the problems and resulting tension intensified. And yet, as I got in the car each morning, I strongly sensed God’s presence with me, as if he sat in the passenger seat! 

His presence gave me joy–to the point of happy tears sometimes–while also offering reassurance and strength. Without the increased stress, I would not have experienced that singular blessedness.

Strategy #3:  Remember who God is.

For God to be our Burden-Bearer, we have to trust him, and trust grows as we remember:     

He’s our Father of compassion, our ever-present help in trouble, our King of power and glory, our loving and faithful God, our strong deliverer, and more (3). He can handle any load of trouble.

In fact, what seems to us a crushing burden is as inconsequential to him as a speck of dust on a balance scale (4).

*     *     *     *     *     *     * 

Lord, help me remember: You are the one with the answer to every question, the solution to every problem, and the wisdom for every decision (5). To worry is to forget Who’s in charge. May I joyfully rest in you.   

Notes:

  1. https://earlychildhood.qld.gov.au/early-years/early-learning-at-home/read-and-count/the-power-of-repetition
  2. Karol Ladd, Thrive, Don’t Simply Survive, 54-55.
  3. Psalm 103:13; 46:1;1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 57:10; 18:2.
  4. Based on a Charles Spurgeon quote from Morning by Morning, 8.
  5. Kay Arthur, His Imprint, My Expression, 36.

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A Prayer God Will Answer

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Strength, God's Will, God's Wisdom, Maturity, Meditation, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, Suffering, tagged , , , , , , , , on January 15, 2026| 35 Comments »

Black coffee steamed, a fir-scented candle glowed as I began to journal a prayer from Colossians 1:9-12, in response to a Bible study prompt. What follows is the result, with recent additions and revisions.

Perhaps you’d like to pray along?

Thank you, Father, for including many exemplary prayers in the Bible. Moses showed us how to intercede for others, David, how to praise, and Daniel, how to pray using scripture (1).

You’ve also provided promises, assuring our prayers will be answered–for those who believe in you, seek to live your ways, and pray according to your will (2). 

With these assurances in mind, I appropriate for me Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians (1:9-12), desiring to experience the same realities in my life: knowledge of your will, obedience worthy of you, power to endure, and joyful gratitude for the promised inheritance in your kingdom.

I too pray to be filled with the knowledge of your will (v.9)—for small matters and major decisions alike. I know that fulfillment of your purpose will result in prosperity of soul (3).

I pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9), “to recognize truth and discern reality from your point of view.” Many want to make truth relative to fit their world view apart from you. But “ignorance of spiritual realities is the constant source of error, instability, and sorrow” (4).

In contrast, knowledge of your divine truth brings helpful instruction, guidance, comfort, and more. For me to live by your truth is what you deserve, as my all-wise, loving Father. It also brings you honor and allows me to enjoy “life in all its fullness.” How lavish you are in your goodness, O Lord (6)! 

May my life “be the kind that brings credit to [your] grace” (7). One way to do that is to bear fruit (v. 10); to be your instrument of mercy to others with my words and actions. But to do that I need your power, Father, your enablement to carry out what you ask. 

I also need your power to persevere, equipping me to even triumph through trials. Eugene Peterson called it “glory-strength—strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy” (v. 11 MSG). Such an incredible gift!

I praise you for your supply of endurance. Millions of martyrs who’ve gone before have proved: no circumstance in life can ever defeat . . . no event can ever vanquish (8).

How many, Lord, were tortured and maimed, killed by lions in the Roman Colosseum, burned alive, or tied inside a burlap sack and thrown in a river to drown?

The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer by Jean-Leon Gerome, 1883

And yet as death drew near, they spoke and sang words of joy, because of their love for you and their confidence of heaven with you. You made it possible for them, you’ll make it possible for me to deal triumphantly with whatever life delivers.

You also provide patience to withstand unpleasant, even malicious people. You make it possible to set aside bitterness, despair, and exasperation and focus instead on the joyful conclusion ahead, just as Christ did.

Help me to do so, Father. May I remember to take encouragement from your promise that even out of evil, you bring good (9).

Your most mature saints exemplify “giving joyful thanks” (v. 12), even as they suffer. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India, offered a perfect example.

She was often in pain from neuralgia, sometimes bedridden for weeks at a time, yet served faithfully for fifty-five years, even writing thirty-five inspiring books.

Amy Carmichael

“Joy is not gush, ” she wrote. “Joy is not mere jolliness. Joy is perfect acquiescence ~ acceptance, rest ~ in God’s will, whatever comes.”

I know she’s right. 

Thank you, O God, for your willingness to bestow all these life-enhancing entities: knowledge of and compliance with your will that leads to satisfaction, strength and power to endure, and joy–especially in the glorious inheritance you’ve provided in your kingdom of light!

Help me do your bidding, Lord, joyfully leaving the outcome to you.

Notes:

  1. Exodus 32; Psalm 145 among many, Daniel 9.
  2. 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15.
  3. Psalm 40:8.
  4. 4. J. B. Phillips, The New Testament in Modern English, Colossians 1:9; Charles Spurgeon, http://www.preceptaustin.org.
  5. Psalm 119:14, 105, 52.
  6. John 10:10 GNT; Psalm 31:19.
  7. http://www.bereanbiblechurch.org.
  8. William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible, The Lettters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians, 131.
  9. Hebrews 12:2; Romans 8:28; Genesis 50:15.

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

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

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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

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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.

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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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