Belief in God's love {our fuel for the joy battle}

Weary in many ways, we walked into the church service yesterday and were greeted by a group of precious elementary aged children singing Jesus Loves Me. It had been so long since I'd heard those words, or rather, since I'd really listened. Their sweet introduction led the congregation into Tomlin's worship song with the same title, and I fought to hold the tears back. Sometimes life just feels like a fight, and without the proper fuel and armor, we are left naked in the battle. I was fueled by that simple reminder of God's love, and ironically, didn't hear much more of the service because I was not feeling well. God knew that, of course.

In her new book, Fight Back With Joy, author Margaret Feinberg drills down to the source of the joy we all long for, especially as we face trials: 

What is the genesis of this joy? I believe that, at its core, joy emanates from the abiding sense of God’s fierce love for us….When we embrace this love and cultivate an awareness of it, our hearts are filled with joy. Such awareness strengthens our resolve that no matter the fight, we face it confident that God is with us and for us. When we fight back with joy, we no longer size the character of God according to our circumstances, but we size our circumstances according to the character of God and his great affection for us… When we fight back with joy, we embrace a reality that is more real than what we’re enduring and we awaken to the deepest reality of our identity as beloved, joyful children of God."

I couldn't agree more! I have fought this battle to embrace God's love. In fact, it's at the core of my story. Letting go of my perfectionistic tendencies, and finding my hope and help in Christ, rather than my own abilities, has changed me body, mind and soul. No longer must I find my confidence in what others think of me, my achievements, or any other shaky ground. The firm foundation of God's love is the basis for the joy I experience now, and that can never be shaken.

I am a firm believer in the holistic nature of our body, mind and spirit, and passionate about encouraging women (and men) to pursue health and vitality that will encompass every part of their being. Joy is no small part of this pursuit towards wellness. The author knows this quite well, as she details in her book. She chose JOY to lead her fight against a cancer diagnosis, and surprised many at what a profound impact that choice made. We are not guaranteed health and wellness simply because we follow Christ, however, choosing to fight for joy can be one part of the remedy that leads us back to health in body, mind and soul. 

God finds delight in us, and delights to show up in our daily mundane schedule, often in remarkable ways. I have experienced the delight of this daily joy hunt over the last few years, and have seen what a profound impact that has had on every area of my life, health, relationships, and faith. Are we looking for God to show up? Are we creating, gathering, and spreading joy? This is part of 'cultivating an awareness of God's love', as mentioned in the quote above. I'd argue that self-care is part of that cultivation as well (but more on that in another post.)

Many of you may not believe that joy is a struggle for me, as I'll most likely greet you with a huge smile and a big hug, and have been told on numerous occasions what a joyful person I am. Hearing those comments brings ME joy, because it doesn't come easy. For any of you who have faced painful trials, you know the real depth of darkness they bring. I am not a stranger to that darkness. Perhaps you are in that place now, whether it is brought on by physical issues, life circumstances, or a struggle of faith.

It is so easy to give in to despair when life is hard, instead of seizing the day or rejoicing in the Lord, as the Word commands on numerous occasions. A former pastor often reminded us to avoid the Eeyore - Christian mentality (Eeyore is the pessimistic, stuffed donkey friend of Winnie the Pooh, if you're not up on children's literature :). In the words of C.S. Lewis, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." Our response to what life throws us will not only affect our lives, but those of onlookers. But don't take my word for it... pick up Feinberg's book, and dive into the meat of her search through hundreds of Scriptures on joy.

As Feinberg says, "Joy is more than a feeling; it's an action. We don't just sense joy; we embody it by how we respond to the circumstances before us." If you're facing any kind of darkness, or know someone who is, I'd highly recommend you pick up this book! Let that be your first action in the fight for joy. And then join me (and the author) in spreading that joy everywhere you go... it's contagious and irresistible!

Find Fight Back with Joy on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Or click here for the 6-session DVD Bible study, sure to encourage and inspire!

