Encouragement | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Encouragement’

The Right Thing at the Right Time

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Goodness, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Will, Hope, Patience, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Encouragement, Faith, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Reliability, God's Silence, God's Sovereignty, God's Ways, Isaiah 46:10, Isaiah 65:24, Psalm 75:2, Waiting on God on May 29, 2014| 17 Comments »

(This is the last new post until July 3. As most of you know, Steve is retiring from the pastorate, after serving forty years in Florida. Mid-June we move to the Midwest, to be close to our sons. And if our daughter and her family would just move east from Washington State, life would be near-perfect!

Packing and unpacking are time-consuming tasks, as you know, so I’ll put 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.)

TODAY’S POST

True or False:

God will do the right thing at the right time.

–Max Lucado

We believe that’s true, right? We can even find scripture to back up that statement:

“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge uprightly” (Psalm 75:2).

Never in a million years would we say, “This statement is false. God can’t be trusted to do the right thing!”

But we do sometimes wonder why our ideas of the right thing don’t seem to match his idea.

And we do unabashedly wonder about his idea of right timing.

We also wonder why there’s not even a hint of progress toward that right thing we desire. We wonder why God is silent.

But God’s silence is not like that of people. He doesn’t give us the silent treatment in some petty game of payback. And it’s not a case of forgetfulness either.

More than likely God is working on other matters rather than that one we’re focused on– other matters such as perseverance, faith, and spiritual maturity. These character traits and others don’t grow so well if we’re always getting what we want when we want it.

We can rest assured there is purpose in the pause.

And just knowing that can ease our impatience.

Something else that’s important to know, too:

There’s really no such thing as silence with God, because we always have his Word, chock full of glorious promises and encouragement. And it’s always available. (I’m assuming you have an iPhone or computer–you’re reading this post; therefore you have access to a Bible–even if it’s online!)

One of my favorite promises is Isaiah 65:24.

(“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”)

And one more, also from Isaiah:

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

God is not only working in our behalf now, he foresaw our need and began working toward its fulfillment before we uttered the first prayer. He started arranging events and bringing together people and resources so that at just the right time the right thing will happen.

Notice the “I will” in each of those verses above. Isaiah did not record God’s good intentions. These are promises of the Almighty God of the universe, our always-truthful, always trustworthy Heavenly Father.

WHY DO I WONDER?!

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, Heavenly Father, for being reliable and trustworthy. I can’t imagine life without you as my foundation. Thank you for every promise in your Word that gives me support. Once again, I avail myself to your plan, so you can do the right thing at the right time—without the interference of my impatience or doubt!

(Art and photo credits: www.kemingshen.com , http://www.brendaboen.blogspot.com.)

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Struggling with Change

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged Encouragement, Faith, Hope, Renewing the Mind, Surviving Change on May 26, 2014| 18 Comments »

I am a person of roots and routine. Are you?

Do you grieve when it’s time to leave one community for another, because emotional attachments have grown deep?

Do you take comfort in familiar routine, because you can move forward with confidence?

Then you’ll understand this statement: I am a person who struggles with change.

So this post is for me, to review what I know about accepting–even celebrating–change. You’re welcome to read over my shoulder.

First and foremost: I need to be selective of vocabulary, even in my thoughts. Thoughts impact attitudes; attitudes impact soul and spirit. For example:

Instead of change, I need to speak of the circumstances as an adventure.
Instead of problem, I should say possibility.
Instead of challenge, I can call the situation an opportunity.

Such a small commitment, really. But retooling my word-choices could have a profound impact on my spirit.

First, the change I don’t want to embrace takes on a glowing, new aura when I rename it adventure—the adventure of participating with God to bring about his good purpose (Romans 8:28). Such thinking would surely foster excitement!

Second, the problem I see is nothing compared to the possibilities God is capable of. “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams” (Ephesians 3:20, The Message)! As I consider the possibilities, hope and anticipation will flourish.

