Strength for Today

1 Samuel 30:6 “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Strength for each day comes only from the Lord. No pill, smoothie, supplement, exercise, self-help book or guru gives strength, encouragement and fortitude in the face of anguish and distress.

1 Samuel chapter 30 finds David in grave danger of being stoned to death by the very men whom he led! He was in “much distress” and grief. His wives, along with the wives and children of his men, had been captured by a raiding party and carted off by their captors while David and his men were away in battle.  Now David’s men were threatening to kill him. His own men whom he provided for, sheltered and had led in numerous victories, turned on him at a time when he also needed comfort. 

His response?

• He “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” Verse 6 
• Then he inquired of the Lord as to what he should do. Verse 8
• He did what the Lord showed him. Verse 9
•  And he gave glory to God for victory. Verse 23

What can I learn from this?

No matter the grief or trial,

                I have no need to fear

For God, my strength and fortress,

                Has promised He will hear.

If I will call on Him in prayer,

                He’ll show me what to do.

When in obedience, I trust Him,

                His strength will get me through.

Then I will give Him all the glory,

                Give Him all the praise.

For He, in mercy and great love,

                Has seen me through tough days.

How about you? Where do you find strength for each day?

“Discouragement turns to encouragement when we look away from our circumstances and focus our eyes upon the Lord.” (Mildred Stamm, Meditation Moments)

Remember when...

I’ve been skipping down memory lane these past few days.  It’s funny how much we forget in the busy dailyness of living but, when once reminded, we are transported back to “remember when?”

And so, this Mothers’ Day, I challenge you to remember when …

You were hurting and she kissed it to make it better.

You were sick and she fed you chicken soup and ginger ale.

You had nightmares and she got up in the middle of the night and prayed with you, then stayed with you until you fell back asleep.

She made you breakfast in the mornings, packed your lunch for school, and insisted on family suppers at 5:30.

She was there to help you with your homework.

She went to your school programs and cheered you on in your endeavors.

She got up early to put turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving dinner, and stayed up late on Christmas Eve wrapping presents to put under the tree.

She taught you right from wrong and corrected you when you needed it.

She taught you to say “please” and “thank you.”

She talked to God about you - and to you about God.

And when it was time to let you go, she did – to school, to work, to a home of your own, to another state and to another country.

She visited you and she loved the ones you loved.

And she did it all without complaining – because she loved you.

Remember when?

Thanks, Mom, for all you did with me and for me.  I miss you and I thank God for you. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

Proverbs 31:28-29

Early Years

This week it’s been 4 years since death took her from us. I found myself walking down memory lane, and once again thanking God for the Mom he gave me. It’s appropriate that as Mothers’ day and Mom’s birthday approach, I put words to the thoughts circling around in my head.

Life with Mom in the Early Years.

As a child I didn’t always appreciate mom, especially when I was in trouble, or if I felt like she was being too strict. She made us work helping around the house, doing the dishes and other chores – no excuses.  It’s what family did.  I can still hear her saying, “You can do it and be miserable, or you can do it and be happy. Either way you’re going to do it, so you just might as well be happy!”

She had this poem right over the kitchen sink. I saw it so many times it is engraved on my memory.

“Thank God for dirty dishes.

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We’re eating very well.

With home, and health and happiness

I shouldn’t want to fuss.

For by this stack of evidence,

God’s been good to us.”

- Author unknown

Complaining wasn’t tolerated and there was no sympathy for whining. Of course if we were hurt we could cry, but not for long!

If we got in trouble at school, we were in trouble at home afterwards! And no blaming the teacher! We were held accountable for our actions and expected to behave ourselves.

Birthdays and Christmas were a big deal. And Mom made them special. She also wanted to ‘be fair’, making sure we each got the same number of gifts, no matter if they were socks or books or some other small thing. She liked to celebrate. Mom loved to read and she passed her love of reading on to us. Every celebration was an occasion to give us books. And we always had to write thank you notes for gifts we received from others. 

Church was not optional. If there were services, we were going. And we’d better sit quietly and pay attention.  Attendance on Sunday morning (Sunday school and church service), Sunday evening (Youth group and church service), and Wednesday prayer meeting were the norm.  If we misbehaved during church we were sure to hear about it afterward! The Bible was to be listened to, read, respected, obeyed and memorized.

