God’s Attributes | From the Inside Out

Posts Tagged ‘God’s Attributes’

Majestic Glory

Posted in Appreciation, Bible Study, Blessings, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Joy, Praise, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Peter 1:17, God's Majestic Glory, God's Attributes, Nehmiah 9:6, Psalm 145:3, Psalm 145:5, Psalm 8:1 on August 18, 2022| 31 Comments »

In 2 Peter 1:17 the apostle calls God, “the Majestic Glory.” Isn’t that an inspired name for God?

This week I chose to use each letter as a portal into aspects of his majestic glory—other names that reveal his Personhood. With each one, my awe for Almighty God expanded.

See if your spirit responds similarly, as you consider God as the:

Maker of All Things (Nehemiah 9:6)

He is responsible for every star in the heavens (200 billion trillion of them, thereabouts), every tree on our planet (all 3 trillion, give or take) and every fish in the seas (among 34,000 or so species)!

A rchitect of Heaven (Hebrews 11:10)

Here on Earth we marvel at God’s handiwork in the towering mountain peaks, delicate butterflies, and far-reaching rainbows. Try to imagine the fresh beauty, new wonders, and absolute perfection he’s prepared for us in heaven!

Jealous (Exodus 34:14)

God’s jealousy is simply passionate eagerness to protect what belongs to him, what is precious to him—you and me. He doesn’t want us following after such false gods as greed, self-gratification, or popularity that will never satisfy. Only he can.

Everlasting God (Genesis 21:33)

In contrast to this ever-decaying world, our God’s perfections never change and his mercies will never end. He is always and eternally available to us.[1]

Song (Psalm 118:14 ESV)

Think of song as a synonym for joy. He is the Author and Giver of joy, even in difficult times. In fact, “He uses troubles to show where true joys are to be found—in him.”[2]

True God (John 17:3)

He’s the one and only Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Yet, as holy, powerful, and awe-inspiring as he is, God invites us to know him—to pull up a chair to his table and talk with him.[3]

I AM (Exodus 3:14)

With this name that encompasses all his glorious complexities, God makes clear: “I AM the God of absolute power and sublime perfection, abiding faithfulness and assured reliability, unfailing love and generous benevolence.” Of course, these descriptors just scratch the surface of his infinite glory!

Comforter (Isaiah 51:12)

We can take comfort in the knoweldge that, even in the dark pit of emotional pain., we are not without hope. God always comes alongside to help us endure until it’s time to bring us out of those depths. And then, when we stand at last on the solid ground of restoration, we experience the exhilaration of greater faith and the enrichment of wisdom-from-experience.

Gardener (John 15:1)

Jesus often used figurative language in his teaching. One time he compared himself to a grapevine and called his Father the Gardener/Vinedresser.

Of course, our God knows intimately what we–the branches–need. He supplies streams of living water to continually nourish and refresh, and he provides optimum conditions for growth, in order to produce the best yield of the fruit of the Spirit within us.

Light (Psalm 27:1)

His Light reveals the way on the dark path ahead, lifts the shadows of hurt and despair, and guides us through “the grayness of doubt and uncertainty.”[4]

Only Wise God (Jude 1:25)

Yes, there is darkness and confusion in our world. Wickedness seems to be winning in the battle between good and evil. BUT! Our all-wise God knows what he’s doing—in our personal lives and in the world at large.

When the time is right he’ll dispel the darkness with his dazzling light and bring order out of confusion. One day he’ll rid the world of evil once and for all.

Revealer of Truth (John 16:13)

Our God is the “possessor and giver of all truth. Truth is not men’s discovery; it is God’s gift. . . At the back of all truth there is God.”[5]

And the more we avail ourselves of his truth in scripture, the more we treasure it.

Your Very Great Reward (Genesis 15:1)

How rich we are because God is in us and with us, wielding his glorious attributes for our best good. How poor we are without him.[6]

Look upon God in all his MAJESTIC GLORY. This is your Heavenly Father who loves you with an everlasting love!

Breathe in the wonder.

[1] Lamentations 3:22; Isaiah 41:10

[2] Timothy Keller with Kathy Keller, Songs of Jesus, 200.

[3] 1 Corinthians 8:16; Colossians 1:17; Jeremiah 33:3

[4] Iris Hesselden, quoted in Grandma’s Inspirational Recipes, 40.

