The Weekly Encourager – January 23, 2013 – Anatomy of Holiness

January 23, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” - Romans 12:1 I've been reading The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung. He urges, “[D]o not miss what many churches have overlooked: Jesus expects obedience.” (p.16) Most of us know we're supposed to be holy, but what does that mean? I'd like to share some of DeYoung's thoughts here.

Here's one to consider as we're making plans and deciding which activities to participate in this year. “There are a hundred good things you may be called to pursue as a Christian. [A]ccording to the Bible, holiness, for every single Christian, should be right at the top of that list.” (p.20) Wow – that was convicting! Holiness wasn't anywhere on the list I made. Hmm...make time to be holy?

Drawn from many Scriptures, here's a practical picture of what holiness looks like: “You can think of holiness, to employ a metaphor, as a sanctification of your body. The mind is filled with the knowledge of God and fixed on what is good. The eyes turn away from sensuality and shudder at the sight of evil. The mouth tells the truth and refuses to gossip, slander, or speak what is coarse or obscene. The spirit is earnest, steadfast, and gentle. The heart is full of joy instead of hopelessness, patience instead of irritability, kindness instead of anger, humility instead of pride, and thankfulness instead of envy. The sexual organs are pure, being reserved for the privacy of marriage between one man and one woman. The feet move toward the lowly and away from senseless conflict, divisions, and wild parties. The hands are quick to help those in need and ready to fold in prayer. This is the anatomy of holiness.” (p.41)

Action idea for those with small children: have them act out or illustrate this paragraph or write a song about it. Extra points if you do it yourself, too!

Throughout his book, DeYoung emphasizes that a desire to be holy comes from a grasp of the gospel of grace. One phrase that struck me was, “there must be evidence flowing out of us that grace has flowed into us.” (p.26) So the more we understand what Jesus did for us, the more we'll want to do for Him what is holy.

Here's another nugget: “Obeying the commandments is how we fulfill the law of love, and love is at the heart of holiness. If you care about love you will love to obey the Ten Commandments.” (p.46) Keep that one around for Valentine's Day.

Lord, may I be holy in every part of my heart, mind, and body. Move me to do Your will. Grace in – grace out.

God is faithful,

Kevin DeYoung, The Hole in Our Holiness: Filling the Gap between Gospel Passion and the Pursuit of Godliness. 2012 Wheaton, IL: Crossway.

The Weekly Encourager – January 15, 2013 – My Plans Are In Your Hands

January 16, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

The last two sermons at church have been particularly relevant to my life. In the first week of the new year (Jan. 6), Pastor Dave Coffin preached a sermon on James 4:13-17. The title I wrote in my notes was, “If the Lord Wills.” The main point for me was that we should go ahead and make our plans as best as we are able, working hard to achieve success in our endeavors, but always recognizing that the Lord is sovereign over all. What we plan may not come to pass, so we must be humble and prayerful. We must learn to live with the “if” of uncertainty, yet be hopeful. “My times are in Thy hand.” - Psalm 31:15

My husband and I had planned a Life Reboot for 2012-2013. The idea was to get a few things organized and then to dive into some creative projects that we haven't had time to do. However, the Lord had other plans, including deaths of family and friends, a merger at Dave's day job, the need to upgrade our home business and train a new employee, new health issues, major home repairs, etc. All of these have required lots of extra time and energy. After several months, we've barely dipped our toes into the creative pool. That trip to Europe? Postponed again.

How tempting it is to complain and resent what the Lord has brought into my life at this time! Yes, I know that He created me and all the universe, and that He has every right to order any and all events as He sees fit, but He did not give us the joyful year we wanted. At least I can be thankful that we cleared the decks of volunteer jobs, since we ended up needing every bit of that extra time for the things that happened! I'm sure the Lord knew that in advance. What we want is not necessarily what we need, and our loving wise Father always gives what is best. Once, when our nephew was about five, he got up one morning before his parents were awake. He crept down to the kitchen and ate a whole box of 12 doughnuts, then got sick. Had his parents been around, they would have limited him to one or two treats. Am I a little child who wants to eat a whole box of doughnuts at once?

The next Sunday (Jan. 13) sermon was on humility, that most essential Christian virtue. Writing to the church, Peter said, “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:5-7 Pastor Coffin said we are to tie on a servant's apron as Jesus tied on a towel to wash the disciples' feet. An apron is the occupational garb of every Christian. “Get dressed for work!”

To be humble, we must have great notions of who God is and know our proper position relative to Him. I am utterly dependent upon Him for life. He owes me nothing, yet He gives me great riches in Christ Jesus. I am to rest in His will as a weaned child leans up against his mother, in perfect peace and contentment. Therefore, I place my plans in His hands. Humility is always accompanied by faith.

Recently an acquaintance quoted to me, “If you ask anything in My name, it will be done.” She seemed to think it was a formula for getting whatever you want from God. But God is King and Ruler over all; He does not have to answer any of our prayers in the way we wish. I asked her to consider Jesus. Obviously if anyone ever prayed in God's will, it was Jesus. Yet when He asked to avoid the cross if possible, how did God answer that prayer of the most righteous and holy Man that ever lived? He said No. Jesus prayed with great humility, “Not My will, but Yours.” That is the attitude I must have when making plans for the new year, or even for each new day. Not my will, but Yours, Lord. Not my plans, but Yours. Not my timing, but Yours. Not my glory, but Yours.

He chooses by His grace to give us many blessings. I thank God that, although we have lost dear ones this year, we still have wonderful family, friends, and church! I thank God that, although work has been demanding, we do have jobs! I thank God that, although our home needs extensive and expensive waterproofing work done, we do have a home! I thank God that, although we're getting older and it's harder to take care of our bodies, we are still able to feed ourselves, exercise, sleep, and do many other tasks! I am particularly grateful that I have not had another serious ankle, foot, or leg injury since 2005. I can walk without a cane, and that is a huge blessing I never would have appreciated had I not been through the whole painful cycle of surgery, bed-rest, therapy, etc. more than once. Most of all, I thank God for the gift of Jesus Christ and the hope of new life to come!

Oh, teach me, Lord, to be grateful, not grumbling! Teach me to use my time and energy and these good gifts to honor You and to serve others while I am here. Grow in me the faith and humility of Christ. My plans are in Your hands.

“Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou art the Potter; I am the clay. Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting, yielded and still.”

God is faithful,

To hear the excellent sermons by Dr. David F. Coffin, Jr., visit http://newhopefairfax.org/resources/sermons-to-hear

Hymn text “Have Thine Own Way” by Adelaide A. Pollard, 1902.

The Weekly Encourager – January 4, 2013 – Picking Up Trash

January 04, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

What's the best way to be neighborly? You're probably good at it, but, I failed last week, and the Holy Spirit has brought conviction.