Third, the challenge I find so uncomfortable will undoubtedly provide opportunity to see God’s power and provision at work. Perhaps I’ll witness a whole string of God-engineered events. Or, the power and provision may occur in me, as he molds my personality and spirit into a more Christ-like version. (That is even more miraculous!) And who would turn aside from seeing—even participating in—a miracle?

It begins with my words.

* * * * * * * * * *

This might sound strange to some, but thank you, Father, for the uncomfortable changes, challenges, and disappointments you’ve brought into my life. Not one of them was without purpose. Forgive me for the times I have fretted about how circumstances would turn out. How easy it is for me to forget that you hold all things in your hands.

May I anticipate the adventure, the possibilities, and the opportunities of each day, NO MATTER WHAT, because you are by my side–my all-powerful, all-wise, all-loving God. Thank you for the promise that you WILL fill me completely with joy and peace as I trust in you. Then I can overflow with hope (Romans 15:13).

(Photo credit: www.desiremercy.wordpress.com.)

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Why People Fail

Posted in Encouragement, Uncategorized, tagged Education Opportunity Effort, Encouragement, Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 16:24, words of encouragement on May 22, 2014| 13 Comments »

“More people fail for lack of _______________ than for any other reason.”

–Ruth Bell Graham

What word would you put in that blank space? Possibilities include:

Education
Opportunity
Effort
Faith

Perhaps you can think of more. To be honest, the four determinants listed above can be difficult to provide. 1) College educations are expensive. 2) Opportunity often involves knowing the right people. 3) Effort and faith are personal choices.

But Ruth Graham did not give the highest value to any of those words. She chose…encouragement.

I’m struck by the simplicity of her statement. Unlike education, opportunity, effort, or faith, encouragement is something every one of us can provide for others.

And encouragement is sweet! It’s delightful to give and delightful to receive.

(“Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body” — Proverbs 16:24).

One thing about honey, though. A little bit goes a long way. Same thing with our words, even words meant to encourage. There’s a thin line between having said just enough and having said way too much!

Perhaps you’re familiar with Diogenes’ adage:

(“We have two ears and one tongue so that we would listen more and talk less.”)

King Solomon also shared wisdom regarding the words we speak: “The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words” (Proverbs 10:19, The Message).

So what measured words might be the most beneficial, as we seek to encourage others? These tips have been helpful to me; perhaps you’ll find them useful also.

Affirmation. Statements that begin with, “God has SO gifted you with…” Then name the strengths, talents, and personality traits you see. Give examples of when you’ve seen those attributes demonstrated. Prove to them they are strong-spirited, intelligent, etc.

The nice things we’ve heard about that person. Always pass on the positives!

Stories of perseverance and faith, from our own experience or that of others. Our life lessons might provide just the uplift someone else needs, to give her new resolve and hope. (Just remember to keep it brief–no lengthy sermons!)

Encouragement may be quite easy to supply, but is nevertheless a precious and powerful gift.

It may keep someone from the cliff of failure.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for the privilege of being your voice to minister to others. We pray for your Spirit’s wisdom and strength to work in us and through us as we offer encouragement. In the name of Jesus, amen.

What words of encouragement have been an inspiration to you? Tell us your story in the comments below.

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Victory in Defeat

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Will, Joy, Perseverance, Suffering, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Edwin Markham, Encouragement, Faith, God's Ways, Jonah, Perseverance, Suffering on April 21, 2014| 10 Comments »

Defeat may serve as well as victory

To shake the soul and let the glory out.

When the great oak is straining in the wind

The boughs drink in new beauty and the trunk

Sends down a deeper root on the windward side.

Only the soul that knows the mighty grief

Can know the mighty rapture. Sorrows come

To stretch out spaces in the heart of joy.

–Edwin Markham (1852-1940)

Mr. Markham–educator, author, and poet– gives us much to contemplate in just eight lines, beginning with the first seven words:

“Defeat may serve as well as victory.”

No, thank you, my spirit says. Defeat is humiliating, uncomfortable, and depressing.

Mr. Markham inspires a different perspective and a note-to-self: God may very well bring defeats into my life “to shake my soul and let the glory out.”

