The Weekly Encourager – May 7, 2014 – Lesson from a Florist

May 07, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

My friend Gitta Smith is a talented floral designer who makes beautiful arrangements for weddings and other events. One time, returning to her house from a weekend trip together, I saw a vase of flowers near her front door. I noticed that the flowers weren't quite at their best, but still an attractive addition to the room. I made some comment about how nice it was to come home to flowers. However, as soon as she saw them, Gitta snatched them away, saying, “Oh, those were supposed to have been thrown away.” I was a bit shocked. Had they been at my house, I would have enjoyed them for another couple of days. Then I realized, she's a florist. Her standards have to be higher. When she presents her creations to her clients, they must be in perfect condition. Having flowers around that are not at the peak of perfection is unacceptable. They reflect badly on her, and they're bad for business.

While re-arranging some flowers of my own this morning, I thought of Gitta. I had to force myself to discard some flowers that were beginning to lose petals. Their continuing presence would degrade the whole arrangement. At that moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. Isn't that the way I view my faults, holding on to them as long as I can? When the Spirit convicts me of a sin, am I immediately eager to stop doing it? No, sometimes I try to maintain some little bit of whatever the bad habit is, because I LIKE it. Can't I have just a little bit of this sin, Lord? Can't I have just a little bit of this unhealthy food, just one rude retort to that difficult person, just a little bit of sarcasm, just a little bit of laziness, just a little bit of anxiety, just a little bit of grumbling? Please, Lord, it's too hard to give it ALL up!

God's word says that having just a little bit of sin in my life is still disobedience. If I've broken one part of God's Law, I'm guilty of breaking it all. One little bit of leaven leavens the whole lump. Even one moment of rebellion in my heart would have been enough to send me straight to Hell. Just a little bit of sin would have been enough to hang Christ on the cross in my behalf. God calls us to be holy, as He is holy.

Keeping just a little bit of sin around reflects poorly on our Creator, and it's bad for business. All our unbelieving family and friends and neighbors are watching us. They all know we're Christians, and some of them are just waiting for us to trip up, so they can point the finger and justify their own rebellion against God. Our desire is to be a good witness for Jesus Christ in all we say and do. We hope that the Spirit will work through us to bring some people closer to believing in Him. To shine with the light of Christ, we must make no allowance for sin. We have to put off this old man and put on the new, with the Lord's help. Thanks be to God, He provides a way to escape every temptation that comes our way. He is able.

See those dying flowers? Throw them all out!

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager - May 3, 2014 - Joy in the Morning/Mourning

May 03, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – May 3, 2014 – Joy in the Morning/Mourning

My friend was dying of cancer. Her niece remarked that it didn't seem right that Spring was blossoming at the same time that her dear aunt's body was decaying. I answered that Easter is a perfect time to die, because Spring is a picture of new life. If it were up to me, I would like to die on Good Friday!

Reading Psalm 30 just after Easter, I got a new insight into a familiar verse. "Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning." You hear this verse with reference to the troubles of this life. We go through a time of trial, then it finally ends and we praise the Lord. Yes, but, how about if we see "the night" as referring to the whole of our experience in this world?

Although God gives us moments of joy, this life is a vale of tears. For all who die in the Lord, because of Easter, joy comes in the morning! RESURRECTION! An end to suffering! The dawn! After an arduous journey with many battles and great pain, Frodo awakes in the house of Elrond, a place of golden light, the land of healing, a symbol of heaven.

The following poem by Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) beautifully paints another image for us.

I Am Standing Upon the Seashore

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone"

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"

And that is dying...

Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

As our loved ones find joy in the morning, we can find joy in our mourning. Give thanks to the Lord in all things, singing, "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing, Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever." - Psalm 30:11-12

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – April 19, 2014 – Taxes and Easter

April 19, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

The income tax due date and Easter fall in the same week this year. That got me thinking: what do taxes and Easter have in common? The answer comes directly from Jesus: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.” - Matthew 22:21 We are to show respect for the rulers and laws of our country. As Christians, we submit the annual payment on time, whether or not we agree with everything our government decides. We're grateful to live in a peaceful nation. We're grateful to have an income. Most of us feel a sense of relief when the tax return is complete; now we can get back to normal life. You usually hear that “render unto Caesar” verse as support for honoring the governing authorities under which God has placed us. But, until this week, I've never given much attention to the second half of the verse.

We've done the tax return, now what's the God return? What is due to God, the Most High Supreme Ruler, this week? What are the things that belong to Him? As part of the thankfulness study, I read Psalm 43 this week. “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” The word translated “again” here can also mean “still” or “yet.” Even when oppressed by deceitful and unjust enemies, the Psalmist returns to praise God again and again. This worship is regular and constant. In Psalm 56, even while going through great challenges and afraid for his life, David still puts his trust in God. “Thy vows are binding upon me, O God; I will render thank offerings to Thee.” Although we don't sacrifice animals as in Old Testament days, we still owe Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving in every circumstance.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. “ - Psalm 34:1 The apostle Paul reminds us, “Pray without ceasing.” - I Thessalonians 5:17 If constant prayer with thanksgiving is to be our pattern, how much more so at Easter! Jesus Christ gave His own life for ours, to satisfy the Law's demand for righteousness. Jesus was given a holy but extremely difficult task, to die on behalf of sinners. He returned obedience to God, making His whole body an offering. He returned honor and praise to the King of the Universe, even while wishing the cup could pass Him by. In the midst of severe suffering, He kept the faith. He cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit.” - Luke 23:46

After having made the greatest sacrifice any man has ever made, Jesus rose again from the dead. He received the crown of life. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised! In the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness!” - Psalm 48:1 Rejoice greatly this Easter weekend, and return obedience from a thankful heart to God! Paul wrote, “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 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29

Many happy returns!

The Weekly Encourager – April 11, 2014 – The Top of My List

April 11, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

How forgiving are you? I had a frank conversation with another Christian lady. Both of us were coming across the wrong way, and by God's grace, we admitted it. She said, “I can see you're trying, so I forgive you.” I was shocked, not because she forgave me, but because of how she put it. I wanted to answer, “Don't forgive me because I'm trying, forgive me because of Christ.” I could never try hard enough or apologize well enough to undo the sinful things that have come out of my mouth. Once it's said, it's hanging in the air, even if I regret it. But that's a minor point in the manual of forgiveness.

The major point, as I read the Scripture, is that we forgive because of the forgiveness we've received from Christ. Because He forgave such a humongous debt, we are to forgive the tiny debts, and without any thought of repayment. We forgive out of humility, not pride. We forgive not because our standards have been met, but because God's standards must be met. It's not optional; it's a command.

Jesus Christ on the cross is the supreme model of forgiveness. What is the main reason He was there? Forgiveness of sins! He suffered an excruciating death for my sins, your sins, and the sins of every believer. The amazing thing is that He chose to do it out of mercy and love. “By grace you have been saved, not by works, that any man should boast.” Even during intense suffering, Jesus taught us by His words. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus didn't say, “Forgive them, for they are trying to do the right thing.” He said they know not. In other words, those sinners were not sorry for what they did, and they certainly did not try harder to be gracious! Yet Jesus forgave them anyway, even those who were putting Him to death!

