From the Inside Out

Blessed Are the Flexible

January 23, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

Once again I found myself dashing out the door after…my quiet time of Bible study and prayer, making the bed, writing two get-well cards (couldn’t put that off another day), printing some documents to read and prepare with comments, breakfast, showering, drying my hair, putting on make-up, getting dressed, etc., etc.

I hurried to get in the car, and checked my watch. In twenty minutes I was due to meet Steve at church , about fifteen minutes away. I had just enough time to stop for gas. After the fill-up, and back in the car, I checked the time again. The pit stop had taken four minutes. If the traffic lights worked with me instead of against me, I’d arrive at my destination with a couple of minutes to spare. Whew.

In the peaceful quiet of the car, I prayed as I often do: “Lord, help me be a blessing to those I meet today. May I be an attentive listener, speak words of encouragement, and maybe even share a bit of wisdom from you.”

Soon I was pulling into the church parking lot. According to the dashboard clock, I did indeed have two minutes to spare. Hallelujah.

With a deep cleansing breath (a holdover habit from Lamaze classes) and a smile, I opened the door…to this news from Steve:

“I’m so sorry, Honey. The computers at Northwestern Mutual just went down. I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.” (Must have been while I was pumping gas.) “They said they’ll have to reschedule our meeting for next week.”

For a split second I wanted to say, “WHAT?! After all the rushing around I did this morning in order to get here on time? All that effort for NOTHING?! I have a long to-do list I could be tackling! This is so UNFAIR!”

But just who deserved that rant? Certainly not Steve. It wasn’t his fault the computers at Northwestern Mutual weren’t working. So just where could I direct my angst? Nowhere. I had to stuff it down.

And while I was stuffing, my prayer spoken in the car came to mind.

Oh, boy. I had just asked God to help me be a blessing to whomever I might meet. And when a small monkey wrench gets thrown my way I want to throw it back. Some blessing. Will the day ever come when I can react with a gentle and quiet spirit–even in the first moment of upset?

And speaking of upset, this little setback is nothing compared to the heartache and suffering of others. Why do I allow an inconsequential matter, like a postponed meeting, to steal my joy–even for a second?

God is still teaching me some important lessons (because I’m a slow learner):

What seems to be a waste of time in my shortsightedness may not be, in God’s long view of eternity.
The to-do list is not a binding, legal document. The wise person leaves space on the page and in her spirit for serendipitous possibilities.
Changes of plan and interruptions (another bug-a-boo of mine) may be God-engineered events. Greet them with expectation and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Live in the present. Put aside the frustration that the plan for the day has been reconfigured. Accept the moment as a surprise gift–to be passed on to someone else who needs a favor, a listening ear, or a bit of encouragement. Another possibility? The moment may turn out to be a gift for you.

I did indeed receive a gift that day. Instead of attending that meeting, I ended up having an impromptu lunch with some of the church staff–a delightful group of people!

Steve has said for years, “Blessed are the flexible.”

I’m starting to catch on.

(Image credit http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.)

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Will, Uncategorized | Tagged Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Ways | 21 Comments »

Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

January 20, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:18a

M-m-m. Interesting. John doesn’t say perfect courage drives out fear. Not even perfect faith. Why does he say perfect love will drive out fear?

First of all, this verse is not talking about fears of financial ruin or life-threatening events. Verse eighteen gives us the context. John is talking about Judgment Day. He’s reminding us that, if we know Jesus, there is nothing to fear when we leave this earth for eternity. Jesus gave his life to save us from the consequences of our sin. Our place in heaven is secure, if our faith is in him.

And once that matter has been settled, other fear-producing questions can be put in proper perspective. We have to remind ourselves that earthly life fades quickly like the leaves (Isaiah 64:6). These questions will cease to matter–questions like:

Will my job survive the cutbacks?
Will I be able to keep my health insurance?
Will my kids make it through their personal crisis?

But such questions can cause torment to the point of ulcers and high blood pressure. If we allow fear to control us, we’re saying that the troubles we face are more powerful than our God.

So here are a few ways to fight against fear:

Rename your difficulties as possibilities—possibilities for God to do something glorious. Without a problem, there’s no opportunity for a miracle.

Picture God Almighty accompanying you all day long. He’s standing right behind you at the sink. He’s sitting beside you in the car. His ever-watchful eye is upon you, his infinite strength is available to you, and his perfect wisdom will guide you.

