Bring Me a Minstrel

 "But now bring me (Elisha) a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played,

that the hand of the Lord came upon him."

2 Kings 3:15

The joys of Spring!

Many of us are familiar with David playing the harp for King Saul to bring calm to his soul.  But there is another passage in the Bible that is not as familiar.  

In a recent devotion by Chris Tiegreen, in his book, Hearing His Voice, I read the above Scripture verse. I wasn't familiar with the verse and it brought another insight to the power of music. 

Reading about Elisha and his need for a musician to help bring him calm definitely makes a powerful point in the ability of music to help us.

On Enduringword.com, David Guzik provided this commentary on 2 Kings 3:15:

"When Elisha wanted to become more sensitive to the leading and speaking of the Holy Spirit, he asked for the service of a musician. This demonstrates the great spiritual power in music. This he requires, that his mind, which had been disturbed and inflamed with holy anger at the sight of wicked Jehoram, might be composed, and cheered, and united within itself, and that he might be excited to the more fervent prayer to God, and joyfully praising Him; whereby he was prepared to receive the prophetical announcement.

"The way to be filled with the Spirit is to edify ourselves by psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs. This nameless musician was endowed with God-given talents, and he used them for the good of others. Surely it never occurred to him that by his music he would help win a military victory and have a dramatic effect on history. But when he shared his God-given ability, the power of God came upon the prophet."

I confess, I don't listen to music. I enjoy singing and do that every morning and evening. But just listening to music during the day has not happened. I think my mind is busy writing, and I don't want to be sidetracked. Yet, it just might be exactly what I need to continually provide calmness to my soul. 

I did try a few years ago. When I was quilting. I played music and sang to the songs. But it didn't last long. Maybe I should forget about music of favorite artists that I can sing too, and find music that is just music, no words. Background music. 

I'm thankful for devotion books that continually bring ideas into my mind for consideration. It was good to read about Elisha and what he did to help him hear the words of God.

Music is powerful. 

 

From Patrick Conley Video

By His Grace . . .

Tested and Approved

"Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test."

Romans 16:10 

The above words are all that are said about Apelles. Nothing more is known of him. It is enough his was the ministry of the unnoticed--obscure, unseen, but approved. 

We wish we could do something great for God like leading, singing, teaching, speaking, and an array of other more choice gifts that we don't possess. I was reminded of this when I read the devotion about Apelles recently in Streams in the Desert 2, by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. These are some of her words:

"You pine for recognition, for publicity, for some great task which will bring great acclaim! Perhaps there is so much to be done around you of little significance that you shun the responsibility thinking one with less ambition will accomplish the mundane. Many little, unimportant responsibilities can add up to be greater than a few "illustrious" deeds. God is as concerned about the little tasks being approved! So here you are in your little plot by the wayside, little known, and hardly noticed by the world at large; yet "the Lord hath commended you a task" and to that work you must bend your best talent and energy."

I don't believe that most of us "pine for recognition, for publicity, for some great task." But I understand her thoughts. I was reminded of a quote that shares similar sentiments by George MacDonald, Scottish author, poet and Christian minister:

"Few are needed to do the out-of-the-way tasks which startle the world, and one may be most useful just doing common place duties and leaving the issue with God. And when it is all over,  and our feet will run no more, and our hands are helpless, and we have scarcely strength to murmur a last prayer, then we shall see that, instead of needing a larger field, we have left untilled many corners of our single acre, and that none of it is fit for your Master's eye were it not for the softening shadow of the cross."

Always a joy to see bright daffodils fill the land with beauty!

Whatever God has given you to do, only you can do it. He hasn't given your work to anyone else. Mrs. Cowman continues: "A life may be very lovely and yet be insignificant in the world's eyes. A beautiful life is one that fulfills its mission in this world, that is what God made it to do . . . But the smallest life that fills its place well is far lovelier in God's sight then the largest and most splendidly gifted -- yet fails its divine mission."

We all wonder about our work for God and if we are doing enough. If what we do is worth it. If we are fulfilling the mission God has given us. If we are faithful in what we believe God has given us to do, then we are doing just what He wants. Do the best we can in all circumstances and trust our work is pleasing to our God.

