From the Inside Out

The Pitfall of Promises

February 11, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

The Bible contains over 2,300 promises, all proclaiming God’s blessings upon us—blessings of provision, protection, and guidance.

And God is faithful. He never breaks a promise (Psalm 145:13b), he doesn’t lie or change his mind (Numbers 23:19), and everything he does is motivated out of love (Romans 8:32). What comforting news in an unsettling world!

But here’s my dilemma. Which promises apply to me, right now, in the circumstances I face? I don’t want to assume; I want to be realistic.

For example, is it reasonable to expect the promise of Psalm 91:9 to be in effect in every situation?

“If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the Lord, who is my refuge—then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.”

There have been godly men and women who most certainly made God their dwelling. They lived on that elevated plane of God’s presence. And yet they suffered dire circumstances—disease, famine, persecution, poverty, and more. From our finite, shortsighted viewpoint, it appears unfair. And dare I say it? It would seem God was not faithful, or at the very least he did change his mind.

And therein lies the pitfall of promises—not in the vows themselves, but in our thinking. It’s a pitfall of misunderstanding. We look at promises with blinders on, envisioning only the lovely, glowing fulfillment of our dreams, our desires.

We read, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), and our thoughts head horizontally toward things, human relationships, healings, and accomplishments. Of course, many of those desires are right and good. God may very well grant them. But should I count on those blessings as “good as done” because of this scriptural promise? I hesitate.

It may be that God’s desires for me are on the vertical plane between heaven and earth—to dwell in his presence, reflect his light, and bear fruit to his glory. Those divine delights certainly supersede the earthly variety.

If we take off the blinders that focus attention on ourselves, we’ll widen our view. We’ll glimpse the possibilities of God’s desires for us, which would include the best fulfillment of his promises. Granted, visibility will be unclear, because our finite vision of godly matters is so limited.

But at least the view will be wide, not narrow. Wide = accepting of God’s way to fulfill his promises in my life. Narrow = claiming a promise, and expecting my desires to be fulfilled.

My choice? Jeremiah expressed it first. He was talking to the people of Judah, but these words would certainly be appropriate to address to God:

“As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right” (Jeremiah 26:14).

Posted in Dreams, Faith, God, God's Promises, Uncategorized | Tagged Dreams, Faith, God's Promises | 9 Comments »

Rainbow Reverie

February 7, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

At Bible Study the other night we were discussing the wonders of creation as evidence of God’s glory (Isaiah 6:3). One woman shared that she and her husband had witnessed a triple rainbow once, while driving on the interstate. Each bow stretched from one side of the sky to the other in bright, glowing splendor. Vehicle after vehicle slowed, then pulled off the road, so the occupants could marvel at the spectacle.

Those of us at the table listened with wide-eyed wonder. We had witnessed double rainbows, but not a triple. Several of us had seen the same double rainbow after choir practice late last spring. It, too, extended completely from north to south in luminous brilliance. I remember thinking, If only we were on the plains of Kansas for this moment, so no buildings or trees blocked this view!

Even a single rainbow grabs our attention. The glowing colors, grand size, and rarity of rainbows all contribute to the wonder. And for those of us who know Creator God, we whisper a prayer of praise and adoration for this manifestation of his glory.

Did you Know…

…rainbows are caused by light being refracted (bent) while entering a droplet of water, then reflected inside on the back of the droplet and refracted again when leaving it. It boggles my mind that light shining on tiny droplets of water, suspended in the air, can result in the astounding beauty of a rainbow. Give God a cup of water, and look what he can do!

In a double rainbow, a second arc is seen outside the primary arc. The order of its colors are reversed, red on the inside, violet on the outside. This second bow is caused by light reflecting twice inside water droplets. Once is amazing enough, but twice? You wouldn’t think droplets were big enough for a double phenomenon, much less a triple!

Descriptions of rainbows often include seven basic colors – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Actually, the rainbow is a whole continuum of colors from red to violet and even beyond to colors the human eye can’t see. Yes, according to the National Center of Atmospheric Research, there are more colors in the universe we haven’t seen–yet (http://eo.ucar.edu/rainbows/ ). But someday we’ll have eyes that can see all!

That brings me to…

The Rainbow of Heaven

Even in heaven, a rainbow encircles God’s throne (Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 4:3), symbolic of God’s grace and faithfulness. Those attributes were highlighted when the first rainbow arched over the sky. Because of God’s grace and faithfulness, he promised Noah that never again would he flood the earth, even though “every inclination of [man’s] heart is evil from childhood” (Genesis 8:21). That first rainbow was a sign God would remain faithful to His promise (Genesis 9:12-17).

