Tag: Glory

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The Eternal Internal Power

Dear Sister,

Don’t you just love stories of an underdog’s triumph? The poor, weak individual who overcomes great obstacles, finds strength, defeats the stronger foe, and stands on top with great victory and power at the end! All throughout, the storyline shows how the feeble character finds, develops, and builds their previously undiscovered power. These stories rarely fail to fire me up and cause me to dig deeper into my soul to conquer whatever challenge I face at the time. I. Will. Win.

But, then I read Jesus’ message: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” 2 Cor. 12:9b. This is still part of an underdog story, but it has a different ending. Instead of a vibrant winner (Paul, in this case) being carried jubilantly to the front of the church, a model of health, he continued to limp along in their midst. This ending is all the more significant because Jesus gets the glory. For, in spite of his ailment, and perhaps because of it, Jesus is seen in Paul’s actions—in his life. Jesus is glorified, not Paul.

I delight in precision, order, and perfection. I strive and goad myself to reach goals that have tangible evidence of success. Now, I am dismayed to find that I may have been investing a great amount of time ‘painting the outside’ and neglecting the much more important eternal inside. That is not to say our physical well-being, careers, and the state of our possessions do not matter; but they cannot compare to the value of our relationship with Christ. And, above all, all aspects of our lives should point to and give glory to our Lord and Savior.

If I am in the spotlight, beautiful and strong in my own right, I can distract others from the Lord. No, I can never take away from His glory, but I do not want to impede another’s access to our precious Savior, nor do I want to bask in that which is fleeting. So, while I do not want trials and struggles (here, I freely admit I am weak and treasure my creature comforts), I do echo Paul’s desire that Jesus’ power dwell in me. Lord, if You are glorified more because I suffer—please, grant me Your mercy and Your power to persevere and let this unworthy vessel shine transparent for You.

Stumbling with you,

 

Rebecca

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The Ultimate Power Keeper

Dear sisters,

My husband Barrett and I both stared open mouthed at our MacBook boxes. Our ambitions and hopes of joining the marvelous Mac world laid before us in pristine white boxes with the simple MacBook graphic displayed on the front. Barrett was drooling over the promise of quick access to all programs, graphics, artistic displays of all that the computer holds, photo booth, and popup apps. We slowly took out the smooth white laptop and marveled at the look and feel of the tool-toy. Yet, all our hopes would not come to fruition without one thing…pressing the power button. Once I found it (it looked completely different than I expected), the beauty and power of the Mac world opened up to me with a musical tah-dah! I have not been the same since.

Although this analogy is a bit silly and cheesy, it helps my simple mind to begin to grasp the power of God. The power of God is the ability and strength He can bring to pass whatever He pleases, whatever His infinite wisdom directs, and whatever His pure, infinite will demands. His power gives life and action to all the perfections of His Divine nature. He promised in the garden that He would crush Satan’s head. Without His power, that could never happen. Without His power, the Red Sea would never have been crossed, Sarah would never have had Isaac, the giant would not have been defeated, the promise of all His covenants would never be fulfilled, the Church would never last, and our sins would never be forgiven. Wow.

We have all made promises to people that have not come to pass because we didn’t have the power to complete them. Circumstances, events, or timing have kept us from fulfilling something we vowed to complete. But God’s power does not have limits like we do. He spoke…and the World was created. He rules in heaven with no need of man-made thrones, glories, or counsel. We have no power except what God has given us. In fact, He even gave the Holy Spirit to empower us to do things we can’t do in and of ourselves. We can’t claim any power that we may exhibit…even our lifting, running, and parenting power comes from God. God explained to Job His power when He asked Job a series of questions concerning creation in Job 38. Like Job, we should be speechless and humbled when faced with God’s power to do all His holy will. He has all power over creation, preservation, government, judgment, and Satan and his demons.

We have a choice then, sister: do we tremble at this power and run from it while we can? Or do we adore this God who is the ultimate power keeper? One who will never abuse power but uses it for good…our good and His glory! He used it to raise Jesus from the grave so our sins are forgiven for all time! Yes! He has the power to do this! And He did!

To return to the cheesy illustration above: Don’t just look at the MacBook box. Don’t just admire its feel, look, and abilities. Realize the real beauty comes in pressing the odd-looking power button which doesn’t look like all the others you have seen before. Like me, you will find that you will never be the same again.

