Encouragement | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘Encouragement’

Let It Go!

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Contentment, David, Encouragement, Gratitude, Praise, Psalm 104, Psalm 57:7, Psalm 71:8, Renewing the Mind, Worship on September 2, 2013| 17 Comments »

I don’t listen to my car radio anymore. The fuzzy sound coming from the twelve-year old speakers is annoying.

But the silence has turned into a gift, a time for prayer and worship.

As I leave our neighborhood and pass the ponds and large live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, I praise God for the beauty of creation, within steps of our home:

The glassy surface of the ponds, reflecting blue sky and mounds of clouds
The stately trees, with branches spread wide, as if to praise God with me
The family of sandhill cranes, stretching their graceful necks to the ground in search of breakfast
The rich green grass, arrayed in dew-diamonds

And with the psalmist I want to add my enthusiastic voice.

“Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty…How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all, the earth is full of your creatures. I will sing praise…as I rejoice in the Lord (Psalm 104:1, 24, 33-34).

Oh, yes!

On the way to my hair appointment the other day, that’s exactly what I was doing: praising God for the beauty around me.

And then, boom. My mind veered off to a troubling event that happened years ago. Before I even realized what was happening, my thoughts were swirling around in a cesspool of negativity.

When I caught myself, I said out loud in a firm but frustrated voice: “LET. IT. GO!”

And just as suddenly as that cesspool opened up, I found myself singing an old chorus from my childhood, but with new words. Do you remember:

“Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! Praise ye the Lord?”

My altered rendition went like this:

Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go now!

Praise ye the Lord! (Repeat.)

Praise ye the Lord! Let it go, now! (Repeat three times.)

PRAISE YE THE LORD!

Did you figure out the tune? Do you remember this song?

Well, no sooner did I start singing that silly song, than I was smiling to myself. My spirit was downright laughing!

And the cesspool drained away.

I don’t know how ugly matters can flood into my mind, even as I’m praising God. I don’t know how to keep the mess out once and for all.

What I am learning is this:

As soon as I recognize that the floodgates of negativity have opened, my best offensive move to close them up again is praise and gratitude.

And why does it work?

“Satan so hates genuine praise that his fiery darts of discouragement are not effective against us when we respond in praise” – Bill Thrasher (A Journey to Victorious Praying, Moody, 2003, p. 206).

Evidently, Satan hasn’t given up on me yet; he’s still firing darts of discouragement to render me ineffective. You know–reduce me to one of those people who revels in self-pity and the pity of others.

I do not want him to score a single point, much less win the victory!

My aim is to adopt David’s attitude:

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast: I will sing and give praise” (Psalm 57:7).

Note that David wrote this psalm when he had to flee for his life from murderous King Saul (1 Samuel 22-24).

M-m-m. Surely David had to avoid a few cesspools of negativity under such circumstances. Those words, “My heart is steadfast,” may have been spoken through gritted teeth.

But even when praise is more of a forced discipline than a natural delight, God is undoubtedly pleased. Perhaps even more so. Like a parent especially appreciative when the teenager loads the dishwasher. Even when he doesn’t want to.

* * * * * * * * * *

So, here I am, Lord –my toes a bit soiled from getting too close to that cesspool again. But thanks to you, thanks to the power you’ve given me through praise, it’s only my toes! Thank you for pulling me away from the brink. Thank you for turning me around and refocusing me on your glorious wonders. May “my mouth be filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long” (Psalm 71:8)! Amen.

(Photo credits: www.rajschoolofmotoring.co.uk ; http://www.laradunning.wordpress.com ; http://www.istockphoto.com ; http://www.ourhealingmoments.com )

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Happiness

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, Generosity, Hope, Joy, Service, tagged Appreciation, Blessing, Contentment, Encouragement, Gratitude, Happiness, Hope, Joy, Thanksgiving on August 15, 2013| 16 Comments »

On January 17, 2005, this title emblazoned the cover of Time Magazine: “The Science of Happiness.”

On December 5, 2008, the Associated Press released this article: “Smile! Study Says Happiness is Contagious.”

And the entire January/February 2012 issue of the Harvard Business Review was dedicated to: “The Value of Happiness.”

