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Five for Five

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Salvation, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Prayer, Seeking God, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Christianity, Corporate Worship, Creation, God, God's Glory, Jesus, Live out our faith, quiet time, serving others, spring, the five senses on April 18, 2024| 36 Comments »

After the cold starkness of winter, spring gleefully reawakens our senses with her:

Effusion of colorful flowers
Scents of hyacinth, lilacs, and freshly-mowed grass
Symphony of bird song
Flavors of tender asparagus, luscious strawberries, and tart rhubarb
Textures of furry pussy willows, fuzzy moss, and silken magnolia petals

Praise God for our abilities to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch, allowing us to enjoy Spring in so many ways!

Even better, those abilities allow us to meet God in at least five ways.

Our five senses help us understand God more clearly.

Consider how the far-flung stars and planets speak of his power; the clever camouflage of lizard, fawn, and frog display his wisdom; the endless variety of colors, shapes, and textures prove his creativity; the instinctive parenting skills of adult animals demonstrate his goodness.

The wonder of creation is

every encounter illuminates

something about God.

–Margaret Feinberg, Wonderstruck, 55

Our five senses help us experience God’s glory more profoundly.

We can see his power at work in the transformation of lives [1].
We can hear his wisdom in godly men and women, such as Thomas á Kempis or Corrie ten Boom (just two among millions!):

We can feel God’s loving touch through a hug that conveys compassion, a worship song that quickens the heart, or a landscape vista that gives us glory-goosebumps.

We can taste his goodness in all the variety of blessings we enjoy (Psalm 34:8).

We can smell the fragrance of his sweet presence (Psalm 45:6-8)—if we pay attention.

Our five senses help us connect with God more intimately in solitude.

Many people call it Quiet Time—moments they spend with God in scripture reading/study, prayer, perhaps journaling, and/or listening to peaceful worship music.

It’s in the quiet we begin to see important realities of the spiritual realm, hear God’s voice within our spirits providing wisdom and encouragement, feel his presence more palpably as we touch our knees to the floor in prayer, and again, smell the fragrance of his sweet presence as he meets us in our place of solitude.

Our five senses help us worship God more intently in community.

The whole person, with all his senses,

with both mind and body,

needs to be involved in genuine worship.

Jerry Kerns [2]

Kerns would have us fully engaged–first to bless God’s heart and then to elevate the experience for us also.

How?

See the majesty and splendor of God on his throne–in your imagination. This is who you are worshiping [3]!

Hear the music and join in with grateful, enthusiastic praise [4].

Feel the presence of God as you pray. Try placing your hands on your lap, palms up—open and empty, symbolic of humility and receptivity [5].

Taste the bread and wine/juice with prayerful gratitude. Jesus is our Bread of Life who satisfies our spiritual hunger, who shed his blood for us so we might one day enjoy heaven with him. May we never become desensitized to the magnitude of his sacrifice.

Smell the fragrance of God’s saints as they leave the perfume of kindness, uplift, and joy in their wake.

Our five senses help us live out our faith more joyfully.

When our heart’s desire is to serve God by serving others, we’ll aspire to live so people:

See the Light of Jesus in our choices, behavior, and attitudes (Matthew 5:14-15)

Hear us speak truth, wisdom, and encouragement (Proverbs 10:20-21)

Feel the love of God in our interactions with them (John 13:35)

Taste the flavorful salt of God’s divine grace within us (Matthew 5:13)

Smell the fragrance of Christ in our lives (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

And as we engage all five senses in these five ways, what will happen?

We’ll bring more glory to God and enjoy more fully the satisfying, abundant life his Son provides.

That sounds mighty good to me. You too?

[1] Stunning examples include Jake DeShazer (https://nancyaruegg.com/2016/08/18/a-miracle-of-forgiveness/), Johnny Hart (https://nancyaruegg.com/2018/08/09/johnny-and-jesus/), and Isobel Kuhn (https://nancyaruegg.com/2024/04/11/goodness-and-mercy-followed/).

[2] https://www.experiencingworship.com/articles/general/2001-7-great-quotes-on-worship.html

[3] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2023/07/06/in-awe-of-gods-magnificence/

[4] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/09/07/when-worship-loses-the-wonder/

[5] See: https://nancyaruegg.com/2015/03/23/the-ultimate-delight/

Art & photo credits: http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.goodfon.com; http://www.stockvault.net; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pickpik.com (2); http://www.heartlight.org.