Reminds me of Jonah, the reluctant prophet who tried to run from God. The Lord told him to go east to Nineveh, an important city of Assyria. Instead he headed west, boarding a ship for Tarshish.

But a fierce storm churned the seas into a boil. In desperation to appease the gods, the sailors hurled Jonah overboard. Surely in those tense moments of near-drowning and then being swallowed by a great fish, Jonah felt crushing defeat. His life was over; it was just a matter of seconds.

Yet he didn’t die. Hour after hour in the utter blackness of the fish’s belly, he remained alive.

No doubt he felt shaken in his soul, and in his distress, he called to the Lord (2:1ff).

God heard his prayer and commanded the fish to vomit Jonah onto dry land.

Then the Lord repeated Jonah’s marching orders: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you” (3:1).

This time Jonah obeyed, and the glory came forth. Jonah preached and the people repented. God had compassion upon the citizens of Nineveh, and did not bring destruction upon them.

What appeared to be a mortal defeat for Jonah turned into a glorious revival for a wicked city.

Read Mr. Markham’s poem again and you’ll discover more benefits of defeat, as outcomes of:

Straining in the wind. Pressing on during adversity results in perseverance and strength of character.

Drinking in new beauty. During times of distress we’re more aware of God’s glorious attributes at work in our spirits–attributes such as empowerment, faithfulness, peace, and grace.

Sending down deep roots. Defeat often brings us to new depths of surrender and submission. It also brings us to new depths of God’s love (Ephesians 3:17).

Experiencing grief. Only those that know a mighty grief can know the mighty rapture. Like diamonds against dark velvet, joy needs a backdrop of sadness in order to be appreciated fully.

Experiencing sorrow. Sorrows create space for joy. Joy is never so sweet and overwhelming as after sorrow.

God knows what he’s doing, and he doesn’t waste time or effort. False starts and fruitless endeavors just don’t happen with our perfect Heavenly Father.

Therefore, when defeat comes into my life or yours, we can rest assured he is accomplishing his good purpose for us.

There will be victory in defeat.

Guaranteed.

(photo and art credits: www.zazzle.co.nz.com; http://www.searchforbibletruths.blogspot.com.)

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A Day of Small Things

Posted in Encouragement, God's Power, God-Given Abilities, Self-Esteem, Uncategorized, tagged Christian Service, Encouragement, Fulfillment, God's Power, God's Strength, God's Ways, Importance, John 15:5, Perseverance, Self-Esteem, Self-Worth, Significance, Zechariah 4:10, Zechariah 4:6 on April 7, 2014| 6 Comments »

Does your to-do list for tomorrow include such items as:

Send birthday, get-well, or encouragement cards?
Attend a meeting or rehearsal at church?
Prepare for teaching a Bible study or Sunday School lesson?
Pick up your husband’s prescription?
Prepare for dinner guests?

Our days are often filled with small deeds. We tend to think they’re insignificant and therefore, so are we.

But that negative evaluation is not from God!

“Who despises the day of small things?” he spoke to Zechariah (4:10).

In fact, evidence indicates that God loves to take small, seemingly insignificant actions, and use them in creative, powerful ways:

A piece of wood thrown into bitter water turned it sweet (Exodus 15:25).
A cord hung from a window saved a family from destruction (Joshua 2:17-21).
An army of 300 defeated a powerful enemy, just by blowing trumpets and breaking clay jars to expose torchlight (Judges 7).
A dab of mud applied to a man’s blind eyes restored his sight (John 9).
Paul’s handkerchiefs and aprons became healing agents as they were laid upon the sick ((Acts 19:12).

It doesn’t matter that we’re not famous, wealthy, intellectual, or strong, because it is “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,'” says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

Might = strength, resources, and ability. If that describes you, wonderful! But those blessings alone will not guarantee significance.

Power = persistence, resolve, and consistency. Again, if you are able to power through with effort and efficiency to accomplish much, terrific! But what’s truly important is if the effort is achieving God’s purpose.