For over a decade now, a large group of scientists and researchers have turned their attention to the study happiness.

Some of their findings are valuable to know:

Happy people live longer. In one study, the happiest group lived nine years longer than the unhappiest group. When you consider that cigarette smoking can shorten one’s life three to six years, depending on how much a person smokes, it becomes clear the effect of happiness is huge.

Once the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter are taken care of, extra riches do not make people happier. Scientists think it’s because we adapt to pleasure, and it quickly wears off.

Relationships are key. The wider and deeper the relationships, the happier we’re going to be.

As the researchers have studied happy people, they have discovered common characteristics. Happy people tend to:

A. Notice more of the positive details of their lives. These people have learned how to savor the small, joyful moments as well as the memorable, euphoric ones.

B. Appreciate more. Grateful people even sleep better!

C. Think optimistically. Those who have a sense of purpose, who look forward with hopeful expectation to the future, are more satisfied with their lives.

D. Give generously of their time and resources. Researchers discovered that it was the giver who actually reaped more benefits than the receiver.

E. Empathize with others. They have learned to put themselves in the place of others, in order to understand their situations. They genuinely care about others and demonstrate compassion. Researchers found that compassion contributes to health and more productive living. The side effect? Happiness.

As I’ve perused these findings, I couldn’t help but smile. Everything secular research is “discovering” about happiness is already laid out in scripture!

Take the three findings mentioned above.

1. Happy people enjoy a longer life. God says, “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Psalm 91:16). Also, “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity” (Proverbs 3:1-2). In other words, long life and prosperity come to those who know God and obey his Word. In fact, as his children (those who have received Jesus into their lives), we have eternal life to look forward to!

2. Riches do not guarantee happiness. Solomon figured that out eons ago. “I denied myself nothing,” he said. “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done, and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11).

3. Relationships are key. The most important and valuable relationship we can have is with Jesus. When we accept him into our lives, he calls us friends (John 15:15). Jesus wants to give us life to the full (10:10) so that our joy may be complete (15:11). Relationships with other Christians can also be highly gratifying. The bonds of faith and friendship forge a deep familial connection (Proverbs 18:24b).

Scripture also verifies the five characteristics of happy people:

A. Attention — to the positive details of life. The psalmists were masters at drawing our attention to the beauty and grandeur of creation, God’s amazing ability to engineer circumstances, and His glorious attributes at work in our lives. We would be wise to do the same.

B. Gratitude. Paul instructed us, “Rejoice in the Lord always…In everything, by prayer…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7). Is not peace of mind closely related to happiness? Surely we cannot have one without the other.

C. Optimism. The Christian’s optimism is not based on wishful thinking. We have a strong foundation for our hope: God himself. David affirmed that truth when he wrote, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him” (Psalm 62:5). And what is the result of that hope? “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God…the Lord, who remains faithful forever” (Psalm 146:5-6).

D. Generosity. The researchers almost echo word for word what Jesus taught: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

E. Empathy. Compassion is an extension of generosity. As we give attention, understanding, and care to others, we experience a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in our spirits. It is not only more blessed to give money or material goods, it is more blessed to give of ourselves.

One neuroscientist involved in the study of happiness said…

… happiness could best be described as a state of contentment.

And A.W. Pink, author of Comfort for Christians wrote…

“Contentment is the product of a heart resting in God.”

That, my friends, is the key to happiness: resting in God.

(Photo credits: newpathwaytohealing.com ; lifeingeneral.blogspot.com ; rncentral.com ; zazzle.com ; my.opera.com)

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Imagine

Posted in Book Reviews, Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Promises, Hope, Uncategorized, tagged Encouragement, Faith, God's Grace, God's Promises, Hope, Jon Bloom, Old Testament Joseph on August 12, 2013| 6 Comments »

Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith - By: Jon Bloom, John Piper

Imagine…

…the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11), walking home after her encounter with Jesus. What must she have been thinking?

…Zacchaeus, the despised tax collector, coming to your door to return the money he owed you—plus four times more (Luke 19:1-10). What would have been your reaction?

…how it felt to be Joseph Barsabbas, the candidate not chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:26). How might he have responded?