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Men’s Worst, God’s Best

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Grace, God's Salvation, Jesus, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged bible, Christianity, Faith, God, Hebrews 12:2, Jesus, Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus' Death, Revelation 5:12, Sharing in Christ's glory, Significance of Jesus' Name on March 28, 2024| 24 Comments »

Many of those who haven’t asked Christ into their lives yet will still admit: historical evidence proves Jesus once lived on earth. They’ll agree he was a good man who taught wise principles to live by.

But even they might wonder: Why would God allow his Son to suffer such a cruel death at the hands of hateful men?

Welsh pastor and author Selwyn Hughes provided this insightful answer: what seemed to be the worst thing that could happen to Jesus—crucifixion—turned out to be the best thing for him [1].

That sounds ludicrous at first reading until we consider what Christ has enjoyed since returning to heaven, and what he’s looking forward to in the future–all because he fulfilled his mission at the cross.

As he suffered for us, Jesus kept in mind the joys set before him (Hebrews 12:2):

Sitting in the ultimate place of honor in the universe, at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3b).

Angels acclaiming him, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor, glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12).

God appointing him to be head over everything for the good of the church (Ephesians 1:22 GNT).

Being given authority and sovereign power that will last into eternity (Daniel 7:14).

All kings bowing before him one day, and all nations serving him (Psalm 72:11 NLT).

All nations and people of every language worshiping him (Daniel 7:14).

Being given the name above every name (Philippians 2:9).

And why is that last fact significant? Jesus is the One and only Son of God, the only Redeemer and Savior, the only Christ and Anointed One of God. “His rank, his titles, his dignity, are above all others” [2].

Perhaps no one has explained the significance of Jesus’ name(s) more eloquently than theologian Charles Spurgeon:

Jesus’ name is “the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension; although a drop for brevity, a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters” [3].
Charles Spurgeon

But Jesus doesn’t want to enjoy these accolades and privileges alone. Max Lucado wrote:

Jesus desires for us to be one with him, continually availing ourselves of all he has to offer.

Even more astonishing? Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we who’ve accepted Jesus into our lives get to share in his power and wealth, wisdom and strength, honor and glory!

For example:

The immeasurable and surpassing greatness of God’s spiritual POWER is in us who believe (Ephesians 1:19 AMP).

He supplies spiritual RICHES and blessings that cannot be fully understood or measured (Ephesians 3:8-9).

Christ’s word with all its WISDOM lives within us so we can experience his joy (Colossians 3:16; John 15:10-11).

We’re equipped for anything and equal to anything, through Christ who infuses us with inner STRENGTH (Philippians 4:13 AMP).

As beloved children adopted into God’s family through Christ, we are precious in his sight (Isaiah 43:4). He’s crowned us with HONOR and GLORY (Psalm 8:5; Romans 2:10), including the honor of representing Jesus in this world, and the glory of his character at work within us [4].

On this eve of Good Friday, we’d do well to remember:

We can pick up our own cross, inspired by Jesus’ example, empowered by God’s Spirit within us, and encouraged by the glorious outcome yet to be [5].

The worst circumstances we might face will become God’s best in our lives too.

[1] Every Day Light, 285.

[2] Barnes’ Notes on the Bible at www.biblehub.org

[3] Morning by Morning, 41.

[4] See also 2 Corinthians 5:17, 20

[5] To “pick up our cross” means trusting in God even when suffering comes our way, putting aside our self-will and embracing God’s will instead.

Photo credits: http://www.freebibleimages.com; http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.pexels.com.

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Surprise in the Fruit Bowl

Posted in Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, God, Godly Character, Uncategorized, tagged Christianity, Faith, fruit of the Spirit, Galatians 5:22-23, holy-spirit, Jesus on March 14, 2024| 50 Comments »

Years ago I served as a short-term missionary in Ecuador. One of my first meals there included a fruit I’d eaten many times back home in Illinois, although more often from a can than the produce section.

But that day the golden wedges provided an uber-delightful surprise: more flavor, more sweetness, and less acidity than any I’d enjoyed in the States. It was as if I was eating a different fruit.

That’s because Ecuador grows some of the world’s best pineapple. Their location on the equator and the volcanic soil of the Andes Mountains provides perfect growing conditions. I gained new appreciation for what pineapple could be.

There’s another kind of fruit that many of us are familiar with, but it’s not the kind we eat. It’s the fruit of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Many of you can probably recite its nine aspects:

What follows are brief thoughts on each. I pray we gain new appreciation for what this fruit can be—perhaps even uncover a surprise or two.

LOVE

If you were asked, what’s a powerful, practical way to express love for others, what would you say? Theologian John Calvin suggested intercession [1]. To pray for a person is to love that person.

Who might you love with a prayer today?