Granted, God has given us talents and gifts, opportunities and choices. We must be prayerful and wise in the ways we use them.

John Wesley advised:

(“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”)

Just remember: apart from the Lord Almighty, we accomplish nothing worthwhile (John 15:5).

On the other hand, little is much–IF God is in it.

He rejoices in what is right, you see, not necessarily in what is big.

So, when you feel like a nobody who’s accomplishing nothing, be mindful of this:

Does the place you’re called to labor

Seem small and little known?

It is great if God is in it

And He’ll not forget His own.

–Kitty Suffield

(Art & photo credits: www.whattoexpect.com; http://www.auyouth.com; http://www.kokabella.com.)

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The Long Reach of Influence

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Faith, Godly Character, Perseverance, Uncategorized, tagged Being a Person of Influence, Being an Example to Others, Encouragement, Faith, Godly Character, James Moffatt, Leaving a Legacy, Obedience, Perseverance, Positive Influence, Psalm 112:1-3 on March 3, 2014| 20 Comments »

“I even wash aluminum foil so I can use it again–if it’s not too messy,” joked a friend. “My son makes fun of me, but that’s what my mother did, and I just picked up the habit. Seems so wasteful to throw away a perfectly good piece of foil, just because it has a bit of goop on it.”

We were discussing the frugal habits passed down to us from our parents. They were children during the Great Depression, and learned to conserve, reuse, and make do. Now, eighty years later, the effects of that difficult time are still impacting many of us today.

Might the same effect occur in the spiritual realm? Might our spiritual habits not only impact those around us, but even generations to come?

An anonymous psalmist alluded to our long-reaching influence: “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed…his righteousness endures forever” (Psalm 112:1-3).

James Moffatt (1870-1944), theologian and professor, also spoke poetically of our ongoing influence: “Death is never the last word in the life of a…man. When a man leaves this world, be he righteous or unrighteous, he leaves something in the world. He may leave something that will grow and spread like a cancer or a poison, or he may leave something like the fragrance of perfume or a blossom of beauty that permeates the atmosphere with blessing.”

Who has left “something like the fragrance of perfume or a blossom of beauty” in your life? I am surrounded by the examples of:

my grandparents’ perseverance
my father’s wisdom
my mother’s resiliency
a favorite teacher’s sense of humor
a choir director’s positive attitude

To name a few.

When I was a small child, our family’s pastor called each of us girls “Little Miss Sunshine.” I found myself trying to live up to the name. Now, decades later, I still feel the influence of his affirmation.

As a teenager I benefited greatly from the examples of various youth sponsors. One married couple in particular took me under their wings and mentored me. Their example of integrity, service, and caring, lived out in a loving home, remain with me to this day.

And so many more! We really are composites of the countless influences we’ve absorbed.

Now, it’s our turn to pass on a worthwhile legacy. We mustn’t give in to the notion that Generations X and Y will always find us irrelevant. One day they’ll realize older persons have the benefit of experience, and experience gives rise to wisdom. And whether we are present on that day or not, our example will be.

Most of what they absorb will not be the words we have spoken. They will remember our actions. Kids watch and learn–sometimes intentionally, but most of the time not.

We are the ones who need to be intentional, living out a legacy of character and faith, to be a perfume of blessing. If we do, the fragrance of our Christian maturity will permeate the atmosphere for years to come.

We can also be encouragers. Others will remember positive affirmations. At least one Little Miss Sunshine can attest to that.

* * * * * * * * * *

Please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!

(Photo credits: www.jeaninemurk.com ; http://www.telegraph.co.uk ; http://www.inspiredwednesdays.blogspot.)

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Spiritual Gifts You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted in Excellence, Generosity, God-Given Abilities, Godly Character, Service, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 12:7, Christian Service, Encouragement, Spiritual Gifts on February 17, 2014| 19 Comments »

You’ve heard of spiritual gifts–those special abilities the Holy Spirit endows, which equip us to serve others. Teaching, prophecy, discernment, and healing are examples. Altogether, the apostles Peter and Paul listed at least twenty.