Our next-door neighbor, “Ted,” is not known for his helpfulness. Here's an example. The beautiful tall mass of evergreen trees on the line between our two properties was one of the key reasons why we selected to buy this particular house. The large growth evoked happy memories of summers at our grandparents' homes in Tennessee. Also, the wall of green hid Ted's house completely, making us feel as if we lived next to the woods. Two or three years ago, Ted chopped down most of the trees, including some of ours! His justification was, “I hate holly trees and all those junk trees!” By contrast, I feel that it's a crime to cut down a mature tree, unless it's rotting or growing roots under the house. I told him that old trees were one of the benefits of living in an old neighborhood, and if he didn't like trees he should move to Arizona. (See what a great neighbor I am?) After viewing his trash, beer cans, old cars, and boat, I got estimates on putting up a fence, then realized that a green hedge would be cheaper and more attractive. I remember telling the story to a friend who is not a believer. Her response was, “I would just go right out and plant a whole row of hollies there.” I thought, “Well, that's the world's way: return evil for evil. But I am more spiritual. Even though I really like holly trees, I know my neighbor hates them, so I'll look for something else.” A few months later, I found lovely fast-growing shrubs on sale unexpectedly. I felt that the Lord had honored my faithfulness and made provision.

That was a great spiritual lesson in loving your neighbor, a lesson which I later forgot. Now the neighbor is adding a major addition to the house, which is his right, of course. However, after 24 years of looking out from our dining room at a very pleasant view of green trees with sky beyond, I'm finding it hard to look at Tyvek every day instead. When the first roof line went up, I thought, “It's not so bad, I can see sky to one side of it; I can get used to this.” Then another structure went up, with another roof blocking the other side. I thought, “Well, the two roofs form a nice V, and I can still see sky and one or two distant trees in that V. I can get used to this.” A few days later, you guessed it, another roof went up, this one perpendicular to the other two, and crooked! Now I have to get used to this!

There's loud noise from the construction site but I know it's temporary. What really annoys me is the workers piling junk on the edge of the property, sliding into my carefully-planted garden area. Trucks park in front of our house and drip oil onto “our” street, and trash gets tossed onto the ground. I've been pretty irritated by the mess. One morning last week I went out and shoved some of the large pieces back onto Ted's land, then picked up various scraps of trash and threw them back over to his yard!

As “luck” would have it, just as I tossed the last coke bottle onto Ted's driveway, a construction worker was coming out the front door. I started to feel a little bit guilty, but I probably looked angry still. He looked at me with a strange unfriendly expression, and I said, “All this trash!” as justification. Immediately after that, a second worker came out from the house, and he gave me a huge smile and cheerful greeting! What a contrast! I think it was the Holy Spirit who posed the question in my mind, “Which one was the Christian?”

Was the second worker a Christian, or just a friendlier guy? It doesn't matter – either way, I should have behaved as a Christian, whether anyone was looking or not. Love is not easily irritated, not easily provoked. When I raked up all that debris, it would have been almost as easy to put it in a trash bag as to toss it down the street. If I loved my Jesus and loved my neighbor, I could have been glad for the opportunity to help someone else, even though I didn't create the mess. The Son of Man came to serve, not to be served. Oh, how far away I am from true love! Jesus says, don't just love the neighbor who saves the trees, keeps a tidy yard, speaks kindly to you, and offers to water your garden while you're on vacation. Jesus says love your enemy, do good for your enemy. How much better if I had simply picked up the neighbor's trash and added it to my own.

Picking up trash is such a small thing, but it revealed the state of my heart. Deep in my heart, I do not love the Lord Jesus as I ought. My heart is desperately wicked. I seek my own good above that of others, my own pleasure above serving the needs of my neighbor. This trash incident is but one tiny example of a much larger problem. Pride and selfishness are stinking debris in my heart, trash that needs to be carried away. Thanks be to God, Jesus Christ came to earth to die for our sins, so that if we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us! He lived a perfectly clean life, not creating even one piece of trash, yet He was sent to pick up my personal trash and remove it as far as the East is from the West. And He was glad to do it!

Lord Jesus, teach me to love You more and more, and to love my neighbor as myself. Grow in me a heart of holiness that seeks to obey You and serve the people You have placed in my life.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – December 27, 2012 – “And His name will be called...”

December 27, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

“On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wonderful works, I will meditate. And men shall speak of the power of Thy awesome acts; and I will tell of Thy greatness.” -Psalm 145:5-6 Wonderful!

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:5 Counselor!

“Gird Thy sword on Thy thigh, O Mighty One, in Thy splendor and Thy majesty! And in Thy majesty ride on victoriously, for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; Let Thy right hand teach Thee awesome things.” - Psalm 45:3-4 Mighty God!

“[Give] thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son....For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible...all things have been created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:12-17 Eternal Father!

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Prince of Peace!

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” - Isaiah 9:6-7

Rejoice in the One who came at Christmas, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Weekly Encourager - December 22, 2012 - Ring the Bells

December 22, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

It's been a tough year. I didn't realize how tough until I looked back through my personal calendar in preparation for writing the Christmas letter. The year began with the loss of my beloved father-in-law, and more deaths followed with each season. It was a year of patience-building as we tried to trust God in each new trial. It seems that our bodies, our house, our cars, and our businesses all have reached middle age at once and all need major upgrades. The flooded basement from the derecho and Hurricane Sandy didn't help. Even our church has new challenges. To top it off (or bottom it out), the recent unexplained shooting of so many young children and their teachers at an elementary school only adds to the sadness. There is no peace on earth and there will be no Christmas letter from me this year. I ended up sending out a photo card of a happy moment from our vacation.

How do we go on? What is the answer? There is no answer here in this life, on this earth. This world is a place of destruction, deterioration, and death. The only answer is Christ, who came to bring light in darkness, comfort in sorrow, peace in conflict, hope in despair. So we must set our minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God the Father. We must ring the bells and announce His coming, and remember to trust Him, thank Him, and praise Him in all things. Job said, “Though He slay me, I will yet praise Him.”

This week I heard a new version of an old song we've sung every Christmas for years. The modern tune made the words new again. I'd like to share this classic poem here. May it remind you, as it did me, of why we rejoice at Christmas. The Great God of the Heavens sent His Son to earth, and the world revolved from night to day.

Merry Christmas,

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head,
"There is no peace on earth" I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep,
God is not dead nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth good will to men.

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth good will to men.

- by Henry W. Longfellow (1807-1882)

The Weekly Encourager – December 13, 2012 – Christmas Shammash

December 13, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

I enjoy decorating our Christmas tree differently each year. With its six-pointed snowflakes, blue sparkly balls, and silver stars of David, this year's tree is looking a lot like a Hanukkah bush. And why not?

Years ago, for our exterior Christmas display, we made a huge star of David that lit up the whole cul-de-sac where we lived. Its presence disturbed some visitors and delighted others. Some people, including some Christians, seem to have forgotten that our Lord descended from the line of David, a king of Israel, so they feel uncomfortable acknowledging the ethnic ancestry of Jesus.

A recent article by David Brickner enlightened me about the shammash (or shammas). Let's test your knowledge of Hebrew: Which of the following is the definition of shammash? a. traditional stew containing several winter vegetables; b. ritual washing of hands before offering sacrifices; c. guilt from disobeying God's commandments; d. none of the above. If you answered d., you are correct!

The shammash is the sexton who manages the synagogue facilities, but at one time it referred to one who helped lead prayer and worship in the synagogue. The shammash is also the ninth candle on the hanukkiah, the candelabrum used to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah when God made miraculous provision of light for His people. This servant candle is the first to be lit, since it is used to light the other candles each night.