These are just three out of thirty-five scenarios Jon Bloom explores in his book, Not by Sight: A Fresh Look at Old Stories of Walking by Faith (Crossway Books, 2013). Indeed, they are fresh, creative takes on familiar Bible stories.

And although quite short, just three pages or so in length, each vignette still gives plenty of food for thought. I found them to be compelling, insightful, and instructive—encouraging my walk of faith.

One of my favorites is “Staying Faithful When Things Get Worse.” Jon imagines what Joseph must have been thinking as a falsely accused prisoner in Egypt. For at least twelve years he endured the hellish conditions and tormenting hopelessness. Those should have been the best years of Joseph’s life—his youth. Many would have said, “What a waste.”

Imagine year nine, Jon suggests. Surely Joseph fought against depression and discouragement, even as he recited to himself the promises of God. No doubt he reviewed in his mind the stories of his ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and even those of his own father, Jacob.

Jon Bloom imagines Joseph affirming repeatedly that, just as God had been faithful to them, he would be faithful to Joseph. Each patriarch had faced situations that seemed impossible.

Abraham and Sarah were much too old to have a child.

The older brother, Esau, would never serve his younger brother, Jacob–even if the age difference between twins was slight. That promise of God went against all tradition and logic.

Jacob was a poor runaway. He couldn’t possibly become a wealthy herdsman.

But each man and his family had been blessed, just as God had promised. Why? They remained faithful. Yes, they made mistakes and failed to obey God on occasion. But they never turned their backs on him, even when circumstances turned bleak.

Jon Bloom also imagines Joseph reaffirming his faith in God and his willingness to wait for him to act. Meanwhile, he would continue to honor God, even within prison walls.

As Jon brings the vignette to a close, he shares fresh application:

Even in the care of Almighty God, circumstances may get worse, not better. “Faith in God’s future grace for us is what sustains us in those desperate moments,” Jon says. Our hope is best placed in God, in his promises, and especially the assurance of eternal bliss in heaven yet to come.

Jon Bloom perfectly fulfills the role of a writer, as defined by Anais Nin, American author of the twentieth century: “The role of a writer is not to say what we all can say, but what we are unable to say.”

Page after page, this is what Jon Bloom did for me. No doubt he will do the same for you.

(Art Credits: www.angieblattner.theworldrace.org ; www.illustrationartgallery.com )

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Sparrows in God’s Hand

Posted in Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, Self-Esteem, Uncategorized, tagged 1 Corinthians 2:16, Encouragement, Faith, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Provision, Isaiah 40:11, Matthew 10:29-31, Psalm 119:28, Psalm 91:1-2 on August 1, 2013| 16 Comments »

Group of sparrows. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father…So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29, 31).

Why did Jesus choose sparrows for this illustration?

They’re so small and common. (Have you ever felt unimportant and ordinary?)

Sparrows were of such little value in Jesus’ day, they were sold two for a penny. The poor would buy them to eat—a cheap source of protein.

Nobody much cared about sparrows in Bible times; most folks still don’t care today. They’re just drab little birds we see every day—hardly worth our attention.

But the smallest, drabbest sparrow doesn’t slip by God’s attention. Not one can fall to the ground without God knowing. And if he knows and cares about the sparrows, he certainly knows and cares about each of us. Verse thirty-one makes it clear: “You are worth more than many sparrows.”

There’s a modicum of comfort in the knowledge that God sees our situations. To be honest, though, the fact that he just knows isn’t all that helpful.

Better yet is the news that not one sparrow can fall without God’s consent.

Nothing happens to us that hasn’t first received the stamp of approval from God Almighty.

“Wait a minute,” you might say. “If a sparrow falls, he’s likely to die. Not much comfort in that either– knowing that God gave his OK!

Here’s what I want to embrace: we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16b), right? When it’s my turn to fall off the branch, I want to be able to affirm, “Yes, Lord. Whatever you think is best is A-OK with me. I know I can trust you because you love me. And I rejoice in the promise that whatever happens, you will bring good from it.” (Remind me of that truth when I start to wobble, will you?)