When a hard story is the best story // keeping your heart alive to hope

Sweet friends. You've stopped in again to let me open up my heart and share the good news of the Gospel in the midst of our brokenness. Perhaps you've seen bits and pieces of the story the Divine Author has written across the pages of our one flesh life this year. The job loss, the weeks of travel, the moments of joy and reconnection with family, the darkness of losing a mother I never knew but gave me so much in Paul, the renewed desire to give our lives fully to vocational ministry, the desire for little ones, new and unexpected callings, moving a-g-a-i-n, and the unforgettable brilliance of Grace in the midst of it all. It has been an uphill, tearful, and yet joyful season. I am quickly reminded of the Cross as I write, the Story of Grace in the midst of darkness, as the story His followers thought should be written one way had a dramatic, painful, and yet gloriously eternal and necessary twist. It was the hardest and best Story ever to be written.

Perhaps you are living a hard story, a painful story that you never wanted and would gladly write yourself out of if you could, yesterday. I know. I've been there. In some ways, I am there. And yet, it's in these dark and confusing moments where we find the deepest Grace, the most profound connections with those we love, and the most dramatic growth possible. There's no other way to move forward sometimes, except through the darkest valleys. We all live for the happy days, the days when life 'makes sense' (at least to us). We see the wicked flourish, the unlikely prosper, the ungrateful and selfish expand their broken families endlessly. Disease abounds, governments make unwise decisions, women make choices that bring death and not the freedom they crave.

And yet. Or rather, but God.... This masterful HIS-story maker and life-story production manager is at work writing an epic story through our brokenness. He is turning the effects of the fall, our sin and the broken systems in which we live into something glorious, beautiful and breathtaking. If you are written into His eternal playbook as His adopted child it's happening in your home, closer yet, in your very heart. Pretty amazing, I think!!

But it hurts. It really hurts. Some days, who am I kidding, most days, it is easier to distract ourselves from the pain with anything that works... could be something harmless, could be something damaging and deadly. You know what your go-to method is. To be clear, finding ways to lift our hearts and bring us joy in good and godly ways is not to be denied. In fact, we are called to rest and allow our hearts space to breathe. God often allows pain to heal our hearts. The pain could be a result of our sin choices, the sin of others, or the brokenness we daily face because of the fall in the Garden (See Genesis 3). Life just doesn't work the way it was meant to. Are there good and healthy ways to keep our hearts alive but at the same time not ignore the deeper work going on within us?

What happens to our hearts when life hurts? Does our heart stay alive to hope or does it slowing stop beating? Do our relationships die or do they grow stronger? Do our callings become stronger and more obvious, or do our dreams slowly die? This is where the battle lies, and the enemy wants nothing more than to turn our hearts to stone...to kill, steal, and destroy the life that is growing within us as we are daily renewed in Christ. How do we fight for our own hearts, and the hearts of those we love to keep beating with purpose, joy, conviction, and intentional focus on Gospel living?  There are never easy answers. At least I haven't come up with any! But looking to the ancient paths given by our Maker are the surest ways to lasting hope and joy. May I humbly encourage...

~ The Living Word. Ingest it in small amounts, big amounts, listen on audio, read online, read the old-fashioned hardbound, read it in Spanish or Greek. However you can get His words into your soul, please DO. The Psalms bring me relief in hardship like nothing else. Read good Christian books, fiction too!

~ Pray & confess. With a friend, as you shower, as you cry, give kisses, wash dishes, or wish the day would end. Pray honestly, one word at a time if needed.

~ Be thankful. There are apps, there are notebooks, you can text it to your friend, or post it on FaceBook, or across the sky. But thankfulness will breathe life into your otherwise dreary day as few other things will. Ask God to help you when you're not thankful, and thanking Him for the Grace He gave on the Cross is a good place to start.

~ Honesty. With your spouse, a friend, yourself. There's no need to look pretty when life is messy. I've tried it - with horrible results!! I like the Day One app for a place to record my thoughts and prayers.

~ Care for your temple (Romans 12:1-2). Sleep, eat your veggies, take a walk or yoga class. Taking care of yourself, even when you don't feel like it, will reap huge dividends. I find that taking care of myself physically and emotionally reminds me of my worth in Christ. You are worth the effort, friends! But - ahem - dark chocolate might help too!