Do you see the parallels to the message of Christmas? As the article said, “Contrary to the lowly or demeaning place servants occupy in many cultures, God elevated the role of servant, and one servant in particular...the 'servant of the Lord.' “ Brickner goes on the explain that the 'servant of the Lord' in Scripture indicates a unique intimate relationship with God. Great men of God such as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and Job were called 'My servant.' It was “a great honor and a high calling.” Secondly, the nation of Israel was called 'My servant' indicating a special chosen status, despite the fact that some individuals in the community were not faithful to the Lord. The third use of the term is to refer to the coming Messiah, Israel's greater Son!

Isaiah brought God's message about this Servant “in Whom I will show My glory.” The Lord's Servant, God said, would “raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the preserved [elect] ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth....Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth! Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, and will have compassion on His afflicted.” - Isaiah 49:3,6,13

The article continues, “Jesus is the servant who was brought low in order that He might become lifted up for all to see. He is the one through whom God's light would be kindled in the hearts of so many people all around the world. Jesus is God's shammash, and because He is, so are we. Y'shua told His disciples, 'You are the light of the world' (Matthew 5:14). What do you think that means for us who would follow Him?” As Executive Director of Jews for Jesus, Brickner no doubt has a special mission to serve the Jewish people, but so do we. Whenever possible, and especially in this season, we should be prepared to remind our friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers that Jesus was Jewish, and that He came to save the lost of every race.

It is the Shammash who brings light: “a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” - Luke 2:32 “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” John 1:4 Rejoice in the Servant-Savior, and serve Him by sharing the light! And what about that bright star of David hanging in our yard? When she saw it, our Jewish next-door neighbor asked me, “Are you Jewish?” I replied, “No, but Jesus was.”

God is faithful,

David Brickner, “Who is the Shammash?” in Jews for Jesus newsletter, Volume 4:5773/ December 2012, p.1-2. http://www.jewsforjesus.org/

The Weekly Encourager – December 7, 2012 – Another Death, Another Life

December 07, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

We just got the news that Joe McNulty, son of Paul and Brenda McNulty, died. This young man was in his mid-twenties, a contemporary of our own sons - they grew up together in the church. He had been getting treatment for cancer, then a tumor was found, he got another infection, and he was gone. Just like that, another death of someone we knew. It sometimes seems that this life is only sorrow upon sorrow.

Yet his family wrote, ”He fought the good fight against a giant of a cancer and The Lord has given him the crown of life....His greatest desire at the end of his life was to be holy, according to his own words....As his sickness advanced rendering parts of his body useless, his mind sharpened and he wanted to know all kinds of things. He said that he had lots of time to think in his hospital bed and that he dreamed of many things for his family members and friends. But he wasn't quite sure what God's purpose was for him....As we've heard over and over from many of you, his purpose was to inspire us to live each day for Christ and seek to give glory to God even when our life runs into obstacles. After all this life is not about us, it's about the One who made us and His purposes.”

In sending out the news, Pastor Dave Coffin wrote,

On Wednesday afternoon Joe McNulty fell asleep in the Lord. The shock was palpable, the grief profound.

I use the phrase "fell asleep", not as a euphemism, but because this is the Scripture's bold way of refusing conformity to the world, denying the victory and finality of death. Thus should our minds be transformed, even before the fears, sorrows and pains that are the reality of this passing age.

Because Christ "has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15:20), our Lord's resurrection is a sign that Joe will awaken from death to resurrection. Because "Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep" (1Thes. 4:14). And so we will see Joe again!...

So let us grieve deeply with the McNultys, the grief called for and informed by faith. As our Lord wept at his friend's death, let us weep together freely, knowing that He will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Rev. 21:4). Let us mourn, with an underlying confidence that in His time our Lord will turn "mourning into dancing" (Ps. 30:11).

What is my response to the news of another death as we begin to celebrate Christmas? We know that God is faithful and His timing is perfect. What about the timing of Joe's passing – is this too harsh on God's part? I weep with Joe's parents, but I can't empathize fully since I haven't lost a child. As I told them, I cannot imagine what it would be like to lose my only son, but God knows what it's like, so cry out to Him. He will hear and understand and comfort as no one else can.

This is the message of Christmas: God sent His only begotten Son (think of the grief! think of the love!) so that whoever believes in Him could have eternal life. A famous line from the tv series “LOST” comes to mind: “See you in another life, brother.” Joe has another life, a strong, joyful, and fulfilling life that will last forever! Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift! Because God gave His only Son, the McNultys' only son is now enjoying a state of bliss that we can't even imagine. He is pain-free and sin-free, enjoying the many rewards of faith in Christ.

Merry Christmas, Joe, and all those below.

The Weekly Encourager – November 21, 2012 - Love-joy

November 21, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

For the season of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share a short poem.

Love-joy

As on a window late I cast mine eye,

I saw a vine drop grapes with J and C

Anneal'd on every bunch. One standing by

Ask'd what it meant. I (who am never loth

To spend my judgement) said, It seem'd to me

To be the body and the letters both

Of Joy and Charity. Sir, you have not miss'd,

The man reply'd; It figures JESUS CHRIST.

- George Herbert (1593-1633)

As we enjoy the bountiful fruits of the harvest with family and friends, let us remember to praise the Lord for His goodness in making such plentiful provision for us. May earthly blessings remind us of heavenly ones, especially the divine Love which gave up His Son to make provision for our salvation. Jesus, we thank You. You are the pure embodiment of Joy and Charity; be pleased to grow these virtues in us, by Your grace, and may we share them with others. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving! May the Lord bless you all richly.

The Weekly Encourager – October 25, 2012 – This Day

October 25, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

Good morning!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

This is not a Scriptural suggestion, but an exhortation. As we ponder who God is and how loving and merciful He has been to us in Christ, we will rejoice despite our outward circumstances. It's so easy to get bogged down in the difficulties of this day. Have you ever been thrown into prison for the sake of the gospel? Paul was not placed in one of our clean modern well-lit prisons enjoying three square meals a day, regular exercise, visiting privileges, TV, books, and online college courses to re-train for other jobs. Paul was writing from a first-century Roman prison, falsely accused and mistreated, cold, hungry, dirty, sick, and subject to unimaginable discomforts, yet he rejoiced!

“This day is mine come sun or rain. I awoke this morning so I can't complain. I'll never be given this day again. I'll make this a Beautiful Day.” - M. Traphagen

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it....Thou art my God, and I give thanks to Thee; Thou art my God, I extol Thee. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” - Psalm 118:24, 28-29

Rejoice in this day,

The Weekly Encourager – October 4, 2012 – It's My Problem

October 04, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

My favorite quote from President Obama: “Nothing gets done without a deadline in this town.” I heard him say that on the radio a couple years ago, and it's stuck in my mind ever since. I used to think that it didn't apply to me, because I am a hard worker anyway, but now I'm seeing that the really unpleasant tasks need an emotional impetus. There have to be Consequences for my actions or non-action.