Don’t feed your fear with worry; feed your faith with the truth of God’s Word. Psalm 23 is a perfect place to begin. Remember verse four? “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Listen to what he says: “I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you (Isaiah 41:13). Visualize God holding you by the hand as you walk through each day.

Years ago, when a I was a young teenager, my family visited Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. Dad and I were hiking over the mountain paths when we came to a deep, narrow ravine. He easily jumped across, turned, and held out his hand for me.

“I can do it myself,” I announced confidently. Then I looked down into that deep ravine. What if I fall? I thought. Grinning sheepishly at Dad, I said, “’Guess you’d better help me after all!” I had great confidence in my father. I knew he loved me and would never let me fall.

God is ready to walk hand-in-hand with me along the mountain paths of life. Problems arise, though, when I repeat that moment on Lookout Mountain and focus on the ravine, the what-ifs. The result? I’m frozen with fear.

How downright foolish of me, when my loving, trustworthy Heavenly Father has assured me:

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you” (Isaiah 41:10, The Message).

You see, perfect love drives out fear because we can trust the perfect love of our perfect God.

Posted in Courage, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Provision, Uncategorized, Worry | Tagged 1 John 4:18, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:13, Trust in God, Worry | 20 Comments »

Sanctuary

January 16, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

She was a pitiful sight, the pit bull/Labrador/terrier mutt that our son, Jeremy, and his wife, Nancy, adopted from the Humane Society. Her head hung down, and her tail did not wag. Even her eyes conveyed great sadness. She never barked and did not know how to play.

Jeremy and Nancy decided to keep the name given her by the society staff: Reba. No use adding confusion to the poor dog’s problems.

When they first brought her home, Reba wouldn’t eat. She also suffered from anxiety, shaking uncontrollably when faced with uncertainty. (She still does, sometimes.)

Reba’s symptoms aren’t much different from those of humans, when we experience extreme stress. Depression and anxiety can quickly take over.

Jeremy and Nancy adopted Reba the summer of 2010. That December when we saw Reba again, it was as if Jeremy and Nancy had adopted a new dog. Now her head was up and her tail wagged merrily. She could run and jump to catch a tossed tennis ball in mid-air.

If Reba could talk, she would undoubtedly have abhorrent stories to tell of her past. But I have a feeling she would finish by saying, “My new life with Jeremy and Nancy is completely different. I love it here!”

Reba has found a sanctuary—a place of refuge and protection where she feels safe. Her life has been transformed.

We, too, have a sanctuary available to us. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9).

When David composed that psalm, the tabernacle tent-church was the sanctuary for the Israelites. God had told Moses centuries before, “Have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).

For over fifteen hundred years, the tabernacle, and then the temple in Jerusalem, represented God’s presence among his people.

But that was only temporary. God provided an even better way to be with his people, through his son, Jesus.

Those of us who know him now experience his sanctuary within.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

At the cost of his Son’s life, God “bought” us as his dwelling place.

We don’t have to go to Jerusalem. We don’t even have to be in a church building to experience the sanctuary of our God. His love, peace, and comfort are available wherever we are, whatever we’re facing.

Now that is life-transforming news. But I have to avail myself of its truth.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, God, for being a sanctuary within me. At any moment I can turn to you, and you are attentive to my cry. As I focus on you—your wisdom, power, and benevolent care, my concerns deflate. I know you have a plan for my life, for those of my loved ones, for my country and the world. You are in control. I imagine you taking hold of my hand, giving it a pat or two and reassuring me, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you”.

You are incredibly good to me, O God, my refuge. I reaffirm my trust in you.

(Psalm 34:15; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 9:7-8; Isaiah 41:13; Nahum 1:7; Psalm 91:2.)

Photo credits: Jeremy Ruegg

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Presence, Uncategorized | Tagged Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Presence | 13 Comments »

Winter Watch

January 13, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

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.

Posted in God's Power, Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship | Tagged God's Creative Genius, God's Power, Praise, Psalm 147:16, Thanksgiving, Worship | 19 Comments »

Family

January 8, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

A happy family is but an earlier heaven — John Bowring.

Steve and I are enjoying an earlier heaven with a post-holiday family visit. I’ll return on Monday with a new post.

Thank you, faithful followers and visitors!