The rainbow in heaven is also a sign of God’s grace and faithfulness. John Gill asserts that the colors express His promises and blessings (www.bibletools.com ). Now that thought presents a challenge! What promise or blessing might each color represent? (Before you read on, you may wish to consider the possibilities.)

Red = the blood of Jesus, through which we have the promise and blessing of forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:14).

Orange = fruitfulness (John 15:5), providing the blessings of purpose and fulfillment in our lives. (Can you guess I live in Florida?)

Yellow = the light of God’s Word (Proverbs 6:20-23), giving us guidance, comfort, encouragement and more.

Green = the promise and blessing of everlasting life (1 John 5:11-12).

Blue = the skies and heaven, where someday we will enjoy eternity with our Heavenly Father (2 Peter 3:13).

Violet = royalty, because of the promise we will reign with Christ in his eternal kingdom (2 Timothy 2:12).

The next time a rainbow sweeps across the sky, we might remember these promises and blessings.

But rainbows can represent even more.

A Personal Rainbow

Several years ago, while sitting in the living room, I glanced down to discover a small but brilliant bit of rainbow shimmering on my leg. Revelation 4 had just recently been part of my Bible study, so the rainbow encircling the throne of God came to mind. At that moment in the living room, it was as if God had scooped up a bit of that ethereal rainbow and placed it on me, that God himself was personally touching me!

Now, when you or I reach out to touch a loved one, our unspoken message might be: “I love you; I’m here to empathize, to support, and infuse you with strength.” Well, that little rainbow “spoke” those words to me, from my Heavenly Father (even though it was caused by the beveled glass in the front door). It was a special moment of blessing and promise that brought tears to my eyes.

Of course, rainbows are not the only manifestations of God’s glory on earth. What rare and awe-inspiring moment have you experienced that “spoke” to you? “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3). Share your story below in the comment box!

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged Blessings, God's Creative Genius, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Promises, Rainbows, Worship | 13 Comments »

Odd for God

February 4, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

OK, I might as well admit it. I’m getting old. The debut of Mustangs and the Beatles, cassette tapes and word processors, microwaves and cell phones, have all happened in my lifetime. I have the wrinkles to prove it.

But let me tell you: there are advantages to getting older.

• The longer I live, the thicker the lenses become on my rose-colored glasses.
• The collection of memories to enjoy has grown large, and more precious.
• I appreciate other old people, especially saints who have stayed the course. They demonstrate grace and integrity that have developed over time, through an ever-growing relationship with God.
• History takes on greater significance, and heroes of the faith from centuries past pique my interest.

Today’s example of just such a saint is A.W. Tozer. Born in a small farming community of western Pennsylvania in 1897, he and his five siblings grew up in poverty, his formal education ending after eighth grade.

Then it happened. At age seventeen, on his way home from work at a tire company, A.W. heard a street preacher say, “If you don’t know how to be saved…just call on God.” A.W. did, and his life took a new path.

Five years later Tozer accepted an offer to pastor a church. For the next forty-four years, he served God in the ministry, pastoring several different churches. His longest pastorate was in Chicago, where his reputation grew as a wise and godly man. He became well-known throughout the city.

As his sphere of influence increased, Tozer was invited to teach the Bible on radio, and he wrote dozens of books which are read to this day. Some are considered classics.

How is it possible that a boy born into poverty, with no more than an eighth grade education could achieve such wisdom, such prominence, and such literary excellence? Yes, God gifted him, but Tozer made the effort to educate himself over years of diligent study.

And he prayed. Continually. Tozer asked God to:

• increase his desire for more of Him
• to give him spiritual understanding
• to purify his heart
• to make him passionate for holiness

They say he read on his knees, asking God to enlighten his understanding.

Yet this giant of Christendom, called a twentieth-century prophet even in his lifetime, also prayed with great honesty and humility:

“I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me
thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace.
I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God. I want to want Thee; I
long to be filled with longing. I thirst to be made more thirsty still”
(The Pursuit of God, 1949).

Tozer’s life-choices backed up his words. He and his wife, Ada, lived simply, avoiding the materialism that consumes many Americans. They never owned a car, using public transportation instead. Even before becoming a well-known author, Tozer gave away much of his royalties to help those in need.