Contemplating this truth begs the question: how forgiving am I? Am I willing to forgive even when people don't apologize? Even when they are willfully ignorant? Even when what they do really hurts? When it's really unfair? When it's motivated by jealousy or spite? When, by any worldly standard, they don't deserve my forgiveness?! Christ did that on the cross. Do I go out of my way to initiate forgiveness? Do I give it graciously, kindly, sincerely? Do I turn the other cheek? Christ did that on the cross. Do I forgive freely with no thought of repayment? Do I act from a heart of pure, unselfish love? Christ did that on the cross.

It's not a worldly standard of justice that we must meet. It's a heavenly one. I thank God for this heavenly standard of grace, because there is no way I could meet the worldly standard of works. I simply can't try hard enough to be worthy of His forgiveness.

In a Bible study on thankfulness, one assignment was to make a list of My Top Ten Blessings from God. Forgiveness of sins is at the top of my list. Oh, how I need the mercy of God! Without Him, I am nothing. Lord, help me to forgive others as you forgave me.

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – April 2, 2014 – Where's the Beer?

April 02, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

Years ago, we held an Open House party for friends and family to come see our new house. One of my co-workers had recently married, so naturally we invited her husband, too, although we hadn't met him yet. I stood at the front door to greet guests as they arrived. When my colleague and her new husband arrived, she greeted me warmly, but I was blown away by her husband. As soon as he arrived, he brushed past me right through to the kitchen, saying, “Where's the beer?” He did not even say “hello” or “nice to meet you” or “thank you for inviting us” or anything of the sort. He did not even smile. His only concern was to have his own desire met as quickly as possible, without any interference from anyone else. Unfortunately for him, we knew that several of our guests objected to alcohol, so we had decided not to serve any alcohol at that party. Was he disappointed!

If you've been reading along for the past few weeks, you know that I've been thinking about thankfulness. That person's behavior was a picture of ungratefulness. He called himself a Christian, but my first impression of him was anything but. If one of my non-believing relatives had seen his behavior and then learned that he was a Christian, I doubt that they would have found the gospel any more attractive. Remembering that incident this morning, I thought, it's easy to criticize this man's behavior, but how often have I approached the Lord in the very same way?

Our loving Heavenly Father is hosting a permanent Open House. Every time I read the Scripture, it's an invitation to pause and enter His house of prayer, but how often do I toss His invitation away? When I do enter the door of prayer, do I rush through the opening without so much as a “glad to see you” or “thank You for inviting me” so I can get right to what I want from Him? In many ways, I am just as selfish as that guest.

There is nothing wrong with asking and even crying out to the Lord with our heart-felt needs. The Bible encourages us to do just that. Yet there are many more references to offering praise and thanksgiving to God when we address Him. I believe that if I have only five minutes to pray, four of them should be spent in praise and thanksgiving, and only one in requests. My heart should be so overflowing with awareness of God's goodness, mercy, and love, that I can't help but thank Him, no matter what's happening in my life! I should be so confident that He is caring for my every need, that my list of wants is but an afterthought. After all, I may want beer, but He may have a different beverage in mind, and it will be better for me at that time. Instead of “Where's the beer?” it should be “How kind You are, Lord. Thank You for inviting me into Your home. I've been looking forward to this party all day.”

I thank God for giving me the great blessing of our church Women's Retreat this past weekend. Our theme was “Living Thankful Lives.” I prepared for the Retreat by reading and thinking about the topic, and the Lord graciously worked in my heart during the weekend. Now that it's over, many of us are doing The 30-Day Gratitude Challenge, a Bible study in the back of DeMoss's book, Choosing Gratitude. One of the things the Spirit brought to my mind at the Retreat during a personal time of reflection was Psalm 100, so I will close with that, in the NASB translation.

PSALM 100

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the Lord Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him; bless His name.
For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting,
And His faithfulness to all generations.

There's an Open House today. Are you going?
j

The Weekly Encourager – March 27, 2014 – First World Problems

March 27, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

What happens when a Christian prays for a more thankful heart? My week has been challenging, and it's only half over! Our boiler heat system has been acting up, leaving us cold for several hours at a time, including overnight during snow storms. My car has been starting or not starting, as if by caprice. It's now in the shop for the fourth time in six days. There's been trouble getting the medication I need, and I've been “on hold” waiting to resolve several business issues. The lack of heat at home and the lack of a car to go elsewhere has added to the difficulty. In addition, some extended family issues as well as some church questions are requiring wisdom and careful action on my part. Yet, despite constant temptation not to be thankful, I'm still trying to put into practice what I'm reading about gratitude. I know that I must thank the Lord for all things, even those that try my patience.

Last week a friend said she was “dealing with a string of everyday equipment failures—microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, electric range, automobile turn signal, etc.” and now there were some major problems with her water system [they have a well] necessitating replacement of multiple pieces of equipment at great expense. She and her husband were without water for several periods of time. I confess I wasn't very sympathetic to her situation then [sorry, Debbie], and now it's happening to me!

One of the things that enables me to thank God even for these aggravations is remembering that most of these are First World problems. In other words, my heat may be out during a freezing cold week, but I still have a house to get out of the wind! I have plenty of clean clothes to wear and warm quilts to snuggle under, and plenty of food to eat. We are blessed to be employed, meaning we can find the money to get our heat repaired, so we have the hope of heat in the near future. A vast number of the world's inhabitants would be happy to have our well-built brick home during a snow storm, even without any hope of heat! Most folks in the world would be glad to get the clothes in my closets or have the use of my car or money for groceries. [Am I being generous with the wealth that God has placed in my hands?]

Above and beyond all my First World blessings is the knowledge that I am forgiven for my sins, and yes, those sins have been more evident in my life this week! It seems I don't deal well with “equipment failures” and “human error.” I especially don't like being cold. Clearly, I am too much of a wimp for God to have placed me in a Third World country. As we approach the traditional time for celebrating Christ's resurrection, I have been thinking how glad I am for God's great mercy. I was worthy of death, but He chose to give me life! Also, Jesus' suffering on the cross was rewarded. He endured and He rose from the dead, receiving the crown of life. This has been a great comfort as I watch friends and family members die. Some have endured great physical suffering at the end, yet they ended up in heaven, a place of perfect health and joy. Third, knowing that Jesus was tempted in every way that I am, yet still managed to be obedient and thankful to God, helps me in my own petty problems.

“What a wonderful God we have – he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB

“For since he himself has now been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us.” - Hebrews 2:17-18 TLB

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12 NASB

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10 NASB

Thank You, Thank You, Lord! Crown Him with many crowns!

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – March 14, 2014 – Cycle of Gratitude

March 14, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

Have you ever been in a downer conversation, where one person starts grumbling about something, then others latch on to it, each story topping the last with more and more disagreeable comments? By the end, instead of feeling better, we're all feeling worse. This can happen at work, home, church, or out with friends. One person starts talking about how difficult her child/neighbor/boss/mother/teammate is, and another chimes in with a worse story. While it can be helpful to find others who identify with our struggles, it's equally important to preserve a positive perspective. As Christians, we are to be grateful people, characterized by thankfulness. It might be a good exercise to balance each negative remark with one or two positive ones.

