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In Christ

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, God's Presence, Godly Character, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Joy, Maturity, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, Faith, in Christ, Intimacy with Jesus, Jesus' Presence, John 15:1-8 on August 25, 2014| 8 Comments »

‘Ever watch one of those television shows that provides a person with a complete makeover? By the end of the hour she (or sometimes he) has acquired a personalized, updated wardrobe, learned how to apply make-up, and received a new hair-do. The physical transformation is always stunning.

However, there is a transformation even more amazing. Paul explains it this way:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Those of us in Christ haven’t just been adjusted, primped, polished, or camouflaged. We have become new people with clean slates, strong purpose, deep joy, and vibrant enthusiasm for life.

And that’s not all. Each day we’re becoming better than the day before–a bit more perfected–if we remain in Christ. Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) says we’re becoming more fully our true selves–the ones God designed us to be. I like that.

Each day in Christ is an opportunity to grow more completely into his glorious image. These changes have nothing to do with outward appearance. They take place on the inside, impacting our personalities, emotions, minds, and spirits.

That expression, in Christ (also “in the Lord” and “in him”), occurs 164 times in Paul’s letters. Such repetition would indicate the importance of the concept.

So how would we define the meaning of being “in Christ?” Here are a few possibilities.

1. In Christ means we live within his presence. Now that’s a rather abstract concept. Perhaps an analogy would increase our understanding.

Picture yourself surrounded by trees in a forest. The woods fill your senses—the sight of tall, stately trees, the sound of chirping birds, the aroma of pine and earth, the textures of rough bark and velvety moss, the taste of cold, clear water from a stream.

Similarly, the presence of Christ completely surrounds us as believers. Christ fills the senses of our hearts, if we avail ourselves. We see more fully the glory of his creation, hear his truth, breathe in his love like a fine fragrance, feel his strength upholding us, and taste his goodness in the feast of blessings he provides.

Such sensations change who we are. In Christ, we can become stable, contented, joy-filled people.

2. In Christ means we are united with him, like a branch fused to the vine (John 15:1-8). He is the Source of everything we need, but we must stay in contact with him. How do we do that with Someone who’s invisible? Possibilities include prayer, praise, gratitude, and worship–throughout the day.

And when we’re united with him, his peace and strength are infused into us.

3. In Christ means we’re in close relationship with him. Never should there “be day when we give ourselves a chance to forget him” (William Barclay).

And when we live in the presence of Christ, and in union with Christ, the inner transformation he has instituted will most definitely become visible. Jesus’ character will begin to flow through our attitudes and actions, just as sap flows through the vine into the branches. Attitudes like kindness, understanding, and forgiveness will give strong evidence that we’re living in Christ.

And what will the people around us see? Folks who…

exude joy and optimism.
are gracious to others.
exhibit self-control.
make wise choices.
aim to express love–always.

Such delightful, purposeful living awaits those who center themselves in Christ.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the supreme privilege of living in your presence. You are the King of the universe, yet you want to be united with us in close relationship. And as we avail ourselves, you infuse us with your attributes, your strength, your peace. All praise to you, gracious Savior, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, as we abide in you.

(Photo credits: www.brotherransome.com, http://www.wikipedia.org., and alishagratehouse.com.)

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Surprised by Love

Posted in God's Delight, God's Love, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Ephesians 3:18, God's Love, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Psalm 147:11, Worship on August 11, 2014| 16 Comments »

Our son was telling me about the church he and his wife attend.

“You should hear this mother and daughter play their violins together. The girl is only ten or eleven, but she’s very talented. I think the mom is teaching her.”

It would be delightful to hear them, I thought.

Several months later, I happened to attend their church when the mother and daughter were scheduled to play. My heart was filled with delicious anticipation as they approached the piano with their violins.

Soon soft, mellow notes of melody and harmony resonated through the broad, high-ceilinged sanctuary. My son had not been exaggerating. They were both gifted violinists.

I had to hold back the tears.

Yes, the sweet music touched my spirit. However, my reaction arose from more than that.

The music was greatly enhanced by the mystical bond between mother and daughter.

One evidence of that bond was the subtle means by which the two remained in sync. The mother would nod her head or sway slightly as she directed the music. However, the girl didn’t actually watch. Just every now and then she would make eye contact over her violin–and smile at her mother like an angel—pure, innocent, and tender.

Her eyes seemed to say, “I love doing this with you,” Mother smiled her love and pleasure in return.

In fact, the very atmosphere seemed to be permeated with love during those moments. But the affection of parent and child was only a part.

The Spirit of God and his love flowed in wondrous waves through the music and that mother and daughter. God’s love—the width, length, height, and depth that Paul spoke of*– filled every nook of that sanctuary.