The beauty of forsythia are a welcome sight on a sunshiny day!

If our ears are open we can hear "Tested and Approved" and those wonderful words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Afterall, God is the one who knows our work and rewards what we do.

"Give what you have. It may be better than you think."

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

First signs of color to welcome spring.

By His Grace . . . 

It Really Is!

Have you heard of "National Card and Letter Writing Month?" It really exists! It doesn't get much attention in these days of fast, fast and fast. But it's a worthy cause. One of my favorite subjects!

Please appease me while I promote and reminisce the joy I've experienced writing notes and letters through the years.

National Card and Letter Month is celebrated throughout April. Letter writing has been largely replaced by digital technology with folks sending emails, texts and messages, but for those of us who write letters and enjoy receiving them it is a month to be celebrated!

I've had a number of "pen" friends through the years, and keeping in touch with them through letters and notes is a fun and happy endeavor. It puts such a smile on my face when I see a hand-written note in the mail. You don't just type as fast as you can, with no thought, when you hand write a letter or note. You put yourself into the experience, your thoughts, your dreams, your life. 

Here I am when I got started in note and letter writing. See that ancient

electric typewriter with screen before computers.

The English poet, John Donne, said: "Letters mingle souls." When thinking about notes I like to say, "Notes stir hearts." That's what a note written to me did over 50 years ago. I received a note, and it changed my life.

Notes can move us to tears, spur us to action, provoke us, uplift us, touch us.  As in my case, a note transformed me. Letters and notes are powerful.

After attending a writer's conference, I wrote a note to one of the speakers, Michael Phillips, well-known Christian writer. He had given a book he wrote to each of the participants in his class. I wrote him to thank him for the book and express my feelings on what he wrote.

A month later I received a note from Michael Phillips. He said: "I have a policy that the first letter I receive about any piece of writing I've done, I respond with a personal, handwritten note thanking them. You are the first I've received on this book." He went on to write encouraging words to me that gave me a lift in spirit and inspiration to continue in the direction I was going.

You have to make an effort to sit down and write. Letter writing has been around since the earliest centuries. It is still a wonderful way to communicate. 

When I wrote my book on note writing, my friend, Peggy, drew this little bird for me, carrying a note through the air. I've put it on many envelopes and papers through the years, a special one-of-a-kind delivery to touch the heart of the receiver.

When I spoke about note writing to groups, I'd tell stories of how notes affected people. Here are a few of them:

"My daughter, Melissa, played in the Marshall High School Band. After graduating high school, years later, she read in the newspaper that her high school band director was under fire from a group of parents demanding that the school board dismiss him. (He did nothing wrong.) One day Melissa stopped by Marshall High School to give a word of encouragement to this man. He thanked her and reached into his briefcase and pulled out a letter of encouragement and appreciation Melissa had written to him when she graduated from high school. He had been carrying it in his briefcase for many years. He told her that the letter had helped get him through the problems he was going through."

Professional Carol trying to look professional; in reality, very nervous and uncomfortable!

Another story written for Guideposts magazine in 2001 tells of a woman who's dream it was to be a published writer to uplift others. But that dream was never fulfilled because she never had a chance to write. Life was too busy as a mother to fulfill this dream. The writer continued: "After my mother died, I was going through her belongings and found an 'Acceptance Letter' box. It was heavy and I wondered what my mother kept in it. What I found was indeed 'Acceptance Letters.' There were thank you letters my mother received from people she wrote who were ill; a thank you from a soldier in boot camp who was lonely. My mother encouraged a salesman when he was at his lowest point. And many others. God did fulfill my mother's dream of writing to uplift others. He fulfilled it through notes and letters."

At this conference I was being video recorded.

You can best believe my knees were shaking!

I received a note from a young lady I wrote to in hopes of encouraging her. It said: "I want to thank you for all of the cards and little notes you send. It seems like whenever I need a little encouragement there is a note in the mail. Jesus must know right when I need a little help."

Whoever you choose to write to, friend, family, acquaintances, writing is a form of communication that needs to be revived. Please consider giving a gift of a note or letter to someone this month. You will be richly rewarded just by writing it!