~ Give yourself extra grace. Being hard on yourself when life is hard is just...pointless! But we all do it. God is looking at you with deep compassion even if you've made bad choices to get you where you are right now. Beating yourself up in the midst of your struggles will just compound the difficulties.

~ Fellowship. Hold onto friends and family. Tightly. Look for every chance you can to spend a moment together with someone you love, whether on the phone, over coffee, a movie night, doing chores, whatever! Don't be afraid to reach out to someone new - I'll bet he/ she needs a friend as much as you do, and sharing your struggles honestly will open up more of your heart as well as theirs.

~ Look to eternity. If you are His child, all pain and tears will pass away, and our joy in Christ will far outweigh the pain and suffering of this life. I know very well how hard it is to wrap your mind around this truth, so ask God to help you live with eternal hope. Preaching it to myself as I type!

~ Find rest in the fellowship of His suffering, knowing you will never face the depth of pain and sacrifice that He bore for your sins, but that He is also a gracious High Priest who understands. He will meet you there, in deep and profound ways.

I recently started reading The Hardest Peace and have been so deeply moved and impacted by Kara's words. One point in particular that blessed me immensely are her comments concerning Proverbs 1:33, and the promise that as we rest in Him, He will remove not the disaster, but the dread of the disaster. Fear causes us to live in agony as we imagine the impossibility of future circumstances (often not imagining the God of Abundant Grace with us there!) But He will keep you in perfect peace as you turn to Him, as you walk the ancient paths... slowly replacing fear of pain, with faith in the One who suffered the deepest pain.

Fighting for our hearts,

Ruth

TGC Women's Conference: Part 2

UPDATE:  Video and Audio from the conference are now available!  click here...

Hello blog friends!  'Just finished reading Ephesians 1-2, and the beautiful language there which describes our salvation and inheritance in Christ.  Take a look if you haven't read it in a while. :)  But this jogged my memory, reminding me of all I learned at the TGC conference a couple of weeks ago.  A few key things have stayed with me from that time, and sharing them with you here may be good for me (and maybe you?)

Our weekend-long journey through the redemption story began with Pastor Tim Keller's Friday evening plenary session, with a talk centering on Moses' encounter with God on Mt. Sinai.  Paige Benton Brown moved us from the mount, to the OT temple, and God's promise to dwell among us.  On Saturday morning, we began with the Getty's modern day hymns (check them out here)...followed by a talk by John Piper on Isaiah 6, which was particularly moving.

"Holiness is Christ's infinite worth, when on display, it is His glory...His holiness has gone public."--John Piper, on holiness

What a challenge to have to choose between many wonderful speakers for our break-out sessions Saturday afternoon!  But Lord willing (amidst a busy week of packing and lesson planning...) I will get back for Part 3 of this series, in which I will share a few nuggets I picked up from those sessions.

Kathleen Nielson--source

I want to leave you with some thoughts from my FAVORITE talk from the entire weekend...I can't wait for this talk to be posted on the TGC page so you may listen for yourself!  (I'm sure I won't do it justice...but will try :) ).  Kathleen Nielson was so kind to spear-head the organization of this lovely conference, but she also brought one of the final talks and it pierced the hearts of so many.

Her words have stuck with me since that weekend, as I've gone through my day, spent time in prayer, and interacted with others.  Her text was Revelation 4-5, with this main theme:  The Creator, Redeemer God reigns....worship Him!  Perhaps you, like me, approach this book with a bit of trepidation.  However, Nielson's explanation of the symbols found in the book was very helpful: the throne of God at the center of all, the reflective beauty of the stones, the colors which show His majesty and glory, etc.  We imagined with her, the 24 elders sitting around the throne, the lightening flashes, the torches of fire, and the sea of glass.  Add to this the 4 creatures....and you have a pretty dramatic scene.  But her emphasis was not on FEAR, as it is for many, but on AWE and WORSHIP.  Yes, we do tremble, as Isaiah did here, but having studied the indwelling God all weekend, and then to hear this culminating talk on His greatness displayed in the throne room....I was brought to my knees in grateful praise (okay, I was still sitting, but you get the point :) ).