Ministry was a family affair.  Sometimes mom brought work home from the office, stuffing missionary letters into envelopes and such, and we’d all sit around the table after dinner and get it done. We were expected to understand that sometimes mom or dad, or both, had evening meetings to go to. And sometimes they brought people home with them and it was expected that we would be friendly, hospitable and respectful to guests.  Dad preached at various churches and when he was a guest speaker he’d often take my brothers and me along as the “special music.” I was scared to be up there, on the platform in front of people, but that didn’t matter and I got over it. And every summer we moved onto the Bible Camp grounds where Dad was the camp director.

Supper was always at 5:30 and we were to be there, early if possible so we could set the table and help get it on. We ate what she put on the table, like it or not. Thankfully, mom was a good cook! And we cleared the table and cleaned up afterwards, right after Dad got out the Bible and read for family devotions.  

And what did I learn from all that?

·         That I was loved.

·         To work hard.

·         To be appropriately tough.

·         To take personal responsibility for my own actions.

·         To love books.

·         To celebrate.

·         To respect others.

·         That people are more important than things.

·         That church is a vital part of Christian growth and experience.

·         To love God and His Word.

·         That all those verses I memorized as a child are still in my heart today.

·         That being on a platform in front of people is no big deal.

·         That family is important.

·         To appreciate what God gives us and express thankfulness.

There’s so much more to say, but maybe that’s enough for a first installment.

Thanks, Mom, for all that you taught me, and for how much you loved me.

I love you and miss you.

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,

But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” 

Proverbs 31:30

JOY

“…The Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

  

  

Today I’m choosing joy! I opened Facebook this morning and read lyrics to the song, “Joy of the Lord” by Rend Collective. Since the group was new to me, I went to Youtube and listened to the whole song.  I’ll be listening to more of their music in the future.

I particularly love how this song dispels a commonly held mistaken idea that joy comes from our circumstances.  Consider the opening words, “Though the tears may fall my song will rise my song will rise to You. Though my heart may fail my song will rise, my song will rise to You. While there's breath in my lungs I will praise you Lord.” 

Praising God is a decision! And where does the strength to make such a decision come from?   The song’s refrain quotes from the words of Nehemiah to the people of Israel.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength. The joy of the Lord is my strength.  In the darkness I’ll dance.  In the shadows I’ll sing. The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

Then this afternoon I stopped at an estate sale and found this.

The tomb – a place of sadness and mourning, yet emerging from the tomb, the One who fills our hearts with JOY.

I have this spice tin in my kitchen.

 It's a reminder to put joy into everything we do.

Seeing it is a reminder of my dear friend, Joyce Baer, a missionary we served with in Africa. She lived joyfully and she helped others praise God in difficult times. After leaving Africa, she sold these little spice tins, each with a message.  I was privileged to acquire some.

And see that little girl on the tin?

I want to be her.

I want to exude joy, 

True joy, 

Joy that comes from the heart

Because of Jesus.  

Joyfully,

Ruth

Oh, and if you haven’t done it yet, check out “Joy of the Lord” by Rend Collective on YouTube.

       

Safe Landing

"Jesus Christ is not my security against the storms of life,  but He is my perfect security in the storms. He has never promised me an easy passage, only a safe landing." 

(From Streams in the Desert)

No easy passage is guaranteed, but we can have a safe landing in a promised destination.

What a comforting statement!

Many miles of travel has reinforced for me the importance of safe arrival at the desired location. And as it is true for travel, it is especially true in this journey of life.

For some, the path is long and for some it is short. 

One of my favorite quotes is one by Dave Dravecky, 

"The length of our journey never alters the reality of our destination." 

The true path is narrow and there are obstacles and distractions along the way.  

But we can know that we will arrive at the promised destination if we follow the guide! 

He knows the way, 

He IS the way.

Without Him we are hopelessly lost.
With Him we have a safe landing.

Walk with me today, Lord Jesus,

     and I'll walk with you.

Talk to me today, dear Father.

     Tell me what to do.

Keep me on the narrow path

     when my feet are prone to wander.

Help me focus on the truth

     and my home up yonder -

Where the sadness and the sorrows of this life will be no more,

Where my eyes will be beholding the One we now adore. 

And forever reunited with those who've gone before,

We will worship at the feet of Him -

The Life,

The Truth,

The Door. 

Thank you, Father, that we can know the way because of Jesus.

Satisfying the Multitude

This month found me reading and re-reading events surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. As Mark records the incident of Jesus on trial before Pilate, he writes these troubling words. “Wishing to satisfy the multitude, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15, NASB)  Or, as the New King James Version states, Pilate wanted to “gratify the crowd.” 

And we know how that turned out!

