She Meditated and Marveled

The Christmas gospel tells us, Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Lk. 2:19 NKJV)

So many things had happened to Mary. There was an angelic visitation, a miraculous pregnancy, prophetic words from her cousin Elizabeth. Then Joseph believed her, accepted her into his home, and provided for their journey to Bethlehem. When Jesus was born, shepherds unexpectedly arrived and announced another angelic visitation.

Small wonder that Mary pondered. She thought deep thoughts about events related to the child sent by God. But her pondering was not merely excited mental gymnastics racing out of control. Nor was it doubt. Rather, Mary meditated upon—marveled over—the great love and power of her God. God was doing a mighty work on the earth, and she was privileged to be a part of it.

If God is truly alive in our hearts, we will ponder, too. He has done—and continues to do—mighty works on the earth. We cannot help but think deeply about His great love and power toward all who believe.

Originally published December 21, 1990.
Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Living in Anticipation

Anticipation can be almost as good as the actual event or item we wait for. That’s one reason why we love the Christmas season. The extended period of joyful expectation is half of the fun.

Strangely, even when anticipations are tempered by doubt or fear—or when prospects appear negative—we fare better than when we live with no expectations. The things we anticipate give shape and meaning to daily events. They provide direction and purpose.

The Israelites lived in anticipation—they waited centuries for their Messiah. And while they waited, God spoke to them through the prophets. The book of Isaiah tells us, He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. (Is. 40:11 NKJV)

Perhaps the Israelites failed to see the promises were with them all the time. When they walked in doubt or fear, God gave them hope. When they sinned and faced judgment, He directed their vision beyond their circumstances to the joy of receiving forgiveness. Walking in God’s promises requires trust. The Israelites needed to believe that He loved them and to anticipate that He would move in their lives.

Originally published December 11, 1992

His Gift to Us

Both general sins, the kind committed by people as a whole, and specific sins, the kind committed by an individual, can be overwhelming.

We're often plagued by one of two problems when dealing with our overwhelming sinful nature. We might refuse to acknowledge the sin because the thought is too much for us—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation. Or we might be overcome by guilt because the sin seems so awful that it cannot be forgiven—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation.

A psalmist looked at our dilemma differently. He wrote, If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. . . . (Ps. 130:3,4a NIV)

The psalmist was not downcast or dismayed when he reflected on his sinful state because he looked beyond himself and directed his attention to the One who can provide a solution. He affirmed the nature of God, because God, not people, holds the key. The psalmist recognized that, with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. (v. 7b)

God clearly states in His Word—including the Old Testament—that salvation for forgiveness from sin is a gift that He provides. Our sinful nature is real and fearsome—but God’s solution is big enough to take care of it.

Originally published January 14, 1983.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God Is Looking at Us?

The Bible tells us the Lord, looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. (Ps. 33:14b NKJV)

Are we happy that God is looking at us? Are we so sure of His love—and so sure of His ability to help us—that we rejoice in His care? Or do we resent His attention? Do we try to suppress the true motives of our heart? Do we think of Him as a taskmaster who robs us of fun?

These are important questions. When we try to hide motives, even from ourselves, we do not fool God. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. He knows all about anything and everything we might try to hide.

But He does not look at us because He is a taskmaster who insists we meet certain obligations. He does it as the one who offers forgiveness and salvation. He does it because He is our source of joy. The psalmist explains, Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (v. 20,21)

Originally published March 27, 1992.

Fully Trained

Some of Jesus’ teaching are so familiar we tend to gloss over them. Well, of course, we say. Until we try to live them. Then they become difficult.

Teachings like, If you love those who love, what credit is that to you . . . love your enemies. . . . (Lk. 6:32a,35a NIV)

Perhaps we have trouble living the teachings of Jesus because we do not submit to his training. Jesus told us we would never rise above our master. He said, everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. (v. 40b)

So who is our master? Is it Jesus?

The ability to love those who do not love in return is not natural. We cannot love on our own even when we try to love. But we can love if we focus on Jesus, because we discover He loves us. If we demonstrate love because we know by faith that He is alive—and that He lives in us—His love becomes reality through us.

Jesus trains us when we look to Him. It can become a lifestyle.

Originally published June 21, 1985.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

I Will Betroth You

We understand God best in human terms. So even before Jesus came as a man, the Old Testament prophets portrayed God in a number of familiar human roles—as a Father, a Potter, a Vinedresser, a Shepherd, etc.

Perhaps the most poignant role is that of Husband. The image portrays God’s desire for a love relationship with people who make a covenant with Him—and His sorrow when they desert Him for other gods.

God asked the prophet Hosea to dramatize the image of a husband forsaken by his wife when He told Hosea to marry Gomer. Hosea married her—but like the Israelites who deserted God for idols, Gomer deserted Hosea for other men. Then God moved upon Hosea to proclaim both judgment and restoration.

