Amazing Growth

"I challenge you -- dig deep in God's Word and find the nugget of God's glory on every page."

Tim Walter 

My friend, Kathy, in Maryland, sent me this lovely snap of her deck garden from her kitchen window. I have enjoyed sitting in her gardens and her creativity and master of gardening has refreshed me countless times. Below are some of the pictures I've taken from her gardens over the years.

It's amazing how we continue to grow in our faith, gaining wisdom and understanding, as we walk with and serve God. Of course, our sinful nature continues too, but hopefully that continues to diminish as we mature. 

 

 

"Reading books, listening to CDs and watching DVDs from reliable Christians God has gifted to express His Word always appeals to my unquenchable desire to learn more and be closer to my Heavenly Father. The journey has been an amazing one through my eyes, for who am I that God chose me. Through my eyes, nothing; through God's eyes, everything."

"Believers who don't live with a scheduled diet of God's Word will fail to stay competitive spiritually."

Tony Evans and Jonathan Evans

I like what Charles Spurgeon said about being on fire for God during private devotions: 

“Times of private devotion are the very essence, evidence, and measure of a vital, growing faith . . . It is in private devotion you should burn ‘the fat of [your] sacrifice' . . . These ‘secret times when you go into your room, close the door and pray' should be regular, frequent, and undisturbed, if at all possible. And remember ‘The prayer of a righteousness man is powerful and effective.’ Do you feel you have nothing to pray for? Here are some suggestions: the church, those in ministry, your own soul, your children, your other family members, your neighbors, your country, and the cause of Christ and His truth throughout the world . . . God loves to see the hearts of His people ‘on fire’ toward Him . . . May we use passages of Scripture as the fuel to stoke the fires of our heart, for they are live coals; may we attend church and hear sermons; but above all else, may we often be alone with Jesus.”

"When you know what God says, what He means, and how to put His truths into practice, you will be equipped for every circumstance of life."

Kay Arthur

The time we choose to give to God in devotion and study consistently brings growth, wisdom and understanding. It will always amaze me how we keep learning about God and our faith by staying close to Him.

"Our Bibles aren't meant to sit on our shelves in pristine condition but are meant to be worn down with daily use."

Michael Youssef

By His Grace . . . 

Light in the Clouds

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? it is the same air the angels breathe."

Mark Twain

 

Last week I saw the most magnificent bright and beautiful clouds! They were gorgeous and looked close enough to touch. It reminded me of the following post I wrote back in 2012.

"I remember the first time I was in an airplane, taking off in a storm. Although everything looked dark and dreary, when we passed through the clouds the sun was shining bright. I always remember that experience when things get me down, and I can't seem to see the light.

"I recently enjoyed a devotion in the book "Unto the Hills" by Billy Graham. The titled is: "Behind the Clouds," and it reminded me of my experience. He speaks of his home on a mountain top where often he can see the clouds in the valley below. While he enjoys beautiful sunlight and clear skies, he observes thunderstorms and lightning flashes, and thunder roaring--all far below where he sits on the top of the mountain.

 

"Clouds are mentioned in the Bible many times. God spoke to His people through a cloud. He called Moses 'out of the midst of the cloud', Exodus 24:16, and His 'glory appeared in a cloud.' Exodus 16:10 The scripture verse associated with the devotion is: "Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds." Psalm 36:5

"Charles Kingsley said: 'No cloud across the sun but passes at the last and gives us back the face of God once more.' And Longfellow said: "Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; behind the clouds is the sun still shining."

"I enjoy looking at the different clouds as they roll by. Fluffy white; faces and animal shapes; storm clouds, and faint outlines. Graham says: 'The Bible indicates that clouds are given to us for a purpose, and that there is glory in the clouds and that every cloud has a silver lining.

"And I believe they do! The sun always shines on the other side of the cloud. We will always have clouds, both in the sky and in our lives. Yet God is still shining bright and waits for our eyes to see Him."