Have you been in an encouraging conversation, where someone gives a compliment, then others catch the spark, chiming in with more good reports? One small word of praise can change the course of an entire interaction. Nancy Leigh DeMoss speaks of how grace leads to gratitude, which then leads to generous giving, resulting in more gratitude. Today I'm sharing more thoughts from her book Choosing Gratitude. She writes, “The beauty of Christian gratitude is that one little act of thanksgiving on our part – when directed toward or inspired by its rightful Recipient – can bound and rebound from one end of the kingdom to the other, not only blessing God, not only benefiting us, but even lodging itself in places and in people where God's love might never have been received any other way.”

“What has come down to us vertically has evoked hearty gratitude back to God. And out of His fullness, we have been inspired and enabled to shower gifts of grace horizontally in all directions, which in turn motivates even more thanksgiving to return vertically to God from other sources, thanks to what we've done (or more precisely, what God has done through us).

“It's kind of like the rain cycle. Much the same way as water comes down from the sky, replenishing the earth, then returning to the air in evaporated moisture, Christian gratitude keeps God's grace churning full circle...and leaving who knows how many fruits and flowers and refreshed lives in its trail of glory.”

“Imagine the impact in a world characterized by isolation, selfishness, and fractured relationships, if we were to adorn the gospel we profess to believe, with a culture of mutual care, concern, generosity, and sacrifice. The truth we proclaim would become believable. And God would be glorified.” Can we do that? Can we be cheerful, thankful, and generous with our words of praise, even when times are tough? Only if we have hearts transformed by grace. Only if we depend upon the Spirit of the Living God.

Be the reason someone smiles today. Be the reason someone thanks God today.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – March 6, 2014 – Sick and Glad

March 06, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

I'm sick and I'm glad. What? Yes, I actually said that. A few days ago, I started Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Perfect timing for me to practice the principles of gratitude: I had a great weekend, then I got sick! The long weekend had been planned for months, and I looked forward to my own little getaway for artistic and spiritual refreshment. I had a wonderful time at a quilt show, and read chapters of the Bible and the Gratitude book back in my hotel room. Naturally, I found it easy to thank God for giving me this opportunity to get away from responsibilities for three days.

Nancy DeMoss quotes Matthew Henry, who when he was robbed wrote, “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.” That stuck in my mind. In the hotel that night came my own tiny trial. There were some loud romping kids in the room next door, who robbed me of sleep on what was “supposed” to be my weekend of rest. Fresh from reading about Matthew Henry's thankful spirit, I decided to immediately thank God for the disturbance. I thanked God that I am fortunate enough, by His providence, to live on a quiet street in a single family house, rather than in a noisy apartment building, where I might have to put up with that level of noise every night! How God has smiled upon me. I spent a few minutes in prayer, then fell asleep.

Driving home from the weekend, I started feeling poorly, and by Sunday evening I knew I was sick with some kind of bug. Now this was harder to thank God for, but I did it anyway. After all, I could be sick like this all the time, instead of only once or twice a year! God had just given me a wonderful weekend. It was not my place to complain that the next few days would be difficult. He is Lord of the Universe, and we worship Him. He sends sunshine, and He sends rain, exactly when and where it's needed according to His eternal plan. I think of the glad Scripture song I learned as a baby Christian:

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” - from Psalm 34:1-4

Maybe gratitude is about rights and responsibilities. It's God's right to give or to take away; it's our responsibility to thank Him either way. Every day! We don't have the right to insist upon good health, good relationships, good jobs, good incomes, or anything else in this world, no matter how much we think we “deserve” them. No, our rights are far more significant, like the right to enter the Holy of Holies to worship the Living God! Then there's the right to be adopted into the Heavenly Family, the right to have a place prepared for us, the right to eternal life. Because of our sin, we don't “deserve” these rights either. These rights and many more were purchased for us by Jesus' death on the cross. Therefore, our responsibility is to be ever-faithful, ever-striving, ever-loving, ever-thanking. Nancy DeMoss describes something similar in her book: “These three words – 'guilt,' 'grace,' and 'gratitude' – are at the heart of the gospel. In a sense, they tell the story of the whole Bible.”

Why glad? Along with thanking God for letting me get sick, I of course asked for healing, and naturally I did all I could to get well. But I have found that God puts me in bed for a reason. This time, it was a golden opportunity to practice exactly what I had been reading about, and then to see Him work. It turned out in this case, that this sickness was probably an answer to some of my prayers. Unable to work – thank You, Lord, for extra rest. Very little appetite – thanks, Lord, for a chance to re-set my carb-o-meter. Can't go to events – thank You Lord for more time alone to feed my soul [see last week's post]. As I awoke each day, I felt a little better, and thanked the Lord that I wasn't getting worse! How blessed I am to enjoy good health most of the time, unlike others I know who suffer the majority of their days in unrelenting pain. Whether we are sick or healthy, God must have a reason. Every true believer will suffer some hardship or loss, and also know some true blessing and joy. Either way, am I blessing the Lord at all times? Is His praise continually in my mouth? Are we magnifying the Lord and exalting His name together?

Thinking about these things, and thanking the Lord.

God is faithful, so keep on thanking,

PS Thanks to Kathy Kuhl for recommending Nancy Leigh DeMoss with Lawrence Kimbrough, Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy. Chicago: Moody Publishers. 2009.

The Weekly Encourager – February 26, 2014 – African Violet

February 26, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

My African Violet plant had lost all its flowers and was slowly dying until a friend gave me some African Violet fertilizer. It was a revelation! The very first week, I saw a positive change, but not as I had expected. I had assumed that all the leaves might get healthier at the same rate, but instead, only the smallest leaves in the very center circle looked fresher. The rest of the plant stayed the same greyish tone. The next week the second concentric circle improved, while the center leaves stayed fresh. This continued week by week: the plant started greening up from the center out! After all the leaves were revived, the first bud appeared, and now there are four delicate flowers open, with more on the way. My son Austin's comment was that I had been feeding the plant only a subsistence diet, just barely enough to keep it alive, but it needed a real meal. Now the plant is beautiful!

The Lord showed me that this African Violet is an accurate picture of my spiritual life. If I don't get fertilizer from the Word of God, prayer, meditation, worship, and godly fellowship, I will die, too. The world around me and the sin within me will suck out all the moisture and my days will feel dry and meaningless. My tasks feel like drudgery and my relationships with others deteriorate. There's a dusty greyness to my attitude, rather than joyous expectation. The disease of sin starts curling up the edges of my leaves, and there are no flowers or fruit to be found.

Just as African Violet fertilizer is carefully crafted for that specific type of plant, the Word of God is tailored to my individual nutritional need. The Holy Spirit, who is present whenever I read, makes it a living Word that speaks straight to my inmost longing. But once is not enough. My soul-soil needs regular application of the right kind of fertilizer. Jesus prayed, “Give us this day our daily bread.” As long as I keep looking to the Lord for nourishment, I'm going to grow. But the moment I stop feeding that plant is the moment it starts dying, from the inside out.

