Goodness Now

 Enjoyed watching mom groom her twins. 

"[I had fainted], unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." 

Psalm 27:13

"This encouraging testimony was written for us by the psalmist, David, after he had gone through some shadowing experiences of severe trial and testing . . . The sweet psalmist of Israel reveals the secret which kept his soul from fainting. He 'believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.' That means in the present life, not in the life hereafter."   Streans in the Desert 2, Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

I've always loved this verse in Psalms. I will believe in the goodness of the Lord. NOW. Even if everything is falling apart. Even if I'm scared of what is going to happen. Even if I'm discouraged. 

It's easy to say you believe God has your life under His control at all times. It's harder when sorrow, hurt and sadness are all you see. "Believe to see." Believe. That's what gets us through all those hard and undesirable things. 

Matthew Henry said: "The psalmist requests the favor of the Lord; the continuance of His presence with him; the benefit of Divine guidance, and the benefit of Divine protection . . . There is nothing like the believing hope of eternal life, the foresights of that glory, and foretastes of those pleasures, to keep us from fainting under all calamities."

Fawn have now doubled and tripled in size. Rare to find a small one now.

Most of us feel like we're going to faint under the pressures of life. So, keeping the frame of mind that says: "believe to see" is important. It may not cause the problem or concern to go away at that moment, but it can direct our thoughts to something greater that is capable of changing the way we see them.

My testing came quick. I drafted this article in the early morning. That evening, as I sat in my chair in the writing room, I was in low spirits. The words I wrote that morning came into my mind. I said to myself, "Do I believe what I wrote?" I knew I did, so I kept repeating to myself, "I will believe. I will believe. I will believe." 

And I do. I started recalling the HOPE I have in my heart and the home I will one day go to. There is always a choice. Make your choice: "I will believe to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Say it again and again. Cement it in your mind.

It's that deep, settled confidence that God gives us. Make sure you have it.

By His Grace . . . 

Through Me

 "It was only a sunny smile, but little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night, and made the day worth living."

F. S. Fitzgerald

I recently read these words by Chris Tiegreen: "Before I come for you, I'm going to come through you." It caused me to stop and think.

It's amazing when something is said just a little bit different what an impact it can have on you. Yes, Jesus comes through us to a lost world. We are called to be an example of Him so that others can learn about Him.

I have to ask myself. "What do I do so others can see Jesus?" "What do you do so others can see Jesus?" I know most of us have heard the question: "Is there enough evidence to convict me of being a Christian"

Most of us aren't superheroes, out in front of lots of people. Our names aren't well known, and we have a small area of influence. And that's what matters. Our small area of influence.

It truly is the small things that make such a big impact in another's life. A caring heart. A listening ear. Helping when a meal or telephone call makes all the difference. Mowing a yard. Cleaning a house. Writing a note.

What about our influence outside of our family and friends. Our co-workers. Friendly acquaintances. Our neighbors. Those people who know who we are but aren't in our circle of friends. The small impacts apply to them too. 

Yes, Jesus comes through us as we live for Him. I don't always feel like doing that small thing to help another. Especially if I'm feeling down or worried. But when I toss that feeling aside and think about the other person, it's easier to step out and do something.

We've all heard this before. Many times. But do we do it. Sometimes it just takes hearing something in a little different way to give us a boost. That's what it did for me.

Am I doing? Are you? 

"As a believer, you must learn to see yourself as the representative of Jesus Christ. Although you never stand before a pulpit to preach, it is a fact that your life is your most important pulpit. What you  say and do in your life reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ . . . You see, preaching the Gospel is what you do every day of your life by the way you live and conduct yourself."

Rick Renner

By His Grace . . .

The Call of Creation

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the sky, and they will tell you."

Job 12:7

God's creation is a sight to behold. If your eyes have been open to His love, you will look at everything with a different perspective. It will be amazing to your eyes.

I certainly have experienced it on my early morning drives, Down dirt roads, listening to nature wake up, being alone with God and His creation.

I love finding the little ones!

Recently I read a short devotion on Emily Dickinson, American poet in the 1800s, in The One Year Women in Christian History Devotional by Randy Peterson and Robin Streeves.

The devotional focused on Emily's remark: "Some keep the Sabbath going to church; I do church at home, outside in nature." The writers wrote: "She (Emily) says her chorister, what we would call a choir member; is a small blackbird called a bobolink. An orchard is her worship space. Emily, it seems, was enjoying a worship service in nature. Not that she was worshipping nature; rather, she found nature a perfect place to commune with and learn about God."

Familiar to us is the Scripture verse: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

It is important to meet together on a regular basis. Worshiping with other Christians is an essential part of the Christian life. But I am well aware that things happen in your life when attending church brings sadness and hurt.