In Nahum 1:3 it says: "His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of His feet." God is ever so close to us, even living in us. His light always shines, guiding us, illuminating the way we should go. Yes, even when the clouds are dark and grim, He still shines bright.

I know. I saw the sun on the other side of the clouds!

By His Grace . . .

Frustration

"Some of us can only hear God in the thunder of revivals or in public worship; we have to learn to listen to God's voice in the ordinary circumstances of life."

Oswald Chambers

1874-1917 

I did manage to get a few small ones this fawn season. I love when I get home and download pictures I see little fawn close by.

As many of you have already experienced, aging brings change. Forgetfulness, steadiness, lack of clarity, and many more changes that we have to deal with.

We also find when we age, we can't seem to get as much done as we use too. Since we become slower, we can't plan. It is indeed frustrating.

I'm having a difficult time in doing one of my favorite activities: photography. I've enjoyed taking pictures most of my life. When I went digital, another world woke me to being able to give my pictures to others, to make note cards with my pictures, and sharing God's creation on this blog.

Yet, the last two years I've found I can't take clear pictures like I use too. I purchased a camera with more zoom to photograph those things I love. But more zoom is more sensitive and in need of more steadiness, and, unfortunately, steadiness is beginning to disappear.

During my early morning drives I'm keeping less and less pictures I take because they are not sharp. I'm not stopping though. The early morning drives provide me with quiet and repose that fills my soul with calmness. 

I'm falling more. Thankfully, except for last year when I broke my ankle, I haven't hurt myself and haven't needed care from the ER. But I'm definitely aware that steadiness is becoming a concern.

I'd read about older people forgetting something on the stove or what they were baking in the oven. That recently happened to me, twice. Now I'll be tested to make sure my forgetfulness is just due to aging and not a deeper health concern.

Many of us have gone through this with our parents, and maybe our spouse, and know first-hand the dangers and depression this can cause. But when it starts happening to you, you realize life is indeed fragile and you must do all you can to be aware of your circumstances and pay attention to warning signs.

God tells us in Proverbs ". . . Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." 16:31. Isaiah tells us that "God will sustain us in old age and gray hairs . . .  I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

My hope is in God, and I believe His Word is truth. I will carry on, keep taking pictures I love, keep doing things I enjoy, albeit slower, and trust God to take care of me until I'm called home. I'll try to change my frustration to calmness, seeking good from what is happening. 

Letting God help us through difficult times can infuse us with His joy and His care. Frustration? Yes, I'm having it, but it's not controlling me. God is. I'm so thankful!

"Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." 

William Barclay, 1907-1978

"Nothing is more beautiful than cheerfulness in an old face."

Johann Paul Friedrich Richter

1763-1825

By His Grace . . . 

He Still Answers Prayers

"Prayer . . . the very highest energy of which the mind is capable."

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1772-1834

Now to country folk seeing a baby calf stand up for the first time is not unusual, but for a city girl I was thrilled when I captured this calf standing up one morning on the way to work.

Psalm 103 is one of my favorite psalms, especially verse 2 which says: “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” That verse was the subject of a devotion I recently read by Charles Spurgeon.

He begins the devotion by saying: “It is a delightful and profitable exercise to recognize the sovereign hand of God in the lives of the ancient saints of old . . . however, wouldn’t it be even more interesting and profitable for us to recognize the hand of God in our own lives?”

I would call them little lumps laying in the field, and it always thrills me to see them!

The very same God who answered prayer for the saints of old is still in the business of answering prayer today. “Surely the goodness of God has been the same to us as to the saints of old,” Spurgeon said. I do believe He is!

Psalm 103 is powerful to read and meditate on. Perhaps I should take a little time today and consider all the Lord has done for me. Then, I too, can say, “Yes, the goodness of God has filled my life.”