JOY

Scripture tells us to “rejoice always” [2], but that’s hard to do when problems and pain come our way.

Selwyn Hughes offers this perspective: Even though our difficulties may have begun with the devil, by the time they get to us and through us, they will have a divine purpose running through them [3].

Now that we can joyfully celebrate.

PEACE

“The truly thankful person is a truly peaceful person,” asserts Lysa TerKuerst [4]. And Isaiah 26:3 suggests why:

What better way to fix our thoughts than with thanksgiving? And as we affirm God’s blessings, peace will warm our hearts.

PATIENCE

Patience blossoms best in the soil of God’s promises, as we wait for him to intervene. His promises cover every circumstance; our part is to know them and believe, then patiently anticipate their fulfillment.

Are you clinging to a scripture-promise today? Turn it into a prayer of faith, hope, and patience [5].

KINDNESS

We can grow this attribute with one action: meditate on God’s kindness to us [6]. Meditation fosters appreciation; appreciation fosters emulation, and soon we find God’s kindness becoming more a part of who we are.

GOODNESS

This trait often seems out of reach. But instead of trying harder to be good, author Philip Yancey recommends: simply love God. “A person who truly loves God will be inclined to please God” [7].

Also worth remembering, the inclination to always please self results in dissatisfaction and restlessness [8].

FAITHFULNESS

Every year thousands gather to see Old Faithful, even though it’s not the tallest geyser in the world. Why is it so popular? Dependability. You can count on Old Faithful.

What might dependability look like for you today?

GENTLENESS

A list of traits of successful people rarely includes gentleness. Yet this attribute contributes much to prosperity in life. That’s because: “[Gentleness] creates in us a capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God” [9].

It’s the gentle-spirited souls who lean in toward God with yielding hearts to rest in his sovereignty. And then, think of it: God, with all his glorious attributes, comes close (James 4:8).

SELF-CONTROL

“A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls”[10]–vulnerable to all sorts of problems.

Better to take the wise course, prayerfully availing ourselves of the Holy Spirit’s help, to develop those habits we know will bring benefit and usefulness.

* * * * * * * * * *

And now, our fruit bowl is full! Did you find any surprises?

I pray this week, you enjoy one or more aspects of this familiar fruit–with fresh appreciation!

[1] https://gracequotes.org/topic/love-others_for/

[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:16

[3] Every Day Light, 124.

[4] Embraced, 256.

[5] A few favorite scripture-promises include: Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 41:10, 31; Romans 8:28; James 1:5.

[6] From a sermon our pastor preached last spring.

[7] Grace Notes, 325.

[8] Ecclesiastes 2:10-26

[9] Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiring Quotations Contemporary & Classical, 91.

[10] Proverbs 25:28 NLT

Art & photo credits: http://www.needpix.com; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pickpic.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.negativespace.com; http://www.deviantart.com (vulcanknight).

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Fantasy and Faith

Posted in Faith, Seeking God, Uncategorized, tagged A Wrinkle in Time, Christianity, Faith in God, Madeleine L'Engle, Truth on March 15, 2018| 17 Comments »

No doubt many moviegoers looked forward to last Friday when the film A Wrinkle in Time premiered.

Perhaps like me they had read the book of the same title and relished every page of the Newbery Award winner (1963), written by Madeleine L’Engle. Fans of the novel surely hoped the film would offer the same intriguing juxtaposition of science and fantasy, as well as the thought-provoking allegory of the divine versus demonic.

Some Wrinkle-in-Time fans may not know that L’Engle was a Christian, and wrote the book as a way to express her reflections about God.

“If I’ve ever written a book that says what I feel about God and the universe, this is it,” L’Engle journaled. “This is my psalm of praise to life, my stand for life against death” (1).

L’Engle grew up with a church background, but in her 30s wrestled with such essential questions as: Does God exist? Why are we here? Do we exist after death? Her strong faith in God developed over time, her granddaughter has explained, a slow “acceptance of what she had always known to be true” (2).

As L’Engle’s faith grew, she established the daily habits of Bible reading and prayer. Her writings began to reflect her devotion to God and deep love of scripture. A Wrinkle in Time is no exception. Several characters frequently quote from the Bible.

L’Engle discovered: “Faith is what makes life bearable, with all its tragedies and ambiguities and sudden, startling joys” (3).

L’Engle’s faith did indeed carry her through several tragedies. Her father died when she was eighteen, the result of lung damage during World War I. Close friends died, survived by their young daughter, Maria. L’Engle and her husband Hugh adopted the child, only to struggle through Maria’s emotional turmoil as time passed. Then, after forty years of marriage, her beloved Hugh died of cancer.

