From the Inside Out

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 »

A Song for Commuters

January 7, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

For ten years of my twenty-six year teaching career, I commuted almost fifty miles each day. Those of you who endure the same or worse understand that it is: 1) boring, 2) a waste of time, and 3) FRUSTRATING! The roadways are filled with thoughtless, rude drivers who can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels if you’re not careful.

One day, after yet another encounter with a dreadful driver, I started to sing, “To God Be the Glory”—an old hymn that is still a favorite of many folks. Only I stumbled upon new words that fit my situation: “To God be the glory in spite of the jerks who travel the turnpike and drive me berserk!”

It made me chuckle. The tension in my shoulders began to relax.

M-m-m, I thought. I may be on to something.

For the next several weeks I spent my commuting time working thoughts into rhymes and rhymes into the rhythm of the old hymn. Here are the results.

The South Florida Commuter Song

To God be the glory in spite of the jerks
Who travel the turnpike and drive me berserk!
I’ll focus on Jesus and all of His works,
Improving my attitude and calming my nerves.
Praise the Lord for the trees, and the birds on the wing!
Praise the Lord for the clouds, and this song I can sing!
I’ll thank Him for His promises and victories won,
And for taking frustration and making it fun!

I’ll pray for the poor bloke who speeds out of sight.
He’s clueless I’ll see him at an upcoming light.
I’ll pray for his safety, since he’s unconcerned,
And hope in the process some patience I learn!
Praise the Lord for the sun as it spangles the sky.
Praise the Lord for the ponds, and the mist on the rise.
I’ll thank Him for creation, its beauty sublime.
Renouncing frustration, His peace I shall find.

And when drivers speed by then squeeze in ahead,
Replace my frustration with your grace instead.
Remind me they don’t know you, they’re striving alone.
I pray they may seek you, and make you their own.
Praise you, Lord! I am yours, and you’re always with me.
Help me lean, and be serene, even when folks are mean.
I pray for Your Spirit to take full control
As over the highways and byways I roll.

There’s one more group of drivers that I must address.
They pull out in front of me, then drive like Aunt Bess!
They poke along slowly, yet still make the light,
But then the light turns red—I’M stuck! What a fright
How upset I can get when others drive thoughtlessly!
But I have heard from Your word how You want me to be:
As loving and forgiving as You are to me.
So when others drive like Aunt Bess, I’ll say, “God bless!”

Are you smiling? I hope so. And perhaps you’ll be inspired to turn a frustration in your life into an attitude-changing song. If you do, please share it with us!

Posted in Encouragement, God, Prayer | Tagged Commuting, Encouragement, God, Praise, Prayer, Stressful Commutes, To God Be the Glory, To God Be the Glory Parody | 22 Comments »

God’s Rebuttal

January 3, 2013 by Nancy Ruegg

As the new year makes its entrance, a fresh breeze of possibilities and dreams fills the mind:

• Perhaps this year…

• Wouldn’t it be wonderful if…

• All things are possible with God, so…

But no sooner do I start finishing those statements with starry-eyed optimism, than some scratchy, irritating thoughts demand my attention. Thoughts such as:

• You’re too old, terribly unworthy, and under-qualified.

• You’ve already waited so long. Your dream obviously isn’t God’s dream for you. How could you have missed it so completely?

• You are wasting your time. You don’t even know what God wants. HA!

And my heart cries out: I need your Word, God, your Sword of the Spirit, to slay these lies. And though I am grateful for familiar sword-strokes such as Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Philippians 4:13, to wield against the untruths listed above, a few new moves would surely strengthen my resolve. “Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28b).

Alright, Nancy, let’s look at each statement from my viewpoint.

You are too old? Not so. Moses was eighty when he became the leader of the Hebrew nation, bringing them out of Egypt and into Canaan. Daniel served as prime minister in Babylon well past the age of eighty. John was quite elderly when he received the Revelation. Age has nothing to do with usefulness.

You are unworthy? Also not so. You are one of My chosen people, a royal priestess, who belongs to me, the King of the universe (1 Peter 2:9a). You are precious and honored in my sight because I love you (Isaiah 43:4).