Satisfying the demands of the multitude sometimes leads to devastating consequences.

And this made me wonder if there have been times I’ve gone against conviction to “satisfy” or “gratify” the demands of others.

And if so, why?  

     Because it’s easier?  

     Because being one voice can feel ineffective, even frightening, against other strident                        dissenting voices? 

     Because it may cost me something to go against the crowd?

     Because standing up for truth is becoming increasingly unpopular?

In today’s cultural climate it is not always easy to be one voice.

When the world calls right wrong and wrong right,

When conviction is viewed as intolerance and bigotry,

When truth is labeled hate-speech – it may be easier to “gratify the crowd.”

But – at what cost?

In the case of Jesus before Pilate, we know God had it covered.

That God’s will and mission will not be thwarted.

But we have to live with our choices and the words we speak or don’t speak.

May God give us courage to stand up for right even when it goes against the crowd. And to make the choices that point others to the Savior of the world. 

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart 

be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer."

 Psalm 19:14

The Day After

  

Was it a day like today – gloomy, rainy, depressing, dark?  It could have been. 

For some it was a day of intense sorrow and mourning mixed with fear.  

The One they followed and loved, the One they gave the last three years of their lives to, the One in whom they had placed their hopes and dreams of a glorious future –

Jesus - was dead.

The cross was empty 

but the tomb was full. 

And now, where was their hope for the future?

For others it was just another day.

One more criminal put to death on a cross outside the city.

Business as usual.

It wasn’t going to affect them much if one more person died.

It’s not much different today.

The significance of the cross is lost on some.

Lives go on, unaffected by the sacrifice.

But for the believer –

the cross changed everything!

Satisfying the justice of a holy God, 

the cross bridged the uncrossable gap between God and man.

We can be forgiven because one day over 2000 years ago Jesus paid the price.

Forgiveness is extended because of the cross.

But the hope of life eternal?   

That came the next day!  

Nothing But The Blood  -  Words & Music: Ro­bert Low­ry, 1876

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

           Oh! precious is the flow
           That makes me white as snow;
           No other fount I know,
           Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Thankful for the cross.

On the night he was betrayed ...

Reading the Gospel account of the Easter Story I am struck anew by the myriad of emotions beginning with that night - the night they took him:

- Hostility from those who came with swords and clubs to take him from the garden where he prayed

- Deceitfulness of the betrayer

- Misplaced courage of the disciple who lashed out with the sword

-Fear of the disciples who “forsook him and fled”

-Hatred of those who spit on him, struck and mocked him as he was questioned by the high priest

-Fear that gripped Peter when he was identified as a follower of Jesus, fear leading to his denials and bitter weeping.

And through it all – the calm voice of the Savior – the one really in charge!

“The hour is at hand…

Let us go…

The betrayer is at hand…”

“Friend, why are you here?”  (spoken to the betrayer)

“Put up your sword.” (to the would-be defender)

“I could ask my Father and he would send more than 12 legions of angels to defend me – but Scripture must be fulfilled.”

And to the mob, “Do you come with swords and clubs to take me like a thief, when I was with you teaching every day in the temple and you didn’t take me then?”

And before the high priest, he calmly “held his peace.” He responded to the questions with simple honesty, though he knew he would be condemned by his answer when asked if he was the Christ.

“Thou hast said; nevertheless hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

Jesus spoke truth – fully aware of the consequence – aware that the truth would incite more hatred towards him. Yet he was fully in charge even when bound and “led away.”

He knew power was available to save him – power that could wipe out the lying, deceiving accusers who opposed him. He knew he could be vindicated in the eyes of everyone.

But he set aside his own self-justification to provide a way for us to be justified.
And that way led to the cross. 

Early in the Morning

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice;

In the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3

What is it about early morning that makes it easier to draw close to God?

Maybe it’s the quiet peaceful calm before the bustling activity of the day.

Or before the noise of a wide-awake world hurrying to get to the next place, do the next thing, and accomplish the next endeavor clangs into our consciousness.

Or before the demand of the urgent, knocking so loudly, drowns out the still, small whisper of His voice.

Ah! The blissful strengthening balm of early morning moments with Jesus infuses peace and calm and courage. Holy moments bring order to a day that otherwise might deteriorate into chaotic disarray.Priorities are set, perspective is established, and the day comes to order.

The writer of the Gospel of Mark records at least four things that happened early in the morning:

Mark 1:35 Very early, while it was still dark, Jesus went to a solitary place and prayed.