In earlier years I had a period of time when I didn't attend church. It was during a very heartbreaking and emotionally draining period in my life. I was fortunate that at the time I worked at the Baptist Convention and was surrounded by Christians each day. We met for prayer and messages each month. I wasn't absent from Christians, and I participated in fellowship and encouragement each day.

Not attending church didn't mean I'd abandoned my faith, or I was out of touch with God. I still had daily devotions, used the gift God gave me to encourage others and sang hymns, especially my "Melody of Hymns."

One thing I didn't do is put myself down as a bad person. I didn't say, "You're a Christian, Carol, get your act together." I was secure in my faith and relationship with God. I wasn't angry with Him. I wasn't mad at Him. I was trying to work my way through a period of brokenness. But I was hurting so bad I couldn't force myself to attend church and be around happy families.

We finally started attending once again, at Jerry's request, and I have been attending ever since.

I would sit in my backyard each evening and listen to the sounds. I know that God speaks through all creation. He brought healing to me and made me a stronger person.

I don't recommend not going to church. But I know things happen in our lives when a time of healing and repair is needed. During those times, nature can bring healing because God is in nature, created all of nature, and presents it to us for cheer and admiration of Him.

God's creation is a sight to behold. If you haven't spent any time outside enjoying and admiring God's nature, you need to take a walk with God and let His creation open your eyes.

"Does not all nature around me praise God? If I was silent, I should be an exception to the universe. Does not the thunder praise Him as it rolls like drums in the march of the God of armies? Do not the mountains praise Him when the woods upon their summits wave in adoration? Does not the lightning write His name in letters of fire? Has not the whole earth a voice? And shall I, can I, silent be?"

Charles Haddon Surgeon, 1834-1892

By His Grace . . .

The Best Thing

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

William Arthur Ward, 1812-1882

Right now I'm thinking on the words: "Thou my best thought, by day or by night." These words are from the Hymn "Be Thou My Vision." I've written about them before.

All it takes is one line from a song, from a reading, from a voice, that changes everything for you. 

Our mind can get clogged up with so much junk it's incredible. There are worries, fears, hurt, brokenness and anger, that make us forget the best things we can think about.

Another line from a hymn that I like to think on is, "Ponder anew what the Almighty can do." That comes from the hymn, "Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty," Our mighty God can do so much for us. It's amazing and miraculous what He can do in our mind and in our heart. We just have to be alert to Him at all times.

Another line that helps me keep things in focus is from the hymn "And Can It Be." "And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior's blood." It's only because of God's love for me that any good is in my life. That I can have confidence that all God has given me is because He loves me. 

We are to think on good things. Scripture tells us too. "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8

I think all the words I have listed here from these hymns would be good things to think on. They can drive out the negative words and thoughts in our mind and bring calm and joy to us because of our great Savior and God.

The next time your mind becomes clogged up and stuck with thoughts that bring you down, think on words that revive you and help you get through. Choose your own words. The hymns that are most special to you, pull out the line that speaks to your heart. Keep those words in your heart. Pull them up when you need them the most. 

"Occupy your mind with good thoughts, or the enemy will fill it with bad ones;

unoccupied it cannot be."

Sir Thomas More, 1478-1535

Enjoy the words to this old hymn that tells of the glory of God's nature:

 "I Sing the Mighty Power of God."

"I sing the mighty power of God, That made the mountains rise ;

That spread the flowing seas abroad, And built the lofty skies.

I sing the wisdom that ordained The sun to rule the day;

The mountains full at His command, And all the stars obey.

"I sing the goodness of the Lord That filled the earth with food;

He formed the creatures with His word, And then pronounced them good.

Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, Wherever I turn my eye;

If I survey the ground I tread, Or gaze upon the sky.

"There's not a plant or flower below But makes Thy glories known,

And clouds arise and tempests blow, By order from Thy throne.

While all that borrows life from Thee Is ever in Thy care;

And everywhere that man can be, Thou, God, art present there."

It really is the best thing!

By His Grace . . .

Good From Bad

 "It doesn't matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies--whether it comes between you and God or whether it presses you nearer His heart."

James Hudson Taylor, 1832-1905

I enjoyed seeing this young fawn nursing the other morning. I watched for two minutes before mom decided it was time to go.

In "Look Unto Me: Devotions of Charles Spurgeon" he wrote: "Can God bring good out of the bad we suffer and endure." Lewis thought so.

Continuing, "Think of the worst thing that ever happened to you. Now, think of the next worst thing. And the next . . . Now begin to recollect positive things you've experienced: the times you've had great conversation with friends or the times you've laughed, read a great book, been given a gift, taken joy in giving a gift to another, noticed a sunset or a field of wildflowers in the spring . . . The bad experiences we endure are relatively infrequent compared to the abundance of good ones that surround us on every side."

I love seeing young fawn in tall grass!

We all have times of devastating experiences, hurt and broken hearts. We can call them up in a minute. Sometimes our life was changed because of them. They made tremendous impact in our mind.

