Encouragement | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Encouragement’

Autumn Blaze

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Godly Character, Joy, Praise, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, Ephesians 1:3, Fall, Godly Character, Gratitude, Joy, Our Purpose for Living, Philippians 4:11, Praise, Psalm 63:3-4, Reflecting God's Character, Spiritual Blessings, Worship on October 20, 2014| 13 Comments »

“The land is lit with autumn blaze.”

–Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885)

I’ve been anticipating these few weeks of October ever since we moved back to the Midwest in June—the gilding on tree-covered hillsides, the crimson coats on sumac trees, and, of course, the swaths of gold and vermilion among the maples.

The trees appear dressed for a grand party!

Indeed, autumn was the season I missed most during our forty years in Florida.

So Friday afternoon I sat on our second-story deck, to observe more closely the magnificent display in our back yard. You see, a shallow woods stands sentry between the houses on our street and the houses behind us. Among the tree-fellows, chestnut, elm, oak, and others stretch their colorful arms heavenward.

But already the trees are beginning to lose their leaves.

Elm leaves somersault while they plummet, flashing sparks of sunlight from their luminous topsides.

Oak leaves drift downward, gracefully zigzagging side to side.

But whether they tumble or drift, the leaves of all deciduous trees will eventually fall, having fulfilled their purpose: photosynthesizing light, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

As human beings, we, too, have purpose to our existence: to live for the praise of God’s glory (Ephesians 1:11). What an honor is ours, to inspire others to give praise to the King of the universe.

And how might we do that?

Reflect God’s character, like the elm leaves flashing in the sunlight. Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing, we can shine as lights (Matthew 5:14)–offering assistance or a listening ear, being a positive voice and example, exercising self-control and patience.

Give praise to God at every opportunity. As tree leaves fall, the lacey branches are exposed, all reaching upward toward the sunlight. Our hearts should be raised toward the Light of Life, the Son of God.

(“My lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands” — Psalm 63:3-4)

We can:

Praise him in the morning for the opportunities of the day ahead.

Praise him in the afternoon for the blessings and accomplishments already enjoyed.

Praise him in the evening for his guidance and care throughout the day, his strength for the challenges, and the blessing of rest yet to come.

Be content (Philippians 4:11). God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Begin to name those blessings and note how your heart begins to swell with elation–blessings like:

relief of forgiveness

liberation from guilt

assurance of hope

confidence of access to his presence

certainty of eternal life.

(How long might the list grow if we continued?)

Just as autumn blazes around us, may our hearts blaze to live for the praise of God’s glory!

(Photo credits: www.galleryhip.com; http://www.media-cache-akO.pinimg.com.)

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Ho-Hum Ordinary? Never!

Posted in Encouragement, God's Provision, God-Given Abilities, Heroes of the Faith, Uncategorized, tagged Andrew Murray, Encouragement, Ephesians 2:10, God's Provision, Personal Fulfillment, Self-Esteem, Significance on October 16, 2014| 6 Comments »

His name keeps popping up in books and blog posts: Andrew Murray.

His words are thought-provoking:

“Never try to arouse faith from within. You cannot stir up faith from the depths of your heart. Leave your heart, and look into the face of Christ.”

“Abiding fully means praying much.”

“Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds you abased and empty, His glory and power flow in.”

So who was this deeply thoughtful man, Andrew Murray(1828-1917)? Did his conversion experience turn him around 180 degrees like Paul’s? Did he face great danger like David or Daniel? Did he impact throngs of people with his preaching like Jonah or John the Baptist?

No. According to the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (www.ccel.org), Andrew grew up in a Christian home. No spectacular transformation from unbeliever to saint.

His father was a Scottish Presbyterian minister who served in the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa. Andrew became a pastor himself and served several pastorates, also in South Africa.

Andrew helped found two schools, made several evangelistic tours of South Africa, and received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to world missions. Today he is best known for his devotional writings, found in the 240 publications to his credit.

Not a shabby list of accomplishments, but Andrew faced no giants or lions. There are no cliff-hanger stories to tell about him. He simply served God faithfully where he was.

No doubt there are some who would skim-read such a biography, yawn, and seek more exciting stories–Adoniram Judson’s or David Livingstone’s.