Surely I was not the only one who felt wrapped in God’s warm embrace during those moments.

And to be loved by God is no small matter.

He is the Master of the universe and the King of glory. Angels sing his praises continually. And yet he delights in us, who reverence him and put our hope in his unfailing love (Psalm 147:11).

Isn’t that knowledge alone enough to astound the intellect and overwhelm the heart with joy?

The only possible response is worship, from a heart overflowing with gratitude. An overflow that often becomes tears, as praise intertwines with the invisible but palpable touch of God.

And I can almost hear him say, “I love doing this with you.”

* * * * * * * * * *

When has the overflow of love for God and gratitude to him brought you to tears? Share your story in the Comment section below.

*Ephesians 3:18

(Photo credit: www.visualphotos.com.)

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I Shall Not Want

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Godly Character, Jesus, Joy, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Contentment, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Gratitude, Jesus, Joy, Matthew 11:28, Praise, Psalm 119:130, Psalm 23:1 on July 10, 2014| 14 Comments »

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1, KJV).

Many of us memorized those words as children. And many of us may have thought, “Wow! That means, God will give us whatever we want!”

So we prayed for new bicycles, the latest gadgets, and swimming pools in our backyards—absolutely certain that if God gave us these heart desires, we’d be completely satisfied.

Some of our prayers were answered affirmatively. A new bicycle with sparkling spokes actually materialized under the Christmas tree. Or Aunt Louise heard the pleas for Mattell’s Magical Music Thing, and sent it as a birthday gift.

But the wise and introspective among us may have realized early on that:

1. When one desire is fulfilled, another quickly takes its place.

Years ago I heard that a famous actress had accumulated seven houses, each one decorated differently from the others. Why? Because changing locations eased her boredom. ( I wonder how long after each home was completed she decided to purchase another?)

2. God isn’t in the business of making wishes come true.

Some desires become reality; some do not. If he did provide our every whim, we’d become spoiled and self-centered.

So how are we to make sense of David’s introductory statement? It sounds like a whopping exaggeration. “I’m one of God’s flock! I’m gonna live on Easy Street!”

Hardly. David is saying, “God is my loving Care-Giver. What I enjoy in my relationship with him far outweighs anything else this world has to offer. I really don’t want. Another. Single. Solitary. Thing.”

Now there’s an attitude of devotion to cultivate! How can we become that contented?

One place to begin is with gratitude and praise.

Think of all we enjoy as a result of our relationship with God. Peace, joy, and provision, quickly come to mind.

Here are a few more:

Companionship with a perfect Friend—every moment of every day–into eternity. He is always listening, always watchful, always diligent.
Hope. No situation is beyond the abilities of our Almighty God.
Settledness, because he is in control, and “makes good things even out of hard times” (Erica Hale).
Truth. We don’t have to muddle through life like a do-it-yourselfer with no instruction manual. “The unfolding of [God’s] words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

The truth of the matter comes down to this:

No possession or position, no person, and no place will fill our hearts with satisfaction.

Peaceful, joyful contentment is the outcome of one determination: affirming that in God we have all we need.

Perhaps Jesus was teaching us the way to contentment when he said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Are you weary of the dissatisfaction that results from striving for the next desire? Are you burdened by unfulfilled wishes and dreams?

Come to Jesus. Count the scores of blessings he has already provided in the past, is currently providing this very moment, and has already prepared in the glory of heaven yet to come!

Rest in contented gratitude and praise–free from want.

* * * * * * * * * *

What helps you rest in contented gratitude? Please share in the Comments section below!

(Photo credit: www.kingjamesbible.org.)

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Part of the Process — Revisited

Posted in Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Promises, Perseverance, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, God's Ways, Perseverance, Prayer, Psalm 113:9 on June 12, 2014| 4 Comments »

(As most of you know, Steve will soon be retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Mid-June we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons and their families. If our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!

No doubt you’re also aware that packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks, so I’m putting the blog on hold for a few weeks. But please continue to visit! I’ll re-blog some previous posts, and hopefully you’ll find them meaningful again, or perhaps for the first time.

The following post was first published 11-7-13.)

Before my friend, Elizabeth, said a word, I knew something was wrong. The slump of her shoulders, the wrinkled brow, the tears welling up in her eyes–they spoke loud and clear.

“You know how Michael and I would like to have a little brother or sister for Ashley,” my friend said, dabbing her eyes with Kleenex. “Well, it’s become more than just a desire for me. I so desperately want another child.” Her voice became tight. “The waiting and uncertainty are becoming unbearable.”