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

B-12 Shots

January 6, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

“…So the doctor recommended B-12 shots,” my friends explained. “Hopefully they’ll do the trick. I’m so tired of being tired!!”

Got me to thinking. Some days I’ve had to drag my spirit around. Discouragement, hurts, and concerns weigh me down. Maybe what I need are some spiritual B-12 shots.

“B” might stand for beauty. Something lovely and joy-inspiring is always energizing.

And the number twelve might stand for the twelve months of the year.

So what beauties are there to behold each month that would foster joy? Here in Florida, the change of seasons is subtle, not offering as much variety as climate zones to the north. But there are other splendors in which to delight.

January: The fresh start of a new year, the reorganizing (after all the decorations are put away) that provides satisfaction in tidiness and motivation for productivity!

February: I love our annual Festival of Choirs. A number of church choirs come together, provide two selections of their own, and then everyone joins together for several rousing anthems. It’s a taste of heaven to hear 200-plus voices unite in praise!

March: Such glorious weather we enjoy–the low humidity, balmy temperatures, and clear skies. Migrating birds passing through the area give us occasional glimpses of rare species. One year a small flock of indigo buntings pecked about in our backyard. Such intense blue I had never seen!

April: I love the euphoria of Easter morning! He is risen indeed!

May: Roadways clear after the Snowbirds go home, and driving becomes less stressful. However, there are a number of Northern friends we’d love to keep with us here!

June: The schedule slows down as the summer warms up. The slower pace is most welcome—at least for a while.

July: I love the patriotism that comes to the forefront as we celebrate America’s Independence Day. “The Star Spangled Banner” still stirs pride and gratitude in my heart.

August: The best time to visit the old-fashioned ice cream shop in town. Such delightful flavors to choose from! And a hot August day only augments the pleasure.

September: Rehearsals begin for Christmas. This is one of the reasons I love to sing in choirs and ensembles. We get to enjoy the music of Christmas for three months instead of three weeks!

October: The weather begins to cool a bit, renewing energy. And while many northerners enjoy hillsides of fall foliage, we Floridians have our golden rain trees.

November: Right after Thanksgiving Steve and I decorate for Christmas. I love unpacking the decorations, many of them given to us by family and friends. Memories of times past bubble merrily in my heart as I arrange the crèches, angels, candles, and bows.

December: Oh, how glorious to end the year with a crescendo of music, camaraderie, secrets, surprises, and worship. Christmas would not be complete without the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

Beautiful moments through all twelve months of the year. B-12 shots of joy.

What are your favorite B-12 shots?

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for providing a pleasing cadence to the year. As one month flows into the next, your goodness is on display. Thank you for those events and experiences that come at expected times, providing rhythm, delight, and comfort to our lives.

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Uncategorized | Tagged Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Provision | 9 Comments »

Post-Holiday Hope

January 2, 2014 by Nancy Ruegg

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day fills our senses with:

Sights of Christmas trees, candles, Santas, and angels.

Sounds of carols, from the light-hearted “Frosty the Snowman” to the heart-stirring “O Holy Night.”

Textures from prickly pine to plush velvet.

Aromas of cinnamon, spice, and gingerbread.

Tastes of iced sugar cookies and egg nog.

But the seasonal pleasures are over for another year. And the uncertainties of our times—political, economical, as well as personal—that we set aside for a few weeks, are coming to the forefront again. If we’re not careful, troublesome thoughts can raise our blood pressure and take away restful sleep!

What to do? Take comfort in God’s Word. “Great peace have they who love your law,” said the psalmist,” and nothing can make them stumble” (Psalm 119:165). I suppose that would include uncertainties, don’t you?

Two verses have ministered to me lately, Romans 8:30-31:

“Those he [God] predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified, those he justified, he also glorified. What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Of course, those key words in the first sentence beg to be examined more closely.

Predestination has been the subject of entire books and sometimes causes controversy. I like the way the Living Application Bible explains the concept, in a footnote to Ephesians 1:5. “Predestined” means marked out beforehand.

God knew each of us and loved us before we were even born. He provided the way of salvation so we could be in relationship with him. That does not negate our responsibility to believe in Jesus, in order to bring to pass God’s predetermined plan.

Called means we have been divinely summoned or invited. Some Christians are divinely summoned for specific tasks. Peter (John 21:15-17) and Paul (Acts 9:15) are perfect examples.