The first chapter of the text, chapter 4, is intended to lay the foundation for what will happen in chapter 5, and at this point, I felt like I was right there, watching it all happen.  (I was going to thank Kathleen here, just now...but the inspired Word and our Great God are to be praised!) The drama created in chapter 5, as the scroll in God's right hand is mentioned, and then horror at the thought of NO ONE being able to open it, well that kept me at the edge of my seat.  This is better than any box-office hit we have today!  But I won't spoil it for you....go and read the two chapters yourself.  PS--it's a good ending.  Really good!  And it has caused me to worship God with a glad heart this past couple of weeks, humble myself in His presence, and thank Him, that He would stoop down to choose us, to choose me, knowing my sin and weakness.

Praise be to our Almighty and Gracious God!

[One more to come in this series...and be sure to keep checking the TGC website for the videos, which were promised to be coming soon!]

Blessings
Ruth :)

When You're Waiting for Redemption

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You've waited.  And waited.  To see your story turned around.  To see God bring good out of your suffering.  To know God's love in the depths of your heart.  What can you cling to?  Is there really hope that God will in fact work all things together for your good (Romans 8:28)?  YES, there is.  I have struggled with this very thing myself.  But I have slowly, with time and patience, seen God work my messes into good, beautiful things in my life.  And you will too.

Yesterday I came across this passage in a new study I am doing, and wanted to share it with you.  I hope you are encouraged.

1 Peter 5: 10:  "Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.  To Him be the dominion forever.  Amen."

Wow.  Talk about a powerful passage!  I am struck by this word:  personally.  Christ Jesus will PERSONALLY restore, establish, strengthen, and support you....  It sunk deep into my soul as I read this yesterday, and was again reminded of the immanent nature of our dear Lord.  He does not stand afar off, send His angels to do His dirty work, and wipe His hands of our messes.  No, He rolls up His sleeves, and jumps into the pit we are in, pulling us out by His own mighty hand.  I have discussed this here as well, but you can refer to Psalm 18 for more on this (another favorite passage of mine!)  :)

Meditate, if you will, on each word that God promises to fulfill:  He will personally RESTORE, ESTABLISH, STRENGTHEN, and SUPPORT you.  Is that not amazing!?!  Those are things that our hearts all long for when we are whipped around by the swirling winds of trials, when our minds, hearts and souls lack peace and comfort.  But here He promises to make everything beautiful in its time.

I also noticed this part of the verse:  'after you have suffered a little.'  Ha, you scoff!  'You don't understand what I've been through.'  And I probably don't.  But I too, have suffered great trials, and know the Word tells me that they are nothing, compared to the glory we will experience in our eternal home, heaven.  All the pain will one day pass away my friend, and you will be basking in the glory of your Savior.

So hold on tight to our God.  He is holding you even if your grasp slips, holding you tightly, and nothing can separate you from His love.

Your sister,

Ruth

The Struggle to Wait, and What to Do in the Meantime?

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I sat at our kitchen table earlier this week, with my head in my hands....tears rolled down my face and I didn't understand why.  The guest on the radio program spoke directly to my heart as she prayed....she didn't know it of course.  And though I busied myself later in the day, I still wondered what had happened to bring on those tears.

It wasn't until after a conversation with a friend, that I started to understand.  I felt silly bringing up the same issues in conversation, as I had in the past, but she patiently listened.  I was having trouble making sense of my feelings.  They were all tied up inside of me, and the words came with difficulty as I tried to express myself.  I left feeling just as confused.  But as I sat down to do my Bible study for the week, the verses all spoke to me of the same thing:  waiting.

It can be a dreaded word to many, whether it's waiting for something big, like marriage, or a child, or something like a test result or paycheck.  A call from a friend or a response from your spouse can cause waiting as well.  Even more, we all know the agony of waiting for God to change us or someone else in our lives.  But as I sat around the table with some very lovely ladies today, and listened to their wisdom, the words of this passage comforted me:

Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)

 He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.
 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
 But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.

In the HCSB, wait is translated as 'trust' and in the NIV it is 'hope'....I like the word wait, as it applies to our conversation here, but 'trust' and 'hope' give us clues about what we can do while in our holy waiting rooms.  :)  Here are some things that stick out to me as I look at this passage.