Mark 15:1 Very early in the morning the religious leaders made their plans, bound Jesus and handed Him over to Pilate.

Mark 16:1-2 Very early on the first day of the week the women went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus.   

Mark 16:9 Jesus rose from the tomb early on the first day of the week.

Jesus’ work and the devil’s work began early in the morning. It’s best we are with Him at that time of day.  Jesus was praying. He was active. His followers were seeking him!

Satan was active also, filling men’s hearts with evil murderous plans. 

God, I want my day to be ordered by You – my plans to be Your plans.

Early I want to be seeking You.

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You…” Psalm 63:1(a) NKJV

Birthday Musings

Mom, my brothers, and me.

February is one of those months that make me think of Mom, especially today, my birthday.  I am grateful that she had me, that she didn’t stop having babies after my brothers were born. I remember her telling me that the doctor said if she wanted more children not to delay, so I was born less than two years after my brother Paul. I was her last baby.

I think children never fully appreciate their mothers until they become parents themselves. It’s only then that they know the sacrifices, the love, the pain and the joys of parenthood. Mothers are so often taken for granted. There is the assumption that they will always be there, always available, always know what to do. But that’s not true. Somehow mothers aren’t supposed to feel deeply or wound easily. But they do.

Mothers so often set aside their own desires and needs, putting themselves last for the sake of the children. Mothers don’t always know what to do, can’t always fix everything, and need sleep! They do the best they can and somehow, by the grace of God, the children reach adulthood and the cycle continues.

Today, Mom, I think of you. I wanted to go to your house for roast beef after church. I wanted to tell you how much I love you. I wanted to thank you for everything you did for me all those years. I am grateful. 

Somehow I think you know.  But if not, I’ll see you again someday and I’ll tell you then. 

Won’t Heaven be wonderful!

My Verse and Prayer for today

"For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." Psalm 26:3

Today, Lord, help me to take special notice of Your lovingkindness. All around me I should see (if I pay attention) ways that You act in lovingkindness toward me. Help me keep my eyes on You so that I do not become distracted by worldly endeavors. Please show me where to go, what to do, who to encourage. May I be Your instrument of blessing today.
Please bless those who are discouraged,
Revive the tired,
Comfort the grieving,
Strengthen the weak.
You, Almighty God, are all we need today.
Your arms uphold us,
Your truth guides us,
Your loving kindness envelopes us,
Your grace forgives us,
Your peace sustains us.
Without You we can do nothing,
With You all things are possible.
Thank you, Lord Jesus.
May I be Your obedient servant.
I go now in the confidence of your love.
Amen.

More Treasures to Ponder (Part 2)

If you read my last post of 2015, Treasures to Ponder, you may recall that I ended the year encouraging us to ponder treasured memories as did Mary, the mother of Jesus.
If you haven't read that post, go back and read it!

Luke 2:51 "And his mother treasured all these things in her heart."

To the treasures already stored there:
The angel's pronouncement of the miraculous conception,
Jesus birth in Bethlehem,
Announcement of the heavenly host,
And the arrival of the shepherds,
Mary added even more moments to ponder.
The prophetic words of Simeon, "My eyes have seen the Salvation which thou has prepared in the presence of all peoples, a Light of revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel." (verses 29-35)
The thankful praise of Anna, (verses 36-38)
Jesus' growth in wisdom with the grace of God on Him (verse 40)
His conversations at age 12 with the religious teachers who were amazed at his understanding and his answers (verse 47),
His response to Mary's question, "Son, why have you treated us like this - we've been anxiously looking for you," to which he replied, "Did you not know that I had to be in my Father's house?" (verse 49)

Mary's heart must have been full with the treasures of those first 12 years, as she was continually reminded that the future was totally out of her hands and up to God.
Just like ours!
We have memories to treasure, great things God has already done and mysteries we don't understand. Whether walking through the uncertainties of the here and now, or anxiously looking ahead to the perplexities of the future we can pull the treasures out of the memory box and be assured:

1. He is faithful
2. His Word is Truth
3. His will cannot be thwarted
4. God will make a way

Thank you, Father, for the treasured memories.
You have led us, provided for and protected us.
You have carried us through the valley of the shadow of death and have comforted us.
You have given your peace.
Thank you for the power of your forgiveness, your grace, your love.
Make me more like your Son, Jesus.
As we move ahead into this New year, help me whatever the circumstance to reflect the Son!

As you recall your treasured memories what will your prayer be for 2016?

Happy New Year!
May it be filled with many moments to treasure.