The Weekly Encourager – June 3, 2015 – The Discipline of Love

We were depressed at a wedding, and even more depressed on our anniversary three days later.

My husband and I have been married 36 years, yet we still struggle with the same difficult issue that keeps coming up. My single friends, do you think it's hard to go to weddings when you're single? Let me tell you, it's even harder when you're married and your marriage is not measuring up to the beautiful ideal portrayed in the ceremony. Yet, God's timing is perfect. Of course we wanted to be there to rejoice with this dear young couple who seem so well suited for each other, and so loving. The Lord also had a few things to say to us.

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT Being at a wedding and hearing the description of true love from the Bible is inspiring and convicting. In our personal struggle, sometimes we are discouraged that we can't seem to get it right. But this passage is first a description of God's love for us. This is the model for us to emulate, the goal that we strive for, yet it cannot happen completely in this life. Sin will always cloud our sky here. There is no perfect marriage until the wedding of Jesus Christ to His bride, the church, in Heaven.

At the wedding reception, I talked with another guest about what makes a marriage last. We agreed that there were three factors: commitment, commitment, and commitment. You have to be absolutely determined to make it work, no matter what happens. The stubborn bull-headedness Dave and I got from our Scots-Irish mountain heritage is a positive trait, for it helps us to persevere. When external forces work against us, we tend to grow closer in our marriage, but what about problems from within? What happens when your desires are not fulfilled, your expectations are not met? What happens when the other person just can't give you what you thought you would get in marriage?

Again, God's timing is perfect. In a study of Psalms, I hit Psalm 23 just before the wedding, and it hit me. This passage is often read at funerals, but maybe it should be read at weddings as well. “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1 The Lord gives me refreshment, “He prepares a table before me...my cup overflows…” etc. Newlyweds should know that there are just as many problems in marriage as there are in singleness. No matter how happy you are on your wedding day, there will be days when you have to “fight the good fight” to stay married. It takes self-discipline to remain positive, and to retain a Biblical view of relationships, but the Lord will provide.

God's Word says, “My God will supply all your needs.” Philippians 4:19 This is a promise given to every believer in Christ! But what can it mean when it feels like your needs aren't being met? That's where discipline comes in. Look more closely. It says, “My God will supply all your needs IN CHRIST JESUS,” not “in your spouse.” Psalm 23 says the One fulfilling my every need and giving me a supremely satisfying life is “THE LORD,” not “my spouse.” We dare not look to our spouse to give what only God can provide: true and total love, deep contentment, the peace that passes understanding.

If married, we dare not complain to the Lord [or anyone else] about the spouse God has provided. Adam and Eve complained, and it was sin. We are called to be thankful in ALL things, knowing that the Lord works ALL things for our good. Yes, that includes not getting good things we want (a successful romantic relationship, for example, or a better job, children, good health, a thriving church, etc.). It's all part of the discipline of love: God is disciplining us because He loves us with an everlasting love. He loves us so much that He wants to train us in righteousness, and that includes looking to Him to meet all our needs.

“Delight yourself IN THE LORD and HE will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 What?! If I'm not getting the desire of my heart, then I must be desiring something that He has not chosen to give me at this time. This is not a reason to get depressed, but to ask God for increased faith and hope, to trust that His plan is the best for me. His ways are higher than my ways, His wisdom is beyond my understanding. His kind of love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 NASB

What's getting you down: marriage or some other issue? I have found that the only way to fight depression is with discipline: God's and ours. Don't give up! He's doing His part; now we have to seek Him diligently, sincerely, habitually. We must pray without ceasing, and be thankful always. We must abide in the Word and in prayer and in song and in fellowship with other pilgrims on the path. We're all just walking each other home. Jesus is walking beside us, showing the way to joy.

This earth is not my home; my home is in Heaven, where Christ is. “Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – May 26, 2015 – Peace Like a River

Have you ever been to one of those man-made water parks where you lay back in an inner-tube and float sweetly down a stream? I have; it is one of the most relaxing feelings in the world to glide along in complete safety, knowing that you'll end up in a good place, refreshed.  By contrast, have you ever been standing on the beach and surprised by a huge wave which tossed you around? I have; one time I was just standing there looking at the sea when a huge wave came upon me without any warning. I was tumbled so roughly that my whole body was submerged and rolled every which way under the water. The immense force of the wave twisted my leg and severely sprained my ankle. That sprain took years to heal. It's interesting that God brought both of these experiences to my life.

Today's hymn concerns a similar contrast. There are times when things are going smoothly with no major upsets in my life, and I can relax a bit. I praise the Lord. Then suddenly I lose a loved one, or there is conflict in a relationship, or there are problems at work, or a doctor's diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty. Where is God then? He is leading me, teaching me, loving me, comforting me with promises of Heaven. Whether I am flowing along on a river of peace, or whether I am tossed about in huge waves of grief, if Jesus is with me, it is well with my soul.