[5] William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible, The Gospel of John, Volume 2, 229.

[6] MacLaren’s Expositions

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How Strong Is Your Core?

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Hope, Joy, Meditation, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Bible Meditation, Core Strength, God's Attributes, Gratitude, Joy, Prayer, Spiritual Strength on March 17, 2022| 24 Comments »

Fitness experts will tell you, strong core muscles of the mid-section greatly enhance your physical well-being, contributing to stability that prevents falls, minimization of strain that causes pain, as well as effective breathing that optimizes oxygen flow.

When core strength is absent, a person is likely to:

have difficulty getting up from a chair without leverage
struggle to bend down and tie his shoes
find himself slouching
lose his balance
experience back pain

But it’s never too late to reverse such ills. Those same fitness experts recommend exercises: crunches, planks, and bridges—to name a few—although just a brisk walk engages core muscles and contributes to strength.

Of course, even more important than our physical fitness is spiritual strength, which raises a new question:

How strong is your core–of the soul?

Just as we can identify symptoms of physical weakness, we can identify soul-weakness when challenge mires us in such thoughts as: Why me? This is so unfair. If God cared, this wouldn’t be happening.

However, it’s never too late to reverse such ills. Our spiritual Fitness Expert, God himself, has provided exercises to strengthen our souls, including:

Bible Meditation

More than just reading a passage, meditation includes taking to heart God’s Word and responding personally.

For example, how might you respond to Psalm 147:5, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit?”

Perhaps your response would be similar to my own.

I praise you, O God, for your omnipotent power. Nothing is impossible for you (Luke 18:27)! Just that knowledge alone can settle my anxious heart and foster sweet hope.

I praise you also for your unlimited understanding. You are a God of infinite wisdom and you generously offer to bestow wisdom to me–if I just ask (James 1:5).

Thank you for coming alongside, ever-ready to expend your power and wisdom for my good. You are a gracious God beyond what anyone could hope for!

Such an exercise develops the muscle of faith, contributes to stability of soul, and helps prevent falls into worry and fear.

Positive Prayer

Even the tone of my prayers can impact soul-strength. If I focus on the problem, the emotional pain is likely to remain:

Lord, I don’t know what we’re going to do. I keep trying various scenarios in my mind but there seems no way out of these circumstances. You’ve got to help us, although I don’t see how. What a mess!

On the other hand, if I focus on God’s attributes at work and his promises that apply, the strain of the situation diminishes:

“I praise and thank you, Father, that I have no reason to fear. You’ve given our family the promise that you’ll fight for us; all we have to do is stand firm and see your salvation (Exodus 14:13-14). YOU are our strength, providing the wherewithal to rectify this situation. YOU are our very present help in this time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

As positivity is expressed in our prayers, the spiritual muscle of hope develops.

Gratitude & Joy

It stands to reason: if we focus on the problems surrounding us, discouragement will weaken our spirits.

But if we focus on all the good things flowing to us from God’s loving heart, we’ll find plenty to be joyful about. It’s just a matter of engaging our praise and gratitude muscles.

Most sets of the physical exercises I do each morning include twenty repetitions. I wonder if we could name twenty of God’s attributes, providing twenty reasons to be joyful in him?

Skim through the psalms with me, and let’s see what we find:

1. Watchfulness (1:6)

2. Righteousness (5:8)

3. Protection (5:11)

4. Encouragement (10:17)

5. Unfailing love (13:5)

6. Security (16:5)

7. Perfect ways (18:30)

8. Victorious power (20:6)

9. Goodness (25:8)

10. Uprightness (25:8)

11. Faithful ways (25:10)

12. Strength (28:8)

13. Splendorous holiness (29:2)

14. Justice (36:6)

15. Ever-present help (46:1)

16. Guidance (48:14)

17. Great compassion (51:1)

18. Power (62:11)

19. Forgiveness (65:3)

20. Sovereignty (71:16)

We did it—and long before reaching the end of Psalms!

Do you find the strain on your spirit relaxing, just in reviewing his surpassing greatness? Is renewed strength, stability, hope, and joy flowing into your soul?

Keep up those soul-core exercises!

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To, In, and Through

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, tagged 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 3:21, God's Attributes, God's Glory, How God Reveals Himself, Jeremiah 10:6, Psalm 19:1 on October 7, 2021| 20 Comments »

You’re going to be so glad you stopped by today. I’ve prepared a pop quiz for you—a little trivia challenge! But don’t worry–it’s multiple-choice and short.