~We are called to wait 'on the Lord'....waiting is hard, but when we lose sight of who we are waiting on, ie. get our eyes off of God, it becomes harder to wait with a godly attitude.  I find this so hard to do....the perseverance required to wait with a joyful heart is pretty intense sometimes!  But when I put my confidence in God's perfect character, and remember that He is at work behind the scenes, I am comforted.

~We are called to trust....oh how often we forfeit the peace that is offered us because we don't trust in the Lord.  I am guilty in this regard as well!  This passage encourages me that I will experience great peace, perfect peace, if I keep my mind fixed on my Savior.  He is trustworthy in all things!  When I think of what it means to trust, I think of individuals that I trust, like my husband.  I have full confidence in him and his abilities, so it is easy to share all of my life with him.  How much more so, to share everything in prayer with our Creator, Friend, and the Lover of our Souls?  We can lay down our burdens and leave them at the altar.

~We are called to hope....The topic of hope is such a big one, and in this day and age, very few people have a deep understanding of this word.  We use it in our everyday language, hoping for trivial things as we come and go, when the hope we all crave is only found in Christ.  What a great hope we have!  I am challenged as I write this, to place my hope more fully in Jesus, and to allow Him to reveal areas where I am hoping in lesser gods.  I pray you might open yourself up to that process as well, as there is so much joy there!

Be encouraged as you wait, my friend, and know that our daily redemption, and eternal redemption, is being worked out as we wait {even if impatiently!}  When we are with Jesus for eternity in heaven, these days of waiting will be a drop in the bucket.

Ruth

Who I Am In Christ: United with Him

Becoming one with a wonderful man!

The dust had settled, the presents were unwrapped, and the thank you notes had been sent...but though the wedding festivities were over, the good work of becoming one had just started.  We got married at an older age (no we're not THAT old! :) but we weren't fresh out of college, so I wasn't sure how difficult the process of becoming one might prove to be.  And let me tell you, there were definitely things to work through:  how we washed the dishes, who paid the bills, how much and where we would both work, where we would live, go to church, and a host of other things.  But it has been an adventure that I wouldn't have passed up for anything....and we're going to be working on this beautiful process until Jesus takes us home.  


The process of becoming one with a spouse reminds me of the process we go through as believers, in becoming one with Christ.  We read in 1 Corinthians 6:17 (HCSB):  But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him....and I think of the 'already, not yet' reality in both marriage and our sanctification.  When we made our vows on our wedding day, we were declared husband and wife by the pastor, just as we are declared righteous and children of God when we profess faith in Christ.  But the process of becoming one, in both cases, is a long, glorious, and sometimes arduous journey.  


Just this morning in my ladies' Bible study, we were discussing this in depth:  

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  (HCSB)  ¹⁹ Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, ²⁰ for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.

I think differently now that I am married:  I no longer make decisions just for myself, but with my husband in mind...what would he think about this purchase?  How would he feel about this activity, new friend, outfit, etc, etc....I am not my own, in a very real sense.  And so too, with our union to Christ.  Because we are united with Him in our spirits, everything we do affects our relationship with God!  Every choice, every thought, every sin....it has bearing on our relationships with God.  Just the same, His perfection and grace have bearing on us:  we are able to access Him and find grace in every situation, most especially because He understands what we are going through:

Hebrews 4:15  (HCSB)

¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.

My prayer for us today is that we would find deep joy in our union with Christ, and conviction to love Him passionately, knowing we are joined in our spirits, through the Holy Spirit!

Blessings,

Ruth

Cultivating Faith in the 'Good Times'

[source]

Sitting at Starbucks, talking to a good friend about books, marriage, and faith, and we stumbled on an interesting topic.  I'd like to get your thoughts on this as well!  You see, though I've been through lots of tough times, I am not currently going through a hard time and I've found it much harder to rely on God.  It's no surprise to any of us that hard times cause us to turn to God in dependence, often more so than in the easier times (often we prefer these times, and refer to them as 'good').  


But I have to think of the Apostle Paul, who learned to be content in any and all situations.  