It Is Well With My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford,1873

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

The Weekly Encourager – May 15, 2015 – Have Courage and Be Kind

Two new movies have restored my faith in Hollywood: "Noble" and "Cinderella." See them. Hope and healing. Courage and kindness.

“Noble” is the true story of Christina Noble, a feisty Irish girl who is abandoned and betrayed by her parents. As an orphan she endures much suffering, including physical violation and emotional beating, yet she never loses her faith in God. After each traumatic event, she cries out to the Lord and affirms that He is in charge of her life, therefore He must have something good to bring out of her suffering. The good news is that she's right! God did have a great plan for her life. She had a strong sense of calling to go and help the abandoned orphans in Viet Nam after the War, so she went. This is an amazing and inspiring true story of how God uses trials to prepare a person for productive ministry. She's always looking ahead with courage and hope, and she's willing to work hard to achieve her goals. Her faithful labor of kindness to “the least of these” becomes a path to healing, as she gives these lost children the love she missed. She finds joy and fulfillment in her new life in Viet Nam. What a beautiful testimony of grace!

I wasn't planning to see the latest version of “Cinderella,” but my husband recommended it so highly that I went along. What a treat! What a balm for my wounded heart. This is the story of a girl's grief in losing her beloved parents, and abuse by relatives who remain. Throughout her years of suffering, Cinderella holds on to the good advice she had learned from her parents, “Have courage and be kind.” I love how the filmmakers chose to repeat this saying over and over in the movie, inculcating this truth into young (and old) minds. It's a story of tragedy turned into triumph, a result of the girl's positive choice to be courageous and kind in every situation. Cinderella chooses to rise above the evil of others, doing good to her enemies. Her sincere forgiveness of the wicked stepmother shows her to be a princess indeed. Her grace under trial equipped her to rule a kingdom!

Neither of these are “Christian movies” per se, yet both reflect Christian values very strongly. Both women were refined as gold through suffering. Both showed their true quality and used their lives to bless others. Both are examples of hope, hard work, patience, faithfulness, obedience, courage, kindness, and many other virtues. There are so many bad role models in our culture today, we need to affirm those that are good and support them. Go see these films and take your friends. Open your heart; you will find true encouragement to carry on in whatever work the Lord has given you.

"Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." - Philippians 4:8

Have courage and be kind,
j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – May 5, 2015 – Is Homosexuality a Sin?

I hesitate to post this Encourager for three reasons. 1. I try to avoid political issues in this blog. 2.I try to avoid anything that may be divisive to the Body of Christ, preferring to write only about issues which affect us all, whether we're Baptists, Lutherans, Charismatic, or the Frozen Chosen. 3.I try to avoid passing judgment on how things are done in other congregations, knowing that we'll all be worshipping together one day in Heaven, in that Perfect Church which cannot exist on this earth. However, there's an issue in the news now about which I can't keep silent, because God doesn't keep silent. Homosexuality affects us all. Let me apologize in advance if I cause offense. It's not my intention.

I think there's a huge question in the church today: Is Homosexuality a Sin? According to at least one poll, most Americans still think so, but they're okay with gay marriage. Twenty years ago, less than a quarter of people believed that gay marriage was acceptable; now over half of Americans think it's okay. What about Christians? Recently, yet another mainline Protestant denomination rewrote their rules to allow practicing homosexuals to be ministers of the gospel, in positions of authority over men's souls. Leaders said they gave it much thought, and they concluded that homosexuality was not a sin.

What about you personally? Have you given it much thought? Are you in line with what your church teaches? Are you in line with what Jesus teaches? Do you know the difference?

If your good friend were to speak with you today and “come out” as a homosexual or transgender person, or argue in favor of gay marriage or gay ministers, what would you do? I think every Christian ought to know what God says about it, in order to speak knowledgeably to friends, family, and community. If Christians don't understand the truth, then how will we be salt and light?

Romans 1:24-31 is my go-to passage to explain why the practice of homosexuality is wrong. God says these passions are dishonorable because they are unnatural, contrary to nature the way God set it up when He made us. People who practice these things have lost a sense of shame for their error. Along with other sinners listed in this passage, homosexuals do not acknowledge God, they are debased, they do what ought not to be done. Finally, they give hearty approval to others who practice the same evils. There's an agenda to change society's rules, so that they cannot be reproofed or punished for their perversions.