If only we could keep the positive things foremost in our mind. Learn from what happened. Grow stronger because of it. Take the next step forward.

It's not always easy, especially when you are in the middle of that devastating experience. Yet God always brings us through. There has never been a time that God hasn't brought me out of the storm into His sunlight.

"Think back again to that list of bad things you have endured," Spurgeon said. "Have you seen any of them work out for good? Valuable lessons? . . . Everyone is bound to suffer during life's pilgrimage. Yet everyone is invited to take hope in the fact that good can come from the bad we experience. 

The one constant is God. He continues to work all through your life. Build your life on God's ability, which is endless, and keep walking forward with Him at your side. 

"Our confidence in Christ does not make us lazy, negligent, or careless, but, on the contrary, it awakens us, urges us on, and makes us active in living righteous lives and doing good. There is no self-confidence to compare with this."

Ulrich Zwingli, 1484-1531

Enjoyed watching mom nursing twins yesterday morning.

By His Grace . . .

Faithfulness on Display

“For I have always been mindful of your unfailing love

 and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” 

Psalm 26:3

I recently wrote this post for my church's newsletter and feel it's worth repeating here. 

David Jeremiah asked the following question: “What would you display in a museum of God’s faithfulness in your life?" It caused me to stop and think.

God’s Faithfulness. Not for mankind; for me. How has God been faithful to me?

Is it a prayer He answered the way I hoped? Was it one I wrestled with and then was rewarded? God always answer our prayers. Sometimes we like the answer. Sometimes we don’t.

Is it the times He protected me from harm? When I was driving? When I got sick? When a promotion at my job would have brought confusion and disappointment?

Was it when He refused my request and I later found out it would have hurt me?

Was it the gifts he bestowed on me so I can serve Him? Did He give me the skills to enable me to do His work?

Did He provide a friend to greatly impacted my life with their godly wisdom and discernment? One who helped me through difficult days by seeing God’s way was the best way?

Was He faithful in guiding my steps?

What about your life? Do you remember the times He helped you through difficult situations and you knew in your heart it was God that did it?

Remembering one act of faithfulness frequently refreshes the memory of a thousand others.  We have the assurance that He works at all times as we remember what He’s done for us.

What would you display in a museum of God’s faithfulness in your life? It’s worth thinking about.

“As Christians we need to know that God will continue to care for us, and that His continuing care is based not on our faithfulness but on His.” 

Mark Dever, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington DC

Chorus of the praise song "Goodness of God"

Bethel Music

"And all my life You have been faithful

And all my life You have been so, so good

With every breath that I am able

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God."

By His Grace . . .

What Now?

"They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him."

Psalm 92:14-15

 

Early morning fawn spotting has begun! I have had the joy of seeing a number of baby fawn since I started going out the 3rd week of May. The one above is enjoying its meal.

It's been unusually quiet as far as seeing deer. A slow start. 

"What now?" I chose for the title of this post. IThe question is concerning my picture taking. 've noticed in the past 2 to 3 years that I can't seem to get clear snaps. I thought it was my older camera, having dropped it a few times, so I bought a new one. But I'm still having the same trouble.

A friend gave me a bean bag support that steadies the camera, and it has helped some. But I'm just not getting those clear snaps.

I can only believe that as an older individual my hands just aren't as steady as they used to be. It's upsetting, but something I know I have to accept and live with. 

There is one thing that is better in old age. Your Christian understanding. If you've led your life for Jesus and tried to learn and grow and serve Him, you reach a time when the living of everyday life is easier because you've allowed Jesus to work in your life and help you to be steady and confident in your walk.

As I've written before, deep settled confidence in your faith will help you each day to remain calm and confident as you walk life's road. 

I'm thankful for all the years I've taken pictures and what I've been able to accomplish. It brought me such joy to be out and about in the early morning taking pictures of wildlife. especially when I see bear!

I will continue on with my annual picture taking mornings. I enjoy it too much to just stop doing it. And I will still try to get good, clear snaps. 

As we age, we must accept the changes that come in our body. Sometimes we can do something about the change, like stop eating food that our body cannot process anymore. There was a time that I proudly said, "If I can't eat chocolate anymore, there's no reason so live!" Half joking, half serious. But I'm adjusting to that change too.

God walks with us through our entire life, helping us to adjust to the changes that come and learning how to move past them so we can live each day to our fullest.

What now? I will let up on my disappointment and continue doing what I can. I can still drive a car and leave in the early morning and be out and about with God's creation. I'm thankful for that!

"Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life."

Proverbs 31

I can't honestly say my life has been righteous like the above verse says, but I do know I have tried my best, and believed and lived my faith. No matter what happens as I go along, whether fuzzy snaps or vanilla cookies instead of chocolate, my faith remains a deep settled confidence in my Lord and Savior.

I'm ready to go out again tomorrow morning!

By His Grace . . .