Most of us are called to love, obey, and serve God right where he’s placed us—in our homes, churches, business, schools, and neighborhoods.

Whatever our task, he cheers us on to work heartily because we’re doing it for him—to please him and bring him honor (Colossians 3:23-24).

And with his call comes hope, peace, joy, and blessing!

Justification is God’s way of making us right with him. Out of his gracious love for us, he declares us “not guilty” for our sins. We deserve harsh punishment, but he treats us as righteous if we put our trust in Jesus. Then the perfect sinlessness of God’s Son is credited to us (Romans 3:22-25).

Imagine standing before a mighty king who’s dressed in elegant robes. And there you are, wearing ragged, smelly clothes, staring at the floor, and wishing to be anywhere else but in this imposing throne room.

Suddenly the king’s words break through your embarrassment. He’s calling for one of his son’s perfect robes to be brought for you. He doesn’t just want to trade your rags for a beautiful, pristine robe—he’s eager to do it! And then, even more amazing, he welcomes you to his banquet table.

That’s justification—being treated as if we weren’t soiled by sin. Being treated like a royal son or daughter of the king, though it’s the last thing we deserve.

Full glorification will occur when we arrive in heaven. It refers to that moment when you and I will become like Christ (1 John 3:2.) It is so certain, Paul uses past tense. Our glorification is taken care of; it’s just a matter of when.

But the process has already begun. Our glory—that is, anything that brings honor and praise to God—is developing day by day as we allow the Holy Spirit to have influence of our thoughts and choices.

* * * * * * * * * *

Now consider the magnitude of these four processes which God lovingly, even anxiously, works within us. I like the way Ken Taylor expresses verse twenty-nine in The Living Bible:

“Having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came he declared us ‘not guilty,’ filled us with Christ’s goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory.”

And last, in light of whatever you may be facing in 2014, please take comfort in these joyous words:

“What can we ever say to such wonderful things as these? If God is on our side, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:30, The Living Bible).

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Salvation, Hope, Salvation, Uncategorized | Tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God's Promises, God's Provision, Hope, Salvation | 8 Comments »

Turn the Page

December 30, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

A new year requires a new calendar. Don’t you just love the crisp, uncurled pages–the empty spaces for each day, filled with nothing but optimistic possibilities?

Perhaps you’re starting the new year with a fresh journal. Again, the pristine pages are filled with nothing but hope and expectation.

We might also desire to start the new year with:

New eyes—to see the glory of God around us

New ears—to hear his still, small voice.

New resolve—to follow God’s direction.

New courage—to speak his truth boldly.

New faith—to live with confident trust in our Heavenly Father.

These abilities cannot be bought at Barnes & Nobles, like a calendar or journal. They are procured through prayer and discipline.

A good place to begin? David’s prayer in Psalm 51: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me…Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:10, 12).

Allow me to personalize it a bit.

Create in me a pure heart, O God (just as you created a perfect universe from chaos).

And renew a steadfast spirit within me (that my greatest desire might be to please you).

Restore to me the joy of your salvation (just as we experience in the euphoria of Christmas Eve)!

Grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me (throughout 2014).

The typical new year’s resolution is made, broken, and forgotten. Rarely does someone make a once-a-year promise and keep it faithfully for the next 364 days.

Perhaps we’d be wise to see each new day as a fresh opportunity for beginning anew. To repent of yesterday’s failures and forget them. To strain toward what is ahead—with enthusiasm, expectation, and hope (Philippians 3:13).

And gradually those new abilities we aspire after, will begin to flourish.

God says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:18-19a)!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for your mercy to forgive the past, and your grace to provide for the future. Thank you that each morning is a fresh start, and each new day holds hidden opportunities. With great anticipation I turn the page!

Posted in Godly Character, Holiness, Hope, Perseverance, Uncategorized | Tagged New Year's resolution, Philippians 3:13, Psalm 51 | 12 Comments »

How Beautiful

December 26, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

Cover of "The Guernsey Literary and Potat...

Cover via Amazon

The title grabbed my attention: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows). And it turned out to be an excellent read, especially since I particularly enjoy historical fiction.

But this post is not a book review. It’s about a statement one of the characters makes.

First, a bit of background. A group of folk who lived on the island of Guernsey, in the late 1940s, were greatly anticipating the arrival of a writer. This writer was going to tell their story of what happened during the German occupation of World War II.

