Sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes a THANK YOU GIFT: Thirty encouraging quotes to inspire your own spirit and to share with others.
Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource!
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
One fall years ago, we visited friends in North Carolina during peak leaf season. At the time, Steve and I lived in Florida. It had been years since we’d enjoyed autumn leaves.
The day after our arrival, plans included a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to take in all the festive foliage of: birch (yellow), dogwood (deep red), oak (russet to maroon), red maple (from yellow to maroon), sassafras (orange), and more.
But our much-anticipated excursion had to be postponed due to fog and rain.
On Day Three we finally ventured forth, and surveyed mountains transformed. Dust had been washed away, sunlight reflected from gleaming leaves, and the vibrant colors took our breath away.
Sometimes the dust of concern, discontentment, frustration and more can accumulate in my spirit, clouding the colors of joy and awareness of God’s presence. Life loses its luster.
My eyes miss his blessings, my ears miss his words, my heart misses moments of intimacy with him.
What then? Is there refreshing rain for the soul? Oh yes!
God himself renews. All we have to do is ask [1], perhaps with such a prayer as this:
Restore my EYES, Father. May the tears of repentance clear my vision to see more clearly the beauty of your perfections.
And with an enhanced view of you, I’ll be able to view all other things more clearly [2]–like what you want to show me instead of what I want to see.
Refresh my MOUTH, O God. May I be quick to share gracious words with others as well as appreciation and songs of praise to you for your marvelous deeds.
King Solomon wrote, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Keep me mindful of this power, to use my words as refreshing balm for others, for my own spirit, and to celebrate you also [3].
Renew my EARS, O Lord—to be attentive to your gentle whisper within. May I heed your instruction as you train me in the delight of right-doing, and lead me ever deeper into the abundant life you provide.
Tune my ears to hear your words of inspiration, cheering me on [4].
Restore my MIND, Father—my understanding, thoughts, and intentions. The things I think are the things that impact my soul.
May I meditate on all the wonders of your attributes and think Christ-honoring thoughts, becoming more Christ-like as a result [5].
Refresh my HEART, O Lord—my motivations, dreams, and desires. I want my heart to align with yours because I know that’s the first step toward fulfilling purpose and satisfaction in life.
Turn my heart, I pray, from what I’d like to have happen, to who you’d have me become—a reflection of your image. That’s where contentment lies [6].
Renew my SPIRIT, O God—my faith, passions, and confidence. May I navigate the challenges of this day with your strength pulsing through my spirit.
Remind me: when negativity or frustration begin to rise, you are my God of help to quell such emotions.
When setbacks occur, you are my God of guidance to show me the way forward, and when disappointments come, you are my God of hope who brings good out of every situation [7].
I praise you, Father, that I can rely upon you to wash away the grime of discouragement, listlessness, and aggravation.
Because of your compassionate love and with your omnipotent power you will restore, refresh, and renew my inner self—just as you have promised.
Begin this moment, I pray.
Restore my eyes, to see more clearly.
Refresh my mouth, to speak gratitude, grace, and praise.
Renew my ears to listen well (and then obey).
Restore my mind to think Christ-honoring thoughts.
Refresh my heart to align my desires with yours.
Renew my spirit to navigate this day with your strength.
P.S. Try renewing your spirit with “Thirty Days of Praise,” offered below (as part of the newsletter).
[1] Psalm 51:10b
[2] Psalm 119:15; 50:2. Last statement based on Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light, Day 1.
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].
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!
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Sometimes life can become little more than a repetitive rhythm of responsibilities and commitments. If we’re not careful, the day-to-day routine furrows a rut of monotony and dissatisfaction.
In addition, it may not be feasible to make the changes we dream of: a new job, a move across the country, pursuit of an exciting pastime like paragliding, vacations in exotic locations, or other adventuresome options.
We have kids. Others are counting on us. We don’t have the resources or time.
Does that mean we’re chained to tedium for the foreseeable future? Not at all.