May I be so bold as to suggest there may be a few more spiritual gifts than those listed in the New Testament?

For example:

The Gift of Thoughtfulness

Oh, my. If I started listing the number of people who have this gift, I’d be writing through the night. But recently…

Donna and I were admiring a craft project created by a mutual friend–little dresses made out of dish towels, to hang over the oven door. I mentioned what fun it would be to make some of those myself, but I didn’t have a machine anymore.

“Then I want to give you mine,” she said. “Now that I’m living with Brenda” (her daughter), “I really don’t need it. I can use hers.”

In spite of protests (“You can sell it, Donna.”), she was insistent. So I now have a sewing machine!

In a world of greed and selfishness, such kindness is rare–except in the family of God where the spiritual gift of thoughtfulness abounds.

The Gift of Joy

All my friend, Grace, has to do is chuckle, and everyone nearby joins in. Hers is the most infectious laugh I’ve ever encountered. She also supplies plenty of material for laughter with her quick wit.

You’d never know to look at Grace’s smiling face and twinkling eyes that she frequently suffers pain. A case of shingles that never went away completely continues to cause problems. But Grace never complains.

How does she manage to spread so much cheer in the midst of suffering? It’s the spiritual gift of joy, I’m sure, bubbling up from a heart focused on Jesus.

The Gift of Chicken Soup

My husband, Steve, had just been released from the hospital, after a fever that defied explanation and aspirin. It finally broke, although its cause remained a mystery. After a few days he was released to come home. Meanwhile, while Steve was hospitalized, I suffered a brutal attack of stomach flu.

The two of us were sprawled on couch and recliner when Barbara called. “I’m making chicken soup for the two of you and bringing it over this afternoon,” she announced.

“Oh, no,” I quickly replied. “That won’t be necessary. We’re recouping fine.”

But Barbara didn’t buy it, and the delivery was made.

NEVER have I tasted such savory, flavorful chicken soup. By the end of the first bowl I felt strength returning to my limp arms and legs. By the second bowl, I was ready for jumping jacks.

OK, I’m exaggerating–but only slightly. That soup DID rejuvenate us! So, there’s the proof that the spiritual gift of chicken soup exists.

If we want to be technical, I suppose these gifts and others could be categorized under those listed in scripture. Exercising thoughtfulness like Donna is surely an example of generosity (Romans 12:8). Dispensing joy like Grace is part of the gift of encouragement (same verse). And Barbara’s chicken soup may very well be a manifestation of the gift of healing (1 Corinthians 12:28).

It’s true: “All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful” (1 Corinthians 12:7, The Message).

What unique spiritual gifts have you encountered? Share your story in the comment section below!

(Image of bow from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net.)

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Pray, Believe, and Fight

Posted in Blessings, Dreams, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, Perseverance, Prayer, Uncategorized, Waiting on God, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, Faith, God's Power, God's Promises, God's Provision, God's Ways, Isaiah 61:3, Perseverance, Prayer on February 13, 2014| 15 Comments »

The place: Spindletop, Texas.

The time: 1892

A group of five investors formed the Gladys City Oil Company. Sulphur springs in the area gave them great hope that black gold lay beneath the surface, especially since gas seepages in the area would ignite if lit.

Soon the area was dotted with holes–holes that produced nothing. Two investors pulled out.

A geologist was brought in. More investors were convinced to take the risk.

Nine long, unproductive years went by, and still no oil. That’s 3,285 days of discouragement, disappointment, and exhausting labor. Yet those men would not give up.

Finally, on January 10, 1901, their long-held dreams were realized. At the depth of 1,139 feet, the company struck oil. And it wasn’t just a gurgling flow. The discovery at Spindletop gave new meaning to the term, “gusher.” The oil shot over one hundred feet into the air, spewing enough to fill 100,000 barrels a day. It took nine days to get the well under control. No oil field in the world, up to that time, had been so productive.