Cover of "The Pursuit of God"

Allow me to share a few examples of Tozer’s wisdom, God-given, but which became magnified through his. These all come from The Pursuit of God.

• The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.

• God formed us for His pleasure…He meant us to see Him and live with Him and draw our life from His smile.

• God says, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Our strength and safety lie not in noise but in silence.

• When the habit of inwardly gazing Godward becomes fixed within us, we shall be ushered onto a new level of spiritual life.

• Not perfection, but holy intention [makes] the difference.

One of my favorite Tozer-quotes points out the fascinating dichotomy of the Christian life:

“A real Christian is an odd number. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen, talks familiarly every day to Someone he cannot see, expects to go to heaven on the virtue of Another, empties himself in order to be full, admits he is wrong so he can be declared right, goes down in order to get up is strongest when he is weakest, richest when he is pooorest, and happiest when he feels worst. He dies so he can live, forsakes in order to have, gives away so he can keep, sees the invisible, hears the inaudible, and knows that which passeth knowledge>”

I like being “an odd number” for God. I love the way A.W. Tozer renders it.

Thank you, Father, for giving us powerful examples like A.W. Tozer—who show us the way to humility, integrity, and faithfulness. May we embrace the wisdom they share and absorb the passion they emanate. May we also live up to the potential you’ve planted within each of us and manifest Your glory to those around us.

Posted in Faith, God, Heroes of the Faith, Holiness, Uncategorized | Tagged A. W. Tozer, Faith, God, Holiness, Pursuit of God | 15 Comments »

Hope in the Night

January 31, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

Hope. Such a small word for such a big, important concept.

Multi-syllable synonyms seem to carry more clout: expectation, assurance, confidence, conviction, and assumption are a few. (Thank you, Dr. Roget.)

Stir them together to create a definition for faith-filled hope: the constant, confident, assured expectation that God will see us through every circumstance until we’re standing before him in heaven. Those are words with heft that we can hang onto in the dark of night.

You see, hope is much more than wishful thinking.

But sometimes it hides behind the overwhelming issues we face: health concerns, financial problems, troubled relationships, difficult circumstances, foreboding futures.

How can we live with confident assurance that all will be well when uncertainty seems to rule the day, the week, the year?

As always, scripture offers us insight:

Understand that hope doesn’t come from a hidden reservoir within ourselves. According to 1 Peter 1:3, our hope comes from God, provided for us out of his loving mercy. It’s a living hope, breathing energy and strength into our souls.

Remember: we can live with positive expectation because He is our all-powerful, grace-filled God—loving, kind, and wise, too. He’s not just watching from afar; he’s an involved God, tending over us like an attentive Shepherd (Isaiah 40:11a).

Rest assured that our faithful God will see us through to a satisfying conclusion—either through events that unfold over time, or perhaps through an instantaneous miracle. It may be the satisfying conclusion will not come until we cross the threshold into eternity (1 Peter 5:10). But then, in the glorious ecstasy of that moment, our earthly trials will no longer matter (Philippians 1:21-23).

God’s plan is designed for our good (Jeremiah 29:11).

Hope involves waiting (Micah 7:7)—expectantly and patiently.

Sometime during second grade I noticed that being a teacher looked like fun. And soon my favorite pastime became playing school with whomever I could cajole into being students. When necessary, dolls were pressed into service.

That dream of becoming a teacher stayed with me all through school. Finally, after fourteen years, I was the one standing in front of my own class of cherubic first and second graders. My hope, my confident expectation that I would one day be a teacher, had at long last become reality. And the import of the moment was not lost on me. My eyes filled with tears that I had to quickly blink away.

happy adjustment to school: Talking With Your ...

Such euphoric joy does not happen often without waiting. We appreciate more what we have to wait for. And frequently, hard work is also involved. God allows us to be part of the process, teaching us important lessons about patience and perseverance along the way.

Here’s what I need to remember, and perhaps the realization will help you too:

Long-term waiting and steady, hard work toward a dream makes the fulfillment all the sweeter when it finally comes.

For now, we can enjoy hopeful anticipation of a new reality that is coming—a new chapter of good health, financial security, improved relationships, or fulfilled dreams. We can take comfort from the knowledge that our God, who is unlimited by the constraints of time, already resides there.

Let’s step out into each new day with trust and obedience, because God is preparing us for that new chapter. And may these words ring in our ears: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25).