L’Engle eventually wrote: “We trust as [Medieval mystic] Lady Julian of Norwich trusted, knowing that despite all the pain and horror of the world, ultimately God’s loving purpose will be fulfilled and ‘all things shall be well…and all manner of things shall be well.’ And this all-wellness…does not come to us because we are clever or virtuous but comes as a gift of grace” (4).

(www.quotefancy.com)

She saw Christianity as a paradox. On the one hand is the infinite, unfathomable God beyond comprehension, but who was at the same time a finite human being–Jesus–who died for us on a cross.

“To believe the universe was created by a purposeful being is one thing,” she wrote. “To believe this Creator took on human vesture, accepted death and mortality, was tempted, betrayed, broken, and all for love of us, defies reason” (5).

L’Engle often wove Christian themes into her stories. Sadly, filmmakers chose to downplay the faith elements of A Wrinkle in Time, and focus on the fantasy and special effects. What’s left is a confusing storyline and muddled message. Many critics admit to disappointment and confusion (6).

In an interview the film’s screenwriter explained the decision for removing all traces of Christian reference:

“I think there are a lot of elements of what [L’Engle] wrote that we have progressed on as a society, and we can move on to the other elements” (7).

Oh? We can move on from the element of truth?

Like Madeleine L’Engle, we must wrestle with the essential matters of truth and faith; we must be certain of the reasons and evidence for our beliefs, because…

Notes:

(1) https://www.washingtonpost.com/new/acts.of.faith/wp/2018/03/08/the-deep-faith-of-a-wrinkle-in-time

(2) Same source as above.

(3) From Walking on Water (Crosswicks, 2001), by Madeleine L’Engle

(4) Same source as above.

(5) From Penguins and Calves (Shaw Books, 2003), by Madeleine L’Engle

(6) http://www.businessinsider.com/wrinkle-in-time-movie-changes-book-religion-christianity-ending-2018-3

(7) https://uproxx.com/movies/jennifer-lee-wrinkle-in-time-frozen-2/2/

Additional sources:

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.canva.com.

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Wise in Their Own Eyes

Posted in Faith, God's Wisdom, Wisdom, tagged Christianity, Faith, God, God's Wisdom, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 2:6, Wisdom on April 1, 2013| 8 Comments »

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Have you seen this cereal commercial?

Several women decry the frustration of nutrition and diet research which contradicts itself. Examples:

Carbohydrates are good; carbohydrates are bad.
Eliminate as much fat from your diet as possible; a little bit of fat is good for you.
To lose weight, eat no more than 1500 calories a day. To lose weight, eat no more than 1200 calories a day.

And then the ladies say something like, “You know what? I’m not listening to expert advice anymore. I’m going to listen to me. I know better nutrition when I see it.”

I want to ask them: “And how do you know what’s good? How did you find out? What makes you wiser than the experts? Sure, they make mistakes. But haven’t you made a few yourselves?”

I’ve seen the same attitude in discussions of spiritual matters.

“Well, I believe…”

“In my opinion…”

“I just know that…”

Oh? Sometimes we forget that there is a standard for truth—the Bible. In the long run, it doesn’t really matter what we believe or think. What matters is what God’s Word says. If our thoughts and beliefs do not coincide with the Bible, we’re on the wrong track.

Bible Study 1 (Photo credit: DrGBB)

“The Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). In other words, God is the only source of true wisdom. We humans cannot manufacture it on our own.

God pointedly warns us about thinking of ourselves as experts of wisdom. “Do not be wise in your own eyes,” he says (3:7a). “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (12:15).

EXPERT (Photo credit: Pete Prodoehl)

I, for one, would not set myself up as an expert, like the women in the commercial. I don’t always know what’s good for me. I’m not that smart!

Instead, my measuring tool is God’s Word. That’s where I turn to verify if my line of thinking is straight. There is only one Mastermind, the One who created me. And unlike human experts, he is completely trustworthy.*

It would behoove me to know what he thinks before I spout off my own opinions.

English: Eric H. Cline excavating at Megiddo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* The Bible is also trustworthy, proven time and again to be accurate, by the ancient manuscripts, archaeology, prophecy, and other proofs. You may wish to read Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction by Eric H. Cline and The Evidence of Prophecy edited by Robert C. Newman for a deeper study of these fascinating topics.

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From the Inside Out

Impressions Becoming Expressions

Posts Tagged ‘Christianity’

Five for Five

Surprise in the Fruit Bowl

Fantasy and Faith

Wise in Their Own Eyes

Nancy Ruegg

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