Yours in Christ,

Colleen

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Glory Unto Glory

My dear sister,

I hope that this letter finds you well, and that the grace of God has overflowed into the hearts of others in your life. I know that at times when life is overwhelming it is difficult to see the hand of God working in our lives and hearts. Much less, His goodness and mercy towards us. Even though we can’t see, and we can’t feel His goodness it does not diminish the Truth that it does exist and it is real.

Two of my favorite Psalms are the Twenty third and the Twenty seventh. In each of them the Psalmist begins with the facts regarding our God: the “Shepard”, “Light”, “Strength”, “Salvation” and who we are in light of what He has done for us: “confident”, “restored”. But in rides the gruesomeness of life in this world “the valley of the shadow of death” and the “day of trouble” where the “wicked advance” against us. It is true that this world can be very ugly at times even downright wicked. We cause pain for others and in turn others cause us pain too. This truth reminds me of the saying “it is difficult to see the forest for the trees”. I become so focused on tree after tree after tree, that I miss the beauty of the whole forest. I miss the the completeness or totality of all the trees together.

The joy that I receive from the Psalms is that they never leave you in your miserableness. They inevitably round the bend where God’s shining glory causes the fear and angst of our hearts to arise out of the ashes to Praise Him! And what do we praise Him for? His goodness!

“I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord be strong and take heart, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

I know that it is hard to imagine at times but God’s goodness always (let me say that again) always prevails! Sweet friend, it is usually my own limited thoughts and experiences that get in the way of embracing this Truth. I see hurt, I see pain, I see destruction and I see plain ole offenses and wonder “How in the world is there goodness in that?” And yet, in the heart of flesh that God has graciously gifted me with I hear the whisper of His love say “Trust Me, it is good!”

I will be frank with you sister. There are times in my own arrogance I dare to debate with God and I say to Him, “This suffering, pain, selfishness or ugliness displayed is senseless! There is no reasonableness in those words or behavior! Show me Lord where Your goodness is resident! Because I cannot see it!” Then I am gently reminded that God’s goodness being “out of this world” cannot be seen in this world in which I live. Sometimes the good God has planned is for beyond this world and my own imaginings. It is what I call my reality (Oh, yeah I am but a vapor or dust moment) check!

I can trust His word and His word tells me that He is working (Romans 8:28) and that He does have my eternal good in mind in all things that affect me (His child). That eternal good is my transformation into the likeness of His Son (Romans 8:29), to which the final product is meant for His glory(Romans 8:30). So when I doubt or am feeling like debating over the lack of visible goodness in this world The Holy Spirit helps me to recall; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ” But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of The Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory just as by the Spirit of The Lord!” Now that’s what I call goodness!

I hope this small letter encourages you today as you look about to see God’s goodness and are struggling to actually see it! May He make you aware of His glory and of your future glory which is to behold Him in heaven. Trust Him, He is good! Take a moment to enjoy this video and May your heart be blessed!

 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pN4tPkX0MG0

Your Sister in Christ,

Susan

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Smell the Roses

I wasn’t looking forward to writing this letter to you, dear sister.  It wasn’t that I didn’t want to write but that I feel like the last thing I have wisdom in is seeking and having joy. I don’t feel joyful. Instead, I feel weak, angry, jaded, and even apathetic toward God and my faith. I find that I even brush away encouragement, preferring to selfishly insist on my own way and deal with certain situations on my own terms.

My dear sister, it is certainly easy to become discouraged in our walk with the Lord. We start to look at other people’s lives and say, “Why hasn’t that happened for me? Why is it that I’m not as strong as her? If I just had this one thing I would be happy, right?”

I’ve had to make a life-changing decision recently. I don’t particularly care for the permanence such decisions deliver. Having to choose between two distinct paths, knowing that to choose one is to forsake the other is slightly terrifying. So I’ve put off making a “real” decision. But now, certain events have demanded a legitimate answer to my painstaking question. What am I going to do?

As I began thinking through my decision, I realized that the decision I wanted to make and the decision I needed to make were not the same. I wanted to quit, to give up, and to run away. I kept telling myself it was too late for me to ever be “good enough.”