Andrew Murray may have written some thoughtful books and essays, but let’s face it. His life-story borders on ho-hum ordinary.

But wait. The Bible and annals of history are overflowing with the stories of ordinary people such as:

Jethro, a shepherd. Yet his wisdom greatly assisted his son-in-law–Moses (Exodus 18:1-27).

Mordecai, a captive. However, he was in the right place at the right time to hear of a plot against the Jews (the book of Esther).

Lydia, a dealer in fine purple cloth and dye. She just happened to provide housing for Paul and Silas, and became the first convert—in all of Europe (Acts 16).

No doubt these people considered themselves just ordinary folk. But God used them in astonishing ways.

The truth is, there is no such thing as an ordinary person in God’s kingdom.

So, guess who’s talking when that voice in your head whispers, “You are a nobody. You aren’t accomplishing anything worthwhile in your life.”

It’s not God!

He placed within each of us wondrous, unique gifts. Would God do that if we were worthless?

Second, he placed us within a circle of influence that includes family, neighbors, friends, church acquaintances, business contacts, and more. (And let’s not forget the ripple effect.)

Third, God provides opportunities within that circle for us to use our gifts, be a blessing to others, and bring him praise.

So whether God ordains you or me to be a leader or follower, a platform personality or a behind-the-scenes helper, a larger-than-life Paul, or a lesser-known Andrew Murray, we each have a unique niche to fill—especially designed by God himself.

“For we are God’s workmanship,

(Think of it—we are the handiwork of the Master Designer!)

Created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

(Works that will bring glory to God and supreme satisfaction to our hearts.)

which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).”

(Availing ourselves to what he’s prepared results in supremely worthwhile accomplishment.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for gifting each of us with unique abilities to fulfill your specially designed plans. Thank you that in your kingdom there is no such thing as ho-hum ordinary, because you, the Master of the universe only create masterpieces! May our joy be centered in faithfully completing the works you have prepared for each of us.

Art and photo credits: www.newparadigmthinkers.wordpress.com; http://www.dayofgrace.me.)

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Sunshine in the Dark

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Provision, Hope, tagged Encouragement, God is Light, God's Goodness, God's Provision, Hope, Psalm 18:28, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 36:9, Psalm 89:15-17 on September 4, 2014| 8 Comments »

We sat on the runway, awaiting take-off clearance for our flight. Low, thick clouds hung above us, shrouding the area in gloom. Folks in the plane sat quietly in their seats. Really quiet. Not very many smiles either. The oppressive bleakness outside seemed to cause a depressive state inside.

Finally we felt the plane move, pick up speed, and lift off the ground. In seconds the view out our windows was obliterated by the gray-white clouds. We could see absolutely nothing, as if curtains had been drawn outside the windows. Was the plane even moving? There was no way to tell, except for the loud drone of the engines and the upward angle of the plane.

Suddenly we escaped the cloud bank and were almost blinded by the brilliant sun. Some people turned off the overhead lights, others closed their window blinds against the glare.

As a result of the bright light, the atmosphere changed inside the plane. The dark mood of moments before turned to cheer. Some passengers shifted in their seats, sitting up a bit straighter. Soft chatter, even a few chuckles, peppered the air.

What a difference sunlight makes.

The physiological connection between sunlight and mood has been studied by scientists. They’ve determined that sunlight increases the production of serotonin in the brain, which is tied to wakefulness and feeling happy.

Those of us who know God can experience another source of light – his light — even when the dark clouds of trouble roll in (Psalm 18:28). The benefits are incredible.

1. “In [his] light we see light” (Psalm 36:9b). As we practice God’s presence and live according to the directions of his Word, we see the wisdom of his ways. We also become more aware of God’s glorious attributes shining into our lives—his power, loving kindness, grace, and more.

2. “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength” (Psalm 89:15-17a).

Take note. God is righteous. Everything he does is good and right, absolutely perfect.

Did you catch that amazing statement at the end? Our God of Light is our glory. He is magnificent, full of splendor, and grandeur, yet he is our Heavenly Father! Could any state of circumstances be more incredible?