This week I am motivated. We're hosting a reunion this weekend and that means getting two guest rooms ready in addition to the usual shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc. The group will be singing together in our family room after dinner, so that means getting the bathroom on that level functioning again. We'll need to gather enough music for everyone, so that means organizing the music. I could go on. What I'm saying is that for months I've been working steadily on a major reorganization of our household possessions, cleaning things, repairing things, shifting things, selling things, and donating things. Many days, it's an overwhelming task, but I keep praying each day for God to show me how best to use my time and energy that day. One day at a time. We weren't even going to have a reunion this year, but one of the folks was getting married and he wanted us to sing for the reception. So there had to be a place to rehearse, and one thing led to another. Voilà, fourteen people for dinner and breakfast.

A few days ago, I was grumbling, why do I have to host this year, when I'm trying to cut back on activities so I can get things done? It's so much extra work! But today the Lord showed me that this reunion is an answer to my prayers for direction and motivation! Oh yes, I am a hard worker. I am organized. The normal things get done on a regular schedule, but the unpleasant tasks like sorting through boxes of books and magazines don't get done without a deadline. President Obama was right: I am human, after all.

But this issue is greater than a deadline. The steady accumulation of Things has become a Problem. Whether this happened because of so many ankle injuries that laid me up for months at a time, whether it was due to the vast energy required for certain family issues and deaths in the family, whether it's fear or materialism or codependency or artistic impulse or ADD or whatever, there is a problem now. “Forgetting what lies behind, I press on toward the goal.” Since I am responsible for it, it's only right that I should be the one dealing with it. It's my problem.

This seems a perfect time to quote Mike Huckabee. While he was governor of Arkansas, he made some important lifestyle changes and lost a lot of extra weight. In writing about his overeating, he honestly admitted the problem. He said,

“STOP MAKING EXCUSES! I travel a lot – almost every day....Even though I can typically find things on menus that I can eat, I never assume it. I travel with a little soft-sided cooler everywhere I go [to carry healthy food]....As a governor, I have people who are with me almost all the time...I could assign this task to others and claim it's beneath me to pack a little lunch box like a grade schooler, but I do it myself for several reasons. First, overeating is my problem, and my health is my responsibility. Packing my cooler is a reminder of my responsibility to make good choices today....Packing and taking my cooler is now as much a part of my daily routine as brushing my teeth or buttoning my shirt. Here's the deal: You can eat healthy if you want to, no matter where you are or who you are.” - Gov. Mike Huckabee

I really admire the godly way he owned up to it and took full responsibility. Then he got to work on the problem. The fact that he has gained back some of the weight does not negate his good advice. It only proves that he's human and needs to continue to be diligent to do the right things. Stop making excuses! You can do it if you want to. Those of us who have an addiction need to admit it, own it, get down on our knees and ask the Lord for help, then work hard to do right. No whining about how hard it is – I did this to myself. It's my problem.

Lord, help me to recognize my sin and my constant need of Your grace. Help me to make positive change. I can't do this on my own. Guide me; motivate me; encourage me to persevere. Give us this day our daily bread. May I look to You for help and give You all the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

God is faithful,

Mike Huckabee, “Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork: A 12-Stop Program to End Bad Habits and Begin a Healthy Lifestyle” Time-Warner 2005, p.122-123

The Weekly Encourager – September 28, 2012 – It's Your Choice

September 28, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

I am Pro-Choice. Seriously. I'm not talking about abortion rights, but the right to make your own choices in life, no matter what your past may have been. Christians, if we keep using all the same excuses as our worldly friends do, we are not believing in Christ. Stop whining about whatever you did wrong in the past, or whatever someone did wrong to you. It's a new day. You are a new creation in Christ. Today.

My nephew Chris's wife Shawna posted this thought on facebook: “There is great empowerment in knowing that you have choices in life. Whatever decision you make will grant you an experience of your choosing, no one else’s. From this point on, you should no longer view yourself as a victim of someone else’s choices, mistreatment or neglect. Instead, view yourself as a person with options. Seek God for your destiny and make decisions that agree with that destiny.” - T.D. Jakes

It reminded me of another quote: “Let go of the belief that the past could have been any different.” - Gary Zukav

What?! But if only [insert your favorite regret here] my life would be so much better! No, I say. God is in control of ALL that happens. The Bible says NOTHING happens outside of His divine purpose, so that must include the abuse I suffered as a child, the serious mistake I made 10 years ago, and on and on. The Bible says my life would be so much better if I trusted in Christ! Ask, “Lord, what do You want me to learn from this suffering, and how should I live my life now?”

Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord....I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord...that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on...[O]ne thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:1,8,10-14

When Paul said he counted “all things” as loss, I believe that included his past. After all, if anyone deserved to have regrets, it was Paul, the persecutor and murderer of the church. He was a real genuine Class A Sinner. But does he dwell on that? No, he rejoices in prison!

Have you heard the news? Jesus Christ redeemed you, so rise up and walk! What happened yesterday may not have been your choice, but what happens today is. No more excuses. With praise and prayer and perseverance, press on. It's your choice.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager - September 12, 2012 - No Good Thing Will He Withhold

September 12, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

I've been pondering Psalms 84 and 85 here at the beach. These verses struck me:

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in Thee!” - Psalm 84:11-12 NASB

“Indeed, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its produce. Righteousness will go before Him, and will make His footsteps into a way.” - Psalm 85:12-13 NASB

I've been studying these verses in the larger context of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, and I know that they apply to some of you as well. From a young adult longing for love and marriage, to a 40-something struggling with a difficult marriage, to friends with disabled children, to dear ones facing cancer or living with chronic pain, many of us are enduring trials right now, and the pressures are real. My question is, how real is our faith? Is our faith in God just as real as the stress of our life situations?

If you're at the beach, you have a choice between putting on your swimsuit and getting into the water, or standing on the shore looking on. I know from past experience that there's always some risk whenever you get into the water. One time years ago, powerful waves took me too far away from shore and I couldn't get back in. I was really scared! I was convinced that I would drown until a mysterious man, a very strong swimmer, appeared out of the blue and towed me in to safety. Another time, I was standing in gentle waves that barely skimmed my knees. It was a perfect day and I was ready to swim. Suddenly a huge wave overpowered me with massive force, tumbling my entire body upside down. It took only seconds for the force of the water to twist my right leg around, producing a sprained ankle that troubled me for years.

Both of those situations could have been avoided if I had just stayed out of the water, and that is some people's solution to life - don't get involved. Their main risks are boredom and loneliness, but that's better than fear and pain, right? However, I believe the Lord has called His children to live active lives which involve risks. We need to suit up and jump in! We also need to look at the whole ocean, stretching as far as we can see in either direction, and understand who made it and who keeps it in its place. As vast and powerful and terrible as the sea is, God is far more so. As calm and beautiful and life-giving as the sea is, God is far more so. Faith is the “big picture” perspective that helps us endure fear and pain.

“I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of his glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together, and exalt his name.” - Psalm 34:1-3 LB The big picture is all praise from edge to edge. It is only as I contemplate the wondrous character of the Lord God, and the totality of His unconditional love for me in Christ, that I can praise Him no matter what.