But here’s the best news: Notice that Jesus didn’t speak of God as some detached, omnipotent being.

He said, Father.

It is our gracious and kind Heavenly Father who tenderly watches over his little sparrows.

Red Bike (Photo credit: swanksalot)

Think of a loving mother who witnesses her small son falling off his bike. When he gets up with a scraped knee, she won’t just say, “Oh, I saw that happen, Johnny. I’m so sorry you’re hurting.” Small comfort in that.

No, that mother will run to her son, hold him in her arms, talk to him reassuringly, take him to the house, and patch him up. That’s just what a loving parent does.

When trouble comes, our loving Heavenly Father is right there with us, just like that mother.

He holds us. Isaiah wrote, “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (40:11).

He talks reassuringly to us, especially through His Word. With the psalmist, we can pray, “Strengthen me according to your word” (Psalm 119:28b).

God is our refuge and sanctuary; he is our home, our dwelling place. (Psalm 91:1-2).

And God patches us up; he restores our souls (Psalm 23:3). He renews our energy, purpose, and hope.

So, “Don’t be afraid,” he says. “If I take care of the sparrows, I will most certainly take care of you, because you are worth more than many sparrows.”

See? You’re not small, unimportant, and ordinary–not at all!

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Lord, for not playing favorites. What glorious news that each of us is precious to you! Thank you also for being an attentive God who tenderly watches over us. And especially thank you for being an involved God, always acting on our behalf, and always for our good. We are in awe of you, our loving, gracious Heavenly Father!

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Satisfaction Guaranteed

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Appreciation, Blessings, Contentment, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Gratitude, John D Rockefeller, Praise, Proverbs 19:23, Satisfaction, Worship on July 29, 2013| 13 Comments »

Why is it we’re never satisfied?

As kids, we could hardly wait to grow up—to stay up late, drive a car, and never have to go to school.

As adults, we sometimes wish we were kids again—to play all day, take a nap, and never have to go to work.

As kids, time seemed to move slowly—especially when looking forward to a special event. Remember how L-O-O-O-N-G it took for Christmas to come?

As adults, time seems to move extremely fast—especially as Christmas approaches and the cards haven’t been sent, the gifts haven’t all been purchased yet, and the tree still sits in a bucket of water on the back porch.

We might go shopping and come home with a new bedspread and pillows. For a while we’re delighted over the difference those items make to the decor.

In no time, though, our focus shifts from those lovely things to other needs we identify around the house.

Reminds me of what oil tycoon, John D. Rockefeller (1837-1939) said. He was asked, “How much is enough?” And he answered, “A little bit more.”

John D. Rockefeller, ca 1875

This from a man with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion. In fact, Rockefeller was one of the wealthiest persons of all history. Not even Bill Gates or Sam Walton come close.

But before we dismiss Mr. Rockefeller as selfish and greedy, it’s important to know he was generous with his fortune. His financial records indicate that $550 million were donated to schools, health organizations, scientific research, and the arts.

But his comment (perhaps spoken with a twinkle of humor in his eye) speaks to the attitude of many. We believe that with just a little more, we’d be content.

That’s a lie.

So what is the truth of the matter? What’s the real reason we’re never satisfied?

The answer might be that contentment is the result of our focus. Our attitude is impacted by what occupies our thoughts. Therefore, we would be wise to:

1. Stay focused on who we are right now, and where we are right now. Every age and stage has its advantages and disadvantages.

2. Stay focused on what God is providing, what we have currently.

3. Stay focused on God’s attributes and blessings. “The fear of the Lord leads to life: then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (Proverbs 19:23).

To fear the Lord means to have reverence and awe for him. Such an attitude leads to many benefits in life, including:

peace of mind, because our powerful and loving God is in control
joy of heart, because of the pleasure in his bountiful blessings,
contentment of spirit, because we’ve already received so much.

That’s how I want to live—totally satisfied, in complete serenity, as a worshipful tribute to my gracious God.

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gifts of serenity and satisfaction, when I focus on you. May my days be filled with your praise!

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.rawpixel.com; http://www.commons.wikipedia.org; http://www.wallpaperflare.com (2).