How many stars do astronomers estimate occupy the universe?

A. 500 trillion

B. 750 quadrillion

C. 1 septillion

What are the objects in the above photograph?

A. Virus microbes

B. Husks

C. Starfish babies

What is the average weight of a cumulous cloud?

A. Over 10,000 pounds

B. Over 100,000 pounds

C. Over 1,000,000 pounds

Number one is a freebie, because an accurate count is impossible. But there are those astronomers who would agree with Answer C—1 septillion. That’s a one with 24 zeroes after it![1]

For the second question the answer is B—husks. In a few select areas of the Western Pacific Ocean, live tiny organisms called Foraminifera. When they die, the tide carries their husks—millions of them–to beaches on the coasts of Japan and Okinawa.[2] Visit those places and you can walk on the stars.

Look close! Can you see a few stars that are still intact?

The answer for #3 is C. Holding up even the largest of cumulous clouds is the air beneath them, which weighs even more.[3]

I’m guessing you know a few amazing trivia facts too. Isn’t it astounding that the body of information about the universe continues to grow, even after centuries of study?

The short sampling of creation’s wonders mentioned above gives us a glimpse of God’s glorious capacities at work: his inventiveness, engineering skill, power and more. But we also see evidence of his magnificence in:

The Bible. No other book matches its wisdom. And when put into practice, it transforms a person’s life.
God’s attributes at work in the world—his love, grace, faithfulness, and mercy—to mention a few.
Miracles—happening around us every day. The problem is we’re so used to them we call them ordinary.[5]
The gracious actions and glowing faces of his saints–miracles in themselves.

Truly, God reveals his glory TO us every day in countless ways.

But perhaps even more astounding: God—in all his magnificence—chooses to reside IN us when we say yes to his Son, Jesus.

Imagine. The fullness of God—all his glorious attributes—within us. And over time, as his Spirit instructs and trains us, we become more and more like Christ—more joyful, hopeful, and contented; less self-centered, dissatisfied, and distressed. Such a glorious reality![6]

“God is mercifully shaping our lives

into what is useful and beautiful.”

–Eugene Peterson[7]

And then God chooses to make us channels of his glory, working THROUGH us to impact others.

How?

Every time we choose to be generous instead of selfish, patient instead of peevish, mindful instead of thoughtless, or merciful instead of intolerant, we’re demonstrating the attributes of God to others.

And as we make ourselves available for him to work through us, we may very well become the answer to someone else’s prayer.

“To become the answer to someone else’s prayer

is to live a life of rich purpose.”

–Maggie Wallem Rowe[8]

* * * * * *

O God, thank you for revealing yourself TO us in numerous ways, producing joy in our spirits as we earnestly seek you. I praise you for dwelling IN us, providing all we need (and then some!) for the abundant life Jesus promised. And I thank you for working THROUGH us to positively impact others and give us satisfying purpose. There is no one like you!

[1] https://www.space.com/26078-how-many-stars-are-there.html

[2] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2085f_Japon_Hatoma.jpg

[3]https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/how-much-does-a-cloud-weigh?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

[4] The heavens don’t only include the stars, other planets, and moons. Our planet occupies a tiny corner of the universe, and everything in it also tells of the wonders of God.

[5] Hans Christian Anderson

[6] Ephesians 3:21; 2 Corinthians 3:18

[7] Run with the Horses, 79.

[8] This Life We Share, 242.

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The Sparkling of the Deity

Posted in Godly Character, Holiness, Intimacy with God, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged 2 Corinthians 3:18, God's Attributes, God's Glory, Psalm 19:1, Reflecting God's Glory, The glory of God in nature on February 18, 2021| 22 Comments »

Thanks to inventor Hans Busch, physicist Ernst Ruska, and electrical engineer Max Knoll, we’ve enjoyed the benefits of their invention, the electron microscope, since 1931.

With its superior magnification power (up to 10,000,000x), scientists can capture images like those below. See if you can identify the object in each photo.

(Photo #1–the cross section of a plant stem; Photo #2–butterfly eggs; Photo #3–butterfly scales; Photo #4–olivine (rock); Photo #5–tomato plant leaf; Photo #6 rose petal.)

“The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

–Psalm 19:1

First, the heavens include our planet, of course. And everything on the earth and in it also tells of the glory of God.