You are under-qualified? All the better for my purposes! My G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense) includes wisdom, power, strength, discernment, all spiritual gifts, all fruit of the Spirit, ad infinitum. My grace is more than sufficient for you; it’s all you need. “My strength comes into its own in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, The Message).

You have waited too long? Think again. Abraham waited 25 years for Isaac. Joseph waited seventeen years for his dream to come true. Caleb waited 45 years for his special parcel of the Promised Land.

You are wasting your time? Please refer to Ephesians 1:11. You have been chosen. I have put into place a plan that will accomplish my will. Your singular purpose is to display my glory, that is, my attributes: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and more. Wherever you are. ..“whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

One closing thought to keep in mind: Joseph would never have been an effective leader without training in humility and trust. Rest assured there is method and reason to every choice I make. I AM the almighty, all-wise God, your Heavenly Father.

Posted in Dreams, Encouragement, God's Grace, Hope, Self-Esteem, Waiting on God | Tagged Dreams, Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Ways, Hope, Hopes and dreams for the future, Too old for dreams, Waiting on God | 10 Comments »

From a Crooked Stick

December 31, 2012 by Nancy Ruegg

Somewhere along the way, someone gave golf clubs the nickname of “crooked sticks.” In fact, if you Google that term, you’ll bring up a golf course in Indiana. Beautiful. Even boasts a red barn.

But this post has nothing to do with golf. It’s about usefulness, taken from a metaphor written several centuries ago:

“God can make a straight stroke with a crooked stick”

– John Watson, Puritan preacher.

I am a crooked stick—unlovely and full of imperfections.

Yet I take great encouragement from the fact God specializes in redeeming crooked sticks. The Bible gives dozens of examples. Abraham, Moses, David, Jonah, and Peter are just a few that readily come to mind.

Abraham took a shortcut which has negatively impacted his descendants ever since.

Moses was a murderer.

David committed adultery.

Jonah refused to follow God’s plan.

Peter was brash and impulsive.

Yet consider what God did through these crooked sticks.

Abraham became the father of God’s chosen people.

Moses led the chosen people from Egypt into the Promised Land.

David ruled Israel as a strong, much-loved Shepherd-King. Son of David became a title for God’s own Son.

Jonah brought an entire city to repentance.

Peter became a leader of the early church. His first sermon alone convinced 3,000 people to believe in Jesus and follow the Way.

* * * * * * * * * *

Heavenly Father, thank you for not discarding crooked sticks. Thank you for forgiving our foolish choices, lousy attitudes, wrong motivations, prideful actions, and somehow using us anyway to make straight strokes. As 2013 approaches, I pray you take the crooked stick of my life and produce positive strokes as only you can do.

Posted in Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Power | Tagged Abraham, David, Encouragement, God can make a straight stroke, God's Grace, John Watson, Jonah, Moses | 12 Comments »

Christmas Afterglow

December 27, 2012 by Nancy Ruegg

The main events are over: the decorating, the programs, the gift-giving. Yes, there may be a few more get-togethers to enjoy. You may still have family camped out in the living room (we do), and there’s still New Year’s Eve to look forward to.

But most of us are now experiencing the afterglow of Christmas—an agreeable feeling following a pleasant experience. (Thank you, Mr. Webster.)

In an effort to extend the euphoria, I skimmed through my blessings journal to remember special moments of Christmases past. I was surprised by the number of them and the fact I had forgotten many.

Example #1:

One year my husband’s parents were going to fly the five of us from South Florida to their home in Ohio for Christmas. Our kids could hardly wait, excited by the prospect of a new phenomenon—snow.

I was teaching school at the time, and a colleague, Beth*, asked me early in December, “Do you have warm clothes to take with you?”

“We have a few things,” I responded. “But I’m going to check the thrift stores over the weekend, and we can layer up.”

“Well, we have a bunch of stuff. Our family usually heads north for Christmas, but we’re not going this year. Let me loan you our gear.”

Beth gave me sweaters, hats, gloves, and five coats. I think every item fit someone in our family.

Example #2:

As the kids became teenagers, their schedules became busier. Getting five people where they needed to be with only two cars was a challenge. Then a friend from church offered to sell us his car at a very low price. (He was buying a new one.) It was a blessing we hadn’t pursued, hadn’t even prayed for. But it proved Matthew 6:8 perfectly: “Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

Our older son got a car for Christmas that year.