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Palms, Cedars, and Helen Hayes

Posted in Blessings, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Love, God's Promises, Godly Character, Maturity, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Blessings, Charles Spurgeon, Christian Service, Encouragement, Faith, God's Love, God's Presence, God's Promises, God's Provision, Godly Character, Grace, Gratitude, Praise, Psalm 92:12-15, Worship on July 18, 2013| 10 Comments »

Back in the 1970s I saw Helen Hayes in a made-for-TV movie. Some of you may recognize her. She was known as the “First Lady of the American Theater,” beginning her career on Broadway in 1905, when she was only five years old. In the 1930s, Helen expanded her stardom to films, and finally to television.

The reason she comes to mind now and then is the impression she made upon me, as an energetic, sparkly eyed senior citizen. I remember thinking, “When I get old, I want to be like that!”

Poof. Four decades have passed, and I am indeed getting old! I don’t feel like it, but that doesn’t stop the incessant turning of the calendar pages.

So I was delighted to come across these verses from Psalm 92 that cast aging in a positive light:

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him” (vs. 12-15).

Palm trees do indeed flourish, living up to 100 years. Withstanding heat, drought, and high winds, these trees stand tall and strong; their leaves fresh and green all year long.

What a perfect picture of an energetic, sparkly eyed senior citizen!

How do we achieve such age-defying qualities?

First, notice that the righteous will flourish. When our faith is grounded in God, when we follow his principles for a prosperous life, we flourish.

Like the palm tree that grows straight up toward heaven, the righteous reach for the God of heaven. That’s how they’re able to stand strong through the winds of change and difficult circumstances.

The psalmist then continues: “The righteous will…grow like a cedar of Lebanon.”

Majestic cedar trees grow to 120 feet in height and up to 30 feet in circumference. They provide the perfect picture of a firm, stable person. Just as the cedar’s roots go deep into the soil, so the righteous person is rooted and grounded in God’s love (Ephesians 3:17). From those roots comes the nourishment needed to remain strong and spiritually healthy.

Second, notice where these trees are planted: in the house of the Lord. They flourish in the courts of our God.

Charles Spurgeon, that eloquent preacher and writer of the 1800s, had this to say about those who dwell in habitual fellowship with God: “They shall become men [and women] of full growth, rich in grace, happy in experience, mighty in influence, honored and honorable.” Now that sounds like a very satisfying way to live—so much better than the opposite!

Think of a complaining oldster whose mouth turns down from constant disgruntlement. His bottom lip protrudes from perpetual pouting, and his brow is permanently lowered into a frown because anger often rules his emotions. All this negativity has stunted the growth of his maturity. He’s unhappy much of the time, and is not held in high regard by others. Do you suppose he ever considers that his way of life is terribly unsatisfying?

However! When our lives are centered upon worship of God, as we express gratitude for his blessings, praise for his attributes, contentment for where he’s placed us, and joy in the midst of trials, we become those admirable men and women Dr. Spurgeon described above: mature, gracious, and happy.

Dr. Spurgeon also added “mighty in influence and honored.” God rewards the righteous aged with “fruit.” In other words, we may still bring glory to God by our words and actions—well into old age.

We can be:

Energetic—with the power of the Holy Spirit
sparkly-eyed—with the indwelling of God’s peace
grace-filled—with continual demonstrations of God’s love to others
joyful—with hearts focused on God’s blessings

These kinds of saints provide a powerful example of God’s faithfulness—through pleasant times and challenges, through plenty and want, year after year.

May we continue to grow deep and stand tall—all the days of our lives.

(photo credits: www.pachd.com, www.captainkimo.com, www.forestertreeservice.com, www.centrifueleadership.com, www.seniors.ovetoknow.com)

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Undeserved Goodness–Part 2

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Uncategorized, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Grace, Grace on June 27, 2013| 7 Comments »

On Monday we began a list of the riches we enjoy because of God’s G.R.A.C.E.–God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Or, as Matthew Henry defined God’s grace: the free, undeserved goodness and favor of God to mankind.

And because our God loves us so very much, his grace is multi-faceted. Thus far I’ve discovered forty-seven aspects of God’s grace. On Monday I shared twenty-three; here are the remaining twenty-four.