Philippians 4:12 (NIV)  ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I find it interesting that Paul expresses a need to 'learn' how to be content in situations where he lived in plenty.  Granted, he suffered many trials, and I have not experienced anything close to the pain he faced....but there were times he did not struggle as well.  Just like you and me.  God does not require us to live in constant suffering, though we do always feel the ache of not being home in heaven, with Christ.  This fact is what draws me back to Christ even in the 'good times'.  I always have this ache within me, regardless of how wonderful my circumstances are.  

How ironic that we may find it harder to follow Christ during these easy times in our faith, when we would hope to be praising God all the more.  

James 5:13 (NIV) ¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

Perhaps you have found a way to cultivate joy, thanks, a prayerful heart, and devotion to the Word during circumstances that are pleasant.  I am only beginning on this journey.  Do share your thoughts in the comments, so we can all benefit.  I am looking forward to hearing from you and learning from you as well.

God's richest blessings of contentment be yours, 

Ruth

Getting Off the Performance Merry-Go-Round

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I'm was used to spinning.  The dizzying spin of life, where there are too many things to do and not enough time to do them.  Wanting to find affirmation and approval from what I did, and not in who I was in Christ.  And then my life fell apart.  All my achievements tumbled down upon me, like a Jenga tower played with too long...and I was crushed beneath this pile.  I remember feeling like I had failed.  And miserably.  I didn't know what I know now--that God was working in the midst of all that mess to bring me revelation of His deep love for me.  I didn't have to 'have it all together' to be loved by Him!  (And neither do you.)  


Just last night, I was talking to a good friend, and it all came back to me.  You see, sometimes I still wonder why I went through all those trials--the depression, the medical bills, the loneliness and feelings of abandonment from God and others.  And talking to this friend last night--well, it all came into focus for me again.  God reminded me that He was pulling me off of the performance merry-go-round!  He had, up to that point, allowed me to achieve for long enough.  And it was time for me to realize that my worth was not based on what I did, but on whose I was.  Beloved of the King of kings.  It was a 'severe mercy', to quote Lewis.  


I am still learning how to walk after that fall, picking up and wiping off my knees, and seeing my Daddy smile at me, knowing I don't have to twirl around anymore.  I can stand on the promise of His love.  You can too.  


There is much more to tell of this story....but perhaps just a small snippet will encourage you today to seek  to understand God's deep love for you.  My prayer for you, from Ephesians 3 [HCSB]:


¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. ¹⁶ I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, ¹⁷ and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, ¹⁹ and to know the Messiah’s love that surpasses knowledge, so you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
 ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us— ²¹ to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 


Have a blessed and God-filled day, 


Ruth

When Disappointment Turns Us to Thanks

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We woke tired this morning, after a busy but oh-so-good weekend full of new opportunities, wonderful people, and plenty of reasons to praise our King.  My dear husband was working hard for us this weekend and I was spinning words over at Letters to My Sisters.  Disappointment was the theme in our writings this month and I found myself in that spot, without even trying.  I have struggled with disappointment not only with life, but in myself.  This salutatorian, private-schooled, straight-A high-school athlete and musician has lived with too-high expectations for herself and not God-expectations--and often.  What's the difference?  I'm learning.  It's a slow process.  But it seems to always dance around the workings of my heart and not just the final results, like grades on the term papers.  It's like a light in the dark places of my soul, this realization that I am the beloved of the Most High King of Kings.  You are too, if you have called on His name and asked to be covered in His spotless Grace and Righteous Robes of Compassion.  Today, because my Father God has nudged me, and not of my own volition, I'm thanking God for who He has made me (Psalm 139).  Count the ways, the wonderful ways He has made you, my dear, unique friend.  And read on here, if you want to see my latest letter....

God bless you with His Grace so lavish,

Ruth

The Foes of Grace

Hello blog friends.  It is nice to 'see you' here!  I trust you are having a great day.  It is another beautiful Florida day and I am wresting with some hard choices... but finding refreshment in the Word, wise counsel and prayer.  I am encouraged by a new book in my Kindle app, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, by Lysa TerKeurst.  Last weekend, when I was tossing and turning, this book really stirred my heart.  It was an e-book freebie (my hubby is great at finding those!) and I suggest you look into it even if the cost has gone up by now.  Here is a {long but good} excerpt that encouraged me yesterday, concerning enemies of Grace:

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"Grace has two fierce foes, though--acceptance and rejection.  Imagine, for a moment, a tall, gated wall.  Puddles of mud dot the well-worn, barren ground.  It is evident that many have lingered here.  Two gatekeepers wish to detain you.  They wish to take your hand in friendship and have you remain on the outside of the wall.  All the while, Jesus is standing on the other side of the wall in an open field full of beauty and adventure.  So few have actually made it past the gatekeepers into this field that the blades of grass remain unbroken and the flowers unpicked.