Second, what exactly is the glory of God? Theologian Charles Ryrie described it as “the manifestation of any or all of God’s attributes on display.” Puritan preacher Thomas Watson said it’s “the sparkling of the Diety.” I love that, don’t you?

Just in those few microscope-images above we see evidence of his dazzling wisdom—in the design of a plant stem that moves water and nutrients upward against gravity to the leaves. And then the products produced by photosynthesis in the leaves are taken back through the stem to other parts of the plant, including the roots.

We see evidence of God’s stunning artistry in those butterfly eggs with the eye-catching ridges.

And we see his creative use of shape and color in the butterfly scales, the olivine sample, the tomato leaf, and rose petal.

Billions more examples can be found all across our varied planet, manifesting his goodness in the variety of plants, animals, landforms, and more that he’s given us to use and enjoy.

I wonder—do you suppose God smiled when he created those tiny eggs with dozens of ridges? That tomato leaf with hundreds of sprouts? (No wonder they feel rough to the touch!) That rose petal embroidered with ovals? Did he smile to think about the day when someone would discover the infinitesimal splendor he’d designed eons before?

And yet, even more astounding than the magnificence of God revealed in nature is God’s glory revealed in you and me.

All of us, then, reflect the glory of the Lord with uncovered faces;

and that same glory, coming from the Lord, who is the Spirit,

transforms us into his likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.

1 Corinthians 3:18 GNT

We’re a bit like those watches with phosphorescent numbers. The more light those numbers absorb, the more they glow.

Similarly, the more we bask in God’s presence through prayer, praise, and worship, the more we’ll manifest the glow of his attributes:

his perfect wisdom guiding our life choices, what we do, and what we say
his marvelous artistry in our positive imprint on others
his divine creativity manifested in the unique shape and color of our gifts and talents
his absolute goodness in the blessings we bestow to those around us

And imagine our faces, glowing ever brighter as we continually reflect more of the sparkling of our Diety.

What could be more delightful and satisfying?

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A. P. Gratitude

Posted in Appreciation, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged God's Attributes, Gratitude, Thanksgiving Day on November 26, 2020| 14 Comments »

The Advanced Placement Program launched in the 1950s. Perhaps you took advantage of A. P. classes as a high school student. Though more challenging than standard secondary courses, they provide a substantial payoff–up to a semester’s worth of college credit.

A couple of weeks ago, I thought of A.P. classes upon encountering a Charles Colson quote about gratitude. He presented a whole new level of challenge concerning this quality.

Instead of giving thanks for the goods received, Colson suggested we express appreciation for who God is—his character. Colson said such an act of faith provides evidence the Holy Spirit is working in a person’s life (1).

So, in spite of self-isolation and lockdowns, distress for our country and world, as well as the personal concerns we all carry, let’s aspire to A. P. gratitude on this Thanksgiving Day by reflecting upon:

God’s grace

God is . . . a personal Father who cares,

and not a God who merely wound up the world with a key

and then went away to let it run by itself.

God’s grace is a certainty, even amid the turmoil of today’s world.

–Unknown

God’s faithfulness

No matter what we are going through, no matter how long the wait for answers,

of one thing we may be sure: God is faithful.

He keeps His promises.

What He starts, He finishes . . .including His perfect work in us.

–Gloria Gaither (2)

God’s goodness

Of all the things our minds can think about God,

it is thinking upon his goodness that pleases him most

and brings the most profit to our soul.

–Julian of Norwich

God’s compassion

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow;

the same everlasting Father who cares for you today

will take care of you tomorrow and every day.

Either he will shield you from suffering,

or he will give you unfailing strength to bear it.

Be at peace then, put aside all anxious thoughts

and imaginings, and say continually:

‘The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart has trusted in him and I am helped.

He is not only with me but in me and I in him.’

–St. Francis de Sales

God’s love

All shall be well, all shall be well . . .

for there is a force of love moving through the universe

that holds us fast and will never let us go.

–Julian of Norwich

With these eternal gifts bestowed upon us—God’s fatherly care, promise-keeping faithfulness, ever-reliable goodness, soul-strengthening compassion, and never failing love, we surely have everything we need.

Notes:

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith-spiritual-life/inspring-quotes/30-christian-quotes-about-thankfulness.html
Quoted in Values for Life, Walnut Grove Press, 2004.