24. An unshakable KINGDOM, as a promised inheritance (James 2:5).

25. Everlasting LOVING-KINDNESS that draws us to him (Jeremiah 31:3).

26. Rich MERCY that spares us from what we really deserve (Ephesians 2:4-5).

27. Wonderful NEWNESS of Life with Christ, who is our constant companion (Romans 6:4).

28. Deep PEACE, because God’s children have nothing to fear (John 14:27).

29. A positive PERSPECTIVE, to see good in the bleakest of circumstances (Philippians 1:12-18).

30. A privileged POSITION as members of a royal priesthood, because through Christ we belong to God (1 Peter 2:9).

31. God’s joyful PRESENCE, which makes our hearts glad (Psalm 21:6).

32. Flourishing PROSPERITY of soul, because our confidence is in God, for his provision and protection (Psalm 128:1-2).

33. Personalized PURPOSE, to fulfill a God-ordained plan (Jeremiah 29:11).

34. Full QUALITY of Life, as a child of the King (John 10:10).

35. An intimate RELATIONSHIP with Almighty God, like two good friends having dinner together (Revelation 3:20).

36. Quiet REST, as we allow him to handle our worries and fears, heal our hurts, and relieve our guilt (Matthew 11:28-30).

37. Generous REWARD for whatever good we do (Ephesians 6:8).

38. Eternal SALVATION incredibly given to us as a free gift (Romans 6:23).

39. Life-changing SATISFACTION, because God’s love and power are at work in us (Psalm 63:2-5).

40. Firm SECURITY that God will never fail us (Lamentations 3:22).

41. The all-sufficient STRENGTH of God to equip us for life’s challenges (2 Corinthians 12:9).

42. An unending SUPPLY of everything we will ever need (Philippians 4:19).

43. God’s abiding THOUGHTFULNESS of each of us, 24-7 (Psalm 139:17-18).

44. The absolute TRUTH of his Word, with its reliable guidance and uplifting encouragement (Psalm 119:137-138).

45. Lavish UNDERSTANDING because he knows our weaknesses (Ephesians 1:7-8, Romans 8:26).

46. Assured VICTORY over Satan, because of Christ’s death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:57).

47. Divine WISDOM to determine right actions from wrong (James 1:5).

No doubt this is just a partial list. In fact, if you discover additional facets of God’s grace, I would love to hear from you. We can make this discovery process a team effort!

But even as the list stands now, these varied and glorious gifts of God’s grace prove his sufficiency. He is all we need (Isaiah 58:11).

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for showering us with your grace–grace that blesses us far beyond comprehension. You are indeed most worthy of our praise, because the greatness of your grace no one can fathom.

Art and photo credits: www.lifehopeandtruth.com ; www.BreathOfLifeOnline.net ; www.dilshara.redbubble.com ; www.lift-up-jesus.blogspot.com ; www.creativeoutburst.com

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Nan-Sense: It Makes Sense to Me

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Wisdom, Uncategorized, Wisdom, tagged 23, Encouragement, Faith, Fear, God, God's Strength, God's Wisdom, James 1:4, James 4:6, Joshua 1:9, Mistakes, Philippians 1:21, Philippians 3:14, Proverbs 1:7, Wisdom on June 6, 2013| 4 Comments »

Steve and I received a calendar for Christmas with a quote for each day. Sometimes the choice is quite meaningful, such as:

“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way” – Babe Ruth.

We can actually find similar truth in scripture.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Sometimes, as I turn the calendar page to a new day, I have to wonder what the selection committee was thinking. See if you agree.

Sample #1:

“Do not fear mistakes. There are none.” (I won’t name the person who said that!)

Forgive me, but that makes no sense. Am I missing something? If so, please set me straight.

But here’s what makes sense to me:

“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes” — Winston Churchill.

Wise men also admit mistakes and correct them. When we don’t, we heap another mistake on top of the first: pride. Ouch!

When we do admit and correct, we develop humility and maturity. And God values those traits (James 4:6, 1:4)

Sample #2:

“Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”

Here’s what makes sense to me:

Although there is joy in the journey, it is not home. Our final home is heaven. I do not want to become enamored with the journey and lose sight of my home.