* * * * * * * * * *

What hope have you been clinging to? Are there scriptures which contribute to your confidence and expectation? What experiences of the past give you assurance for your hopes of the future? Please share your insights!

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God, Hope | Tagged Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Ways, Hope, Micah 7:7 | 8 Comments »

The Name of God

January 28, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

“Glorify the Lord with me” David invited. “Let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3).

M-m-m. That’s puzzling. Why didn’t David say, “exalt his names?”

He has dozens—Creator, Father, Holy One, King, I AM, —to name just a few.

My question led to three observations.

One, most of us do have at least three names: first, last, and middle. Royals are often given multiple names. Prince William of Great Britain, for example, is actually William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Yet even when he’s asked to give his full name, that word “name” is used in singular form.

Two, most parents, including royalty, take great care in choosing names for their progeny. They not only consider how first, middle, and last sound when spoken together, they consider the meanings of the names.

Three, some moms and dads choose names that honor family members or friends. Perhaps they hope that the name will also bequeath to their child the positive traits and accomplishments of the honorees.

Based on these observations, it would seem appropriate to do the following when we desire to praise or rejoice in God’s name:

Think on at least several of his names
Consider their meanings, especially as they relate to personal experience
Meditate on the attributes and accomplishments of God associated with that name.

Let’s try it. The name-list above offers a start.

God of heaven and earth, you are Creator of all. My mind cannot begin to fathom your power, wisdom, and creative genius that brought this universe into existence—out of nothing. From vast planetary movements to intricate ecosystems, your divine proficiency produces perfect function.

You are the Holy One of the universe—completely righteous and totally separate from anything or anyone else. You are the only one who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. There is no one like you.

Yet you are my Heavenly Father! You lovingly and patiently care for me, providing guidance and instruction on how best to live. You graciously bestow blessings—sometimes the desires of my heart, and sometimes serendipity gifts that I haven’t even asked for.

You are the King of the universe, in control of everything. But unlike some overlords, you know what you’re doing. Everything you do is perfect. I can trust you with the concerns of my life because of your great wisdom and understanding.

You are the great I AM, who always was and always will be. You live in a perpetual present tense. And you are always the same—dependable and faithful, loving and gracious to your children.

Thank you, God, for revealing these names to us—and many more. They help us to understand who you are and how you respond to your children. And as we meditate upon them, our hearts are filled with wordless wonder and overwhelming gratitude.

Posted in Appreciation, God, Meditation, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged Appreciation, God, God's Name, Meditation, Prayer, Worship | 8 Comments »

Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

January 24, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

Wisdom dictates that we learn from our mistakes. Better yet is to learn from the mistakes of others, and save the trouble of making them ourselves.

Listed below are a few of my recent mistakes, which may provide a learning opportunity. Actually, they’re typing errors—typos with significance!

Example #1:

Instead of thankfulness, I typed thinkfulness.

My mistake reminded me of a quote I read years ago: “If we would think more, we would thank more.”

And why is thankfulness a worthwhile pursuit? According to recent research, multiple benefits result from expressing gratitude:

• Better physical health
• Better sleep
• Better relationships
• Lower stress levels
• More optimistic attitude
• Longer life

Seems like scripture was right all along: “Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9) That’s the bottom line, isn’t it? Peace of mind and heart contributes to the items on that list. And gratitude is key.

Example #2:

I meant to type worship, but what appeared on the screen was workship.

The truth is, worship does involve work. Not the work of getting to church on time, or the effort of tuning out distractions to focus on God. As valuable as those objectives are, there’s more.

Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1). True worship involves the work of obedience.

But again, God provides benefits that far outweigh the effort. Psalm 112 reveals a number of them:

• Households are blessed (vs. 2-3)
• God’s light breaks through the darkness (v. 4)
• Goodness comes (v. 5)
• Strength develops (vs. 6-7)
• Joy and peace fill the heart (v. 8)

No doubt there are dozens more scattered through scripture. That’s one of the things I greatly appreciate about our God. When He asks us to work at something, and we comply, He generously blesses us!

Example #3:

Somehow my stumbling fingers produced medication on my computer screen instead of meditation.

It occurred to me, though, that meditating upon God and His Word works like medication to:

• Ease the aches and pains of life, such as miserable circumstances or hurtful people
• Calm the acid of frustration
• Speed the healing of stinging remarks and wounded feelings

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul” (Psalm 19:7a)!