This weekend I saw that it's not enough to go to church. After a fine service of worship on Sunday morning, while still in the building, I immediately fell into my besetting sin! Those of you who know me in person already know what this sin is, but for those of you who have never met me, I'll tell you that my greatest sin is my untamed tongue. My Big Mouth! The particular circumstance this time: I asked a friend to tell me how she felt about a trial she's facing, then as soon as she started to talk, I butted in with a criticism of her! NOT helpful, not listening, not loving. “From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.” - James 3:10 NASB I'm afraid I threw acid rather than vitamins on that person's plant. Apparently it's not enough to take part in a wonderful worship service, especially if I hold anger in my heart. I still have to be thoughtful and vigilant about my own sin. I have to be constantly aware of this overwhelming temptation, and call on the Lord to guard me every minute!

But it's not just my tongue. What's the root? “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” - Luke 6:45 ESV Well, that's pretty clear. My mouth is not good or bad of itself, it's how I use it that counts. If selfishness and strife occupy my heart and my mind, that will come out in my speech. Oh, how I need the abundant mercy of the Lord!

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “ - John 15:4 NASB Clearly I need a direct pipeline to more fertilizer. The African Violet fertilizer is applied to the soil at the base of the plant, where it is taken in by hungry roots immediately. You can see the water disappear from the saucer in a few minutes. The nourishment reaches the inner secret place of the heart first. Everything proceeds from the center. Am I starving my soul? “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.” - Isaiah 55:1 Thank God for the water of forgiveness and new life found in the Lord Jesus Christ!

Have a blooming day,

The Weekly Encourager – February 19, 2014 – Surprised by Hope

February 20, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

We don't grieve as unbelievers do. We grieve with hope! I was sad for days leading up to the funeral service for Anne Falbo, a dear lady and the mother of Linda, a friend from church. I wondered how I would have any comfort to offer Linda and the family. But on the morning of the service, Linda sent the following:

Something from Charles Spurgeon to cheer us this morning.

"The hour is approaching when the message will come to us, as it comes to all—'Arise, and go forth from the home in which thou hast dwelt, from the city in which thou hast done thy business, from thy family, from thy friends. Arise, and take thy last journey.' And what know we of the journey? And what know we of the country to which we are bound? A little we have read thereof, and somewhat has been revealed to us by the Spirit; but how little do we know of the realms of the future! We know that there is a black and stormy river called 'Death.' God bids us cross it, promising to be with us. And, after death, what cometh? What wonder-world will open upon our astonished sight? What scene of glory will be unfolded to our view? No traveler has ever returned to tell. But we know enough of the heavenly land to make us welcome our summons thither with joy and gladness. The journey of death may be dark, but we may go forth on it fearlessly, knowing that God is with us as we walk through the gloomy valley, and therefore we need fear no evil. We shall be departing from all we have known and loved here, but we shall be going to our Father's house—to our Father's home, where Jesus is—to that royal 'city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' This shall be our last removal, to dwell forever with him we love, in the midst of his people, in the presence of God. Christian, meditate much on heaven, it will help thee to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This vale of tears is but the pathway to the better country: this world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss. Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine, For thy bright courts on high; Then bid our spirits rise, and join" - Charles Spurgeon

How surprising that, having just lost her mother, she should be the one to comfort us!

The same morning, I was reading the next portion in my Bible, and the passage, by God's providence, was I Peter 1.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

The combination of Linda's email with words from Spurgeon, and the Apostle Peter's letter with words from God, brought light. Then at the funeral and graveside we were reminded again of our heavenly hope. There is no need now to pray for Anne's soul, for she is with Jesus. Now our prayers are for her family who remain. Instead of feeling more depressed, I actually felt better after that funeral. How different from other funerals we've attended, where the dead person is gone forever and there's only a huge hole in our hearts.

Yes, I still feel the loss of this lady who was such a role model of cheerfulness, trust in the Lord, a successful loving marriage, staying trim and fit even in advancing years, and a warm sincere interest in people. I will miss her at times like the July 4^th Picnic and the Christmas Eve Carol Sing. But she knew Christ, so I know she's in heaven with Him and all the others who have trusted in Him through the ages. I look forward to getting to know her better someday!

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”

How true – I have been “distressed by various trials.” Apparently, it's necessary! But the Spirit reminds me that students are always tested. Teachers don't usually talk during the test, either. The students have to rely on their own knowledge of the material. Even when I don't see Him, I need to love Him and believe in Him. Lord Jesus, thank You for this heavenly hope. Help me to rejoice!

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – February 4, 2013 – Boundaries? Yes and No

February 05, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

“You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head.” - Psalm 3:3 ESV This verse has meant a lot to me over the years, as the Lord has shown me His powerful protection from very real enemies. However, I recently saw a new meaning in the concept of a shield. A shield provides protection against spears of evil, but also a boundary between me and the darts of worry, anxiety, and distress that could pierce my heart and lead to diminished health and joy.

I haven't written an Encourager in a while, mainly because I've needed encouragement myself. In the past few weeks, several friends have confided serious difficulties to my husband and I. Four marriages are troubled by abusive spouses, one marriage is threatened by repeated adultery, one friend just lost her dear mother (who was also our friend), and another friend has terminal cancer. Several parents are struggling with the challenges of children with special needs and/or addictions. One single mother's son committed suicide. Some we know have lost their jobs or their health. Others have really mixed-up relationships, due to unresolved issues from the past. When viewed in the light of these cases, our own struggles sound small, yet they are no less real to us. We want to support and encourage people, yet not get dragged down ourselves. How?

I asked my friend Dr. Jackie Griffith, a Christian counselor and seminary professor, for insight. Since she counsels people with serious problems all the time, I asked her how she maintains her own boundaries. Speaking as a friend, she generously gave her time to encourage me. I thought I'd share some nuggets from our talk. It's good for me to write it again, and it some of it may apply to one of you.

I started the conversation by answering my own question. How do I retain the joy of the Lord while caring deeply for others? I told her I know the answer is to draw near to God and spend more time in the Word and prayer. She affirmed that and gave me more points to consider.

First, God alone can bring about change. I cannot change anyone, not even my husband and children. These hurting friends are God's to heal, not mine. With each case, Jackie says, “I am going to talk to this person then hand that file to God.” I think that's a great analogy: no matter how thick that file gets, it's never too heavy for God! Sometimes I must say to a friend, “You need more help than I can give you,” then refer him/her to a professional. Yes, the Bible calls us to be compassionate, but many passages warn against worry. If a friend or family member leans on me too much, it won't help either one of us. It drags me down and it keeps her from seeking the Lord for a solution. Setting this kind of boundary is hard for me, because empathy comes easily, and I really want to help people. “Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” Yet sometimes, the best way to help is to say no.

In the case of being caught in the middle between two people, like the husband and wife who were each emailing and calling us to complain about the other, I had already told Dave that the next time they did that, I was going to issue a “cease and desist” order. Dave was okay with that, and so was Jackie. Although my natural tendency is to hear folks out and show my concern, I really should be setting better boundaries. Jackie encouraged me with the idea that if I am the listener I can make rules. I can tell this couple, “Not one critical word against your spouse in my presence.” Obviously, we want to work toward healing and up-building, and discuss the Problem rather than criticize the Person. As Christians, we can set the example of positive speech. Jackie said, don't allow people to downgrade others. The Holy Spirit added, don't allow myself to downgrade others either! (Does this apply to anyone out there besides me?)