I wonder what those men said to each other each morning, over those 3,000-plus days of working, learning, waiting, and wondering? Surely their conversations included some positive uplift, or they would have quit. Perhaps they made such comments as:

“If we don’t find oil, at least we can say we gave the effort everything we’ve got. If we quit before all possibilities are tried? That‘s failure.”
“All the signs indicate there is oil. We can‘t quit!
“Today might be the day!”

* * * * * * * * * *

Just as oil is sometimes discovered by accident, so God’s blessings fall into our laps as glorious surprises. Other times, God chooses to postpone a blessing while we dig our way through learning, working, waiting, and wondering–like the oil men of Spindletop, Texas.

How do we press on when circumstances look bleak, when common sense tells us to quit?

1. Pray! The key to knowing when to persevere and when to change direction is to spend time with God. Ask him to make clear what the next step is. Most likely he will not reveal the whole plan at once. He rarely works that way, because it eliminates the faith factor. Our moment-by-moment trust in him is too crucial to the abundant living he desires for us.

2. Believe! Dozens of promises in scripture probably apply to your situation and mine. We can recite those promises–not as demands (“God, you said this, so I’m expecting you to do it.”) but as faith-builders. (“God, you said this, and I know with you all things are possible.”)

3. Fight! Fight against discouragement with plenty of encouragement. God is very creative in the ways he brings hope to our spirits. Often it’s through Bible reading and other Christian material. We must keep reading! Sometimes it’s in a sermon or a song. We must keep listening!

A friend or even a stranger can speak uplifting words that resonate in our hearts. Sometimes it’s as if God is speaking directly. One sign for me, that someone is speaking for God? Goosebumps! I can almost feel his light touch on my arm and his voice saying, “Pay attention to this, Nancy.”

Our God is a well of unending supply. Whatever we need in this life, including wisdom, direction, and perseverance toward a goal, he will provide. In fact, he will do whatever it takes for his praying, believing, fighting children to discover the oil of gladness, instead of mourning (over failure), a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

That’s one way our loving, supportive Heavenly Father displays his splendor (Isaiah 61:3).

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Pond-erings

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Joy, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 10:5, Contentment, Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Ways, Isaiah 58:11, Joy, Luke 11:29-31, Meditation, Renewing the Mind, Romans 8:31-32 on February 10, 2014| 8 Comments »

For ten years of my husband’s ministry, we lived in a parsonage with a pond out back. The delightful view from the kitchen window made dishwashing a much more pleasant task. Light and shadow played on grass, trees, and water, creating an ever-changing scene. Wading birds grazed the edges–herons, egrets, and wood storks. Anhingas and ducks enjoyed an occasional swim.

During several spring seasons, a brown duck and his mate chose our pond to raise their family. It was especially fun to watch the pond-crossings of Mother Duck and her brood. As she ventured out onto the water, the little ones fell into line behind her.

When I say line, I do mean line–straight enough to rival the Radio City Rockettes. But at some point, Mother would turn. And with split-second precision, those ducklings would also turn, as if she’d given them a cue ahead of time. (Had she? Perhaps God has given them the ability to communicate with body language that zoologists haven’t noticed yet!)

To appreciate their performance even more, consider that the eyes of ducks are on the sides of their heads. Can they even see well straight ahead?

Oh, that I could be like those little ducks, responding to God’s leading with split-second precision.

Why don’t I relax and stop fretting about outcomes? Isaiah reminds me:

“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden like a spring whose waters never fail (Isaiah 58:11).

Why do I concern myself with what-ifs, when Jesus said:

“Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it…Seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 11:29-31).

Why don’t I respond with quiet trust, when Paul assures me:

“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all–how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).

I’m beginning to understand what happens. When worry, self-doubt, and fear occupy my mind, I’m allowing my emotions to take the lead, not the truths of scriptures. Lousy leaders, those emotions.

I need to become more aware of my thought life–not let my mind just roam around helter-skelter. Paul used military terminology to describe our course of action. That makes sense, since spiritual warfare does occur in the mind. Paul said, “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

I like the way Eugene Peterson interprets that verse: “We…fit every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ”(The Message).