The Scripture says, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” That implies that if we love Him and do what is right, He is not withholding any good thing from us! What?! When I first looked at the verse that way, it was revolutionary. That means that He's not withholding the loving spouse we desire, the happy marriage, the successful children, the healed body, the nicer in-laws, the ideal job, the better house, the stable finances, victory over sin. If we don't have the things we want, we don't need them right now, because the Lord is not denying any good thing that we need. “Indeed, the Lord will give what is good.” That is a statement of trust in His perfect timing and care over all the waves of our lives. He knew that my enthusiasm was going to take me too far out in the water; He knew that I would be tumbled in the waves so badly that I would sprain my ankle just standing on the shore. It seems that the Lord continues to put us in situations where we have no control whatsoever! In those cases, we must trust our lives absolutely to Him; we have no choice. Would we be trusting Him so absolutely if we did have a choice?

Lord, You have promised to mold me into Christ-likeness, and You're going to do whatever it takes to get me there. Forgive me: I am so feeble and faithless, complaining about what I do have and longing for what I don't have. Help me to be grateful for Your many good gifts. Help me to know You so well that I can praise You no matter what happens. Don't let me drown in disaster, but raise my eyes to Heaven where perfection is found in Your holy presence.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager - September 5, 2012 - Yearning for the Courts of the Lord

September 06, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

Reading Psalm 84 has been thought-provoking. “How lovely are Thy dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God....How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house! They are ever praising Thee....I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” - Psalm 84:1-2, 4, 10b NASB

Early in our time here on vacation, I read this psalm and thought of worshiping with God's people on the Lord's Day, which is probably the principal interpretation. Some of you know that a Christian couple has graciously made available three beach cottages for very reasonable rates to their friends and friends of friends. Their generosity (and the Lord's goodness through them) has made a beach trip possible for our family for several years. However, finding a good church to attend while here has been much more difficult.

Have you had the same experience? As Christians, no matter where we go out-of-town, whether for business or pleasure, by the time Sunday rolls around, we're longing for some spiritual nourishment and fellowship. Gathering with like-minded believers, even if we don't know a single one of them personally, brings a unique pleasure that increases our joy in the Lord and strengthens our faith for the week ahead. But sometimes a church that looks good isn't so great when we visit. It's kind of like a food that looks appetizing, but when tasted is either missing a key ingredient or has started to spoil. At the end of those services, we walk out unsatisfied, with our spiritual tummies rumbling. Unfortunately, several churches at the beach caused us want to look elsewhere for sustenance. Each year we would try a different one, with disappointing results.

So imagine how happy we were to discover a really good church at the beach! This church is of a different denomination than our home church, but the essentials are the same. This church has wonderful solid Bible-based preaching, joyful singing (with real substance in the lyrics), and friendly people who welcome us. What a blessing to have such a spiritual banquet on vacation! What an encouragement to see what God is doing in other parts of His church! This is truly the Lord's provision for our family, along with so many other good gifts.

A couple days later, I read Psalm 84 again with a whole new perspective. I had just learned that my cousin Judy Walters had died of breast cancer. She was only 62. As I thought about Judy's bright smile, beautiful singing voice, upbeat attitude and classic Daniels giggle, I began to feel the loss. This sweet, friendly, humble, caring, diligent, and generous soul will be missed at every family reunion. Yet I am confident that she is now enjoying a beautiful new cancer-free life in Heaven! Judy believed on Jesus and her life showed her devotion to Him by her glad heart and her service to others. Despite the increasingly difficult challenges of cancer, her cheerful attitude was a shining testimony. Photos of Judy's last days show that her smile was just as bright as ever. Here was a lady who could stand at the threshold of the house of her God in another, deeper way.

Lord, as I see the wages of sin in these “tents of wickedness,” I long to leave this valley of sorrow. How lovely are Your dwelling places in Heaven, O Lord! How bright are the mansions your Son has prepared for us! Here we visit Your house on Sunday, but how blessed are those who dwell in Your house forever! I long to sing in the heavenly choirs with Cousin Judy and all the rest. I want to enter the temple that was not built with human hands according to human plan, human blood and sweat, but built with the pierced hands of Jesus according to the master plan of the Eternal Creator, by the blood and sweat of the Son of God, who “gave His life as a ransom for many.” When I am “at death's doorstep,” Lord, please cause me to rejoice at the threshold. While I tarry here, give me the joy that Judy had. I know that breast cancer runs in the family; let joy and peace run in the family, too. In Jesus' name I ask.

In Christ,

The Weekly Encourager – August 14, 2012 - “Begin With the Obligations of Home”

August 14, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

As I said last time, I have begun Phase II of a Life Reboot. Phase I was declining to serve again in several volunteer capacities for at least a year. I am still working for income, but the hours I would normally spend on volunteering will be re-purposed for a season. Phase II is the systematic sorting of all my material possessions. This task seemed too overwhelming before, and there have been many setbacks, but I am determined to continue that work. Each day I am reminded all over again of how much there is to do in several different areas. With my ADD, the challenge is much greater, because it's supremely hard for me to stick to just one task at a time.

Yet the Lord has provided encouragement already: 1.The many times I've been laid up with serious sprains and broken bones have taught me Carpe diem. Life is unpredictable, so when I am up and about, I need to make good progress while I am able. 2.Often when there are many areas needing attention, we don't know where to start, but my husband provided clear direction by indicating his top priority. That was a blessing from God. 3.Speaking of my husband, my de-cluttering has spilled over into his life, and he's gotten rid of some things, too. 4. My kids have been a wonderful encouragement. Having lived with me, they are familiar with my areas of difficulty and therefore better equipped to pray and cheer me on. 5. Hauling books up and down stairs in a split-level house is good exercise! 6. Random things I am reading are applying to my situation and spurring me on.

For example, I'm reading Bleak House by Charles Dickens for Book Club. Early in the novel, three characters visit Mrs. Jellyby, a woman who “exerts herself very much for Africa.” She is so busy with charity work that she has little time left over for her own household. While her children run about unsupervised, dirty, and in poor clothing, she sits dictating letters by the dozen to ask people to contribute funds for the poor children in Africa. When heroine Esther's guardian, Mr. Jarndyce, asks for Esther's “real thoughts” about the visit, she replies, “We thought that, perhaps...it is right to begin with the obligations of home, sir; and that, perhaps, while these are overlooked and neglected, no other duties can possibly be substituted for them.”

When I read that passage the words seemed to be in bold type just for me. How many times have I told myself that helping a friend is more godly than clearing my house of clutter? (What noble self-sacrifice!) Yes, people are more important than things, and I hope my life shows a desire to help others. But the fact is, it's a lot more fun to play with kids or plan a party than it is to sort possessions and make the hard decisions about what to pass on. It's certainly more fun to shop for new items at bargain price than to give away the old things. Given my personality, it's a lot easier to start an exciting new quilt project than it is to finish up an old one. It feels very virtuous, when dying relatives want to give me things, to take it all home (as a favor to them, of course), park it in the basement, and say, “I'll deal with that later.”

Phase II is taxing physically and emotionally. Many of these objects were given to me by loved ones who have passed away. I miss the people, so I try to hold on to the special objects which remind me of them, the things that they touched. I love antiques and handmade items and things designed for one use which are now being used for something else. Things with a past are inherently more interesting. I may dream of decorating a mansion or a castle, but God has given us a house of a particular size. I need to be able to say, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places.” - Psalm 16:5-6 This is one time when I do need to color within the lines. Thank You Lord for all that You have given us!