Jackie's second reminder was that my personal priority list – where I spend my emotional energy – is set by God: husband, family, work, etc. Her analogy was making a list of all the good things we want to do, or people we want to help. If you genuinely care about people, this list will be longer than you have time and energy to spend. Therefore, you may need to say no to legitimate needs that you have the desire/gifts/skills to meet. Shocking, I know. If I put this boundary into place it may mean not answering every call or email. I will have to cross off the last few items on the list, and trust God to take care of them.

The third encouragement was to develop the peer friendships. I'm still thinking about that one. I do know that God has given different gifts to His Body, and a well-functioning church needs all of them. [Thanks, Jackie!]

How do I maintain the joy of the Lord while still caring deeply for and praying about so many troubled loved ones? Obviously I have a long way to go in this department, but here's what the Lord has shown me this week:

1. Spend quality time with the Lord every day, and go to church every week. Don't skip God when I'm tired or sad – that's when I need Him the most. “Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

2. Set wise boundaries in relationships, even with those closest to me. At the end of the day, hand off all the files to God. “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” “My yoke is easy, My burden is light.”

3. Find the things that bring me joy and make time to do them. Creative down time is absolutely essential to a healthy life. I know this – I tell friends this – now I need to take my own advice. (Is there a Scripture for this?) Set a boundary against too much work.

4. Be grateful. Be content with what the Lord has given me, and thank Him daily for it. “In everything give thanks.” Hold a shield against complaining, criticism, and cynicism. The devil deals in discontent. The children of Israel grumbled, and the Lord led them into the wilderness.

5. Play uplifting music. “I will sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously.” “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.” Set reasonable boundaries against distressing media.

6. Maintain good physical health habits. Jesus had times of rest in between ministering to the lost, sick, and needy. He even withdrew from crowds who were calling out to Him for healing. He is the example of a man with proper boundaries.

Boundaries? Yes, with people and things of this world. I am finite. Boundaries? No, not with God and the things of heaven. He is infinite. God's love, wisdom, goodness, and power are beyond any boundary, beyond any shield, beyond any capacity to measure. His compassion for those who suffer is limitless. It never runs out! It never makes Him tired or depressed! Jesus came to forgive the sinner and heal the sick. The only condition is faith in Him. There is no other boundary. He came to give life abundant. “My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Lord, You alone can lift my head.

God is faithful,

As always, I welcome you to post comments below.

The Weekly Encourager – January 21, 2014 – What?

January 21, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

What? Last night a Christian friend revealed that, a few days ago, he was led out of his house in handcuffs due to his problem with inappropriate anger, which he has taken out on family members on more than one occasion. Dave and I were shocked, since this man has always appeared calm to us. This soft-spoken, laid-back guy is the last person we would have suspected of that kind of behavior. Despite our surprise and sorrow, it is encouraging to know that God is at work in all this. Severe measures have become a severe mercy: this brother has been humbled by recent events. The wall of secrecy has come down. He is going to counseling. He is finding that he is not alone in this problem; others struggle with the same thing. [Dave and I know some. Do you?] He is trying to make amends to those he has hurt. He freely confessed his problem with anger as sin, so I know that he is forgiven.

What was our reaction? I told him that we still loved him just as much. Dave told him that God is changing him into the image of Christ. We prayed to the Lord for forgiveness and healing for his whole family. Then, as soon as the friend left, Dave and I promptly (predictably?) fell into our own besetting sins, then got angry at each other! Well, so much for godly counsel! Our Christian friend is having to come to grips with a serious issue. I also have a problem with anger, not expressed physically, but just as real. There, but for the grace of God, go I. My heart is as desperately wicked as this friend's heart. I think of that quote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” That's certainly true of every Christian you meet. This is War, with the world, the flesh, and the devil. We can see that in our friend's household, and we can see it in ours.

What is the answer? Thanks be to God, that even though we keep doing the things we shouldn't do, and we keep not doing the things we should do, there is a Redeemer! If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin. If there's a Romans 7, there has to be a Romans 8. This morning Dave and I knew we were forgiven by Christ, and therefore we could confess our sin to one another, as we have had to do countless times in our marriage. As I've said before, when you get married, you are a sinner and you marry a sinner, then you have little sinners!

What can we do? We need to keep on looking to God on a regular basis to throw off the sin that so easily entangles us. Holy Father, You are the source of power and goodness. Please give us this day our daily bread, not just physically, but spiritually. By faith help us turn to You in times of temptation. Help us depend on You moment by moment, knowing that Your grace alone is sufficient for us, no matter what we are going through. You know what we are facing in each battle and how hard it is for us. But when we are weak, You are strong. Sometimes we have to be humbled by dramatic circumstances in order to fall to our knees and beg God for mercy. Lord, are You making me weak so that I can see that You are strong?

What should be in my heart? “Love is patient and kind...not proud, but gentle and meek....Love is not easily provoked.” Lord, turn our hearts of anger into hearts of love, by Your power and for Your glory.

God is faithful,

As always, I welcome your thoughts.

The Weekly Encourager – January 1, 2014 – New Day, New Year

January 01, 2014 by Janet A. Marney

What has been your experience of this past holiday week? We just returned from our niece's wedding in a distant state. Although we were glad to be able to attend, all four of us were sleep-deprived traveling so far the day after Christmas. I got a bad cold and was coughing all through the event. Unfortunately when I'm tired and sick, I don't have my usual filters on, so I was sniping at my husband and rude to my sons for the entire trip. I did not respond to some stressful set-backs with gracious speech. I was grumpy and I let everybody know it! I arrived home Saturday night not only sick and exhausted, but guilty and heart-sick over my sin. Bad experience.

On the plus side, on this same short trip, I had “a godly appointment” to see a friend I hadn't seen for many years. Before our meeting, I had prayed for an opening to talk of spiritual matters. God answered that prayer! The friend took my crankiness in stride and we were able to get down to some serious topics in our short two hours together. I asked her point blank if she believed in God and Jesus, and she said yes, but I sensed that she still has a lot of guilt. I tried to encourage her, saying that if she believes in Jesus, her sins are forgiven. Good experience.

At home, some key verses came up in the daily devotional I'm doing. They were verses about sin and forgiveness. I realize now that the good and bad experiences of my trip are linked together. It turns out that the simple truth of salvation that I wanted to explain to my friend was the very same simple truth I myself needed to hear! Jesus said, “My son [daughter], your sins are forgiven.” - Mark 2:5 NASB

“He has not dealt with with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him, for He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” - Psalm 103:10-14 NASB

“Christ has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are standing there before him with nothing left against you – nothing left that he could even chide you for; the only condition is that you fully believe the Truth, standing in it steadfast and firm, strong in the Lord, convinced of the Good News that Jesus died for you, and never shifting from trusting him to save you.” - Colossians 1:22-23 TLB

“What happiness for those whose guilt has been forgiven! What joys when sins are covered over! What relief for those who have confessed their sins and God has cleared their record.” - Psalm 32:1-2 TLB

Thanks be to God that today is a new day, and a new year! Christ, by coming to earth as a man [Merry Christmas], then dying to forgive our sin [Happy Easter], has made all things new. As Spirit fights flesh, He is working all things for good. He's making us into His image and preparing us for Heaven. We are forgiven. We are moving forward. Let the clean slate of this new year remind us all of our clean slate before God.