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Rooted

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Love, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Ephesians 3:17, God's Attributes, God's Love on March 19, 2020| 14 Comments »

Check out this baby oak tree. Isn’t it adorable, sporting those glossy, miniature leaves on its spindly stem?

Every other spring or so our yard becomes a forest of miniature oak sprouts, peeping up over the grass. They’re birthed from the thousands of acorns produced by our neighbor’s mammoth oak tree.

Not so adorable by the dozens. They look like weeds. Thankfully most of them stop growing after being mowed down again and again.

But then there are the acorns that squirrels diligently plant among the bushes, plants, and flowers in front of the house—sometimes right at the base. A sincere effort is required to dig them all out, because their taproots grow surprisingly deep for such tiny trees.

Of course there’s good reason to reach deep. The developing oak must absorb moisture and minerals for the monumental growth that’s ahead (should the sprout be allowed to mature, that is!). The deep root also provides support for the above-ground portion.

Perhaps these two purposes were on Paul’s mind as he encouraged the Ephesian Christians to be “rooted and established in God’s love” (3:17).

But how do those root-tasks of absorbing and supporting relate particularly to God’s love?

Actually, “love” is a perfect choice for Paul’s metaphor because so many of God’s attributes come to us out of his love—such attributes as his mercy, forgiveness, grace, patience, compassion, faithfulness, goodness, attentiveness, and generosity.

To be rooted in God’s love is to draw sustenance from all that he is, in order to grow into all we can be (Isaiah 61:3b). In addition, God’s love provides stability against the winds of trouble.

Such nourishment and support for our spiritual lives is essentially found in his Word, the Bible. That’s where we learn about the many facets of God’s love:

His mercy—so abundant it covers every sin (Psalm 86:15)
His forgiveness—so complete it washes us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18)
His grace—so generous it overflows (Romans 5:17)
His patience—so extreme, he endures our pride and self-will, waiting for us to come to him (2 Peter 3:9)
His compassion—so reliable it never fails (Lamentations 3:22)
His faithfulness—so vast it reaches to the skies (Psalm 36:5)
His goodness—so great he has to store it up (Psalm 31:19)
His attentiveness—so individualized he knows the number of hairs on our heads (Luke 12:7)
His generosity—so magnanimous he supplies every need—and then some (Philippians 4:19; Psalm 40:5)

Like a far-reaching root system, this network of truths about God’s love supplies nourishing strength and firm support—especially during the winds of crisis like we’re enduring right now.

God’s love also sustains us against fear and uncertainty. Again, his comfort and assurance are found in the Bible—familiar passages like Psalm 23, Psalm 56:3-4, and Philippians 4:6-7.

But there are many more—very appropriate for these days of battle against the coronavirus.

For example:

Are you wondering whether you can endure until it’s over?

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,

who daily bears our burdens.”

–Psalm 68:14

“You are my strength, I sing praise to you;

you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”

–Psalm 59:16-17

(And don’t forget Matthew 6:26-27!)

Do worries refuse to budge from your thoughts?

“When anxiety was great within me

your consolation brought me joy.”

–Psalm 94:19*

Are there difficulties to be overcome?

“Lord, hear my prayer,

listen to my cry for mercy;

in your faithfulness and righteousness

come to my relief…

…Let the morning bring me words

of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I entrust my life.”

–Psalm 143:1, 8

Reach deep into the rich soil of God’s loving assurance, provided among the pages of his Word.

The result will be peace (Isaiah 26:3).

*What does that last line mean? Just what we’re seeking to accomplish in this post: joyful consolation through the contemplation of God’s attributes, affirmations, and promises.

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I AM

Posted in God, God's Goodness, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Exodus 3:14, God's Attributes on November 7, 2019| 19 Comments »

“I AM WHO I AM.”

That’s how God identified himself to Moses, as he spoke from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14).

On the face of it, God’s statement seems rather strange.

I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but doesn’t it sound like a line Lewis Carroll would write for the Mad Hatter, or Dr. Seuss for the cat in the hat?

Moses had asked a legitimate question in response to God’s directive to return to Egypt and tell Pharaoh to let the Israelite slaves leave the country (v. 11). On what authority could he tell Pharaoh what to do?

But of course “I AM WHO I AM” was the perfect response. It’s a name that encompasses all the glorious complexities of almighty God.