Listed below are six ways (out of many) to spark excitement in our spirits:
Make Others Smile–and Even Laugh
In fact, Jesus taught that providing benefit to others is actually a greater blessing to the giver than the receiver [1]. Surely that principle applies to smiles and laughter also.
I wonder how many smiles and chuckles we can cause today?
Celebrate the Small
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Kurt Vonnegut
Sometimes we have to be proactive and stir up a little excitement—make a big deal out of something small, such as:
Celebrate the achievement of a family member. Did one of the children (grandchildren, nieces or nephews) earn an award, make the honor roll, successfully complete a project, or finish his first chapter book? Commemorate the occasion with the honoree’s favorite main dish for dinner, create a song or present a speech; include plenty of applause.
Research an interesting historical event that happened on an upcoming date. Have the kids plan a dinner celebration in honor of the anniversary. They might create table decorations, a reenactment or presentation, a quiz to stump the parents [2].
Try something new—a restaurant, park, museum, or activity. Explore another neighborhood or town nearby.
Afterwards, add a prayer of thanksgiving, and you’ll find such experiences enhanced even further.
Be Curious and Pursue Discovery . . .
. . . in creation, in knowledge, in the backstory of people you know, and especially in scripture.
Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.
Lovelle Drachman
It’s exhilarating to discover something new, don’t you think?
Equally delightful is the realization that no matter how long we live, how much we read, how many people we get to know, how much time we spend studying scripture, there will always be more to discover.
I find that exciting!
Encourage Others
How exciting is that?
Speak Gratitude and Praise
Write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world.
George A. Buttrick
No doubt, such a list would foster excitement in our hearts—for a God of goodness, compassion, generosity and power, who provides enumerable blessings each day.
Pray about Everything . . .
. . . and enjoy the thrill God has ordained, allowing us to be a part of his healings, provisions, guidance for decisions and more.
Now review the headings above and note:
Finding adventure in everyday life is not about grand gestures, but about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Please sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes features not on the blog.
AVAILABLE THIS MONTH: “Thirty Days of Praise”–scriptures and question-prompts to turn our hearts and minds toward celebrating God. Draw near to him with a few moments of reflection and worship, and KNOW: he will draw near to you (James 4:8). (Contemplate for a moment what a monumental privilege that is.)
Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource. And thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Frank Laubach (1884-1970): missionary to the Philippines, college dean, author, and developer of a highly-successful literacy program.
These are a few of the accomplishments of the devout Christian hero we met in last week’s post, “Toward Undiscovered Continents.”
His fifty-six books included those about the Philippines and teaching literacy, but also about growing into an intimate relationship with God, something he’d greatly desired, like King David centuries before:
In a letter dated March 23, 1930, Frank wrote, “Can I bring God back in my mind-flow every few seconds so that God shall always be in my mind [1]?”
He decided to make the rest of his life an experiment, and for the next forty years Frank disciplined himself to become more aware and more submissive to his heavenly Father—moment by moment.
As the habit grew, Frank wrote it was “the most amazing thing I ever ran across.” In another letter he tried to describe the sheer joy he experienced one afternoon:
“God was so close and so amazingly lovely that I felt like melting all over with a strange and blissful contentment [2].”
Surely all of us desire such loveliness and contentment in God’s presence.
But how did Frank manage to accomplish such a goal? And how might we hope to achieve that kind of intimacy with God?
First, we have to be patient with ourselves. Seeking to experience God throughout the day takes time and practice. About seven weeks into his experiment, Frank admitted:
“When for a half hour or so He slips out of mind—as He does many times a day, I feel as though I had deserted Him, as though I had lost something very precious in my life [3].”
So how did Frank become more consistent in his focus?
Here are a few of his practical suggestions (The comments in brackets are my own):
In the chinks of time between things, pray: “Lord, think your thoughts in my mind. What is on Your mind for me to do now?”
Instead of talking to your “inner self,” talk to Jesus. Imagine Him with you.
Pursue a two-way conversation in prayer. Ask, “God, what are You saying to me?” Let your imagination consider what you suppose He might answer. [It’s worthwhile to record these responses in a journal. Do keep in mind, God will never contradict what he’s already said in scripture.]