Jerry nicknamed me "NOTE" worthy for God after seeing how many notes I wrote. 

The nicknamed stuck and that's why it's on many of the things I do today.

Note Writing. Letter writing. It really does make a difference. I'm so glad one made a difference in my life!

By His Grace . . .

A Successful Life!

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,

who have been called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

What a treat! The other day I was going through my memory box of special things. That's always a joy. It refreshes memories of old; helps me see when my life changes through the years and gives me inspiration to continue on.

I came across my ten rules to make my life successful. When I say successful, I mean accomplishing what God has given me to do. I wrote these rules probably 30 years ago. They all still apply today as I live my life for God.

I believe it is good to keep in your mind the work God has given you to do. It helps structure each day, week, month and year, and inspires you to do the service you have been gifted to do.

Some points on my list are . . . spend quiet time with God to prepare my heart for the service He has called me to . . . accept my character being sensitive, deep-feeling and emotional so that I can utilize His gift to encourage . . . lead a disciplined, organized life needing rest and quiet . . . doubt not that God knows my fears . . . and only I can accomplish God's purposes for my life.

Finding these rules now, in my 75th year, I can see how they've worked out through the years. Most of the time I've been successful. Occasionally I've needed guidance. Sometimes I've failed miserably. But I have stuck to my rules for the most part and believe I am doing the work God has given me to do.

This is not a pat on the back for me, for I have certainly failed many times through my life. Yet, these rules give me the direction I need to continue each day serving God. 

God changed my focus a number of times, but always keeping the gifts He gave to me. He just changed the way I used them, discovering new ways of serving. We need to always be open to the opportunities He puts before us.

What about you? Have you ever thought about your purpose(s) in life and what you have to do to be successful? I think it's something all of us should consider as we travel through life. We are put here for God's purpose(s), and knowing what that purpose is for you, and doing it, will make the difference between a good or bad life. 

What do you need to do to be successful in living for God? It will be different for each of us. Think about it if you never have. Write up rules for you to be successful. 

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"

Matthew 25:21

All of us want to hear God say, "Well done good and faithful servant." All we do is by the grace of God, the strength through Christ, and the direction through the Holy Spirit. 

Bibleref.com: "Jesus is showing that those who use what He gives to them to increase what is His will, will also be rewarded with greater opportunity and joy when He returns."

I'm finally seeing some of these happy flowers show up around here. 

By His Grace . . .

.

Let's Hear It!

 Easter is God's miracle message of risen hope for every believing heart.

I love Magnolia trees! I had one in my back yard in Maryland. When we moved to PA we planted three Magnolia trees in our yard. I found out real quick that the weather in PA doesn't provide well for the Magnolia tree in April. I always get buds and opening flowers, but the cold returns to quickly and ends the beauty. So thankful to have pictures to enjoy of earlier years.

The wonder of it all. Perfect description of the week of Easter. A time of celebration, joy, hope and thankfulness. The wonder of it all!

The following post was shared in April 2013. I think it's time to read it again!

"When was the last time you heard a good, loud "amen" in church? I can't think of a time when anyone has shouted me down in holy agreement with the Word. We clap at the end of our songs and when someone shares a testimony, but when's the last time you heard someone clap after the reading of the Scripture or during the offering" Michael Catt, The Power of Surrender

A couple of months ago a couple visited are church and we were in for a pleasant surprise. He "amened ... that's right ... preach ..." us through the sermon. Pastor Larry and his wife, Felecia, joined with our fellowship a few weeks ago and my heart has been lifted with his boisterous agreement during the sermon.

At my home church, 30 years ago, there would occasionally be amens, but few of the other churches we've attended added this affirmation during the sermon. Fred Luter, pastor in New Orleans, was invited to a conference at my home church many years ago and WOW did I hear the excitement from the audience. 

Now, once again, a fellow worshipper holds nothing back as he agrees with God's message on Sunday mornings. Last week I even heard a few others verbally affirm words spoken by our pastor. You know, I think our pastor has even found new excitement as he preaches because of voiceful agreement in the congregation!