Upon her arrival, one of the village residents, Juliet, says, “How beautiful of you to come” (p. 26).

Note she did not say, “How wonderful of you to come.” She said, beautiful.

I love the use of an unexpected word that catches me by surprise and makes me think.

As I read Juliet’s statement, I thought it made a perfect gratitude prayer to Jesus, especially at Christmastime.

How beautiful of you to come—how lovely, graceful, goodly, splendorous, and magnificent.

Oh, yes, Lord Jesus.

How beautiful of you to come, leaving the resplendent perfection of heaven behind, and:

Making yourself nothing,

Taking the very nature of a servant,

Becoming obedient to death (Philippians 2:7-8).

How beautiful of you to come, with glorious qualities that delight our hearts—qualities such as:

Love, expressed with forgiveness, patience, and benevolence (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

Perfect sinlessness, giving us a worthy example to follow (Hebrews 4:15).

Truth, in which we can trust (John 14:6).

Peace that defies explanation (Philippians 4:6-7).

How beautiful of you to come, to:

Turn my darkness into light (2 Samuel 22:29b).

Be the source of my salvation (Hebrews 5:9).

Be with me always (Matthew 28:20).

Provide blessing after blessing (John 1:16).

How beautiful of you to come.

And as we welcome you into our hearts, Lord Jesus, you make us new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You make us beautiful! We can:

Shine like stars (Philippians 2:15).

Be the aroma of Christ to others (2 Corinthians 2:14-15).

Reflect your image (Romans 8:29) of holiness, moral purity, and love.

Oh, how beautiful of you to come!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Christmas, Jesus, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged Advent, Christ, Christmas, Jesus | 14 Comments »

Keeping Christmas

December 23, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

No doubt we would all agree: Christmas is much more than carols, cookies, and cards. The heart of this holiday goes even deeper than the love we express with presents. It is a celebration of God’s inexpressible gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).

And those of us who accept God’s gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, ought to live our lives with overflowing gratitude. The motivation behind our words and deeds should be the same sacrificial love which motivated Jesus.

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933, photo credit: Wikipedia)

What might that look like in everyday life? Henry van Dyke* made several suggestions through these thought-provoking questions:

“Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you;

To ignore what the world owes you, and to think what you owe the world;

To put your rights in the background, and your duties in the foreground;

To own that probably the only good reason for your existence is not what you are going to get out of life, but what you are going to give to life;

To close your book of complaints against the management of the universe, and look around you for a place where you can sow a few seeds of happiness—

Are you willing to do these things even for a day?

Then you can keep Christmas.”

Ouch. If God made these stipulations into law, and only law-abiders were allowed to celebrate Christmas, I’d be left out. My thoughts and motivations are not always pure. I do not consistently put others’ needs before my own. My focus is not always on what I can give.

But Rev. van Dyke’s essay does not end on that hopeless note. He adds one more glorious line.

“But you can never keep it alone.”

Of course not! “We are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us” (Romans 3:23, The Message).

However. God does not expect instantaneous perfection, the minute we invite Jesus into our lives. “God who began the good work within [us] will keep right on helping [us] grow in his grace until his task within [us] is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns” (Philippians 1:6, The Living Bible).

Hallelujah!

(Photo credit: www.worshipkids.com)

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

(also by Henry van Dyke)

* * * * * * * * * *

*Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) was an author, educator, and clergyman. His lengthy list of accomplishments included professor of English literature at Princeton, minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg (by appointment of President Wilson), and author of many poems, stories, and essays. “The Other Wise Man” and “The First Christmas Tree.” are among his most popular works. He also wrote the lyrics for a number of hymns, including “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The first verse is quoted above.

Posted in Christmas, Excellence, Faith, Godly Character, Holiness, Jesus, Perseverance, Uncategorized | Tagged 2 Corinthians 9:15, Christ, Christian Service, Christmas, Faith, Godly Character, Gratitude, Henry van Dyke, Jesus, Keeping Christmas, Obedience, Perseverance, Philippians 1:6, Romans 3:23 | 12 Comments »

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Blessed Are the Flexible

Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

Sanctuary

Winter Watch

Family

B-12 Shots

Post-Holiday Hope

Turn the Page

How Beautiful

Keeping Christmas

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