Can you imagine him saying, “I have been waiting for this moment all your life, waiting until you opened the channel so that I could speak. I have wonderful plans for you which cannot be realized until you listen as you are listening now [4].”
Make a daily habit to prayerfully read about the life of Jesus, from the Bible-books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Try different translations to keep the experience fresh.
Frank urges, “Walk with Jesus through Galilee by walking with Him through the pages of His earthly history [5].”
Hum a favorite prayer-hymn or chorus to yourself. [One possibility: “Take My Life and Let It Be,” with its upbeat tune.]
We invite Christ to share—all day long–in everything we do, say, or think. We don’t need to stop our work, but “we try to call Him to mind at least one second of each minute [6].” [How’s that for a lofty but highly worthy goal?]
The websites listed below offer more of Frank’s suggestions.
With him we can attest: “Now that I have discovered Him I find that it is a continuous discovery. Every day is rich with new aspects of Him and His working [7].”
Doesn’t that sound delightful? Let’s make the most of our minutes, availing ourselves of that “melt-all-over, blissful contentment” in the presence of God that Frank Laubach wrote about.
Frank Laubach trudged up Signal Hill again, despair shrouding his heart. After patient waiting and great effort he’d reached an impasse, with no path forward toward success.
Frank had spent seven years earning college and seminary degrees, married Effa Seely in 1912, and together they’d sought to follow God’s plan and become missionaries.
In 1915 the couple traveled to the Philippines, eager to work with the Muslim Moro people on Mindanao.
Mindanao is the large island to the south among the Philippines.
But just a few weeks after their arrival, the U.S. Army post commander stationed there required them to leave, insisting the area was too dangerous for Christians.
First they moved to north Mindanao, and ministered among the people there. In 1922, Frank and Effa moved their growing family to Manila where Frank became dean of Union College and established churches.
Surely he could take satisfaction in these accomplishments. But his heart’s desire was still set on working among the Moros.
Nearly eight years later, the trouble in southern Mindanao finally subsided. Frank left his family in Manila and returned, only to be rejected wherever he went. No one would listen to Frank, and after a month he had to admit defeat.
Moro people of Mindanao
One evening atop Signal Hill, Frank poured out his heart to God again and asked, “Why have my efforts failed?”
And this time God answered, identifying the problem. Frank saw the Moro people only as potential converts to Christianity, not as people to love.
“You feel superior to them because you are white,” God said. “If you can forget you are an American and think only how I love them, they will respond.”
The truth compelled Frank to pray, “Drive me out of myself, Lord. Come and take possession of me and think your thoughts in my mind.”
God then revealed his course of action for Frank. “If you want the Moros to be fair to your faith, be fair to theirs. Study the Koran with them.”*
The next day Frank told the Moro priests he wanted to study the Koran. Eagerly they talked with him, and Frank began to build relationships with these men, sharing the good news about the great prophet they already knew: Jesus.
Most of the Moro people couldn’t read. Frank knew that literacy would be important for teaching about Christ, so he worked to provide a dictionary of their language, Maranaw, and established a school. The Moros expressed enthusiastic gratitude.
Frank procured a printing press and devised an adult literacy program that proved highly successful. But as the Great Depression reached the Philippines, the program seemed destined to collapse. How would they pay for materials?
Frank’s solution: “Each One Teach One.” Everyone who learned to read was urged to teach someone else, using the materials they had. And as Frank taught, he shared about Christ.
Over the ensuing years, Frank wrote books about his teaching methods which were adopted around the world. An estimated sixty million people have learned to read, thanks to Frank’s techniques.
But more important are the thousands of people he brought into a rich experience with God——through his other writings.
For Frank, that night on Signal Hill was the beginning of growing intimacy with God, revealed in his subsequent journal entries, articles, and books.
One habit in particular transformed his life. Like Brother Lawrence three centuries before, Frank sought to live moment by moment in relationship with God.
Frank’s Letters by a Modern Mystic trace the beginning of this journey toward intimacy.