As in any area of difficulty, when I am weak, He is strong. What a comfort to read this verse yesterday: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Hosts - “you will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.” - Zechariah 4:6 LB That day I culled out another 150 books, and I trusted in the Lord.

Fight the good fight!

Quotation from Charles Dickens, Bleak House, Chapter VI, p.60-61.

The Weekly Encourager – August 8, 2012 – Life Reboot

August 08, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

My husband and I are beginning a Life Reboot. We've been thinking and praying about what direction our life will take next. Each of us has projects that have been put off for many years due to more pressing priorities such as family obligations. With three out of four of our parents gone and health deteriorating, this seems a reasonable time to give some of those projects a higher priority. But we're too busy! Therefore, we are pulling back from almost all of our volunteer activities for at least a year. I have declined to serve on the Board of the quilt guild (a big decision); I said no when asked to head up church flowers; I am turning down all new quilt commissions. Dave has taken a back seat in Aftershock (his band); he has trained others to take over his set-up and sound responsibilities at church. We decided not to host a friend's wedding reception. We are taking a year off from the Fairfax Choral Society. I'm writing fewer Encouragers. Other decisions are in progress.

We have identified projects for our “gap year” and my list starts with our house. Finally free of the all-encompassing rental property (praise God!), I spent a year on structural jobs such as getting a new roof put on. This year I've been working on interior projects, such as updating our living room, making slipcovers, etc. But my most formidable task is sorting through our many possessions and passing some of them on.

Two weeks ago, my husband provided good motivation by declaring that he wanted to put his band equipment in a certain area of the basement where we've been storing books. Yikes! My first thought was panic, but then I realized this was a God-given opportunity. I've been talking about sorting through the books for a long time, but never got around to it. Having learned from the Lord a few years back that it is best to put what my husband wants done near the top of the list, I began planning. Then the Lord blessed my efforts!

First, I asked Dave and the boys to indicate which books and furniture they wished to keep, then I had the boys carry three bookcases out of the basement, ready for donation. About that time, I found an oak armoire I wanted to buy from an acquaintance. The timing was from the Lord, since other things would have to go out before we could bring the armoire in. One of the young men from church kindly agreed to lend his truck and manpower, so on Saturday morning Austin, Brendan, and Dave moved one bookcase and a chest out to the garage, delivered another bookshelf and chest to Rob's house, and picked up and installed the new armoire into a bedroom. You know how many chores take forever to do, with so many opportunities for acquiring patience? Well, this was NOT one of those times. This was a day when everything went right. The armoire was even more beautiful than the picture, the price was great, and it fit absolutely perfectly into Brendan's truck. I mean, that truck was made for that piece of furniture - what a blessing!

With some big items out of the way, I began the Great Book Sort. I have found that deadlines help me get things done. As Dave was going out of town for a week, it seemed the ideal time for a basement book sale. Whatever I earned could benefit a college in Uganda. I set the sale date for Tuesday, which forced me to go through all the books in the house and cull out enough for the sale in time. On Wednesday I advertised the remaining books on freecycle. People came and got books that evening and Thursday morning. All the books and one bookcase were gone by 3 PM Thursday.

That same week, one of the national charities called and asked if I had any items to donate. Did I ever! My policy when those people call is to always say yes. Then I have a deadline. It's not hard to look around the house and fill a box with things we no longer need. That week I donated three large bookcases and two boxes of stuff. Woo hoo!

What happened when Dave came home, exhausted from his business trip? I knew he would be thrilled to come home and find 300-400 books gone, and he was! Thanks be to God!

Am I a hoarder? No, I don't think so, but I do have large quantities of books, magazines, art, furniture, clothes, jewelry, and collections, as well as fabric, tools, etc. for my quilt business. It's all pretty well organized, but there's just too much of it. (I keep hoping we'll retire to a country estate!) Getting rid of that much stuff in a two-week period was scary, but necessary. Keeping in mind the “useful or beautiful” adage, I'm coming up with criteria for how to know when something has to go:

If I haven't used it a long time, and have no plans to use it in the immediate future, move it out.
If I'm not cleaning, maintaining, or repairing it, move it out.
If the quantity is such that I'm tripping over it or it's taking space that's needed for something else, move it out.
If there's so much stuff that it's a psychological burden, move it out.

That last one is probably the hardest, but I need to face the truth that sometimes possessions impede progress. “It's not the height of the mountain that stops you, it's the pebble in your shoe.” (attributed to boxing champion Muhammad Ali.) Above all I want to honor the Lord with everything that He has given me. That includes being a good steward of material possessions and sharing them with others.

I am encouraged by the progress the Lord has allowed me to make recently, and I pray His help in moving forward. As the psalmist said, “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” - Psalm 61:2 I can't part with my possessions on my own, so Lord, please help!

As always, I welcome your comments.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – July 10, 2012 – Praying for Patience

July 10, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

If you can read this, it means you have power. Take a moment now to thank God for it!

The last two weeks have been a time of trials. On a Monday morning, I was pulling out trash that passersby had thrown into our ivy, when hornets (as in “mad as”) covered my arms and began stinging me multiple times. While trying to beat them off, I ran into the house. Dave happened to be home sick with a bad cold, so he helped me make a baking soda paste. Although I did what I knew to do and what the internet said to do, the stings got worse instead of better. I could see the venom spreading out under the skin. The pain and itching were difficult to bear, keeping me awake for most of two nights. I prayed for patience, realizing that this trial could be an answer to a previous prayer for patience. I asked others to pray. On Wednesday afternoon, I went to the doctor's office and was prescribed a steroid, which helped immediately. That was the week I had “planned” to finish a big job at home, so I kept on working and praying. I found that, despite the stings, the Lord helped me to soldier on. In fact, keeping on with the task, however slowly, helped take my mind off the pain. The task itself – making slipcovers for two settees – required a lot of patience, and the stings just added to that. I found that I had to depend on the Lord hour by hour.

Around the time the stings got better, I got Dave's cold, but it seemed no big deal after the hornet stings. On that Friday, I finally finished the slipcovers, just before a big derecho storm hit our area. Our power went out, but I was thanking God that I had just turned off the sewing machine before it happened! God was kind. I also thanked God that my kids were okay and that I had recently purchased very nice emergency lanterns for us and for each of them! In addition, we had been invited to a wedding several hundred miles away that weekend, and I was glad that we had decided not to go, since I was far too sick to travel and would have missed the wedding anyway. After the rain came the heat, and we had no AC or even fans working. Meanwhile, I was coughing and sneezing and feeling nauseous and tired all the time due to the cold. Yet I still thanked God for good health in general, trusting that the illness would pass after a few days. My suffering is nothing compared to chronic pain that some of my friends endure. Trust in the Lord, this is all part of God's sovereign plan.