And true to his word and character, the I AM of omnipotence and wisdom did take care of everything to release his people from Pharaoh’s grip and take them back to the land of their forefathers.

And since God never changes (Malachi 3:6), the same I AM is everything and anything we will ever need (Philippians 4:19), including the following.

Let’s shout these affirmations from our spirits:

The I AM of absolute power and sublime perfection

is our stability and security (1).

The I AM of self-existence and self-sufficiency

is our foundation and competence (2).

The I AM of supreme sovereignty and divine holiness

is our confidence and sanctification (3).

The I AM of firm constancy and unrivaled transcendency

is our inspiration and strength (4).

The I AM of complete wisdom and absolute knowledge

is our counselor and guide (5).

The I AM of abiding faithfulness and assured reliability

is our help and support (6).

The I AM of unfailing love and generous benevolence

is our encourager and comforter (7).

The I AM of enduring patience and exceeding kindness

is our peace and joy (8).

The I AM of deep understanding and gentle compassion

is our defender and reconciliation (9).

The I AM of bountiful mercy and lavish grace

is our Redeemer and Savior (10).

The I AM of righteous integrity and overflowing goodness

is our Shepherd and provider (11).

The I AM of splendorous glory and royal majesty

is our Father and Friend (12).

Listen to his affirming whisper:

“I AM in you, with you, and for you.

When doubt or fear seep into your thoughts, remember who I AM and send those negative thoughts scurrying.

Rest in who I AM; enjoy who I AM— the One who delights to bring all My attributes and blessings to bear upon your life.

Take joy also in the principle of reflection. The more time you spend in My presence, even as you’re involved in other tasks, the more you will reflect Me and My character to others.

As you look to Me, you will be radiant.

And those around you will see who I AM.

(1 Corinthians 3:16; Psalm 23:4; Romans 8:31; Psalm 143:5;

Psalm 145; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 34:5; Matthew 5:16)

Notes:

Matthew 19:26; Psalm 18:30; Psalm112:7; Proverbs 3:26

Psalm 90:2; Acts 17:24-25 and Romans 11:36; Psalm 18:31; 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

1 Chronicles 29:9-11; Isaiah 6:3; Proverbs 3:26; 1 Corinthians 6:11

James 1:17; Psalm 113:5-6; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 46:1

Romans 11:33; Job 37:15-16; Psalm 32:8; Isaiah 58:11

Psalm 33:4; Psalm 121:3; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 18:35

1 John 4:8; Psalm 31:19; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 1:3

1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Psalm 4:7

Psalm 103:14, 8; Psalm 138:7; Colossians 1:20-22

Exodus 34:6-7; Isaiah 44:22; Isaiah 45:21-22

Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 25:8; Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 145:9

Exodus 15:11; Psalm 93:1; 2 Corinthians 6:18; John 15:14

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Genevieve Bartlett’s Inheritance–and Yours

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Hope, Joy, Uncategorized, Worry, tagged Fear, from rags to riches, God's Attributes, Matthew 13:44, our inheritance from God, Psalm 94:19, Worry on May 23, 2019| 10 Comments »

A homeless woman slumped against the familiar brick wall of the warehouse, then grouped her plastic shopping bags snugly around her. Next she looped several bag-handles on her legs, and stretched her arms over the rest. The worry of losing to theft any of her treasured possessions kept her vigilant. Once settled, she succumbed to a fitful doze.

A man approached. “Excuse me, ma’am,” he called gently. “Are you Genevieve Bartlett?”

The woman startled awake, instinctively clutching her belongings more tightly. “What if I am?” she grumbled.

“Well, if you can answer a few questions for me, I may have some excellent news for you,” he replied calmly, recognizing that defensiveness in her position was only to be expected.

Genevieve returned his gaze with a scowl, but sat up straighter, readying herself to listen. The questions were easy: what were the names of her deceased parents and grandparents, when and where had she been born, and where had she attended school.

The man handed her his card and began to explain. “My name is Henry Lewis. I’m a lawyer, here to inform you you’re the last surviving Bartlett of your family, and you’ve just inherited fifty million dollars. If you’ll come with me, we can take care of the details at my office, and start the process of…finding a more comfortable situation for you. Would that be to your liking?”

Genevieve didn’t move for several moments. “Fifty million dollars,” she repeated slowly, and studied the lawyer’s face. Could he possibly be telling the truth? But why else would he seek her out at the warehouse?