“I resolved that I would succeed better this year with my experiment of filling every minute full of the thought of God than I succeeded last year” (1-3-1930).
“This year I have started out trying to live all my waking moments in conscious listening to the inner voice, asking without ceasing, ’What, Father, do you desire said? What, Father, do you desire done this minute’” (1-20-1930)?
“It is exactly that ‘moment by moment,’ every waking moment, surrender, responsiveness, obedience, sensitiveness, pliability, ’lost in His love,’ that I now have the mind-bent to explore with all my might” (1-26-1930).
So began his life-long practice of constant, blessed connection with his heavenly Father, which he eagerly desired for others.
“Why do I harp on this inner experience? Because I feel convinced that for me and for you who read there lie ahead undiscovered continents of spiritual living compared with which we are infants in arms” (Frank Laubach, 1884-1970).
And what will result from such a pursuit? No doubt we’ll experience a level of shalom in the presence of God that for now we can only imagine.
Let’s explore! Next week we’ll consider Frank’s suggestions that will take us to those “continents of spiritual living!”
The decision had been narrowed down to two schools for our granddaughter Emma*, a rising seventh-grader. Which would be the best choice for next year–Willow Hills or Sheridan? She’d taken the tests and been accepted by both; each offered its own set of benefits.
Our son Derek and daughter-in-law Heidi received input from others, but their comments only added to the list of pros and cons. No definitive answer came to light.
Emma spent a school day shadowing another student at Sheridan. “It was OK,” she reported afterward. “The teachers were nice.” But nothing she’d seen or experienced had convinced her, “This is the place I want to be!”
All through this process Derek, Heidi and Emma (as well as little sister Madison) had been praying God would make clear the best choice. The deadline was nearing and the uncertainty felt like a heavy weight upon their minds and hearts.
No doubt you’ve faced similar decisions. It’s not a comfortable place to be.
So why does God allow such distress? Why don’t the answers to our prayers become evident immediately?
There are a number of reasons. Among them:
Uncertainty reveals the frailty of self-reliance.
We can’t see the big picture, and to be honest, very little in our lives is under our full control. Times of uncertainty press us into a place of trusting God [1].
We do well to affirm he’s our devoted heavenly Father. We can trust that what he’s lovingly planned is exactly what we’d choose for ourselves if we could see the entire storyline [2].
So our son and his family (Nana and Papa too!) waited and prayed. All we could do was trust our faithful God to reveal his good and wise plan in his good time.
Uncertainty provides a platform for God to display his grace, wisdom, and power.
These attributes and more become apparent as the answer unfolds and we see his lovingkindness in the plan he’s designed, the wisdom behind it, and the power he’s wielded to make events play out just so.
In the meantime, we must realize the uncertainty we face is only apparent uncertainty. Our future and our provision are certain to God. We’d also do well to remember that “uncertain seasons are often some of the most powerful moments we experience with God” [3].
Uncertainty allows us to experience God in fresh ways as we:
Sense his presence more profoundly during difficulty. Pat Chen calls it liquid love[4] — perfect imagery for the warm and comforting presence of our Heavenly Father.
See his unfailing love on display, even as we struggle—through the kindness of others, the beauty of creation, an encouraging scripture, and more.
Recognize his lavish goodness in the eventual, right-on-time provision.
The Sunday after the two acceptance letters arrived for Emma, our family just happened to sit in church in front of a couple with a son who attends Willow Hills.
Both the parents and he shared enthusiastically about the school. They also knew students at Sheridan and expressed concerns that our son and daughter-in-law hadn’t heard before.
The young man, several years older than Emma, spoke directly to her, giving her reasons why he’s loved Willow Hills.
Several days after that encounter, Emma and her dad visited Willow Hills for a tour. “Impressive!” he declared. “I like it!” she affirmed.
And so, just as we’d all prayed, God made the decision clear, and the weight lifted.
When have you faced a season of uncertainty? What helped you to triumph over the doubts and questions? Please share in the comment section below!