Example #3:

Another year I needed a long black skirt for the Christmas musical at church. Pushing through a long to-do list each day, I kept postponing the eventual mall trip. But the afternoon I finally went shopping, God met me at Macy’s! Not long after arriving in the misses’ department, there it was: the perfect, ruffle-and-lace-trimmed skirt for almost 75% off!

How amazing is our God? He keeps track of planetary movements and weather patterns, yet he cares what we wear (Matthew 6:28-33)!

Thank you, Heavenly Father. Reviewing Christmases past does give me a lovely afterglow. But it’s not the holiday memories as much as your involvement in those moments that causes the glow in my heart. Each instance proves your loving care, and the obvious pleasure you take in surprising your children with good things. I celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness (Psalm 145:7).

What Christmas memory gives you an afterglow?

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Christmas, God's Goodness | Tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Christmas, God's Goodness, Matthew 6:28-33, Matthew 6:8, Psalm 145:7 | 4 Comments »

My Soul Exalts the Lord

December 24, 2012 by Nancy Ruegg

Dad has a large collection of Bibles in many different versions. Recently he gave me two of them. Very precious gifts, indeed. They represent countless hours of study and recording, because the margins are filled with his notes.

When I say countless, I’m not exaggerating. On numerous pages, Dad has squeezed five or six lines of fine, tiny printing in the upper margin, a space just ¾” wide. I almost need a magnifying glass.

To read his collection of word meanings, explanations, and applications has been bittersweet. Dad now has severe arthritis and Parkinson’s disease. Although he is still an avid reader, he is no longer able to write.

As Christmas has approached, I’ve wondered, what might Dad have written in his Bibles about the birth of Jesus?

The first note that caught my attention was from his New American Standard, Ryrie Study Bible (1976, Moody Press). The note concerns Mary’s song, the Magnificat, found in Luke 1:46-55). We looked at her beautiful prayer last Thursday, in the post titled, “Mary’s Song.”

Mary began her song by saying, “My soul exalts the Lord” (NAS). The New International Version translates that sentence, “My soul glorifies the Lord.”

Before we proceed to the quote itself, let’s examine those words, exalt and glorify. (No doubt that’s what Dad would do. And surely somewhere in one of these two Bibles I’ll come across a pithy definition or two for exalt and glorify. For now, I’m on my own!)

Exalt means to raise in status, to elevate, to glorify and praise.

Glorify means to give glory, honor, or high praise, to exalt.

Put in simple terms: to exalt and glorify is to compliment truthfully and profusely.

Now here’s what Dad wrote:

To exalt the Lord at Christmas, we need to refocus our attention on the event we celebrate rather than on the celebration of the event.

Oh, Lord Jesus. My eyes fill with tears as I think of all the times my attention has been on the celebration and not on the sacred moment when you became flesh and made your dwelling among us. Too often my focus has been on…

…the gifts under the tree instead of the implausible Gift of Yourself. You left the glorious riches of heaven, to be born into the depravity of humanity. I cannot fathom the depth of such love.

…the joyous, boisterous family get-togethers, instead of the supernatural get-together of all believers (including me, of all people) and God Almighty. Your birth, and especially your death and resurrection make our relationship with you possible. I cannot fathom that kind of sacrifice.

…the decorations and twinkling lights that make the house sparkle and glow, instead of You, the Light of the world, who makes my sin-bent heart sparkle and glow. I cannot fathom such transformation.

For these last precious hours of the Christmas season, 2012, I want to focus on You. I want to give you honor and praise for everything Your birth has made possible: the experience of your love, the benefit of your sacrifice, and the glorious transformation you generate within each of us. In the name of our Savior, Christ the Lord, Amen.

*See the post titled, “Mary’s Song,” from December 20, 2012.

Posted in Appreciation, Christmas, Worship | Tagged Appreciation, Attention on Jesus at Christmas, Christmas, Worship | 4 Comments »

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Meaningful Mishaps–on the Keyboard

Decision-Making Discovery–Part Two

Decision-Making Discovery–Part One

To Be Remembered

Simple Blessings

A Song for Commuters

God’s Rebuttal

From a Crooked Stick

Christmas Afterglow

My Soul Exalts the Lord

Nancy Ruegg

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