Genevieve suddenly slipped the bag-handles off her legs, stood up, and announced, “I’m ready, let’s go!” Without even looking back, Genevieve left her shopping bags and their worthless contents on the pavement.

Out of several interpretations for this story, consider the shopping bags as representative of our fears. Don’t we sometimes hold on to them—worthless as they are—as tightly as Genevieve held on to her belongings?

But as God’s children, we possess tremendous wealth, worth much more than fifty million dollars, because “the kingdom of heaven is like treasure” (Matthew 13:44). And unlike Genevieve during her homeless days, we have access to a good part of that treasure now, if we let go of our worries and lay hold of our wealth.

So what might that treasure include? Consider the following:

1. God’s Glorious Provision. Unlike Genevieve, we know a glorious inheritance is waiting for us. Ours is in heaven—an inheritance so magnificent, when we arrive there, we’ll look back on our earthly lives “as an insubstantial dream from which we have happily awoken” (Austin Farrer).

2. God’s Involvement. He is always at work. Take note of his wisdom in creation, his engineering of life-circumstances, and his generosity in the blessings he bestows. God even makes joy available in the midst of trouble.

3. God’s Sovereignty. No doubt Mr. Lewis designed a plan for Genevieve to provide for her well-being. God too has designed a perfect and purposeful plan to accomplish much good, in the world at large and for each of us individually. Whatever we entrust to him, he will take care of much better than we can.

4. God’s Unfailing Love. We can leave our worries behind, as Genevieve did her shopping bags, when we dwell on the lovingkindness of God. In fact, peace of heart is guaranteed–if we keep our focus upon him.

5. God’s Constant Presence. He is always with us—even as we wait for him to act. The attentive person recognizes his presence in the aria of a songbird, the sunbeams of a morning, the spontaneous hug of a friend.

6. God’s Kindness and Care. Surely Genevieve marveled for the rest of her days how Mr. Lewis had changed her life. We can draw strength and great delight from remembering God’s gracious provisions of our past.

7. God’s Powerful Word. Scripture offers indispensable comfort and encouragement, reminding us that God is our protective Shield and dependable Rock, our caring Shepherd and devoted Helper, our loving Provider and strong Confidence.

In these seven ways and more, God generously shares his inheritance with us now, giving us the opportunity to overcome anxiety with joy. After all, every fear about our future, safety, health, suffering, death, financial woes, inadequacy, and events beyond our control are good-for-nothing baggage.

The question becomes: Will I let go of my worthless bags of worries and lay hold of my glorious inheritance?

Scripture Notes for:

1 Peter 1:3-4
Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 94:19
2 Chronicles 20:6; Romans 8:28
Psalm 94:17-18; Isaiah 26:3
Psalm 23:4
Psalm 92:4
Psalm 3:3; 18:2; 23:1; 46:1; 78:23-29; Proverbs 14:26

(Genevieve’s story is based on an illustration from Charles Spurgeon’s sermon, “To Give You the Kingdom.”)

Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.maxpixel.net; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pexels.com; wwww.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.

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Grounds for Hope

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, Hope, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's Attributes, God's Faithfulness, God's trustworthiness, Psalm 36:5-8, Trust in God on May 4, 2017| 14 Comments »

(a personal psalm based on Psalm 36:1, 5-8, 10 and other scriptures)

Our world is in travail, O God.

Wicked men create schemes to fraud others;

They viciously hunt down the innocent.

Their mouths are full of curses, lies, and threats.

Blameless victims suffer at the hands of their selfishness and greed.

In prideful arrogance, they even mock You, Father.

How is it that the wicked accumulate wealth and wield power?

Their dark deeds and unjust treatment of others

stir up frustration and resentment in our hearts.

Then we remember: the days of the wicked are numbered.

Our best course of action is to contemplate You,

And affirm our trust in your wise and loving ways.

Yes, You are our God of steadfast, self-sacrificing love,

As expansive and incomprehensible as the heavens.

Evidence of your attentive love is all around us—

In the gracious people we meet,

The delightful circumstances we experience,

The unexpected gifts we receive and enjoy.

You are our God of reliable and unchanging faithfulness.

You keep all of your scripture promises—all 2,300-plus of them!

You always have and always will act according to your holy character;

Therefore we can forever trust you to do what is right.

Never will you turn your back on us,

Even if we turn our backs on you.