We stood together, in the emptying sanctuary after church, arms entwined. And I prayed for Elizabeth and Michael.

Psalm 113:9, a verse which had ministered to me years before, came to mind. I included the promise in my prayer: “God, you’ve promised ‘to settle the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children.’ We are claiming that promise today for Michael and Elizabeth. Even now we look forward to the day when they are holding a precious, new baby in their arms.”

Note the verse says children, not child.

The prayer came out of my mouth with certainty and brazen expectation, not in keeping with my cautious personality at all. I have to admit, the thought crossed my mind, What if God intends for Elizabeth and Michael to have just one child? You’ve gone way out on a limb with that prayer!

But I voiced no disclaimers. I let the prayer stand on its foundation of conviction–conviction that didn’t come from my spirit as much as from the Holy Spirit.

For the weeks that followed, I continued to pray that God would bless this couple with another child.

Weeks later, Elizabeth approached me once again. Before she said a word, I knew what she was going to say. Her outspread arms, wide grin, and sparkling eyes spoke loud and clear.

“I’m pregnant!” she cried.

We hugged each other tight and noisily exclaimed our jubilation.

Would I have been as excited had I not been praying for this family? Delighted, yes. But jump-up-and-down ecstatic? Probably not.

My joy was greatly expanded because I had invested myself in the outcome—with the effort of prayer.

Yes, there are many reasons to pray, including these benefits:

Our wills are aligned to God’s will (Psalm 37:4).
Strength of character is developed through the discipline of perseverance (Luke 11:5-8).
We have the opportunity to bring glory to God (John 14:13).
Prayer is a means of fighting against evil (Ephesians 6:10-18, especially verse 18).

But the wonder of prayer, for me, is the privilege God gives us to be part of the process, as he engineers circumstances to accomplish his will.

Every time God moves in situations for which we’ve prayed, he is giving us a precious gift: the gift of participation with him–in a miracle.

Maybe two.

Michael and Elizabeth had twin girls!

* * * * * * * * * *

Heavenly Father, thank you for the splendid privilege of participating with you in the healing, protection, provision, and guidance with which you bless others. May I never get tired of bringing my requests to you, knowing that the joyful conclusion will be worth every moment spent in prayer!

(Photo credit: www.saveourschoolsnz.files.wordpress.com; http://www.etsy.com.)

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Fighting the Giants

Posted in Encouragement, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Meditation, Perseverance, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Ephesians 6:17, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Meditation, Negativity, Perseverance, psalm 73 on May 15, 2014| 6 Comments »

Ever had a pending appointment you didn’t want to keep? A person you didn’t want to encounter? A task you didn’t want to complete?

Some days are filled with unpleasantries. And if I’m not careful, it’s an easy slide down into a gloomy funk.

How does that happen?

My thoughts provide the slippery slope…

What a lousy day this is going to be. I sure hope So-and-So is in a good mood for that meeting this afternoon. Last time he was as irritable as Oscar the Grouch. And while I’m looking forward to that (Ha-Ha!), look at this impossible to-do list. Talk about crazy. And then there’s our double-date tonight with that new couple from church. I am in no mood to be sociable. All I want to do is go home, put on my sweats, and park on the couch!

Can you identify my problem here? I’m focusing on the negative. The solution is obvious: turn my thoughts to the positive.

But some days that is next to impossible. It’s as if the problems and challenges are shouting giants, jumping up and down, with arms waving no less. They block any view of the positive.

Making the effort to think about praiseworthy things works for a while, but those negative thoughts often return, unbidden and oh, so unwanted. To make matters worse, I feel guilty for allowing those giants access to my mind and spirit.

Why can’t I get rid of them once and for all?

Maybe I’m not supposed to. Maybe God wants me to become more watchful, to learn perseverance, and to practice proactive behaviors, like gratitude and praise.

But one strategy for fighting the giants is particularly important: Get out my sword.

I’m talking about the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Scripture is full of wisdom and encouragement for doing battle, like Psalm 73.

Asaph writes about his challenge: arrogant and wicked people (v. 3) who scoff and speak malice (v. 8).

“What is going on here?” he writes. “Is God out to lunch? Nobody’s tending the store. The wicked get by with everything; they have it made…When I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache” (vs. 11-14, The Message).

Sounds like the giants of negativity had been pestering Asaph, too.

But at the end of the psalm, Asaph affirms what he knows about God and his ways:

“You [God] hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

And afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

But God is the strength of my heart

And my portion forever.”

(Psalm 73:23-26)

I need to meditate on Asaph’s affirmations and make them my own:

My loving Heavenly Father holds me by the hand, offering protection and security.

He guides me with wisdom, especially through his Word, infusing me with comfort and strength.