God is the source of all strength. Think of it. The all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign God of the universe is on our side—all the time. He is completely, forever committed to us, until that day we see him in all his glory, our King of kings!

3. “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear” (Psalm 27:1)?

Consider what dark clouds might symbolize in our circumstances: stress, problems, fear, and sorrow.

Now consider what the Lord of Light brings to us: guidance, wisdom, joy, provision, comfort, grace, and peace.

He is light within us and around us.

Sometimes when a thick cloud bank of difficulty settles over our lives, we think God has abandoned us. But take note of these wise words:

“Measure not God’s love and favor by your own feeling.

The sun shines as clearly on the darkest day as it does in the brightest.

The difference is not in the sun,

but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof”

– Richard Sibbes (Anglican theologian, 1577-1635).

Praise God for his glorious constancy!

(Photo credit: www.vision.cs.uiuc.edu.)

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God’s Unfailing Love

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Love, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Christ, Encouragement, God's Love, God's Provision, Psalm 33:22, Romans 8:38-39 on September 1, 2014| 9 Comments »

Not long ago I came upon this Bible verse:

“May your unfailing love rest upon us” (Psalm 33:22a).

Not exactly a new concept for those of us who know God and have entrusted our lives to him. We know that God loves us.

But that day, each word (with a bit of tweaking!) spoke particular truth from my Heavenly Father. Below are the impressions he laid upon my heart. I pray that a thought or two will bring encouragement to you as well.

My:

My love for you is holy — totally separate from any human love — because it is:

Pure – never the result of ulterior motives
Sacrificial – proven at Calvary when I, God the Son, gave up my life for you
Unchanging – in the past (because I loved you before you were born), in the present (even when you’re not at your best), and into eternity (when my love will be expressed in total bliss).

Unfailing:

Never will I “fall out of love” with you. There is nothing in this world that can stop me from loving you. No matter what you do, nothing can separate you from my love.

And remember, my love is an unfailing, all-powerful force. I make all things work for your good – even when you go through pain and trials. Cling to that promise, child. Good will always prevail in the end.

Love:

My love for you is much more than warm affection. I am passionate about you and devoted to you. My faithfulness to you will never fail.

I am your Heavenly Father. Think of all the ways I express my love to you every day – through kindness, grace, mercy, faithfulness, blessing, wisdom, guidance, strength, comfort, peace and more. It’s a long list, isn’t it.

Neither are these love-expressions infrequent or intermittent. Constantly I am expressing my love to you.

And everything I say and do comes from a heart of holy, perfect love.

Rests:

My love comes to rest upon you. It’s attached to you, never wanes, and never will be removed.

And because I am continually expressing my love, you can rest in confidence that I will care for you. When worry and fear start to creep in, turn your spiritual eyes on me.

Start recounting all the ways I’ve expressed my love to you in the past, and rest in confidence that my pure, sacrificial, unchanging love will see you through – not just to survive, but to triumph!

Upon:

My love is not earned; it is bestowed upon you. You do not need to perform marvelous deeds for me. Nor do I withdraw my love because you are not perfect.

What gives me pleasure is love-motivated progress toward spiritual maturity. I also revel in your efforts to seek my presence. But even these actions do not cause me to love you more. My love for you is already total and complete.

You:

Yes, you. I made you. I created your inmost being and knit you together in your mother’s womb. I prepared all the days of your life before even one of them came to be.

And I love you – completely and forever. My unfailing love most assuredly rests upon you.

(Romans 8:28, 38-39; Psalm 89:33; Psalm 139:13-16.)

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In Christ

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Excellence, God's Presence, Godly Character, Intimacy with God, Jesus, Joy, Maturity, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthians 5:17, Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, Faith, in Christ, Intimacy with Jesus, Jesus' Presence, John 15:1-8 on August 25, 2014| 8 Comments »

‘Ever watch one of those television shows that provides a person with a complete makeover? By the end of the hour she (or sometimes he) has acquired a personalized, updated wardrobe, learned how to apply make-up, and received a new hair-do. The physical transformation is always stunning.

However, there is a transformation even more amazing. Paul explains it this way:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Those of us in Christ haven’t just been adjusted, primped, polished, or camouflaged. We have become new people with clean slates, strong purpose, deep joy, and vibrant enthusiasm for life.