First, the judgment: I will hedge up your way with thorns, and wall her in . . . She will chase her lovers, but not overtake them . . . . (Hos. 2:6a & c NKJV)

Then the restoration: I will allure her . . . and speak comfort . . . in that day . . . you will call Me, “My Husband,” and no longer call Me “My Master.” (v. 14a & c,16b)

We ache for Hosea when we read the story—and for the wayward Gomer as well. We also receive understanding of God’s ache when we reject Him. God’s heart longs for His people. He says, I will betroth you . . . I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. . . . (v. 19a,20)

Originally published March 13, 1987.
Picture: City park, Havre, MT, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Rejoice in Suffering?

Most of us do not rejoice if we think we are suffering. In fact, most of us will do anything we can to avoid it.

That is a healthy reaction. Avoiding pain or suffering is a God-given instinct, and we should pay attention to His gifts. God does not want us to approach life by looking for circumstances that bring suffering—not even if they seem to bring a measure of honor or glory.

But if or when suffering occurs, it can have a positive impact upon our development. God can use suffering to lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Suffering is also intimately connected to a working knowledge of God's sovereign power. If we submit suffering to Him, He reveals Himself to us in our circumstances. He is faithful and He begins working in our hearts to reflect His nature.

Paul wrote, we also rejoice in our suffering because . . . suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit. . . . (Rom. 5:3-5 NIV)

If we take our problems to God, we become aware of His presence and we learn again that He is real.

Originally published May 31, 1985.

Abounding in Mercy

A young woman said, I love the word “abounding.” She smiled when the made the statement, feeling a bit foolish over her emphasis on a single word. She was referring to its use in a psalm she had read that morning: The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Ps. 103:8 NKJV) By was of explanation she went on to say, “It sounds so,” and she paused while extending her arms, “inclusive. It sounds so round . . . like it’s expanding.”

According to the psalm, God desires to be inclusive and His kingdom is always expanding. The psalm says that God doesn’t remain angry forever. He continually expands His love as He reaches out to accept all who come to Him with repentant hearts. In addition, as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (v. 11,12)

Furthermore, God’s mercy never ends. It expands into eternity. (v. 17) All who belong to Him benefit from His never-ending, inclusive, expanding, and abounding mercy—in this life and in heaven where He reigns as King of Kings and Lord of Lord.(v. 19)

Originally published February 7, 1992.

Sacrifices

Children learn to make amends when they’ve done something wrong—a necessary social skill because they (and we) will never escape sinful human nature. Perhaps this is why we tend to view God as a stern judge—and think we have to appease Him with sacrifices.

The Israelites literally sacrificed animals to pay the penalty for their sin. We don’t offer cattle or goats today, but we often think we must give up material possessions—or give up having a good time.

Even in the Old Testament, Scripture taught that God does not appreciate sacrifices that come from a desire to appease—a desire to earn favor. Sacrifices should come out of gratitude from a heart that has received and appreciated God’s favor.

A psalmist spoke for God when he wrote, I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens . . . He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. (Ps. 50:9,23 NIV)

God’s blessings—i.e., favor—do not come because we sacrifice but because He loves us and gives Himself to us.

Originally published June 15, 1984.

And Your Household

A Philipian jailer was desperate. The foundations of his prison had been shaken by an earthquake and the inmates were set free. Assuming everyone would escape, the jailer planned to commit suicide to save his good name.

Paul and Silas were in the prison that night. When the earthquake struck, they had been singing praises and praying while the other prisoners listened. No one tried to leave. And when Paul realized what the jailer was about to do he let the man know that even though doors were open and chains were broken, the prisoners were still there.

Why would prisoners remain instead of try to escape? The scene is surreal, but God was apparently reaching the prisoners through praises and prayers of Paul and Silas. When the jailer realized what was happening, he fell down before Paul and Silas . . . “Men, what must I do to be save?” (Acts 16:30b RSV) Paul and Silas shared the gospel: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (v. 31)

The jailer responded to the invitation. But why? And why so quickly? Because his prisoners were present and accounted for?

Could it have been the Holy Spirit? Whatever our interpretation, we know God met both the jailer and the jailed in an hour of crisis. In fact, God’s love extended beyond the jailer himself to touch his entire household or family.

He can do the same for us.

Originally published August 21, 1981.
Picture: Young Geraniums, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

He Is the Savior

Our minds have trouble comprehending the many facets of our God. He has attributes that don’t always seem to agree. The Bible tells us He’s a God of love; it also tells us He’s a God justice. God says in Isaiah, For the day of vengeance is in my heart. . . . (Is. 63:4a NKJV) A few verses further Isaiah responds with, I will mention the lovingkindness of the Lord. . . . (v. 7a)

How do we reconcile these Scriptures? One commentator said God hastens over the work of His judgment but lengthens out his plan of salvation. I like that idea.

Other verses in Isaiah offers insight that helps: He became their Savior, in all their affliction He was afflicted . . . He redeems them. . . . (v. 8b,9a)

We can’t define our God, but He reveals Himself to meet our needs. If we need justice, He’s ready to show us what is right. If we need lovingkindness, He’s there to offer redemption. Our condition means that we need both. Thankfully, His ability to meet our need is unlimited. He is the Savior.

Originally published February 5, 1993.
Picture: Flowers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Virtue Without Love?