God gives me perspective for my earthly troubles as I look forward to blissful eternity with him.

He is all I need.

Thank you, Asaph. I’m going to memorize those verses so they’re ready to draw like a sword—on a moment’s notice!

(photo credit: www.ideas.tome.com.)

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All Day Long

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Presence, Joy, Praise, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, God's Gifts, Gratitude, Joy, Praise, Psalm 16:11 on May 8, 2014| 16 Comments »

“Nancy, come here!” Tabbitha called, as she poked her head through the door of my classroom. Tabbitha taught across the hall from me. It was still early morning, and students hadn’t begun to arrive yet.

“I want to show you something!” she beckoned. Tabbitha’s smile and sparkling eyes gave me a hint that, whatever her surprise, it was going to be good.

Quickly she led me out of the school building and back towards the parking lot. She stopped at a row of low, scraggly bushes that grew along the sidewalk.

“Look!” Tabbitha cried, pointing down at one of the bushes.

I looked but saw nothing. “What am I supposed to see?”

“Right here,” she said, and moved her finger closer to the object.

My eyes finally focused on what she saw: a shriveled brown pouch adhered to a branch. A chrysalis.

I couldn’t remember ever seeing one in the wild before, only in a butterfly habitat.

We studied the chrysalis closely, marveled at the miracle within, and wondered whether the end result would be a butterfly or moth.

“Actually, I have to tell you. I didn’t spot the cocoon,” Tabbitha confessed. “Brooke did.”

Of course. Tabbitha’s daughter, Brooke, was four years old at the time–closer to the ground to notice such details as an odd protrusion on a low stem. But Brooke was also an observer. Her little eyes and ears didn’t miss much, and her mind was always active—learning, wondering, connecting,

As for me, I hardly even noticed there were bushes along that sidewalk, much less a miracle taking place among them. My mind was always busy with the to-do list, lesson plans, students needing special attention that day, the emails to be answered, the meeting after school, etc., etc.

Little Brooke taught me a lesson that morning: Pay attention!

God is revealing himself to me every day—his creative genius, his loving care, and his wisdom. He arranges little serendipity gifts for me to discover. My challenge is to be watchful.

The blessings are there, the joy available–not just in grand rainbows and sunsets that grab my attention, but in the sheen on rain-washed leaves or in the mesmerizing flicker of a candle flame.

Joy is not the result of happy events, a collection of lovely things, or even near-perfect relationships with family and friends. Joy is experienced in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11). And when God and I together enjoy his creation, his people or his engineering of events, the joy becomes rapturous.

However! I have been a slow student to learn the habit of attentive living. I’m still developing a praise-frame of mind.

But when I pause long enough to enjoy a cocoon on a stem, a group of children on a playground, or the smile on the face of a friend, I want to extend that pause into a prayer:

Oh, God, thank you for lavishing gifts of love upon me each day. Thank you for filling me with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11), all day long, now and forever. Yet there is more! Thank you that, as I celebrate these blessings together with you, my joy is expanded even further. Help me to become attentive like little Brooke. And perhaps, as I express my contentment in you and in all your gifts, your heart will be filled with joy as well.

(photo credits: www.princetonaturenotes.blogspot.com; http://www.discovermagazine.com; http://www.brantfordfire.ca.)

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Tumbleweed or Tree?

Posted in Bible Study, Encouragement, Faith, God's Love, God's Promises, God's Strength, Maturity, Meditation, Perseverance, Praise, Prayer, tagged Ephesians 3:17-18, Jeremiah 17:7-8, live oak trees, Practice the Presence of God, Spiritual Growth, strength, Trust in God on May 5, 2014| 12 Comments »

When Steve and I moved from South Florida to north of Tampa, we were delighted to see the abundance of live oak trees. Each one reaches wide with graceful, curving branches that outline intriguing free-form shapes.

Live oaks can grow to be eighty feet tall and just as broad over a life-span of hundreds of years. The key to their longevity is their root system, which reaches down into the soil about four feet, and extends laterally to ninety feet. Such depth and width offers strong support for the tree.

Of course, roots also provide water and nutrients. A mature oak can take in more than fifty gallons of water per day, much of which evaporates and keeps the tree cool.

Such facts give me greater understanding and appreciation for Jeremiah 17:7-8.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,

whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit.”

Doesn’t that sound satisfying and peaceful? Yet too often I’ve been more like a tumbleweed in the desert—dry, flitting here and there, and anything but peaceful.

How do I turn my tumbleweed self into a mature, flourishing tree?

The secret is in the roots. Oak tree roots grow wide and deep; tumbleweeds have none.