And that’s not all. Each day we’re becoming better than the day before–a bit more perfected–if we remain in Christ. Sarah Young (Jesus Calling) says we’re becoming more fully our true selves–the ones God designed us to be. I like that.

Each day in Christ is an opportunity to grow more completely into his glorious image. These changes have nothing to do with outward appearance. They take place on the inside, impacting our personalities, emotions, minds, and spirits.

That expression, in Christ (also “in the Lord” and “in him”), occurs 164 times in Paul’s letters. Such repetition would indicate the importance of the concept.

So how would we define the meaning of being “in Christ?” Here are a few possibilities.

1. In Christ means we live within his presence. Now that’s a rather abstract concept. Perhaps an analogy would increase our understanding.

Picture yourself surrounded by trees in a forest. The woods fill your senses—the sight of tall, stately trees, the sound of chirping birds, the aroma of pine and earth, the textures of rough bark and velvety moss, the taste of cold, clear water from a stream.

Similarly, the presence of Christ completely surrounds us as believers. Christ fills the senses of our hearts, if we avail ourselves. We see more fully the glory of his creation, hear his truth, breathe in his love like a fine fragrance, feel his strength upholding us, and taste his goodness in the feast of blessings he provides.

Such sensations change who we are. In Christ, we can become stable, contented, joy-filled people.

2. In Christ means we are united with him, like a branch fused to the vine (John 15:1-8). He is the Source of everything we need, but we must stay in contact with him. How do we do that with Someone who’s invisible? Possibilities include prayer, praise, gratitude, and worship–throughout the day.

And when we’re united with him, his peace and strength are infused into us.

3. In Christ means we’re in close relationship with him. Never should there “be day when we give ourselves a chance to forget him” (William Barclay).

And when we live in the presence of Christ, and in union with Christ, the inner transformation he has instituted will most definitely become visible. Jesus’ character will begin to flow through our attitudes and actions, just as sap flows through the vine into the branches. Attitudes like kindness, understanding, and forgiveness will give strong evidence that we’re living in Christ.

And what will the people around us see? Folks who…

exude joy and optimism.
are gracious to others.
exhibit self-control.
make wise choices.
aim to express love–always.

Such delightful, purposeful living awaits those who center themselves in Christ.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the supreme privilege of living in your presence. You are the King of the universe, yet you want to be united with us in close relationship. And as we avail ourselves, you infuse us with your attributes, your strength, your peace. All praise to you, gracious Savior, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, as we abide in you.

(Photo credits: www.brotherransome.com, http://www.wikipedia.org., and alishagratehouse.com.)

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Slow and Steady

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, God's Goodness, Maturity, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged Christian Maturity, Colossians 2:6, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Ways, Godly Character, Isaiah 61:3, James 1:4, Perseverance, Psalm 92:14 on August 21, 2014| 8 Comments »

Elena, almost eighteen months old, loves to collect acorns. A grand oak tree on the church property across the street from her home provides perfect hunting grounds. She trundles along the edge of the sidewalk, her eyes on the grassy edge. Now and then she bends over, chooses a prime specimen, and clutches it tightly to her chest.

Yesterday was a banner day for acorns. Way too many shiny nuts with perfect caps. Her little hands couldn’t carry them all. I was given the honor of transporting a few of her treasures home. And this opportunity became the starting point for a train of thoughts.

You’ve no doubt noticed this yourself: acorns do not appear capable of producing oak trees. They’re too small and too hard. How can the seeds inside even escape those tough shells? Yet given the right soil, the right climate, and plenty of time, the miracle of growth occurs. White oak trees can reach the height of 150 feet, growing twelve to fourteen inches per year. Acorns do not appear until the twentieth year. In the end, the majestic giant provides hundreds of benefits (www.arborday.org and http://www.ehow.com).

Now a few tall plants, like bamboo, grow very quickly. But not tall, strong trees. I wonder why?

We humans are also slow-growing–in body and spirit. And I wonder about that, too. Why didn’t God make us more like bamboo, able to reach maturity quickly? Instead, we progress through a protracted, sometimes painful learning process to become “mature, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).