The first gatekeeper is Acceptance.  He requires much of me.  He seems so enticing with his offerings of compliments and big promises.  But though he is fun for a moment, soon my mind is flooded with concerns of being able to continue to impress him.  I am quickly overwhelmed with pondering my interactions with others and keeping score on the table of comparison.


The second gatekeeper is Rejection.  He also requires much of me.  He seems appealing because he gives me permission to excuse myself from following my true calling.  Yet he demands that I pull back and shy away from the obedience for which my soul longs.  His whispered questions of 'What if?' and 'What do they think of you?' linger in my mind and influence my actions and reactions.


How do I deny the lure of these two gatekeepers of grace?  After all, I've tasted their laced fruit and, though I'm aware of their poison, I also crave their sweetness.  In my flesh I desire the praises of Acceptance and the excuses of Rejection.  The limelight of Acceptance shines on the pride that has yet to be driven from my heart.  The thought that I am really something denies the reality that, but for the grace of Christ, I am nothing.  The ease of settling for less is the pull of Rejection.  When I listen to him, I shrink back and pull inside myself.  I no longer want to press on.  I want to quit.  The thought that I am really nothing eclipses the reality that, because of the grace of Christ in me, I am a treasured something.  


Jesus is standing behind these two slick gatekeepers.  His arms are open, waiting to embrace and enfold me in the security of His truth.  His truth that I am accepted, no matter what.  No matter what choices I make, His love is not based on my performance.  His love is based on His perfect surrender at the cross.  But, I must choose to accept this love and walk this truth for it to make a difference in how I journey through life. "
This is where my heart is today, as I struggle with choices that will affect not only me, but others as well.  It is hard for me to put aside pleasing others, and choose first of all to please my Master, Jesus Christ and follow through on choices my husband and I have discussed.  Reading in Matthew 25:31-40 this morning was also a challenge for my current situation as I ask myself, 'What am I doing for the least of these?'....It is in sacrifice that we find our true joy, and this means putting aside my goals for the goals of the kingdom.  Our task is to repent of our sin, accept Grace, and make choices that value the cross of Christ our King.   


May we all seek first the kingdom of God, care for the needs of others, and put our own desires second to those of Christ our Savior.  Jesus is waiting for us on the other side of the gate!


Blessings on your day,
Ruth

Lasting Joy

As promised, I am meditating on JOY and so you won't be surprised that my latest letter over at Letters to My Sisters is on this same topic.  I hope you enjoy it....

My dear sister,

It comes into my soul slowly and softly some days, other days with a force, this joy that fills me from above.  I can’t predict but I can purpose.  Purpose to live with joy.  It’s the newness of the year, the hope of the unknown, the friendship of those close and near, but most of all, it is my Savior and His sacrifice that brings joy. 

You see I often live a deceived life.  You might too.  What are you hoping in?  Is it the next paycheck, the good doctor report (today I’m enjoying one of those), the latest gadget, having the final word?  You fill in the blank…what brings you hope?  I find hope and joy in so many things, and not always in Christ.  But when I’m seeing clearly, my hope and joy are fixed squarely on Christ, as the only TRUE and LASTING source of joy.  All the other counterfeits fizzle out quickly—you know this.  I know this.  Why do we fall?  The allure of sin, omission and commission, it tempts us.  It pulls at our hearts and convinces us that the struggle for true joy in Christ is not worth the fight.  The world with its flashy promises of satisfaction, the flesh, so weak and unwilling at times; these things deprive us of the joy we are meant to live in. 

Continue reading over here at LTMS... 

Related post on The Joy Dare...

Have a great night!

Ruth