The decision I needed to make involves a lot of hard work, time, and discipline. My past never fails to remind me that I don’t have a good track record when it comes to discipline and perseverance. Why should this time be any different?

This dilemma has revealed one truth: I am weak. I am weak and I cannot be strong in my own power. But Nehemiah 8:10 reminds us, saying, “the joy of the Lord is our strength.”  While it is a comforting statement, it begs the question: how can I have strength, when I don’t have joy?

Joy comes from contemplating the beauty, glory, and love of God. How can we be sorrowful when pondering the majesty of a sunrise, or the might of the great oak trees? How can we be sad when we remember Christ’s sacrifice and His victory over sin and death? But I have neglected these wonders of late; my thoughts have fallen onto myself. Is it any wonder then that I have fallen into discontent and apathy?

To choose what I need over what I want may be the hardest thing I will ever have to do. But I know that what I need is what is ultimately going to bring glory to God. And contemplating that reality is what brings me joy, and in turn my strength.

I don’t know what you’re struggling with today, my dear sister, but in all things make sure you take the time to watch the sunset, revel in a thunderstorm, and well, smell the roses!

Pursuing a higher joy,

Kayla

 

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Parfait Please, With a Cherry On Top!

My Dear Sister,

Kindness is a delightful virtue that smiles often, never frowns, is not self-absorbed and  is always received with gladness and, sometimes, with surprise.  As a distinct fruit of the spirit, following a list of virtues—love, joy, peace and patience, (Galatians 2:22) kindness is the cherry on top of the parfait!

Kindness is the ignition to selfless, altruistic performance:  help for the helpless, provision for the needy, encouragement for the distressed, gentleness to the sarcastic.  Random acts of kindness are never counted or measured.  People just do them, for family and for strangers, stretching beyond their daily routine or work, sometimes incurring a financial expense, sometimes resulting in back pain and, yet, they expect nothing in return.  One does not even think about a simple kindness extended.  Small acts of kindness are as meaningful as any.  The loveliest aspect of kindness is that it is received and extended without expectation either way.  We all experience that feel good feeling from kindness, but we must never forget that kindness of every degree flows from the one source of true love—God!  Have you received kindness this week?  Have you extended kindness today sister?

You and I could always use an example to help us understand. God gives us a beautiful model of kindness in His word.  Consider the kindness of the Proverbs 31 Woman.  She exudes the virtue, doing her daily chores selflessly and joyously.  She rises early and retires late so that her day is long enough for her to pour out as many acts of kindness as possible: she works with her hand in delight (v. 13); she extends her hand to the poor, and stretches out her hands to the needy (v. 20); she opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue (v. 26).   Ah, that is it—she teaches kindness by her talk and her walk!

Dear sister would that my talk and walk were as drenched in kindness as hers!  Oh, I rise early and go to sleep late, but do I extend kindness in that time?  Am I wasting precious kindness opportunities by treating others as if they owe me something?  Do I create my agenda with a continuum of give me, get me, or do for me?

Recently, a man was featured on television for his commitment to one act of kindness daily; Just one act.  He was being admired and praised across the nation.  Imagine that—just one act of kindness!  Just ONE act of kindness, really?

As a Child of God, saved by His mercy and grace, it is my duty and privilege to live my life to His glory!  That means that my every moment should be one of obedience, selflessness, and praise to Him in everything that I do. There are so many ways to please God through kindness today, kindness done only in His presence. I can write a Get Well card.  I can sing a hymn while doing an unpleasant, neglected chore.  I can respond gently to a harsh word.  I can bless a homebound person with a phone call.  I can pray.

Oh, how I want to be a constant flowing fountain of kindness!  But I am not.  This is where I fall short of the glory of God.  Dear sister, please pray for me, that my daily tasks are not accompanied by resentment, that my contributions to the poor and needy are done without fanfare, and that what I say is never abrupt or hurtful.  Pray that the seed of kindness that was planted in me by God’s grace would begin to grow and blossom. I want to extend as much kindness as the Lord will permit—to my husband, to my family, to my friends, even to those who dislike me.

Proverbs 31 ends with praise for the woman who fears the Lord.  May this holy fear be ours today with praise to God in every kindness that pours from our being.

Kindness is such sweet fruit.  Like the cherry on a parfait!

With Love in our Kind Jesus,

Mimi