Perhaps God willed our development to happen slowly so we have many opportunities to follow his chosen path and fulfill the potential he’s especially prepared for each of us. A false step in the wrong direction can be corrected, just as a crooked tree can be straightened if attended to promptly.

Yes, there are those who choose not to mature, not to participate with God.

But we know that God is good, that what he does is good. I want him to train and teach me (Psalm 119:68). My guess is you feel the same.

Day by day, choice by choice, we can progress along the spectrum from self-centered to selfless, from impatient to patient, from lesser to greater. But we have to realize: it happens slowly over time.

Here’s another possibility, even better than just accepting slow progress. Let’s embrace it.

You see, our culture tends to look at time as a thief who steals away our youth, worth, mental acuity, and energy.

But what if we view time as a gift–a gift of countless opportunities provided day by day, choice by choice–to grow into the mature and gracious people God ordained? Instead of regretting the passage of time we can celebrate:

Our progress to become rooted and built up in Jesus, strengthened in our faith (Colossians 2:6).
The growing ability to bear fruit (the fruit of the Spirit, exemplary living, glorifying God to others)–even into old age (Psalm 92:14).
Becoming “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3).

Oh, I like that last verse especially, don’t you?

And it can happen through slow and steady perseverance, with God as our guide.

(Photo credits: www.bio.brandeis.edu; http://www.treetopics.com; http://www.awesometools.com.)

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A.M. Attitude Adjustment

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, God's Provision, Joy, Renewing the Mind, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Choosing Our Attitudes, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Joy, Renewing the Mind on July 28, 2014| 8 Comments »

Getting ready to leave the house in the morning is such a chore, isn’t it? The routine of washing, brushing, flossing, primping, rolling (the hair!), fluffing, spraying, etc. gets SO tiresome.

While I completed each chore the other morning, Barbara Johnson (popular speaker and author of Women-of-Faith fame) came to mind. In one of her books, So, Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy! (Word Publishing, 1990), she describes how Fresh Start laundry detergent, Joy dishwashing liquid, and Dove soap help renew her mind as she progresses through each day. Her thoughts actually echo scripture:

Every day is a fresh start with God (Lamentations 3:22, 23).

The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

The Spirit (symbolized by a dove) cleanses and refreshes us, as we keep in step with him (Galatians 5:25).

Just those three statements alone are enough to spark an attitude change.

I wondered, what might my a.m. toiletry products offer for inspiration?

As I got ready that morning, I took a closer look at those products. Here’s what I found and the ponderings that followed:

Butterflies dance across the Kleenex box, signifying the beautiful, new life we have in Jesus. Thank you, Lord, for your beautiful gifts of peace, joy, hope, and strength–all because of your presence in my life.

“7 in 1 / Complete,” claims my moisturizer. Seven is symbolic of perfection in scripture. In fact, the apostle John mentions the seven spirits of God in the Revelation (5:6). And our God is perfectly complete—in power, wisdom, holiness, and more. When I consider that his complete perfection is lavished upon me, my heart is filled with praise!

The Dial hand soap dispenser promises its contents offer deep cleansing. That’s enough to prompt another prayer. Father, cleanse my mind of negativity and impropriety today. Thank you for your generosity of forgiveness and fresh starts.

The brand name of the contact solution I use is Replenish, reminding me that every day I need my spirit replenished. Stress, anxiety, and fear can deplete my strength. But praise God, his Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7) can equip me to seize the day!

The shower gel includes scents of lemon, grapefruit, freesia and “clean woods.” Each fragrance is delightful and refreshing on its own. And, of course, each one was created by God. Interesting: God not only made beautiful things for us to see, he included scents for us to enjoy. And though there must be thousands, he gave us the capacity to mix them and thereby create millions more. Thank you, Lord, for giving us the ability to create. Not that we can make something out of nothing as you can. But within the parameters you have set, we can design, combine, and build. Thank you for the precious gift of crafting that brings us much joy.

Before I knew it, the contacts were in, the face was on, the hair was (fluffed) up.

Better yet, my attitude was in check, positivity was turned on, and my heart was looking up.

* * * * * * * * * *

What products do you use whose names or claims have the potential to renew your mind? Share with us your discoveries in the Comment section!