When our power was restored, Dave walked in and said, “It feels like magic!” Indeed it did. The days without power made me so much more grateful for the fact that we live in a home which almost always has electricity, internet, central air and heat, and hot and cold running water. My cold was getting worse, but at least we had power. I spent a lot of time reading and sleeping, because that was about all I could do. I felt awful, but I could thank God that I had time to catch up on reading. We had two weeks of record-breaking heat in the Washington area; I prayed with feeling for people still without power. Church was canceled because we meet in a fire station and it was being used as a cooling center for those without power. Yesterday, exactly two weeks from the hornet event, I finally felt well enough to do some physical labor. The house really needed vacuuming, but I couldn't figure out the new vacuum! I was frustrated, but I found some other jobs to do instead. Another test of my patience!

Why am I writing all this? On Sunday, back at church after two weeks, I was sharing with a friend whose opinion I respect. Still not feeling very well, I made a flip comment, “Be careful when you pray for patience heh heh” which I meant as dry humor. Unfortunately, it came out as superstition along the lines of “be careful what you wish for” which we hear floating around in the world today. She was right to correct me. Although I didn't mean it that way at all, I clearly was giving the wrong impression. An expression of bad theology might cause others to stumble. She was right to remind me that Christians should never be superstitious, yet some are. I told her that, having grown up with two highly rational parents, I am probably the least superstitious of anyone she knows, so I didn't think about it that way. Instead of “be careful” what I should have said was, “I know that the Lord is answering my prayers for patience.”

Should Christians pray for patience? Absolutely! Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit. We earnestly desire to be more like Jesus Christ every day, and that means manifesting the fruits in our daily lives. But, although I take vitamins every day, God didn't make a patience pill – drat! The only way to get more patience is to get more trials. This skill can be learned only through practice. Therefore we continue to pray for patience. The beauty of this process is that when trials come, we can ask and see Him helping us to bear up under these trials. I want to encourage anyone reading this that our God is faithful to answer prayer, and He is kind and loving to those who seek Him. I have seen Him give me a thankful heart despite difficulties. I have seen Him support me in time of trial. He is right there, next to me, just waiting to be asked! My soul, “you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” - 1 Peter 2:3

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth....O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; for to those who fear Him, there is no want....They who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing....Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” - Psalm 34: 1,8-10, 19

Praying for patience,

The Weekly Encourager – June 16, 2012 – A Father Who Listens

June 16, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

Marlo Thomas enjoyed a special relationship with her father, Danny Thomas. She said, “One thing stands out for me as the North Star of parenting – and it's something that transcends time and generations: the art of listening.

“My dad wasn't perfect, but he had the laserlike ability to shut out the noisy world around him and listen to my sister and brother and me. To our worries. Our thoughts. Our feelings. Even when he was on the road with his act, Dad called nightly to check in. And whether I was reading him a book report or confiding my school-day fears, I felt safe knowing he was there, listening.

“If there is one vital thing from my childhood that has carried over into my adult life, it is my parents' assurance that what I felt mattered. Even today, when I take the risk of putting forth an opinion held by few others, I know that my confidence comes from having been truly heard as a child.”

It sounds like this woman's father cared about her and listened to her as if she were the only person on earth. How about your dad? Whether or not we had a father like that, we do have a Heavenly Father who is even better than the best earthly father could be. The Lord God whom, through Christ, we can call “Abba” or “Daddy” listens to every word we say. He knows what we need before we even ask. Although He created worlds within worlds, He is never distracted by anything, but is capable of giving each of us all the attention we need at any given moment. We don't have to wait for a nightly phone call, because the Lord is always near to those who call on Him in truth. It's up to us to check in with Him on a regular basis, reading His word, meditating on His character, and speaking to Him in prayer.

If we take advantage of God's listening ear, whatever our age, we will go forth in life with the confidence that comes from knowing that we've been truly heard. We will be able to stand firm in the face of temptation or persecution. We will feel safe no matter what happens to us. We will speak the gospel, live out the gospel, serve the gospel, rejoice in the fruit of the gospel. How grateful we should be for a Father who listens!

God is faithful,

Quotation from “Make Room for Listening” by Marlo Thomas in AARP Magazine, June/July 2012, p. 59.

The Weekly Encourager – June 12, 2012 – Worship in Song

June 12, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” - Colossians 3:12-17

Pastor Dave Coffin gave a fine sermon on our calling to Worship in Song, drawn from this passage and others. As he discussed the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of song, he said that “song is designed to impress truth upon the heart” and to express our heart's response to that truth. Songs often contain poetry, and “Poetry is to be the nursery of piety, the herald of immortality, the promoter of cheerfulness, the conqueror of sadness, and a foretaste of heavenly glory,” said hymn-writer Johann Franck.

As we sing with joy by the Spirit, we proclaim the word of God back to God first, then to ourselves and to one another. We should sing with others in such a way as to encourage and profit those around us. The pastor gave a good example of his grandson learning songs from hearing his mother sing around the house, even though little Peter sometimes got the words wrong. Betsy Coffin sang, “Help my unbelief” and Peter echoed “Help Mom's unbelief!” I remember back when our own children were little, we used to play Scripture songs at nap-time and sing at bedtime. One song was from Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” When I heard Austin sing it later, it was “sitteth in the seat of his corn field!” (Did he ever wonder, having grandparents who were farmers, what was wrong with sitting in corn fields?) Children mimic what their parents do, say, and sing. Even if you think you “can't carry a tune” you can still sing along with Christian CDs and teach your kids that way.

We may not have great skill in the art of singing, but we can always make a joyful noise from the heart. Pastor Coffin said, “Only Christ makes our worship acceptable, but we want to bring our best.” Psalm 33:3 is one of my favorites: “Play skillfully to the Lord.” I believe there is Biblical warrant for those skilled in music to aid the congregation in worship. (Unfortunately, when well-meaning but unskilled brothers lead music in public worship, it can be a great distraction to those of us with some musical training. In those cases, and I say this to myself, we must resist the temptation to criticize. We need to view it as an opportunity from God to bear with one another's weaknesses patiently, exercising the fruit of charity. Godly skill always trumps musical skill.) Also, I applaud those churches which have a tradition of teaching songs to the congregation. As a teenager, I was a “baby Christian” in a charismatic fellowship. How many passages from God's word were hidden in my heart because of singing Scripture songs taken directly from the Bible! Those simple songs were easy to memorize, and isn't that the point? The Spirit has brought them to mind at appropriate times through the years. “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.”

A further point of Pastor Coffin's was that, when there's an assault on the truth of the gospel, there's an assault on singing in churches. Hymnals reflect this. A man reviewing a Presbyterian hymnal once said, “If you want to know the trends in religion, listen to the way that religion sings.” All too often today there is a “deadly vagueness” in hymn and song lyrics. While on vacation last summer, our family visited a church and one of the songs was “Let the water flow, let the water flow” repeated over and over. Although the tune was pleasant, there was no explanation of what water was being referred to, and what it had to do with our worship that morning. While singing it along with the congregation, I chose to picture the River of Life which flows from Jesus Christ in the kingdom of heaven; otherwise I would have been singing in “vain repetition as the heathens do”! Let's make sure that the cross of Christ is not deleted from our songbooks.