The scriptures mentioned above would be good places to start. I can write key phrases on 3×5 cards or slips of paper and stash them here and there–on a mirror, in a dresser drawer, on the car visor, in the refrigerator! (Yes, in! That ought to grab my attention!) Over time I would expect these memory-joggers to train my brain toward positivity and faith.

The day may come when I won’t even need the reminders anymore. When my thoughts line up and follow Christ’s leading, so will my emotions.

Imagine the peace, joy, and contentment!

(Photo credit: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org.)

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Top Choices

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Meditation, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Galatians 6:7, God's Goodness, Gratitude, Luke 6:45, Meditation, Philippians 4:8, Praise, Worship on February 6, 2014| 6 Comments »

Paul told his beloved friends in Philippi: “You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse” (Philippians 4:8, The Message).

As a meditative exercise, I decided to choose one event, object, or truth which embodied adjectives from this verse. Which examples below are similar to choices you would make? What might you select that would be different?

One important truth:

“God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

That one was rather obvious, wasn’t it. The veracity and certainty of eternal life colors every moment of life with peace and joy. How incredibly splendorous!

One supreme example of nobility:

First, a definition. Nobility includes qualities of high moral character such as honor, generosity, and courage.

I have been blessed and influenced by many noble people. Any one of them would be worthy to contemplate and hold up as an example: family members, pastors, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, missionaries, colleagues, friends.

So if I stick my hand into an imaginary hat filled with their names on slips of paper, I might pull out…M. and L.

M. lost his job unfairly and in a hurtful way. But they persevered through that dark time with honor and courage. These two are also known for generosity and hospitality, in their church community and beyond.

One person of good repute:

Again, I have to put my hand into that hat and pull out . . .

…Rachel Asherman, my grandmother. To this day her grandchildren arise and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28), because of her kind, gracious ways. Everyone loved Grandma Rachel.

One example of holy authenticity:

The Bible. How grateful I am for the reliability of God’s Word—filled with wisdom, promises, and encouragement. The more I learn of archaeology, prophecy, history, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding its authenticity.

One item that demands compelling attention:

An impossible choice! As I contemplate towering mountains and tiny snowflakes, colorful flowers and majestic trees, soaring birds and fluttering butterflies, radiant rainbows and ethereal sunbeams, crashing waves and delicate seashells…my heart is filled with wonder and appreciation. And yet there is so much more!

God created such astounding beauty to display his attributes to us. With his power he carved out ocean beds. In wisdom he designed the evaporation cycle. With creative genius he splashed color over the earth–even out into the galaxies. His engineering prowess is highlighted in a honeycomb, and his artistry in a rose.

“The whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3)!

So where might that glory be most evident? Perhaps at the birth of a baby, when the little one takes that first breath of life and greets everyone with a wobbly cry. And surely there is glory in that moment when the parents first glimpse this new little person who will forever be entwined around their hearts.

Who is not compelled to give attention to that wonder? “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4)!

One example of graciousness:

A dear friend, Dixie, died of a brain tumor a number of years ago. Her treasure of life stories included great heartache, but you wouldn’t have known that to look at her. Dixie seemed to live in a cloud of contentment and peace, never showing anger, never gossiping, never complaining. Her example is still an encouragement to me today.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the bounty of beautiful things and inspiring people you have brought into my life. Meditation on all your blessings can keep me happily occupied for hours!

But you have ordained greater purpose in the exercise, because there is power generated by our thoughts. “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,” Jesus said, “. . . for out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45).”

That means the more I meditate on your goodness, the more goodness will come out of my mouth. And the more goodness that comes out of my mouth, the more will be evident in my life, because a man [woman] reaps what [s]he sows (Galatians 6:7).

May I make choices, moment by moment, that will demonstrate the overflow of your Spirit.

Top choices.

(Photo credits: http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.pexels.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org; http://www.flicker.com; http://www.whattoexpect.com.)

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The Right Thing at the Right Time

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A Day of Small Things

The Long Reach of Influence

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Nancy Ruegg

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