Example #4:

I saved the best for last. My intention was to make this point:

It is our responsibility and joy to “minister encouragement and hope into the lives of others.”

That’s what I meant. Here’s what I typed:

“Minister encouragement and hope into the livers of others.”

Wings of Encouragement

Quite silly at first glance; quite profound after some introspection.

You see, everything that goes into our body goes through the liver. It is in the liver that transformation takes place, the food we eat becoming nutrients.

Here’s the application: In order for our words of encouragement to be transformational, they must sink deep into the core of our listener. The comments need to be thoughtful and spoken with conviction. Glib platitudes will never nourish a hungry soul.

Another interesting fact about the liver: To some extent, this organ is able to remove toxins from the body. That’s what we can do with our words of hope. We can help overcome the toxins that have collected in a person’s spirit.

So, my friends, let’s:

Be thinkful in our thankfulness.

Embrace obedience as a spiritual act of workship.

Meditate on God and His Word, as medication for our souls.

Minister heartfelt encouragement and hope into the livers of others.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

And please share the outcomes of your efforts to make something meaningful out of these mishaps!

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Hope, Uncategorized, Worship | Tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Hope, Meditation, Obedience, Worship | 12 Comments »

Decision-Making Discovery–Part Two

January 21, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

Last Thursday I shared with you a decision-making discovery God brought to my attention while studying Acts 10:1-11:18. In that passage we read the story of Peter’s encounter with Cornelius (a non-Jew). As a result of the apostle’s visit to this Roman centurion’s home, his entire family and many friends became Christians. (For a summary of those events, click on the link above to Part One.)

In review…

God doesn’t always connect all the dots when guiding our decisions.

Peter experienced a strange vision, and received brief instructions from the Holy Spirit. But a number of important questions were left unanswered. It appears Peter was left to connect the dots on his own.

The lesson for us seems to be: act upon what you know (from scripture), heed the inner impressions from the Spirit, and step out in faith.

And now…

Decision-Making Discovery—Part Two:

Peter received confirmation from others that a visit to Cornelius was the right choice. (Remember, according to Jewish law, it was the wrong thing to do.)

Affirmation #1: The entourage from Cornelius knew exactly where to find him.

Peter was traveling about the country (9:32). There was no way for those messengers from Cornelius to know he was in Joppa, staying at Simon the tanner’s seaside home—except by divine intervention (v. 5).

Surely this extraordinary revelation was not lost on Peter. Events were lining up in a miraculous way. God was about to do something extraordinary.

Affirmation #2: Six Christian brothers from Joppa accompanied Peter to Cornelius’ home (10:23, 11:12).

There is no record that Peter had to cajole them. Scripture simply says, “Some of the brothers from Joppa went along.” Remember, Cornelius’ home in Caesarea was thirty miles away. This was no quick trip across town. By volunteering their time and effort, these six friends offered valuable encouragement and support.

Lessons #1 for us: Affirmation of others can be important evidence of God’s approval.

I say can be because if we try to manipulate people’s response, if we shamelessly seek after it, that affirmation may not be reliable.

But let’s consider what happened to Peter, and learn from his experience.

Lesson #2: Step out in faith and accept the affirmation, especially if there’s any hint of God’s miracle-working ways involved. Peter’s encounter with the three messengers is our example.

Lesson #3: When a number of people tell us the same thing, it’s probable the message is accurate. Six men showed their support of Peter’s decision to visit Cornelius by going with him to Joppa. There may have been others who gave encouragement also. Scripture includes no record of opposition.

Are you puzzling over a course of action?

Do you have supporters coming alongside to offer encouragement, verification and support for a particular choice? Count them. You may be surprised how much confirmation God is presenting!

Thank you, Father, for the encouragers in my life. They have created uplift in my soul when circumstances have weighed me down.

May I remain faithful to renew my mind with the wisdom and guidance of your word. May I step out in faith each day, ready to embrace any surprises you have for me–like a spur-of-the-moment trip to Joppa! And may I rest in the confirmation you have already given. Equip me, I pray, to be a wise, encouraging support for others.

* * * * * * * * * *

What affirmation have you received as you faced uncertainty or a tough decision? Please share your experience and be a voice of encouragement for someone else!