This is one of the largest and fullest Magnolia trees I have ever see. My friend, Roy, found this a few years ago, and I'm thankful he posted it on his Page.

Might I say there is great power in voicing our agreement in the preached Word! Will this quiet listener rise to the occasion. I don't know, but my heart sure does! The next time Pastor Larry stands up and claps I may just shout Amen!

Do I hear an Amen!

Because He lives, may you enjoy a praise-filled Easter,

a joy-filled spring, and a hope-filled heart!

By His Grace . . .

Rest Easy

A friend put this graphic up on her Facebook page the other day, and I was drawn to it. Quotes have a way of doing that. That's why my journals are filled with quotes from saints of God all around the world that have caused me to stop and ponder.

Blanket of Hope. What a lovely thought. Always being covered by God's gift of Grace helps you through all things. 

Grace is such an inclusive word. God's grace touches every area of our life. No matter what the situation is, concern is, happiness is, the word Grace, God's Grace, transforms your mind bringing you hope.

I wrote these words back in March 2022 for my church's newsletter:

"We’ve all been given the gift of Grace. We have a choice. We can receive it, or we can deny it. The decision is up to us.

"God gives this gift freely because He loves us. Not because we’re entitled to it. Not because we are good. Not because we won it. He freely gives it. We just have to accept it.

"The gift of grace is a deep well. We know the simple definition: “God gives us what we don’t deserve.”  In reality He gives us so much more.  Grace affects everything we do as we live our life for Him.

"We’re saved because of His Grace. We’re justified because of His Grace. We can approach God’s Throne because of Grace.  His Grace is all we need to live a complete life in Christ.

"We are gifted to serve because of His Grace. We can be confident in our calling because He has given us everything we need to serve Him through His Grace."

I like the thought of "Blanket of Hope." 

Sing with me: 

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

"Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;

How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?

Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,

For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me."

Refrain:

"Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, deeper than the mighty rolling sea,

Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, all sufficient grace for even me;

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, Greater far than all my grief and shame,

Oh magnify the precious Name of Jesus

Praise His Name!"

And a new worship hymn "Grace Flows Down" by Christy Nockels says in the refrain:

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound,

Amazing love, now flowing down,

From hands and feet that were nailed to the tree,

As grace flows down and covers me."

"It covers me,

It covers me,

And covers me."

By His Grace . . .

Busted

Prayer. Your prayer life. Have you grown in your prayer life or bottomed out? Do you pray? How do you pray?

For over 40 years I've lacked in prayer. I pray every day. Short prayers. And I've improved. I finally got a small spiral ruled notebook, and I write down names and concerns. But I don't always pick it up and use it.

Well, I was busted. Royally. Jerry and I visited an older couple, yes, even older than us. We got to talking about prayer. The women pulled out her prayer notebook and show it to me. It was astonishing. I felt small. 

God wants us to pray all the time. He wants us to talk with Him. Cry with Him. Laugh with Him. He wants a relationship with us. 

I was amazed at the pages filled with names and concerns in her prayer notebook "This is a prayer warrior," I knew. "This is somebody who spends a lot of time talking with God. This is a woman who knows He answers prayer.

As I get older, I can see myself spending more time in prayer. The simple fact that one slows down and can't move as they did in younger years provides the opportunity to pray more.

Seeing what this woman does each day made an impression on me. I may be a Christian of over 40 years, and I may be up in age, but I still have a lot to learn.

Because my eyes were opened by a true prayer warrior, I am making some changes to help me become a better person of prayer. I now have a designate time in the afternoon when I will turn to my prayer notebook. I've already started. This one change has made my morning devotion time richer. 

Busted. I'm so glad I was.

"Prayer does not enable us to do a great work for God. Prayer is a greater work for God."

Thomas Chalmers, 1780-1847

It just kind of quiets your heart!

There is a prayer in the book "The Light of His Presence" by Anne Graham Lotz, that caught my attention a few years ago. It's a prayer for our country. Since reading that prayer, I read it every Sunday morning to do my part in praying for our country. I have repeated it below to help you pray for the United States of America, our country, that needs the help only God can give us.