Pastor Coffin also exhorted us to sing to the world as a joyful witness to God's greatness. He quoted Jonathan Edwards: “When one thing sweetly harmonizes with another, as with the notes in music, the notes are so conformed and have such a proportion to one another that they seem to have a respect to one another as if they loved one another. It's very much the image of love in all the parts of society united by the sweet consent of charity in the heart.” What a noble goal! Lord, teach us to sing Your praise in harmony with Your Spirit! Let the sweet unity of our voices show our sweet unity in Christ and be a witness to a world which desperately needs You.

Yours in the God of Song,

To hear Pastor David F. Coffin Jr.'s complete sermon, go to http://newhopefairfax.org/resources/sermons-to-hear and select the message from June 3, 2012. Any mistakes in quotation are mine.

The Weekly Encourager - May 25, 2012 - Memorial Day Dad

May 25, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

As we begin another Memorial Day weekend, I want to share with you what one friend wrote to another about the passing of his father who had served faithfully in the U.S. Military.

Butch Rowe wrote the following to Staige Kern:

I got word of your Dad's passing.... Your dad sounds a lot like my Pop. He didn't want the whole "honors" thing either....I've found in 27 years of ministry that many in our fathers' age group are hesitant to put themselves or their achievements on display. I fear our country's young people today have a lot to learn about willing service with the humility they showed. But I'd like to share with you a gift I gave my father a few years ago as a way of comforting you in your loss.

When I was a kid, he gave me a box full of military insignia and medals that showed his rank and accomplishments in the service, starting with military college, and finishing with his rank during his second hitch in the Army Air-Corps, ending with the rank of 1st Lt. in Army intelligence. I was too young to appreciate them. I broke some, and lost some, and left them in a drawer for years. But for Christmas a few years back, after he had grown ill, and we knew it was just a matter of time, I found that old box. And with the help of the U.S. Army (I needed both their permission/authorization and their help in securing the materials), I replaced all his insignia and medals (a few were updated versions, and I needed some heavy guns to get his Intelligence insignia). I made them into a shadow box display on an Army Air-Corps class A dress background, and I included this note:

Father

A young man takes the values and principles he learns from his parents with him throughout his life. To them, he adds the discipline, knowledge, and training of a soldier, the love and sacrifice he gives as a husband, and the leadership and experience he gains in the business world. Finally, he adds faith. All these are mixed together to form a character, to prepare him to become one of God's most wonderful gifts: A father. When I was young, I played with these medals. I lost some, and broke some. Many years later, I learned what they really meant. They are a part of what makes a father. My father. Now, I give them back, having learned their lesson: proud to bear his name, to have his love, and to learn from him what God's deepest nature is. A father.

Merry Christmas, Pop, with all my respect and love.
Your Son,
Al

Butch continues: I wanted to share this with you, because your Dad sounds a lot like mine. I saw my Pop cry only twice in my life. The first was when he lost mother. The second was when he read these words. He told me then something I'd like to share with you now. A father's greatest achievement is his children. The men and women they become, and the fathers (and mothers) they become in their turn. Then, to my surprise, he told me he was proud of what I had made of what he built into me. And although it's been years since you and I spent much time together, I remember seeing those qualities in you when we were in school. And I still see them today, matured and bearing the fruit that our fathers planted, and being the man and father I know your Dad is proud of even now. So be comforted, my friend. Your Dad is with you even now, watching from the sidelines, and telling the Lord, "You see that man right there, Lord? That's my son. Boy, I'm proud of him!" And I believe the Lord will say, "Yeah, me too."

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Mt. 25:21

This gift now hangs on my wall as a memory of him. Now I know why this gift has been on my mind. God was reminding me so I could share it with you. The loss will be with us until we see them again in heaven, but the pain does become less sharp as time passes. May the God of our comfort bless and keep you and yours.

I'll be praying for you,
Butch Rowe

I thought this was a beautiful tribute to Butch's dad, and to all fathers and mothers who served. A big THANK YOU to all our veterans and their families. I thank God for their willing service to our nation.

The letter quoted was written by Alvin John Rowe III (“Butch”) on 12/28/11 and is shared with his permission.

The Weekly Encourager – May 18, 2012 – Paying Bills

May 18, 2012 by Janet A. Marney

I guess it's time to renew my junk mail opt-out request, because random ads are coming to my mailbox again, courtesy of the local mailman. Yesterday, for the third time, I got an ad which proclaimed in big bright letters, “If the IRS came to your church today, what would they find? Just because your heart is right with God...doesn't mean your books are right with the IRS!”

Some of you know that my husband and I share a home business. He's the creative genius who writes software that people need, and I manage office duties such as billing and customer support. During a recent audit in which I examined every customer's account to see who was current on payments, I found that almost one fifth of our customers were in arrears! Well, you say, that's to be expected, given the current economic downturn and the general unreliability of people in the world. But what if I told you that all of our customers are Christian churches?

To me, this was shocking. Christ calls us to come out from the world, to be different. I believe that Christians, of all people, should pay their bills on time, to the best of their ability. Remember the parable about “what man builds a tower and fails to count the cost?” The underlying implication on which that parable rests is that of course we count the cost before committing to any large venture. Yet many Christian individuals and even Christian churches are clearly not counting the cost. Many of us have fallen under the influence of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We want whatever brings us pleasure, and we want it now, whether we can afford it or not. We have bought the lie, literally.

The problem with buying a lie is that every purchase must be paid for eventually. Buying the lie often leads to telling a lie. When we can't afford something, yet promise to pay for it, we are making a false claim. The Bible says, “Let your yes be yes and your no, no” and “speak the truth to one another.” The person who does not pay what he owes causes damage to himself, his family, and his witness for Jesus Christ. One of Jesus' titles is “Faithful and True,” and we are to imitate Christ by being faithful and true. We are to glorify God and set a godly example in all our dealings, including managing our finances.

Now, of course there are exceptional cases by God's providence when someone loses a job, gets stuck with huge medical expenses, etc. We've been there ourselves. We've been right on the poverty line twice in our marriage but God provided. With good financial principles and hard work, we've come out of it. If you cannot afford anything but the essentials, you cut way back on non-essentials. You give up some pleasures, knowing that God may be sending financial trials to grow in you the fruits of the Spirit such as faith, patience, meekness, and self-control. With thankfulness in everything, and leaning on God's strength, you may take on extra work or do jobs you never considered before. If you can't pay your bills, you call the companies to explain the situation; you don't hide and hope that ignoring bills will make them go away!

Yet that seems to be the way some people operate. Most companies (including the IRS) will give leniency when you come forward and explain your circumstances, and you promise to make a very small but very steady payment each month on time. There is no shame in poverty unless it is your own fault. Demonstrate responsibility by paying $5 a month to each creditor, if that's all you can do for now. What bothers me about the customers who are behind on their payments is that most of them don't seem to know if they are paid up or not. I respect the few who say they can no longer afford our service and must cancel. I thank them for calling, because at least I know the truth and can plan accordingly. Those churches are being responsible with their funds and honoring the Lord by stepping back. Many, however, never inform us of their decisions; they just stop paying and force me to track them down. That is not what I would call “faithful and true.” Just saying...

Are your finances in good order? How about your church's finances? My hope is that each of us will prayerfully consider how to honor the Lord with what He has given us. May we be shining examples of wise stewards, to the glory of God.

God is faithful,