Posted in Decision-Making, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Will | Tagged Acts 10, Decision-Making, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Will, Obedience, Peter, Peter and Cornelius | 6 Comments »

Decision-Making Discovery–Part One

January 17, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

The story told in Acts 10 may be familiar to you. The apostle Peter was staying in Joppa, and one noontime he went to the rooftop of his host’s home to pray. Instead he fell into a trance. Three times he saw a puzzling vision of a large group of unclean animals, unlawful for Jews to eat. Yet a voice directed him to do so. Three times Peter said no. “I have never eaten anything impure,” he replied each time.

While he was still thinking about this strange dream, three men came to see him on behalf of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, stationed about thirty miles away in Caesarea. Cornelius had also been surprised by a surreal experience: an angel visitation. Not only did the heavenly visitor tell Cornelius to send for Peter, but told him the house in Joppa where the apostle was staying.

The three men found Peter, precisely where the angel had said he would be. Compelled by the Spirit, Peter went back to Caesarea with them, accompanied by six men of faith from Joppa. When the entourage arrived, they found a large group of Cornelius’ family and friends gathered. Peter preached to them, and while he was still speaking, the Holy Spirit came upon them all!

Sometime later Peter went to Jerusalem. Jewish Christians criticized Peter because he went to the house of Gentile and ate with him—both acts unlawful for Jews. Peter explained what had happened—the angel’s visit, the vision, the timing, and the evidence of the Spirit. He ended his explanation with a rhetorical question: “If God gave them the same gift as He gave us…who was I to think I could oppose God?” (Acts 10:1-11:18).

Bible teacher extraordinaire, Anne Graham Lotz, uses this story in her book Into the Word (Zondervan, 2010) to teach us about God’s guidance. While meditating on Peter’s experiences and considering Anne’s thought-provoking questions, the Holy Spirit led me to several interesting observations. Perhaps they’ll interest you, too.

Discovery #1–God Doesn’t Always Connect All the Dots

Why didn’t God send an angel to Peter as he did to Cornelius? Why the puzzling vision?

Granted, after the vision, Peter did receive an impression from the Holy Spirit. “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them” (vs. 19-20). Clear instructions, but no reasons given.

Why not explain in plain terms that visiting Cornelius was the right thing to do? Why the strange dream? It seems Peter was left to connect the dots—between the cryptic vision and the Spirit’s instructions—on his own.

Perhaps God wants us to follow Peter’s example, to act upon what we know, heed those inner impressions from the Spirit, and step out in faith. You might ask along with me: What do I know that is guiding current decisions in my life?

We have a resource that Peter did not: sixty-six books of God-breathed truth at our fingertips, the Bible. Here are several of my favorite passages about His guidance:

• “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).

• “Delight yourself in the Lord and do good, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this (Psalm 37:5-6).

• “I will accomplish all my purpose” (Isaiah 46:10b).

The word “will” stands out to me. He’s not finished instructing me, working on my behalf, or accomplishing his purposes. It would seem God is guiding me to press on, to pursue the passion in my heart—a particular desire. I will continue the pursuit until God makes clear another course of action.

But every day I pray for his guidance, as an act of committing my way to him. I tell him if I’m blindly heading off course, please adjust my rudder! Every day I seek to submit to his instruction.

I know I can trust God’s truth to teach me in the way I should go, including a change of course if he sees fit. I can trust his heart of love, to understand me and know me. And I can trust who he is: my Heavenly Father who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth (Jeremiah 9:24)—including my little corner of the world.

Meanwhile, waiting may be involved, and hard work may be required.

“Faith doesn’t make things easy. It makes them possible”—Anonymous

* * * * * * * * * *

What scriptural truth has God communicated to you that is guiding current decisions in your life? Please share! Your input may be just what someone else needs to hear.

Next Monday we’ll examine Discovery #2.

Posted in Bible Study, Decision-Making, Faith, God, God's Will | Tagged Acts 10, Anne Graham Lotz, Decision-Making, Faith, God, Obedience to God, Peter and Cornelius | 5 Comments »

To Be Remembered

January 14, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

Say the word “getaway” and I immediately envision Carriage Way, our favorite bed and breakfast in St. Augustine, Florida. (Visit their website at http://www.carriageway.com, and you’ll see why we love it.)

The house is a large, two-story Victorian, white, with pale blue trim. Wide verandas with wicker furniture entice visitors to sit and rest awhile. Each room is appointed with antique furniture, colorful quilts, ruffles and lace. Guests feel transported to a gentler, quieter time.