As we know, God doesn’t always answer prayer or work in our lives the way we want. I think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego as they faced a fiery furnace. Their reply to King Nebuchadnezzar was, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Each of us has one or more very deep requests that we have asked of God through our life. And those requests may not have been answered yet and may never be answered the way we think they should. I can clearly say, after years of walking with God, that, yes, “. . . even if God does not answer the deep requests of my heart” I will still honor, live for, serve, hope in and trust the God of creation. My faith is sure. That’s a good feeling to have. I hope you can claim that too.

I think I’ll take that time right now to meditate on all God has done for me. There must be trillions of answers to recall!

"I know not by what methods rare, but this I know: God answers prayer."

Eliza M. Hickok

By His Grace . . .

Is This Me?

"God is so faithful to speak to us, through His Word and the words of others. As you read a book or listen to a radio program, your pastor, a Bible study teacher, an inspirational speaker, or to tapes, open your eyes and ears to listen for the still, small voice of God, giving you new insights, directions, corrections, and encouragement. Let God use the gifts and ministries of others to be your mentor when you most need them."

Betty Southard, The Mentor Quest, 2002

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers and they are in bloom now in NW PA. These snaps were taken from my garden, and gardens near home in MD.

"The highest earthly enjoyments are but a shadow of the joy I find in reading God's Word."

Lady Jane Grey, 1537-1554

I have to admit, when I read the above quote, I want it to be me.I certainly love God's Word--reading it, hearing it, and reading resources from other people who share God's Word. But do earthly pleasures overshadow it?

Lady Jane Gray lives in infamy well known as the nine-day queen, who was executed and replaced by her cousin. She was one of the most learned women of her time. Her name may be famous, but I like the words she said about reading God's Word.

What do I enjoy? Do I enjoy it more than reading God's Word? Do I enjoy photography more than reading God's Word? Do I enjoy creating on the computer more than I do reading God's Word? Do I enjoy sitting in my backyard listening to all nature more than I do reading God's Word?

I do love taking pictures! God's creatures and creation are awesome and capturing a scene in a serendipity moment is a thrill. Creating on the computer making note cards from pictures I take! Most everything I write falls under God's umbrella of all things to encourage others.

I do love doing all these things, and more . . . but nothing thrills my soul more than reading and hearing God's Word. I do believe I am in agreement with Lady Jane Grey. The centuries may come and go, but God's Word will always live.

Yes, this is me! God's Word encourages, inspires, calms, heals, comforts, teaches, and He speaks directly to me. A personal book just to me. His Words help me. And they can do that for you. What is your highest earthly enjoyment? I hope it is God's Word.

By His Grace . . .

Stay Strong In Your Prayers

"Faith gathers strength by waiting and praying."

E. M Bounds, 1835-1913

These snaps are from last year. I hope to find some again this year as I go out in the early morning on my fawn spotting drives.

Many of you are familiar with the song "The Ninety and Nine." The poem was written by Eloizabeth Clephane in the 1800s. Ira Sankey, music director for evangelist Dwight L. Moody, wrote the music. Folklore claims that Elizabeth wrote "The Ninety and Nine" for her brother who had "returned to the flock" only a short time before his death. The song is based on Jesus' parable in Luke 15 below.

"Then Jesus told them this parable: 'Suppose one of you has a hundred sleep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."

Sankey spotted the words in a British newspaper while on an evangelism tour in Scotland with Dwight Moody. He tore the poem from the paper, put it in his pocket, and forgot about it. Later that day, at the end of their service in Edinburgh, Moody asked Sankey for a closing song. Ira was caught by surprise, but the Holy Spirit reminded him of the poem in his pocket. He brought it out, said a prayer, then composed the tune as he sang. Thus, was born 'The Ninety and Nine.' This was Sankey's first attempt at writing a hymn.

Who is your sheep who is lost? Jesus will search for your sheep who is crying and lost. And there will be great rejoicing, not only in your heart, but by the angels in heaven. Consider the words once again, or for the first time:

"There were ninety and nine that safely lay, In the shelter of the fold.

But one was out on the hills away, Far off from the gates of gold.