(Photo credit: www.downeyfamilydenistryblog.com.)

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Imperfectly Right

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, God's Delight, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged Encouragement, God's Delight in Us, God's Grace, God's Pleasure in Us, Kids Under Construction on July 7, 2014| 8 Comments »

Remember the old song, Kids Under Construction, by Bill and Gloria Gaither?

The chorus went like this:

“Kids under construction –

Maybe the paint is still wet.

Kids under construction –

The Lord may not be finished yet.”

Well, it’s not just the little folks that require refurbishing. Most of us still need our:

Patience polished from time to time
Kindness cultivated every now and then
Joy rejuvenated on a regular basis
Self-centeredness scoured away occasionally
Faith uplifted once in a while

If we’re not careful, such realities can push us toward discouragement. Thoughts like these begin to peck away at our spirits:

“I’ll never measure up. Why even try? What’s the point?”

Might it be we’re even harder on ourselves than God? Might he actually take pleasure in our imperfectly right efforts toward spiritual growth?

Think of Charlie Brown’s small and scraggly Christmas tree. Imperfect? Definitely. Heart-warming and charming nonetheless? Oh, yes.

Think of the pleasure listening to a young child sing—off-key, with unsteady rhythm and incorrect words. But everybody loves the performance anyway.

speech1

Think of dust—how it shrouds our belongings and irritates our allergies. But sprinkle a bit in a sunbeam and instantly we’re mesmerized by the magical display of glitter and shine.

Think of the wrong word written or spoken at the right time and how the result can produce uproarious laughter.

When my husband Steve began his ministry, he was assigned to a congregation of mostly older folks. One Sunday the bulletin listed the first hymn as, “’Tis So Sweet to RUST in Jesus!”

And that brings me to Mrs. Bisso’s muffins. Mrs. Bisso was a member of that same church, and lived down the street. She loved to bake. It wasn’t long after our arrival before Mrs. Bisso began to regularly supply us with muffins. Sometimes she’d call at 6:30 or so in the morning to let us know she’d be over in a few minutes with fresh muffins for our breakfast. Hold the oatmeal!

Problem is, Mrs. Bisso’s muffins were always over-baked—rather thoroughly. That meant, even if we cut off the black bottoms, the sharp, charred flavor still permeated all the way through to the tops.

But dear Mrs. Bisso took such pleasure in baking for us, we continued to enthuse over her burnt offerings—batch after batch after batch.

All these thirty-some years since that time, we’ve occasionally remembered and smiled nostalgically about Mrs. Bisso’s muffins. After all, her heart was in the right place, and she gave so lovingly and generously of her time and effort.

You see? There is much for us to celebrate in the imperfectly right. And I think God does too.

(Photo credits: www.drexelchurch.org; http://www.highlandschristianfellowship.org; http://www.christchurchlikely.org.uk; www.salmonavocado.com.)

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Deed Seeds –Revisited

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Godly Character, Perseverance, Service, Uncategorized, tagged Charles Spurgeon, Christian Service, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Encouragement, Godly Character, Perseverance, Positive Influence, The Sower and the Seeds on June 16, 2014| 5 Comments »

(As most of you know, Steve is retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Very shortly we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons and their families. If our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!

No doubt you’re also aware that packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks, so I’m putting the blog on hold for a few weeks. But please continue to visit! I’ll re-blog some previous posts, and hopefully you’ll find them meaningful again, or perhaps for the first time.

The following post was first published 5-16-13.)
220px-E-W-Wilcox

“With every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see”

(Ella Wheeler Wilcox, author and poet, 1850-1919).

Observation #1:

We never know when a small deed may plant a seed of faith or encouragement. We never know when that seed will reap a bountiful harvest in the life of someone else.

Live attentively to the fact that every deed is a seed. The people around us are watching and listening. Perhaps you’re familiar with the story of a church elder who once led a worship service for two. It happened over 150 years ago in England. A blizzard on Saturday night made it impossible for villagers to get to the church—including the pastor.

The elder almost sent home the two individuals who had come, an older man and a young boy. But something (Someone?) compelled him to speak. Later he confessed his words came out rather jumbled and brusque.