What of those who say, “I was born that way?” Yeah, maybe, but it's still wrong. You may have been born with a genetic predisposition to become an alcoholic, but that does not excuse becoming one. You don't just give up and say, “I was born to be an alcoholic, so pour me another drink.” You knuckle down and fight that much harder. It's the same if you have a genetic predisposition to be a gossip or a thief, a murderer, or an adulterer. If you've been redeemed by Jesus Christ, you want to do what is right, and the Holy Spirit gives you the power to do it.

I believe that the ongoing persistent lifestyle of homosexuality, without any remorse or effort to change one's behavior, is sin. Notice I did not say anyone who does a homosexual act. I have known those who regret their actions, acknowledge their sin, and beg God to change them. They repent and seek the Lord, rather than continuing freely in what they know is wrong. They may stumble, but they keep trying to do right. These sinners should be welcomed into our congregations, for they are no different than you and me. We are to forgive them 70×7, as we ourselves wish to be forgiven.

No matter how much we love these dear friends and family members, homosexuality is wrong, and we can't be wishy-washy about sin. Of course, my sins are just as bad as theirs. I also deserve death. If not for the mercy of God, I might have fallen into homosexuality myself, or something else equally horrible. Actually, I have failed to worship God and love Him with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I have broken all 10 commandments at one time or another, in my heart if not in action, so I'm just as bad. But the Lord brought me up out of the miry pit and set my feet upon solid ground – thanks be to God!

We must treat ALL people with dignity and respect, no matter what their color, religion, politics, or “preference.” Christ came for sinners like us. How did Jesus deal with sinners in His day? He spoke with them, ate with them, stayed in their homes, befriended them, listened to them, admonished them, loved them. He died for them. But He did NOT place unrepentant sinners in positions of authority in the church!

I believe that those who cannot see God's clear truth in Romans 1 (not to mention the other places in the Bible that agree) have scales over their eyes. We need to pray earnestly for our brothers and sisters in Christ who have been blinded to the truth of God's holy Word. But more than that, we need to pray earnestly that the leaders of Christian churches everywhere will turn to God's Word as the source of faith and practice, rather than being swayed by society and the ideas of men.

With current challenges to Biblical marriage on many fronts, there is an urgent need to pray for those in civil authority, including all three branches of U.S. government, our state and local governments, and our school boards. Far-reaching decisions are being made as I write this today. Pray for wise rules and good policies based on God's timeless truth, not the wishes of vocal minorities. Speak to power where appropriate. Then pray for all authority in the church. Be informed by God's Word; refuse to unite with any church which does not recognize God's Word as the sole standard. The enemy is strong; we need our full armor to fight. God is great, and He will prevail!

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – April 28, 2015 – A Threefold Cord

God's timing is perfect. While Dave and I were wrestling with the most difficult ongoing issue in our marriage, I was asked to give the devotional at a bridal shower! Of course I said yes, knowing that I could trust the Lord for what to say to this bride-to-be, just as I've trusted the Lord to preserve our marriage all these years.

After an honest discussion and earnest prayer, Dave and I gained a bit more insight into our issue and were ready to soldier on. At that point, I told Dave that I needed a handle for the devotional. Marriage is a huge topic, but I needed something I could say in five minutes at a shower. Since the young couple are musicians (as we are), I thought maybe a musical analogy of a “divine duet” or a symphony might work, but I wasn't feeling it. Dave responded that his favorite analogy was the threefold cord that is not easily broken. We had a nice talk about what we've learned in 35+ years of marriage, and that conversation became the basis of this talk.

Here is Ecclesiastes 4:12 in three different translations, each of which adds more meaning. “And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” - NASB

“And one standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer; three is even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” - TLB

“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - NKJV

Dave said this is particularly true when each strand is made of a different material! That's how they make elastic: they combine a stretchy strand with one of load-bearing strength. This achieves a stronger and more flexible rope than combining any single type of cord with others like itself. This is God's principle of biodiversity: compounds are better than single elements, and they make a more sustainable environment. In marriage, sometimes you need to be flexible, and sometimes you need to be strong. There's a cooperative balance: one man, one woman, one God. Dave also told me that a cord performs best when it's tightest!

If you look up “threefold” in a dictionary, you find that it has two main meanings: having three parts or members, and being three times as great or as many. Both apply to marriage.

What makes a Christian marriage stronger and more flexible is being intertwined with that third element, the Lord God of the universe, to guide, support, and protect that union in Christ. God uses marriage as one of His top tools to mold us into the image of His Son, that we may be holy before Him, and fit to do good works for His kingdom. God has a vested interest in keeping couples together, so that they can glorify Him. This is truly a rope of triple strength.

Now for some practical advice from one who has been there. Four words to ponder: pray, priority, practice, persevere.