No matter what else is lacking in your life, if you have forgiveness of sins, it's going to be a Happy New Year!

The Weekly Encourager – December 17, 2013 – Love Incarnate

December 17, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.” - Philippians 2:5-7

On Sunday, Pastor Dave Coffin preached on the incarnation of Christ. Reading from Philippians 2, he noted that the apostle Paul exhorts us to have the same humble attitude as Christ did, then immediately reminds us of the incarnation. As many times as I have read this passage, I had never thought about the connection in quite that way. Dave asserted that understanding the doctrine of the incarnation correctly is a practical necessity for the preservation of the church.

Of course, God taking on human form is a mystery, so there's no way our little brains could comprehend everything there is to know about the incarnation. Yet, bearing God's image, we have minds to help us understand Messianic mysteries now revealed. (That in itself is amazing!) Christ had perfect deity and complete humanity both at once. He had the form of God, possessing all the infinite, eternal, unchangeable qualities that make God who He is, such as goodness, power, holiness, truth. Yet He gave up His rights, making Himself of no reputation.

Note that if Jesus was either not fully man or not fully God, it wouldn't make sense. If He was not fully man, then He wouldn't have shared in our temptation, weakness, and suffering, and His death would have been meaningless. He could not have made the priestly sacrifice which was literally Ultimate. On the other hand, if He was not fully God, yet lived among us, so what? Any little baby can become a man. One regular guy, no matter how good, could not have atoned for all of us. No, He had to be Very God and Very Man.

In His incarnation, Christ is the example of the perfect human being. In His incarnation, Christ is the example of perfect love. Love was His motivation for coming. I always assumed that Christ took on humility along with human form. But if God is Love, and Love is humble, then the Son was already humble before He came. “Love seeks not its own way.” “Not My will, but Thine.” Jesus was the embodiment of true love.

As Dave talked about Christ's attitude in the incarnation, the Spirit filled my heart with thankfulness. Christ was fully God, so He was perfectly loving in all He did. Under the power of love, He esteemed others more highly. This was a sacrificial love. He humbled Himself in birth, mind, power, station, moral superiority. Why did Jesus do this? The answer is in a hymn: “Love caused Your incarnation, Love brought You down to me,” and in a carol: “Thou who art God beyond all praising, all for love's sake, becamest man.” This is not a theoretical God, and the incarnation is not a theoretical concept. This is the God of history, who actually did something amazing. The incarnation was real.

May this Christmas season be a time of understanding more about the incarnation. May this be a time of rejoicing more because we are loved. May we learn more of what it means to be humble. May we honor Him more in all we think, say, and do. Lord Jesus, teach us to love one another with the great love shown in Your incarnation.

Jesus is Love Incarnate. Rejoice!

The Weekly Encourager - December 3, 2013 - Big Job, Big God

December 03, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

I am just so excited! As you know, I've been working on sorting, selling, and donating many items in our home, a Big Job. One of the things that kicked it all off was my husband's desire to have a mini recording studio in our basement, which meant I had to move out and donate several bookcases and hundreds of books. I got another big push when water starting pouring into our basement during storms. I confess I had been putting off The Big Job for years, always in favor of doing other worthwhile tasks (I'm not lazy, just busy). Was God arranging circumstances to give me a kick in the rear? I don't pretend to know the mind of God, but I do know from Scripture that He is a God of order and peace. It's our job to make sure that our homes are places of order and peace. It's not an optional activity. We must do this to honor Him and to bless all who enter.

Today I am feeling the joy and triumph of a big accomplishment, thanks be to God. This happened over a five-day period. Friday, my husband suggested that I may wish simply to donate more items, rather than attempting to sell them. While thanking me for my thrift and my desire to earn extra money to help the family, he pointed out that selling takes time, and my time is valuable. He knows me well enough to know that this goes against the grain of everything I was taught growing up, yet he presented his suggestion in the perfect way, asking me to give it some thought. The Holy Spirit must have been at work, because my mind was open, and I asked the Lord to help me in this area. Saturday, it occurred to me that some large camping gear could be passed on to a younger family in our church, without the bother and time lag of trying to sell it. The third day, Sunday, I was talking to this couple about their son, and how good it is that he's advanced in motor skills, since they like to be active outdoors. Ding! By the way, do you need a large tent?!

Monday I remembered that there would be an all-church meeting Tuesday evening, so I could give the camping gear away then. Lord, You are making this so easy. Tuesday (today) it only remained to load up the stuff into my car. BUT, here's where it gets even better: while gathering up things for that family, I sorted all the rest of that entire area! That just happens to be the room that husband will use for his recording project, and now it's in much better shape.

I feel happy in my achievement, but even more joy in thankfulness to God. HE is the one who brought about this success over a five-day period. HE is the one who has kept me free of accidents, so that I can walk without aid again and lift and carry things at home. Yes, He laid me up with injuries in the past (which is how I got so far behind), but He also brought healing and strength. HE gave me organs that function well, arms and legs that work. HE enabled me to get good sleep for two nights in a row, so that I felt renewed energy this morning for physical tasks. HE gave my dear husband the wisdom and patience to support me in The Big Job by saying just the right things to encourage me. HE opened my mind and heart to receive wise ideas. HE gave me a brain to think out how items should be sorted and stored. HE gave me the desire to do it. HE gave me the time in my schedule. I could go on...

I must learn that, like any Big Job in my life, I can't do this alone! Big Jobs need a Big God. I must lean on HIM every step of the way, asking for wisdom, patience, mental and physical strength, MOTIVATION and DILIGENCE to do what is right!

I am learning that HE abundantly supplies all of my needs in Christ Jesus, even the “little” ones, like the need for energy to clean out a corner of the basement. HE is the one who's there for me in the big things and the small. Sometimes I forget to consult Him, then I wonder why things don't work out in my life. Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” If I don't have time to read the Bible and pray every day, then I am too busy.

Seek God! Put things in His hands, and trust Him to help. The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is the power that can help me in my daily tasks. Thanks be to God!

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – November 26, 2013 – The Ugly Christian

November 26, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

There was a novel called “The Ugly American” which showed two different approaches to achieving political success in Communist countries. The typical American approach was unsuccessful because of arrogance and failure to recognize the local culture. The term “Ugly American” came to symbolize how poorly most Americans presented themselves when traveling abroad. They would be loud, boisterous, and rude, always assuming that American ways were superior to the ways of the country they were visiting, never trying to blend in with the other culture. The classic meme is a portly Texan who tries to order something in a European restaurant. When the waiter fails to understand his English request, the American just repeats it louder and louder until he's yelling! Obviously, that's not going to get anywhere. Another cultural reality is Americans expanding their own hotel chains into foreign countries, providing the American traveler with a total experience very similar to what he would get back in the US; in fact, he need hardly know he's in a foreign country. One chain's slogan says it all: “The best surprise is no surprise.”