But. The elder planted a seed that immediately took root. The young boy accepted Jesus as his Savior that day. His name? Charles Spurgeon—preacher and author extraordinaire, whom God used mightily. People are still impacted by his writings to this day. (For an example of Dr. Spurgeon’s God-given genius, see the post, “Not Length But Strength,” from May 9, 1913).

Observation #2:

Our responsibility is the planting of “deed seeds”; the harvest is up to God.

The same principle that works in the physical realm works in the spiritual realm: A farmer may plant, fertilize, and water, but the germination of each seed is a miracle only God can bring about. Don’t become tightly focused on results.

The elder who led Charles to the Lord that snowy, wintry day, had no idea the boy would grow up to have such a profound effect on the world. The gentleman may not have lived long enough to see the results of his deed that morning. But we know, and we marvel.

Observation #3:

The true harvest is not measurable in physical terms, and it’s hidden from view in the spiritual realm.

Only now and then does God give us a glimpse of what our small deeds are accomplishing. Perhaps God planned it that way so pride and self-gratification do not taint the glory of the harvest.

Imagine the joy that elder continues to experience every time a saint comes through the gates of heaven–fourth and fifth generation Christians, who have been influenced by Charles Spurgeon, whose ancestors accepted Jesus because of him. In addition, thousands have been influenced and encouraged by the preacher’s writings.

And it all began with that faithful elder.

You see, the positive influence of a man or woman of God never dies.

Such a possibility should translate into enthusiastic motivation for planting seeds wherever we go.

(Art and photo credits: www.wikimedia.org and http://www.wikipedia.org.)

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God Is Our Refuge–Revisited

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Refuge, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged Encouragement, Faith, God, God our Refuge, God's Goodness, Hurt Feelings, James 4:7, Negativity, Psalm 119:114, Psalm 31:19-20, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 9:9, Worry on June 2, 2014| 4 Comments »

(As most of you know, Steve will soon be retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Mid-June we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons and their families. Now if our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!

The following post was first published 12-3-12.)

When I was a little girl, my parents kept a large garden in the backyard. They grew corn, beans, tomatoes, strawberries, lettuce, and more.

Among all that produce grew something else: garter snakes. I was petrified of those snakes, in spite of assurances from Mom and Dad that they could do me no harm.

So what was my reaction if, while playing in the yard, I noticed the slightest bit of slithering? I RAN while emitting eardrum-splitting shrieks. No doubt those snakes took off just as rapidly in the opposite direction, but I never looked back to find out.

Those experiences make a good word-picture of what my response should be when snakes of negativity, worry, or hurt feelings invade my mind. RUN!

James recommended exactly that: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (4:7b).

But where should I run to? As a child, when seeking escape from the garter snakes, I often ran into the house, a safe and secure refuge. (Although I did have the occasional nightmare about smart snakes, who knew how to slither under doors and up stairs, so even the house wasn’t safe!)

As an adult, facing “snakes” of a different nature, where should I run?

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

That means, when my thoughts begin to turn to the negative, I need to run to God, my refuge of hope and help (Psalm 119:114).

When people speak or act unkindly and my emotions are bruised, I need to run to God, my refuge of comfort (Psalm 31:19-20).

When worry overtakes me, I need to run to God, my refuge of peace (Psalm 9:9).

Once my attention is focused on him, I must:

Look into his eyes and see the great everlasting love he has for me (Jeremiah 31:3).

Sense his strong arms around me, holding me close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).

Hear him reminding me of all his promises and all the times he has blessed me in the past (Psalm 77:11-12).

Taste his goodness (Psalm 34:8) in all the flavors of his attributes: power, wisdom, holiness, loving-kindness, grace, and more.

And what will be the end result? “Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy” (Psalm 5:11a). That sure beats cowering, fretting, and flustering, doesn’t it?

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for availing yourself to us as a refuge, a person-place we can run to for help, protection, and peace. We love you, O Lord, our strength, because you are our rock, our fortress, and our deliverer (Psalm 18:1).

Thank you for caring for us, those who seek to trust in you (Nahum 1:7). May we avail ourselves of your gladness and joy rather than let the snakes of negativity, worry, or emotional hurt get the best of us!

(Photo credit: www.wikimedia.org.)

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