Paul put the emphasis on love as the motivation for all other virtues. After providing a long list of desirable qualities—including virtues such as mercy, humility, helping each other, forgiving, etc.—he said, But above all these things put on love. . . . (Col 3:14a NKJV)

Paul understood that false virtues can be self-serving. Acts of mercy and kindness can be done because we’re proud. If that happens, are they still acts of mercy or kindness? Humility without love becomes ingratiating. Meekness without love becomes weakness. Longsuffering without love becomes bitterness. And so it goes with virtue stemming from distorted motives.

Love purifies motives. Because God is love, He is our source for genuine love—and our source for genuine virtue. If you then were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above . . . And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (3:1a,17a)

When we look to Jesus with our spiritual eyes, we see His love, His virtue. When we walk with Jesus, we walk in His love and His virtue.

Originally published March 20, 1987.
Picture: Flowers in Puerto Rico, 2002. Photo by Patty.

According to His Lovingkindness

Some people are prone to wake up early during the spring season. When the sun rises and light comes through the windows, their inner clock tells them it’s time for another day.

The psalmist of Psalm 119 woke to a different inner clock. He woke and then rose in the Spirit and he looked forward to both a new day and a time of spiritual renewal. It was time to seek God. I rise before the dawning of the morning . . . revive me according to Your justice. (Psalm 119:147a,148a NKJV)

Rising with the concept of justice could be frightening. But if we know in our hearts that God is both just and loving, we are eager to rise early—before dawn. During those quiet morning hours we can seek Him without fear.

When the psalmist rose early, he also prayed, Revive me, O Lord, according to Your loving kindness. (v. 159b) Lovingkindness and Justice—together.

God’s judgments don’t match people’s concept of justice. We can turn to God—put ourselves in God’s hand—submit to His justice and trust in His lovingkindness.

Originally published April 23, 1993.
Picture: Flowers in Hawaii, 2004. Photo by Patty.

Shower, O Heavens

May! In our part of the world, everything comes to life before our eyes at this time of the year! It’s good to remember that Springtime in God’s physical creation is a picture of the Springtime He brings to people’s hearts.

Isaiah gave us a beautiful picture: Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also . . . . (Is. 45:8a RSV)

Yes, Jesus created our earth and fashioned it for seasons and the renewal of seasons. He created spring in the physical realm so new life comes out of the seemingly dead world of winter.

Jesus also created spring in the spiritual realm. He brings new life out of spiritual slumber and death. Seeds of spiritual awareness—seeds buried deep within the heart—are waiting to come forth in the knowledge of His grace. He sends His righteousness to open hearts where they produce more righteousness. He sends a shower of His love.

Originally published May 7, 1982.

God's Gift of Hope

Today is Valentine’s Day, a day for sending gifts and messages of affection to tell special people we love them.

Every day is Valentine’s Day for God. He constantly sends gifts and messages of love through the Holy Spirit. We receive them when we read Scripture, when we pray, when we love others, when we receive love from others, when we enjoy His creation. As we live our daily lives, there are times when He breathes a sense of His presence into our hearts. He sends hope to eager hearts.

For hope is one of God’s gifts of love. Paul said in his letter to the Romans that one purpose of Scripture is to strengthen hope in God’s people. For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope. (Rom. 15:4 NKJV)

Life without hope is a bleak affair. When people suffer from hopelessness, they struggle with depression. Sometimes it is hard to receive God’s gift and message of hope. But God never stops giving to them. He never tires of sending His love and His hope. Ask Him to open hearts to receive His messages of hope this Valentine’s Day and throughout the year.

Originally published February 14, 1992.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Romantic Love

Romantic love is the focus for Valentine’s Day. Many minds are racing right now, wondering how to respond appropriately to the theme of tomorrow.

While romantic love is an important subject—some even say it makes the world go around—it’s not enough. No matter how great we love as a human, our love falls short. The love of a boyfriend or girlfriend, a fiancé, a parent or child—even the love of a husband or wife—is always less than perfect. Eventually, either their need or our need exceeds the limits of love available.

God’s love, on the other hand, never fails. We may feel deserted at times, but when we come to Him we discover His sustaining presence waits for us.

The Psalmist cries, Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving kindness, for they have been from of old. (Ps. 25:6 NKJV)

Originally published February 14, 1986.

They Were Afraid

The Bible says, There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. . . . (I Jn. 4:18b NKJV)

Such love cannot be natural. We love, but not to the depth of becoming perfect. We love, but not to the point of no longer fearing. Jesus is the only man who ever walked in perfect love.

However, people who follow Jesus can draw from His love when they experience His intervention. One night the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee without Him when they encountered a fierce storm. After expending themselves to the point of exhaustion while rowing several miles in the dark, they saw Jesus in the distance. He was walking on water as He moved toward them, and they were afraid. (Jn. 6:19)

Jesus understood their fear and He let them know who He was as He continued to draw closer and closer. “It is I,” he said; “do not be afraid.” (v. 20) Evenwhile walking on the water’s surface, He broke the power of their fear. Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. (v. 21)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Tim. 1:7)

Originally published September 15, 1989.