I have to send out my roots into the soil of God’s Word. That’s where the nutrients of strength, wisdom, and encouragement will come from. The deeper and wider my knowledge, the more empowered I’ll be to withstand the buffeting challenges of life.

The soil also represents God’s love (Ephesians 3:17-18). I must learn about my loving Heavenly Father and spend time with him in order to know him. As intimacy develops, trust grows.

And when roots grow deep into God’s Word and his love, when we practice his presence, we can remain strong when life turns up the heat…

When our kids make foolish choices
When the boss’s high expectations ratchet up a few more notches
When the paycheck will not stretch another penny
When a disagreement becomes an impasse
When a decision must be made and the pros and cons swim endlessly in our heads

We express our trust by affirming what we know about God. And we affirm our confidence in him by reviewing his promises–not once a day in a quick morning prayer, but moment by moment.

Roots are continually absorbing water and nutrients. We must do the same by praising and thanking God all day long. Even our concerns can be expressed with praise and gratitude:

“Father, I lift up _______ to you as he looks for another job. We are trusting you to provide, knowing that those who seek you lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10). Our hope is in you because no one who hopes in you is put to shame (25:3). I thank you that he is looking to you, God, and seeking your path. You are a good and upright God; you will instruct ______ in the way you have chosen for him (Proverbs 3:5-6). Hallelujah!”

As our roots grow deep, our spirits can reach high and strong like live oak branches — in adoration and praise for our trustworthy God.

I am DONE with tumbleweed living! How about you?

(Photo credits: www.nativetreesociety.org; http://www.sonoragardensinc.com)

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Top Choices

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

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

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

One important truth:

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

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

One supreme example of nobility:

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

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

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

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

One person of good repute:

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

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

One example of holy authenticity:

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

One item that demands compelling attention:

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

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

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

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

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

One example of graciousness:

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

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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

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

Top choices.

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

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Praise 101

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

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

“Nobody understands what this situation is like.”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

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

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

A good place to start: praise God.

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

Now why would that be?

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

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

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

“Praise is the honey of life

which a devout heart extracts

from every bloom of providence and grace.”

–Charles H. Spurgeon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep praising!

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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

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

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Winter Watch

Posted in God's Power, Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship, tagged God's Creative Genius, God's Power, Praise, Psalm 147:16, Thanksgiving, Worship on January 13, 2014| 19 Comments »

I awoke around midnight one evening in December, crept out of bed, and peeked out the loft window facing the street. All was quiet. No cars passed, no breeze rustled the trees. The pavement below glowed faintly under the street lamp.

Again, around two, the same tiptoe trip to the window. Same view; same stillness.

No, I was not watching for Santa. I was watching for snow.

The last snowfall this Floridian witnessed was thirty-eight years ago. So during a rare Christmas visit to Ohio, when snow was forecast during the early hours of one morning, I didn’t want to miss it.

The third time I awoke, around three o’clock, my trip to the window was rewarded. In the dim light, I could make out large flakes falling fast and straight.

As much as I anticipated its arrival, now I looked forward to the accumulation that had been forecasted: at least several inches.

Sure enough, the pale light of morning revealed a world transformed. Each tree branch, even every twig, appeared iced in white frosting.

And yet more snow was falling. Now the flakes were lighter and smaller, drifting gently and softly to the ground.

Donning my coat, I slipped out to the front porch, and extended my arm. Soon I had a lovely collection of tiny star-shaped flakes on my sleeve. Delicate displays of lacy symmetry. Each one a magical wonder.

The next day, under a crystalline blue sky, we rode through a nearby cemetery where the snow created an even more stunning display. Hillsides, ancient trees, and tangles of bushes were majestically trimmed in sparkling white. Frozen ponds glistened subtly, like great pearls. By contrast, the streams twinkled, as if crystals had been laid out on rippling, steel-gray silk. I oohed and aahed at every turn.

Those of you who experience snow every winter may not be so enthusiastic. There’s a dark side to the white stuff! Bundling up in extra clothing for outdoors, then shedding the layers for indoors. Slow, snarled traffic. Shoveling. Scraping off the car.

But, oh, the beauty! The splendor!

“He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes” (Psalm 147:16)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, O God, for the glorious wonders of your winter creation. I marvel that you design each tiny snowflake unique from all others. How mind-boggling to consider the millions of flakes required to cover just one tree, much less a forest or a whole region. And I marvel at your artistry with just one color—white!

How great and glorious you are, the almighty Creator and Sustainer of the universe! How awe-inspiring to know you are also our loving Heavenly Father. And that same awesome power that paints winter-white landscapes is at work in our lives, creating the beauty of holiness. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

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