Most Holy God,

"In a world of famine, floods, and fire; a world of disease, death, and the disruption of our everyday activities, I choose to look up from my knees. I see You seated on the throne of glory, in control of all things. All things. I know that You are a God of mercy, grace, faithfulness, and loving-kindness. So I reject fear and its impact on my life, and I place my faith in You. You have said that Your ears are open to the cry of Your people, that Your eyes are upon us, and that Your arms are long enough to reach us and strong enough to hold us. Hold me now. Quiet my racing heart. Breathe Your Spirit of peace into me to calm the fear and turmoil.

"Even as I pray for Your peace, I wonder if the disasters erupting in our nation could be the spark that ignites a spiritual awakening. Are You trying to get our attention. I know that, when it comes to our relationship with You, we desperately need to wake up.

"We have legalized defiance against Your institution of marriage; we celebrate relationships that contradict Your instructions; we exterminate life that You created and that bears Your image--for our own convenience, we have become so secularized we don't even acknowledge that You exist, much less reverence or obey You.

"You have my attention. Therefore, like the prophet Daniel of old, I turn to You in humility and shame as I confess on behalf of America some of the national sins that come to mind . . .

"I confess national addiction to sex. To money. To pleasure. To entertainment. To pornography. To technology. To popularity. To ourselves.

"I confess our foolishness in denying You as the one true, living God, our Creator to whom we are accountable, living as though our lives are a cosmic accident with no eternal significance, purpose, or meaning.

"I confess our greed that has run up trillions of dollars of national debt.

"I confess our arrogance and pride that has led us to think we are sufficient in ourselves.

"I confess to believing that our nation's prosperity comes from our own greatness, while refusing to acknowledge that all blessings come from Your hand.

"I confess that we depend on our military might and our weapons systems to protect us from harm and danger while we deny, defy, and ignore You.

"I confess that we have succumbed to the pressure of pluralism in our desire to be inclusive, honoring other gods as though You are just one of many.

"I confess that we have allowed the material blessings You have given us to deceive us into thinking we don't need You.

I confess that we have valued our foolish pursuit of happiness through wealth and prosperity rather than treasuring our relationship with You. I confess that we have marginalized truth and main-streamed lies.

"I confess that we have become one nation under many gods, divided and polarized, with license to sin and justice that no longer follows the rule of law.

"Holy Spirit of the living God, convict us of the need to turn from our sin and get right with You.

"Lord God, have mercy on us. As we repent of our sin and return to You, return to us. There is no one like You to help the powerless against our mighty enemies, be they visible or invisible. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You.

"I hold You to the promise you gave to King Solomon. You said, "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land, or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers."

"I hold You to Your word as I plead with You. Hear my prayer. Forgive our sin. Heal our land. I am standing in the gap for our nation.

"I pray in the name of the One who is our Deliverer. Our beautiful and only Savior. Lord of the nations. Son of God and Son of man. The living, reigning, soon-to-return Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus Christ.

"In His Name and for His glory, I pray. Amen."

By His Grace . . . 

The Barnyard

 

When I turn the calendar over to March I begin thinking about baby lamb. I visited my first barnyard at 52 years old. A friend from church knew a family that had a sheep farm, and they let me come and take pictures. It was a delightful afternoon!

A city girl visiting a barnyard. Since that time, I've visited two other barnyards and had just as good a time as the first one. Below are some of the pictures I took that day. It still thrills my heart!

Tender times.

Lady in waiting.

The door into fun!

A happy girl!

Ah . . . there must be something good inside there!

Resting on a spring afternoon.

For me, it was an exciting, happy day! A wonderful way to welcome March. You country girls have a lot over this city girl. I've been to two barnyards here in PA. I'm ready to go again!

By His Grace . . .

Dew Drops

"I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily.

Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots."

Hosea 14:5

Dew. A word we don't think upon often or talk about. Dew might not be as flashy as rain or snow, but it quietly supports life in our natural world.

So, when I read the title "I Will Be Like The Dew" in the devotion book "Healing Water for the Soul" by Mrs. L. B. Cowman, it caused me to stop and consider. What did the Scripture verse mean?