The name speaks to the inn’s location, along the horse-drawn carriage route. Each evening of our stay, we love to sit on the second-story veranda, chat, watch the people go by, and listen for the clip-clopping of horses’ hooves.

But a bigger draw of Carriage Way is the grace and thoughtfulness of its proprietors. From the friendly greeting upon arrival (by name), to the cookies, coffee, and soft drinks always available, they do their utmost to please their guests.

One morning during our first or second visit, the chief-cook at that time, L., fixed an unusual egg casserole. The unique ingredient? Green chilies, which gave the dish a definite Southwestern flavor. We raved about it.

A year or two later, when we visited again, L. told us, “Tomorrow morning I’ll fix that egg casserole you liked so much!”

Now I’m smart enough to know L. couldn’t possibly have remembered we’d relished that particular dish. I’m sure he would have liked to, but with so many guests, and such a volume of information, such details would be impossible to retain.

However, I can imagine L. entering guests’ preferences into his computer for future reference. L. and B. (the owner) were surely aware that people feel honored when they are remembered.

Now digest this. Someone else honors us with his remembrance. The omnipotent Ruler of the universe.

Think of it: Almighty God is mindful of us (Psalm 8:4).

He thinks about us constantly (Psalm 139:17-18). He never forgets about one of His children. Not even the number of hairs on each head (Matthew 12:30).

He knows us intimately, like a good shepherd knows each of his sheep (John 10:14-15).

And because He is mindful of us, He blesses us (Psalm 115:12a), providing for our needs, and guiding us in the way of wisdom (Proverbs 4:11).

There is only one thing he’s forgetful about. “I will forgive their wickedness,” he declared, “and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).

I am struck anew by your overwhelming love, Lord—a love that prompts you to remember us individually, know us intimately, and bless us magnanimously. Even more amazing, you choose to forget our disobedience and rebellion when we come to you with repentant hearts. Oh, that my life would bring honor to you. Guide me to that end, I pray.

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Grace | Tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Grace, John 10:14-15, Psalm 115:12, Psalm 139:17-18, Psalm 8:4 | 14 Comments »

Simple Blessings

January 10, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

“Life holds so many simple blessings, each day bringing its own individual wonder”–John McLeod

Grab a scrap of paper and list a few simple blessings you’ve enjoyed lately—maybe even today. I’ll wait for you!

…OK. Did anyone choose clouds?

Yes, clouds.

I love clouds. I love how varied they are. From feathery wisps to dollops of froth. From great swaths of flat sheets to billowing thunderheads that soar miles into the atmosphere.

Wait a minute. Clouds can’t really be considered a simple blessing. True, the glorious views are available to all, free of charge. And on most days, some sort of cloud is visible.

But the process by which clouds are formed is not so simple.

Perhaps your second grade teacher performed the same experiment for your class that Mrs. Sturgess demonstrated for mine. (Don’t ask me how long ago!) She put a pie plate of water on the window sill/shelf on Friday. On Monday we measured the level of water, and marveled that some of the water had disappeared! Where had it gone?

Mrs. Sturgess explained evaporation to us. Little water droplets, too tiny to see, were floating in the air. They gathered up in the sky to form clouds. Incredible!

Her answers generated more questions. If it’s just water that forms the clouds, how can there be so many different forms? And how do all those little droplets get together in groups anyway?

Clouds are not a simple blessing.

Now look at your list. Are there any truly simple blessings? I doubt it. God’s creative, powerful genius is behind each one. And it’s probable that multiple steps are involved to provide each blessing.

Then consider this: we experience hundreds, perhaps thousands of these miracles—every day. “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted” (Job 9:10).

In the final analysis, “simple blessing” has to be the most contradictory oxymoron in existence.

But John McLeod did get one thing right: the wonder part.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your abounding love that prompts you to lavish blessings upon us every day. Each one is a miracle, a precious treasure to savor. My mind staggers under the immensity of your magnificence. My heart overflows with inexpressible joy when I consider your abundant goodness.

May your praise always be upon my lips (Psalm 34:1).

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Goodness, God's Power, Uncategorized | Tagged Blessing, Clouds, God, Job 9:10, John McLeod, Life holds so many simple blessings, Water Cycle | 14 Comments »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »

From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

The Pitfall of Promises

Rainbow Reverie

Odd for God

Hope in the Night

The Name of God

Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

Decision-Making Discovery–Part Two

Decision-Making Discovery–Part One

To Be Remembered

Simple Blessings

Nancy Ruegg

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