With Paul, I want to “press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

(Photo credit: irunandshoot)

Sample #3:

“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.”

Problem is, no matter how well we take care of ourselves, these bodies have expiration dates. But praise God our earthly bodies are not the only place to live!

In fact, for those of us who know Jesus, “to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). We’ll have new, spiritual bodies fit for heaven — strong and vibrant, with no expiration date. Can you imagine?

Paul said, “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (v. 23).

Oh, yes.

Thank you, Father, for your Word that speaks reliable wisdom and truth—truth that guides, teaches, and protects. But I need your help to live by its truths. Remind me that only fools despise your wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).

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A Mindful God

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Love, God's Power, tagged Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Isaiah 49:15, James Janeway, Jeremiah 32:40, Psalm 103:2, Psalm 105:5, Psalm 115:12, Psalm 139:16, Psalm 8:4 on June 3, 2013| 14 Comments »

Years ago, Mom taught me a neat trick for those times when I can’t remember the name of someone or something.

“Go through the alphabet,” she suggested. “Usually a letter will stand out, and it will jog your memory.”

No doubt many of you have discovered the same strategy.

Now that I’m getting older, it has occurred to me: Is it my imagination, or am I using the alphabet to jog my memory more than I used to?

That question brought a silly visualization to my mind. Who is the oldest Person we know? God–he has always existed, even before time itself, right?

What if he experienced memory challenges? I can see him with his elbow propped on the throne, stroking the thick, white wool of his beard, the other hand tapping absent-mindedly against the folds of his glowing robe. He’s talking out loud to himself (another habit of the elderly).

“Oh, what is her name? I can see her face…She’s one of our brown-eyed, brown-haired children. I just love deep, dark eyes…Isn’t she the one We blessed with a raise, even though she didn’t ask for it? Oh, what is her name?”

I told you it was silly. God doesn’t have memory problems! He is all-powerful and all-knowing. Actually, considering his magnificent splendor, it’s really quite amazing he cares about us at all.

David wrote, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him” (Psalm 8:4)?

Mindful. I like that. God’s mind is full of us. He not only knows our names, he knows the number of hairs on each of our heads (Matthew 10:30). It stands to reason God knows our favorite colors, and what each of us was doing ten years ago today.

And when we consider he has planets, moons, and stars to orchestrate, it is no small wonder he concerns himself with such little specks as us.

Another psalmist wrote, “The Lord remembers us and will bless us” (Psalm 115:12a).

Not only does he remember who we are, he remembers our needs and blesses us accordingly.

Meditate on that concept for a moment. God supplies our every need.

James Janeway, a Puritan minister and author of the seventeenth century, said that such contemplations are enough to launch us forth into an ocean of goodness, where you can see no shore, nor feel the bottom. I like that, too.

Here’s another concept worthy of careful thought: God’s mindfulness did not begin when each of us was born. “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). Could our days have been recorded without God’s knowledge? No. That means we have been on his mind since before each of our birth dates.

And last, God’s mindfulness will never end. He will continue to be mindful of us in the future, into infinity. “I will never stop doing good to them” (Jeremiah 32:40), He said. And “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15b).

Oh, Father, thank you for your constant, caring attention. Thank you for your ocean of goodness from which you bless us. In return, may I be mindful of you, remembering the wonders you have done, your miracles (Psalm 105:5a). I want to praise you continually, and forget not one of all your benefits (103:2).

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Deed Seeds

Posted in Encouragement, Excellence, Godly Character, Perseverance, Service, tagged Acts 16, Charles Spurgeon, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, Encouragement, Perseverance, Positive Influence, Service on May 16, 2013| 6 Comments »

English: Portrait of Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Frontispiece from her book of poems “Three Women” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“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 that 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. 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 last week, May 9).

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.

English: Seedling (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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, who has been influenced by Charles Spurgeon—fourth and fifth generation Christians, whose ancestors accepted Jesus because of Dr. Spurgeon. Others have been influenced and encouraged by the preacher’s writings.

The positive influence of a man or woman of God never dies.

Ivan Grohar: The Sower. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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