“It isn’t necessary that we stay in church in order to remain in God’s presence,” wrote Brother Lawrence. “We can make our hearts personal chapels where we can enter anytime to talk to God privately” [1].
Isn’t that a glorious realization?
After all, “God could have . . . made his sanctuary in the farthest galaxies, in the majestic mountains, in the deep oceans, or in the vast Grand Canyon. But he chose to live in you and me” [2].
Being a visual learner causes me to wonder, What might an imaginary, personal chapel look like?
I see intricately-carved marble bathed in golden light, stained glass windows creating rainbows on the walls, and a soaring ceiling that fosters awe and wonder.
I also see a long, winding staircase within the castle of my heart. It leads upward to this turret-chapel, far away from the concerns and distractions of the day.
Along that staircase, images line the walls—reminders of God’s attentive care through the years. By the time I reach the chapel-door, my spirit is filled with gratitude and praise.
But the door is closed.
And the only action that will open it is repentance.
Sin is no small matter; it is cosmic treason—it is overthrowing the rule of the One to whom I owe everything [3].
But what do I say? King David’s prayer of repentance (Psalm 51) gives me words:
Lord God, I feel dirty with self-centeredness and pride as I approach your presence. I ask you to wash me, cleanse me, and purge me. Blot out my iniquities, I pray.
I praise you for your mercy and steadfast lovethat prompt you to abound with forgiveness. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.” [4].
And the door swings open.
There my Heavenly Father sits in an ornate chair, befitting the Almighty King. He beckons me to join him and perch on his footstool [5].
“I’m so glad you’ve come . Just sit and rest awhile. Allow my calming presence to envelop you.” And his arm gently rests on my shoulders.
“Now, what brings you here today?” he asks, while leaning back comfortably in his chair.
“Feelings of frustration,” I blurt. “Circumstances are not unfolding as I expected.”
“I know Child. Remember, I am over all and through all and in all [6]—even in these circumstances. Refresh your spirit with such affirmations of trust as:
“I also feel overwhelmed, Lord. The to-do list is long and time is short.” I turn my body to face him more squarely. “Please help me prioritize and use my time wisely.”
“Of course!” he responds, with a pat on my back. “When you need wisdom, just ask. I am always ready to oblige” [7].
“Thank you, Father, for your reassurance to see me through [8]!
“And then, one more thing. I ask that you help me honor you in the tasks and encounters of this day.”
He smiles. “Now that is the kind of prayer I love to answer. Never forget that I am always with you; I am your reliable and perfect helper” [9].
I bask in his presence as God provides encouragement from his Word. The golden light that emanates from his presence, permeates my being [10].
I receive the inflowing of the Holy Spirit; he strengthens my will, thinking, and perceptions [11]. He grants me shalom—wholeness, contentment, and peace.
Now I’m ready to face the day, but very glad that anytime I can swoop up that staircase to my personal chapel and be ministered to by the Lord himself.
Praise God for his open invitation to come and his gracious benefits when we do!
[1] The Practice of the Presence of God, “Fourth Letter,” edited by Whitaker House, 1982.
[2] Beth Moore, A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place, 215.
[3] Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, The Songs of Jesus, 108.
[4] Based on Psalm 51:1-3, 7, 9-10, and a devotional by Dane C. Ortlund, In the Lord I Take Refuge, 144.
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.
Twenty-one-year-old James Gribble, a streetcar conductor, scanned the avenue ahead, but his mind swirled with visions of the future. Life was treating him well in Philadelphia with its many amenities in 1904, compared to his hometown of Mechanicsburg, PA. What opportunities might lie ahead?
Then it happened. A woman stepped off the still-moving trolley, caught her skirt under a wheel, and was pulled under. She died at the scene.
James agonized over the terrible accident. “Oh God, deliver me, and I’ll serve you!” he wrote in his journal.
That Sunday James attended church and accepted Jesus into his life. That evening he was baptized.
On Monday while reading his Bible, James came to Matthew 28:19a:
He told his pastor, “I think God wants me to become a missionary.”