Away on the mountains wild and bare, Away from the tender Shepherd’s care,

Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

“Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; Are they not enough for Thee?”

But the Shepherd made answer: 'This of Mine, Has wandered away from Me;

And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.'

"But none of the ransomed ever knew, How deep were the waters crossed;

Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through, Ere He found His sheep that was lost.

Out in the desert He heard its cry, Sick and helpless and ready to die;

Sick and helpless and ready to die.

“Lord, whence are those blood drops all the way, That mark out the mountain’s track?

They were shed for one who had gone astray, Ere the Shepherd could bring him back.

Lord, whence are Thy hands so rent and torn? They are pierced tonight by many a thorn;

They are pierced tonight by many a thorn.

"And all through the mountains, thunder riven, And up from the rocky steep,

There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven, 'Rejoice! I have found My sheep!'

And the angels echoed around the throne, 'Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!

Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!'"

Never give up hope. Our God is faithful. To all of us who believe, our own little sheep is worth our time on our knees. Our God not only hears prayer but also loves to hear them. Your little sheep is very important to Him.

 "When you pray for unconverted people, you do so on the assumption that it is in God's power to bring them to faith. You entreat Him to do that very thing, and your confidence rests on the certainty that He is able to do what you ask."

J. J. Packer, 1926-2020

By His Grace . . . 

For Thee

"John Q. Citizen will never be convinced about the credibility of the Christian faith until he becomes personally acquainted with someone who lives out the Christian life."

Erwin Lutzer, 1941 - 

Queen Anne Lace is dotting the byways of PA with its lovely white flowers and its greenery.

One of the reasons I enjoy reading through a hymnal is reading inspiring words from hymns I'm unfamiliar with. In my 40+ years as a Christian, I know many hymns in the hymnal, but there's many I don't know.

The other morning, I read the following two hymns and I had to stop and consider the words.They are a reminder of what we, as Christians, are here for on this earth. 

We are the example many people will see of our faith and our Lord. Am I a good imitation of my Lord?Am I praying for someone who hasn't found Jesus? Consider the words of these two hymns as they apply to your own life.

"Do not underestimate the role you may play in clearing the obstacles in someone's spiritual journey."

Ravi Zacharias, 1946-2020

Let Others See Jesus in You

"While passing through this world of sin, And others your life shall view,

Be clean and pure without, within, Let others see Jesus in you.

"Your life's a book before their eyes, They're reading it through and through;

Say, does it point them to the skies, Do others see Jesus in you?

"What joy 'twill be at set of sun, In mansions beyond the blue,

To find some souls that you have won; Let others see Jesus in you.

"Then live for Christ both day and night, Be faithful, be brave, and true,

And lead the lost to life and light; Let others see Jesus in you."

"Let others see Jesus in you

Let others see Jesus in you;

Keep telling the story, be faith and true,

Let others see Jesus in you"

B. B. Mckinney, 1886-1952

Peonies and Queen Anne Lace

"The life-saving strategy of Jesus is based on ordinary people showing and telling about Him in ordinary places."

"Ron Hutchcraft, 1971- 

Lord, Lay Some Soul Upon My Heart

"Lord. lay some soul upon my heart, And love that soul thru' me;

An may I bravely do my part To win that soul for Thee.

Lord, lead me to some soul in sin, And grant that I may be

Imbued with pow'r and love to win That soul, dear Lord, for Thee.

"To win that soul for Thee alone Will be my constant prayer;

That when I've reached my heav'nly home I'll meet that dear one there."

"Some soul for Thee, some soul for Thee.

This is my earnest plea;

Help me each day, on life's highway

To win some soul for Thee."

Anonymous verse 1

Mack Weaver, verse 2, 3

B. B. Mckinney, 1886-1952 

You can see a few Queen Anne Lace to the right with the joy of wildflowers!

"The changed life of a Christian is the only way that most unbelieving people will encounter Christianity."
Elmer Towns, 1932 - 

By His Grace . . .