The internet said: "Dew, those delicate beads of moisture that grace our mornings, might seem inconspicuous, but they play a vital role in our ecosystems. "

Yes, the dew of a fresh morning is a delight. You've noticed it if you've walked through a garden in the early morning. Fresh. Will God do that for us?

I got out my trusty commentaries and found these words:

From Clarke's Commentary on Studylight.org, observations of Lowth: "These verses contain gracious promises of God's favor and blessings upon Israel's conversion . . . if we consider all the beauty of the oriental lilies, the fragrance of the cedars . . . the beauteous appearance which the spreading olive trees afforded, the exhilarating coolness caused by the shade of such trees . . .what a glorious prophecy! . . . The promises are not for Israel; they are for all the people of God."

On Biblestudytools.com it says: "The dew which comes from heaven is a great blessing of God, very refreshing and fruitful to the earth; and the Lord is that unto His people; it is not only the cause of quickening dead sinners, but of reviving, cheering, and refreshing the drooping spirits of His people; and its abundance, never fails, but always continues . . .and so He is in the blessings of His grace . .  in great abundance, cheering and exhilarating, as forgiveness of sin, a justifying righteousness. These are of God, and come down from heaven, seem little in themselves, but of great importance to the conversion of sinners, and comfort of saints; bring many blessings in them, and cause great joy and fruitfulness."

Well, I like the sound of that! 

Fresh, sweet dew. Another little thing God does for us that mostly goes unnoticed. Not thought about but means so much.

"And the refreshing dew from heaven that is so beautifully promised to revive Israel is equally God's promise to the Church, for we have already been showered with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms, in Christ. For we were called and chosen from the pit of sin, cleansed and clothed in His robe of righteousness, saved and redeemed, sanctified and glorified, in Christ Jesus, our Lord."

Dailyverse.knowing-Jesus.com

By His Grace . . .

Nature Is The Answer

 “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens; who created all these?

He who brings out the starry host by one and calls forth each of them by name.” 

Isaiah 40:26

In Oswald Chambers book “My Utmost for His Highest,” the modern classic edition, the title of a devotion caught my eyes. “Is Your Imagination of God Starved?”

Just like words, titles can spur us to ponder and take action after reading them. I thought, “What does he mean is my imagination of God starved?” I liked the answer: nature. In my words, do I see God in all of nature?

“Nature to a child of God is sacramental. In every wind that blows, in every night and every day, in every sign of the sky, in every blossoming and withering of the earth, there is a real coming of God to us, if we will only use our starved imagination to realize it. If we learn to associate ideas worthy of God with all that happens in nature—with the sunrises and the sunsets, with the moon and the stars, with the changing seasons—our imaginations will never be at the mercy of our impulses but will always be at His service” (Chambers)

We complain so much about every kind of weather, and yet God is the maker of all weather. If we look close enough . . . if we listen . . .  if we consider the spring morning, the summer heat, the fall wind and the winter chill as gifts from a loving God, might we sit back and admire His creation?

The weather might postpone an outing, disappoint an expectation and cancel plans. Yet, in later years, sitting back and watching all kinds of weather becomes simpler and is an enjoyable activity.

On Enduringword.com, David Guzik said this about Isaiah 40:26: “Isaiah can’t believe that anyone could doubt the greatness of God when they see the glory of God’s creation. First, He sits above all creation. (It is He who sits above the circle of the earth.) Second, He created it all. (Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain.)

“Isaiah’s amazement is well placed. How can anyone look at the glory and design evident in creation, and fail to understand that there must be a Glorious Designer behind it all . . . Isaiah uses an interesting phrase when he describes God as the One who sits above the circle of the earth. How could Isaiah possibly know that the earth’s shape was a circle? He probably didn’t know, but the LORD who spoke through Isaiah did know. . . God’s mastery over all creation is shown by the fact that He can bring out all the stars by number, and then He calls them all by name. With the billions and billions of stars in the universe, it is staggering to know that God can number and name them all.” (Chambers)

I loved it when we fed deer. I had my own little wildlife reserve in my backyard. But soon the bags of corn got too heavy, and the bucket to carry the corn out got too heavy. But the memories I have are delightful!