For several years James received mentoring and instruction, then joined the African Inland Mission. To his delight, the team included a pretty young doctor, Florence Newberry. In 1908 they established a mission station in West Central Africa and started ministering to the nearby tribes.
The station was located in what is now the Central African Republic, south of Chad.
James wanted to become better-acquainted with Florence, but patients kept her busy from morning till night. Suddenly genius struck. James could pretend he was sick!
During the appointment he suggested courtship. Florence preferred they remain friends, still devastated over a previous beau uninterested in foreign mission work.
Twice more over the next four years James would approach her about courtship; twice more she declined.
James and another missionary traveled inland to establish a new station.
West African tribesmen, 1912
Soon his partner became ill and had to return to base camp, then James succumbed to black water fever. He expected to die.
Afterward James wrote about the vision God gave him on his sickbed—a panoramic view of the tribes of West Central Africa. God said, “Thou shalt be instrumental in carrying the gospel to these.” James knew then he’d survive.
During a prayer vigil in 1912, Florence’s thoughts turned to James. Her heart had warmed toward the trustworthy and kind missionary, so passionate about sharing Christ with the African people. Florence sensed the Spirit whispering to her, “Why not?”
The two were married within a few months.
Sometime later Florence developed appendicitis and required hospitalization. For thirty days they traveled the three hundred miles to the nearest hospital.
As she slowly recovered, the doctor told James, “You must take her back to America. She cannot live in the tropics.”
Florence did return home and six months later James followed. They lived in Chicago for several years while Florence regained strength. Their only child Marguerite was born there in 1915.
Daily James would pray over a map of Africa. He found his attention drawn to a town named Bozoum, in Ubangi-Shari (now the Central African Republic). He wondered why.
Bozoum is located in the northwestern province of Ouham-Pende.
The couple shared their hope with area churches: to establish base camps across central Africa as a barrier against encroaching Islam. When they returned in 1918, two nurses and another family joined them.
The group desired to enter a French-controlled area, but it took eighteen months to receive permission. They named their base, Camp-Wait-Some-More.
Finally able to move on, they arrived in Carnot. While waiting there another eighteen months, they spent their time learning the language and praying.
A new official arrived, and James made an appointment with him.
He asked James, “Where do you intend to set up camp, now that you’ve received permission?”
Permission?! James was stunned. “Where would you recommend?”
Then came Surprise #2. “I think Bozoum would be a good place.”
Now James knew why God had inspired him to pray particularly for this town.
In 1921, Florence and James became ill again. She had to return to the States, taking their daughter with her. Eighteen months later Florence traveled back to Africa, but without Marguerite. Though an anguishing decision, the couple determined she should remain in America to attend school.
In 1923 a young recruit was due to arrive, but he died within miles of reaching their mission station, causing more heartache.
James wrote:
Not long after, James succumbed to black water fever again; this time the forty-year-old did not survive.
He’d previously written to Florence, “I shall be content with the lowest seat in heaven if only there I may sit and see the redeemed of the Lord come in from those fields where I have a been a pioneer missionary.”
Except James had not witnessed one person becoming a Christ-follower during his years in Africa.
Some might say those years of pain and hardship had accomplished nothing. And what about God’s promise: ““Thou shalt be instrumental in carrying the gospel to these?”
James had been instrumental, by bringing others to join in their work. Even his own daughter returned to Africa, ministering with her husband for thirty-one years.
James had served as a foundation builder—constructing base camps, encouraging others, and giving himself to prayer. He followed in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul:
Today, 70% of the population of the Central African Republic are Christians.
In my mind’s eye I see James in heaven, greeting saint after saint from West Central Africa, just as he imagined. But instead of sitting, I think James is standing and celebrating with all his heart.
Sign up below for the monthly newsletter, with additional features not included on the blog. (If the sign-up doesn’t work, let me know in the Comment section below and I’ll add you to the subscriber list.) Thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
I'm Patty, and my husband and I are living with our adult son who has autism and epilepsy. I love sharing lessons learned from life around me, especially life with Aaron.
From the Inside Out 