You are our God of perfect and transcendent righteousness,

As firm, immovable, and majestic as mountains.

Everything you do is good,

Motivated by a purity that will not forever tolerate wrong.

Your perfect plans always conform to the prudent purpose of your will.

Everything you say is truth; you cannot lie.

You are a God of certain yet merciful justice.

To be honest, we’re often mystified by your actions.

We see evil men prosper and righteous men suffer.

Your judgments are as unfathomable as the deepest oceans.

But what we do know is this, and we cling to its hope:

In your infinite wisdom you work all things for good.

You are our God of strong and ever-present refuge,

Offering comfort, peace, and security through your Word.

In your Presence we are strengthened; our faith is renewed.

You shelter us from the full force of the storms of life.

You even protect us from what we thought we wanted

And provide for us instead what You know is best.

You are our God of abundant and delightful blessings

That flow continually like a great river.

Who can count all the wonderful works you have done?

But above all, you O Lord, are the embodiment of all blessing—

In you alone we find rest, support, and salvation.

In you alone we place our trust.

Stanza #1: Psalm 10:2, 7

Stanza #2: Psalm 36:1, 10

Stanza #3: Psalm 36:5a, 7, 10

Stanza #4: Psalm 36:5b; Psalm 145:13; Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Timothy 2:13

Stanza #5: Psalm 36:6a; Psalm 119:68; Habakkuk 1:13; Ephesians 1:11; 1 Chronicles 16:27; Numbers 23:19

Stanza #6: Psalm 36:6b; Jeremiah 12:1; Romans 8:28

Stanza #7: Psalm 36:7; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 31:19-20; Psalm 9:9; Psalm 18:2

Stanza #8: Psalm 36:8; Psalm 105:5a; Psalm 62:5-8; Psalm 31:14

(Art & photo credits: www.wikimedia.com; http://www.flickr.com (2); http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; pinterest.com.)

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You Are

Posted in God, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's Attributes on February 23, 2017| 10 Comments »

(A personal psalm)

God of the boundless universe,

Your oceans roil and churn across wide expanses of the earth

To depths greater than the height of Mt. Everest.

Your sun explodes with firestorms,

Spewing plumes of flame thousands of miles upward.

A mere handful of 100 billion stars form the Milky Way–

Just one of your millions of galaxies.

YOU ARE a God of awesome, infinite power.

God of perfect wisdom,

You know all truth and comprehend all things.

You possess the ability to always choose the best.

Your wisdom is righteous, impartial, and sincere–

Not just a function of your all-knowing, precise mind–

But guided by a heart of purity, understanding, and compassion.

Your wisdom is always active, never-failing, and full of mercy.

YOU ARE the all-wise God–far beyond human comprehension.

God of mercy and compassion,

Your persistent love pursues us, longing to bring us home.

Your selfless love engulfs us, bestowing forgiveness and grace.

Your generous love endows us, lavishing immeasurable treasure.

Your changeless love is not based on our performance.

Your attentive love does not leave us to struggle alone.

“Your perfect love perseveres until it perfects.”*

YOU ARE a God of incredibly active love.

God of glorious resplendence,

You illuminate our way through life,

Dispelling the darkness of fear.

You send forth your enlightenment and truth to guide,

Diffusing the fog of uncertainty.

You provide the radiance of your presence,

Instilling a sense of well-being and peace within our spirits.

YOU ARE a God of transforming light.

God of bountiful blessing,

Every good and perfect gift comes from you—

From cloudless skies to life-giving rain,

From hearth-fires in winter to fireflies in summer,

From treasured memories of yesterday to anticipated hopes for tomorrow.

From rousing sunrise to restful sunset,

Each day overflows with abundant pleasures.

YOU ARE a God of extravagant goodness.

YOU ARE a God transcendent above all imaginings or hope!

Sources of inspiration included:

Stanza #2—James 3:17; Job 28:12-13.
Stanza # 3—Luke 15:11-27; Romans 8:38-39; Deuteronomy 31:8; *Philip Yancey, Grace Notes, Zondervan, 2009, p. 242.
Stanza #4—Psalm 89:15; 27:1; 76:4; 43:3.
Stanza #5—James 1:17; Psalm 31:19.

Art & photo credits: www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.dailybibleme.com; http://www.dayofgrace.me; http://www.wikimedia.com; pixabay.com.

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