Is your imagination of God starved? The remedy is simple. Take a walk outside and remember who made everything, even you.

By His Grace . . .

A Special Love for Valentine's Day

 

Graphic created by my friend, Karla Dornacher, artist and author.

The following article was published in my church's newsletter in July, 2023. With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I just want to shine my love, my hope and my thanks to my God. He is Almighty . . . Yahweh . . . Everlasting . . . Father . . . Good Shepherd . . . Immanuel . . . King Eternal . . . Mighty One . . . Prince of Peace . . . Physician . . . Redeemer . . . Righteous One . . . the Rose of Sharon. Read and rejoice about the Glory of God.

What does the “Glory of God” mean to you? Does it mean His splendor, His greatness? His power?

God’s Glory means all of the above and so much more.  Scripture is full of verses that speak of God’s Glory. See 2 Corinthians 4:6, Ephesians 1:24, Hebrews 1:3.

No dictionary definition could do justice in trying to describe the word glory, when we refer to God’s Glory. No understanding that we may have could ever describe God’s Glory. It’s beyond our comprehension. It will take all eternity to fully understand and experience the wonder of God’s Glory.

We’re told Jesus is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of His Being. Everything we’ve learned and know about Jesus is exactly who our God is. Hebrews 1:3

God’s Glory has multiple meanings in Scripture. The display of His magnificence, the praise and honor showered upon His great Name, and awesome splendor.

God’s Glory is important because we see His power and majestic beauty. When we praise God it reminds us of how good He is.

One of the major displays of God’s Glory today is one not often discussed, or thought about. It is the work He does in ordinary people like you and me. When we remember the person we were before we were saved and recognize all God has done in us since that time, we can only shake our heads in wonderment. I sometimes say to myself, “Who am I?” when I think of all God has done in my life.

How do you take the One who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, holy, glorious, and try to wrap all that glory into an answer? It is hard to do.

Why is His Glory so important? Seeing God’s Glory in the heavens and the earth points to how amazing and wonderful He is. We see His power and majestic beauty.

Moses wanted to see His Glory, but God put him in the cleft of the rock and covered him until He passed by. Today God’s presence dwells within us. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit, God’s Glory within will radiate to those around us.

“And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His Glory.’” Isaiah 6:3

By His Grace . . .

Them There Words Again

 "Words--so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, 

how potent for good and evil they become, in the hands of one

 who knows how to combine them!"

Nathaniel Hawthorne1804-1864

This winter wonderland window display was created by my friend, Kathy.

On my Facebook feed last week was an ad for a book by Anne Graham Lotz. The words in the introduction stopped me. They were beautiful.

That's the way of words. They can bring joy to your heart and thrill your soul. They have the ability to stop you and cause you to ponder. I knew I would write those words in my journal.  

Another lovely winer window from my friend, Kathy.

I love reading words by gifted writers. Especially when the words speak directly to my heart and how I feel. It thrills my heart reading words that express in a new way something I love. 

The title of Anne's book is "The Joy of My Heart." These are the words she wrote:

"He is . . . the Wind beneath my wings, the Treasure that I seek, the Foundation on which I build,

the Song in my heart, the Object of my desire, the Breath of my life--He is my All in all!

And His Word is the joy of my heart!"

I think most of us can say "that's how I feel." A true statement for all those who love and live their life for God.

These are some words that always make me pause and ponder:

Hope . . . the very thought that I am His and He is mine. Forever.

Snow . . . He washes me as white as snow.

Refresh . . . my soul is thrilled when I think on God and all He has done for me.

Glorious . . . only God holds that thought in my mind.

Everlasting arms . . . I'm held by and forever in my God's arms.

Joy . . . the sweetness God brings to your life.

Words. You can't get away from them. We use them all day long. And then there are WORDS. Those words put together to bring happiness to your heart. Those words about God.

"Little keys can open big locks. Simple words can express great thoughts."

William Arthur Ward

1812-1882

Them there words again.

By His Grace . . .