Today I am proud to say that many Americans do try to learn something about the countries they visit. They do buy phrase books or use apps to help them speak a bit of the local language. They do mingle with locals. There are exceptions, though, like the two ladies I met in a Paris metro station a few weeks ago. Dave and I were walking along talking in English, and these two ladies in front of us halted and came back to interrupt our discussion. “Thank God you're speaking in English!” said the first. “I'm just so tired of hearing French!” They went on to say that they had re-named the crowded Les Halles metro stop “Hell” and they were not enjoying Paris, although this was their second time there. Everything in me wanted to reply, why did you come to France expecting to hear English? Why don't you get a phrase book? But that wouldn't begin to address the underlying attitude these women had. Ignorance and arrogance are a powerful pair. Although these women were physically beautiful and quite well-dressed, they were the embodiment of the Ugly American.

What does this have to do with us? I kept thinking about those ladies who were such poor ambassadors for America in a foreign land. Since a child, I have never wanted to be the Ugly American. But am I the Ugly Christian? The Spirit reminded me that I am an ambassador for Jesus Christ whenever and wherever I go out in the world. Does my language and behavior show interest in and respect for those I meet? Or do I expect the world to conform to me? Do I make efforts to form friendships with unbelievers? Or do I stay among my own kind, in a Christian chain? I jotted down these phrases: Be kind. Winsome ways. Don't shout (literal and figurative). Respect local traditions. Guess what? These things apply no matter where I am, around the world or around the neighborhood. Local traditions may include those of my family-in-law, some of whom we'll be seeing over the holidays. What I do among the unsaved will form Christ's reputation in their minds.

There are times in my life when strangers have been be so kind to me, in some cases rescuing me from difficult situations, that I have wondered if they were angels in disguise. As a believer, I want to act like those people. I want to conduct myself with such love and grace and thoughtfulness and care and generosity, that each person I encounter looks back wondering, was that an angel in disguise? Wouldn't it be wonderful if all the relatives and friends and colleagues we see this Thanksgiving and Christmas would think that about us Christians?

Lord, please don't let me be the Ugly Christian this holiday season! As I look upon Your exquisite beauty, may I reflect it more and more, so that others will want to know You.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – September 19, 2013 – About Facebook

September 19, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

Is Facebook just a waste of time? Some of my friends are hesitant to get on Facebook for that reason. They don't want their in-boxes cluttered with a lot of trivial posts by people they knew 20 years ago in high school or at their first job. My husband recently did an “about face.” He chose to close his Facebook account due to its (lack of) privacy policies. And some folks just don't have any extra time in the schedule.

Here's what I think: You can maximize the value of Facebook. You can get on it in a limited way which meets your needs and doesn't waste time or compromise your privacy too much. First, there are several ways to limit the unwanted data stream. A. You can choose your friends carefully: only respond to friend requests from those you truly care about. If you are a Christian, the goal of Facebook is not to see who has the most friends! B. Second, limit the posts you receive regularly by specifying certain top people from your list. I adjusted my settings so that I only receive notices of posts from my top four or five people. The rest I can scroll through when I want to and have extra time. I've also noticed that the folks who gave Facebook a bad rep by posting things like “I just went to the grocery store” have cut back on that. Yet I don't want to miss something important that's happening to my nieces and nephews. C. The third way to limit excess data is to set up a filter so that all the Facebook stuff skips your in-box and goes directly to a folder which you can access less frequently at will.

As for the privacy issue, I figure: A. I'm not doing or posting anything I'm ashamed of, B. I never post anything private or personal, and C. my basic information is out there anyway. Just to test this, I googled a lady I know and within 30 seconds found out her address, phone number, age, where she works, who her probable relatives are, and even her shopping habits!

The third issue is the possibility of wasting time on Facebook. This is the same hazard with many things in life, whether good or bad. People can waste time in any number of ways, including reading books, watching movies, talking to friends, writing letters/emails/texts, taking photos, etc., even though these are all good things. For the same reason, Dave and I did not have a TV for the first 10 years of our marriage. Each person must prayerfully look to the Lord for the proper arrangement of his/her schedule, finding a healthy balance of work, play, worship, rest, social life, chores, etc. Knowing myself to have ADD, I keep a (cute little) timer right next to my computer, and I limit my time on Facebook to 10 minutes a day.

While I respect my friends' choices, my approach is to use “unrighteous mammon” for righteous purposes. I'm on Facebook to post photos and to keep up with distant family and friends. By “distant” I include not just dear friends who have moved far away, but unsaved relatives with whom we have minimal contact due to family dynamics or the fact that we are believers. Recently I noticed that Davide's niece, who lives nearby, had posted pictures from her high school graduation; we did not receive an invitation or notice of any kind. I never would have known it was her last year in high school without Facebook. Now I have the opportunity to send her a card with a check, and that may be a positive witness in her life. I want her to know that Christians are loving people. This morning my niece in another state posted the news that today she begins student teaching. This was another opportunity for me to make a quick comment to encourage her. I may choose not to comment on her beer-drinking photos, but I praise anything positive I see. Again, I hope to be a good witness for Jesus Christ by showing love. Who knows what the Lord may do?

What else have I done on Facebook this week? I congratulated a young man in graduate school on his engagement. I “liked” some baby photos posted by new moms. I posted that I was praying for the victims of the Navy Yard shooting (I used to work in the building next door to where 12 people lost their lives). “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:15 I posted photos from the past several months of my life. I have found that the photo albums are great conversation starters, particularly when others learn that they share a common interest with me. With believers, these common interests deepen our fellowship. With unbelievers, opportunities may arise to talk about deeper spiritual issues. In either case, I know better how to pray.

Whatever our individual decisions about Facebook, TV, or any other media, let them be intentional and prayerful. Jesus said to His disciples, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” - Matthew 10:16 Stop whining about technology and start winning with technology!

To those who read this blog every week, my sympathies (just kidding!). Tomorrow Dave and I begin a month of travel. I may or may not have opportunity to write Encouragers while we're away. I do hope to post photos on Facebook...

Yours in our Faithful and True Lord,

The Weekly Encourager – September 4, 2013 – A Heart for Service

September 04, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

Do you have a heart for service? I sometimes wonder about myself and my own motivations for serving others.

The other morning I dreamed that I was doing dishes for a family in our church. We recently prayed for this family, because it would have been the 29^th birthday of their precious son, who is now with the Lord. I dreamed that they were having a commemorative gathering in their home. People were enjoying good food and fellowship, and I took it upon myself to do the dishes. That sounds really holy, doesn't it?

Maybe, until I woke up. A few minutes after that pleasant dream, I went down to have some breakfast in the real world. Immediately, I saw that my husband had left several dirty dishes out on the dining room table, forgetting to carry them in when he was finished and place them in the dishwasher. The kitchen counters hadn't been wiped either, and the microwave was a disaster after some late-night snack. My first thought was, “I'm getting so tired of him doing this, I think I'll just leave this stuff out and he can see it when he gets home from work; then he'll have to put it away himself.” How's that for holy?

Thanks to the Holy Spirit living within me, that plan was scrapped. I am so thankful for His gentle reminder of what I had just dreamed not 10 minutes earlier. How could I be so willing to do a pile of dishes for friends, and yet refuse to serve my own husband in exactly the same way? Then the Spirit brought conviction: in the dream I had the expectation of being noticed and appreciated for my cheerful volunteering, but here at home there was no one around, and I wasn't volunteering. No one would see me doing these dirty dishes yet again at my own little pity party. In the privacy of my own kitchen, no one would know what went on that morning but the Lord and me. Then another thought tumbled into the mix: my husband has had to live with my stacks of stuff in various rooms for quite some time, and I know that these piles bother him. Never mind that my piles are clean and organized and on their way out, the fact is that they bother my husband and I know it.

Where would I be if the Lord Jesus had refused to serve by dying on the cross? This same Lord Jesus who saved me through His willing service asks me to take up my cross and follow Him. Part of that way of the cross is helping families in the church (like the dear ones in the dream), and part of it is doing good for those who don't know Christ. But surely a principal path of service is to my own husband and family! I am called to be a helpmate to this one man, and it doesn't come naturally to me. When you're married to someone for 34 years, the odd habits get annoying, and I'm usually more concerned with my own agenda than finding ways to help those at home.

In my flesh, I want to show those around me how they disturb me, but love avoids drawing attention to the faults of others. In my flesh, I expect to be noticed and rewarded for any good deeds I deign to do, but love doesn't seek the praise of men. Help me, Lord! Remind me as often as necessary that the most important Christian work I will ever do will be in the rooms of my own home. This is where decisions are made and character is formed, when no one is watching but God.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who...emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant.” - Philippians 2:3-6

Lord Jesus, give me a heart for service.

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – August 27, 2013 – Clean the Cabinet

August 28, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

The Lord is teaching me things through the ongoing organization of my basement. Monday afternoon, before putting items into a certain cabinet, I first had to clean the unit with soap and water. It's easy to procrastinate on re-organizing when it also means serious cleaning. Not really an enjoyable part of the job, but necessary. Afterward, it was pure joy to put some sewing supplies into their new homes. That time spent cleaning was worth it in the final result. Spiritually, we cannot organize our thoughts properly at the end of the day and put them away for the night until we have confessed our sin. Think over the day, see what needs cleaning out, and talk to Jesus. Never put clean things on a dirty shelf, or dirty items on a clean shelf.

Saturday was tough for me and Dave, especially regarding some marriage issues. While trying to accomplish a household task, we hurt each other's feelings. It lead to bigger issues. Some things were hard to say, but needed to be said. We both felt crushed. I had no energy and barely made it to church the next morning. In fact, the main reason I went was because I was responsible for flowers that day.

After the service, there was a little note from Karen Royer saying she thought the flowers were beautiful. She had no idea how much I needed a positive word at that exact moment, but God knew! Her note, which I'm guessing took only a minute to write, was a bright spot in my day. It encouraged me that at least I had done one thing right! The Lord used her note to give me a ray of hope. The Spirit brought to mind that God is faithful and He loves me with an everlasting love. Later she sent an email with a point she had gleaned from the sermon, “that what we invest in here [on earth] will not be wasted. So your faithfulness in the mundane, in the drudge, in the hard, in the discouragement even so, that will not be wasted.”

At home after church, I threw myself on the Lord's mercy. Some silent time and a nap helped my outlook. I read two more encouraging emails which were right on target. Sunday evening, Dave and I felt able to talk again, and this time it was better. We are committed to love each other until we die, so we keep trying. Don't give up! In a marriage, we are each confronted with the other's sin every day. It's right there in front of us! It's easy for me to get caught up in thinking about what I must endure, living with him. I grow impatient and discouraged and unforgiving. Yet a conversation like this reminds me that he is being confronted with my sin on an equally regular basis. It's just as hard for him to live with my sin as it is for me to live with his. Log-in-the-eye moment. The Lord brought conviction to my heart, and it was not easy, but I needed to confess my sin and feel the cleansing blood of the Lamb of God, sacrificed for me.

In a marriage, or any close relationship, we are confronted, but let's not be affronted. Love is not easily provoked! Love is not disturbed by insults. It forgives, it bears all things. When hard things need to be said, love does it gently, with respect and care for the other's feelings. Love is patient and kind. Love is thankful, knowing that every good gift is from above. Love sets its eye on what is good and true and noble and right in the other person. Love takes a minute to give a word of encouragement, a word which might be the only good thing someone has heard for days. Love trains the brain to think good thoughts. Love cleans the cabinet. The things of this earth will pass away, but love never fails.

Excuse me while I go clean the cabinet...

God is faithful,

The Weekly Encourager – August 21, 2013 – Don't Give Up When You Mess Up

August 21, 2013 by Janet A. Marney

This Encourager is per my husband's request. Knowing that I've been trying to make good choices for bodily health, this morning he complimented me, saying, “Whatever you're doing, it's working.” Now isn't that a nice thing to hear?! I replied that I'm trying to get a half hour to an hour of exercise every day, and I told him that the trick is not to GIVE UP when I MESS UP. He said, write that down!

Notice I didn't say “if” I mess up, but “when.” I'm a saved sinner, but still a sinner. So if I had two pieces of rich chocolate cake yesterday at a birthday party (which I did), I don't say, “Well, I blew my diet for the week, so I might as well have two pieces today.” Just because I made a bad choice yesterday, I don't have to make a bad choice today. As Anne of Green Gables said, today is a new day with no mistakes in it.

I press on toward the goal of the upward call in Christ Jesus. Pressing on means choosing not to believe the lies of Satan. Satan is the accuser who wants me to think only in black and white. Either I'm all good or all bad. The Scripture agrees with him that I am not all good, because no one can be perfect except Christ. But that doesn't imply that I'm going nowhere and shouldn't even try to do good. See how subtle Satan is? He wants to accuse me and tempt me at the same time. "You're really bad, so just go ahead and go all the way. You loser, do something right, even if it's being wrong." No! Begone!

Note that my goal is to take good care of my body, in order to honor the Lord who made me for His holy purposes. I'm not just trying to lose weight, but if that's a by-product of loving God with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, great! More power to Him!

Here's what I need to do when I mess up, whether it's in the area of care for the body, gracious speech, wise use of time, submission to authority, kind attitudes toward others, or whatever the issue. It's simple: confess, don't regress. Then press on. MAKE A BETTER CHOICE TODAY. Don't try to change all at once – you'll just get discouraged when you fail. On the other hand, don't sit around on your rump when the Lord has shown you something that needs to change! It may be a very small choice, but make a better choice today than you did yesterday. Success breeds success. God honors perseverance. Better choices will become habits if we DON'T GIVE UP.

God is faithful,

PS A note to husbands/wives/parents/children/friends/teachers: a little word of encouragement can help someone make a better choice. Never underestimate the power of a real compliment. Thank you, Dave!