1. Pray: Your relationship with the Lord is vital. Abide in the vine, for apart from Him your marriage cannot grow. Pray for yourself and for your husband daily; this one habit can make or break your marriage.
2. Priority: Your husband must remain the most important person in your life, above your family of origin, above your children, above your friends, and above your colleagues. Protect your time together. Be his biggest fan and his best friend. Be the lover of his heart's desire.
3. Practice: Develop trust through honesty. Learn the best ways to communicate with him. Find and maintain common interests; they will become a source of joy and companionship into old age. When your husband asks you to do something, submit; God will honor it. Marriage is hard work, but so worth it.
4. Persevere: Promise each other that divorce is not an option. Once you're woven together, that's it. Don't let Satan talk in your ear – he wants to tie you in knots. If you let him, he'll make you so wrapped up in your problems that you're useless. The biggest reasons for divorce are money, sex, and in-laws. Don't let these or anything else come between you. Keep your rope tight. Finally, keep mending the rope; don't let the ends fray. God may have to burn the ends with fire; accept the discipline of the Lord and be grateful. Press on.

At the wedding, when you make that commitment for life, Jesus is standing there with you. He has one arm around each of you as you make your vows, then walk together down that aisle. You are now a threefold cord. “Therefore, what God has joined together, let no man separate.” A threefold cord is not easily broken, for God is faithful.

God is faithful
j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – April 20, 2015 - Victory!

I have good news to share: God gives amazing victory!

A few weeks ago I wrote that I was trying to be thankful in a difficult relationship. [To protect a reputation, I am not saying who the person is or whether it's a man or woman; I will use “he” for simplicity.] This person had treated me pretty badly. I was hurt, and I had to run to the Lord. I knew that God had promised to uphold me, help me, and guide me. After a quick but urgent prayer, my first action was to call the individual and ask questions, giving him opportunity to speak his mind. Throughout this very challenging conversation, some things happened. Naturally, I was shocked and hurt by what he thought of me. This whole conflict was totally unexpected. Yet I knew and felt the warm presence of the Lord by my side at the same time. Here was another test of my progress as a Christian disciple: how would I respond to this person's evil accusations?

Well, I can tell you what I wanted to do. I wanted to counter his arguments immediately with the truth from my perspective, to convince him somehow that his impressions of me were wrong. I wanted to defend myself against the arrows zinging my way. Also, I was sorely tempted to bring up some of the many ways he had hurt me over the years. I wanted to launch a few zingers of my own. But I am thankful that during that phone call, the Holy Spirit in me was greater than the desires of the flesh. I decided to make no defense and no offense. I simply made sincere apology for every personality trait he criticized and every action of mine which he didn't like. “A soft answer turns away wrath” and “turn the other cheek.” It was no coincidence that this happened around Easter, when I was already thinking about Christ's road to the cross. It was time to put truth into action. I agreed to do everything the person requested, whether I wanted to or not. I chose to give honor and respect, whether he did or not.

After the call ended, I continued to pray for many days, and I asked others to pray. I knew that God was sovereign over this situation, but I had absolutely no emotional strength left to deal with it on my own. I prayed for wisdom and understanding, and what to do next, since this person wanted to jettison the relationship. In particular, I was very upset about certain possessions he had, that belong to my family. These are items of sentimental value to me (no monetary value), but he refused to give them to me. I was hurt, but the Lord convicted me that I had placed too high a value on getting these items. I was complaining to the Lord that this other person was too materialistic, yet I saw that my desire to own these few items was materialistic. I was complaining to the Lord that this other person was too manipulative, yet I saw that I was tempted to use these items to manipulate him.

With lots of prayer, using Scriptures that came my way during those weeks and counsel from my husband and others, I decided that I needed to give up any claim to those family items. The Good Shepherd was calling me, saying, “You are not in a good place. Walk down this road with Me a little farther and learn how good I can be to you.” This was huge for me, but I obeyed, figuring I would be crying over the loss. But, as soon as I made the decision to let it go, I felt as if a burden had slid off my back. I had been carrying around those family items for years on my back without ever knowing it! I made a conscious decision to trust in the Lord, and He gave such immediate and unexpected relief. It was like being washed with a warm golden shower of peace.

At that moment, lines from an old song came back to me, and with great joy I sang:

I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously: the horse and rider thrown into the sea!
I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously: the grave is empty, won't you come and see?

The grave is empty! Christ is risen! He was accused falsely, yet did not answer back. He was killed wrongly, yet rose above it all. “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.” My next action was to write a short email to the difficult person, again being as kind as possible and assuring him that I would do as he asked. No defense, no offense, no mention of the family items. A day later, I was amazed when the response I got was positive! I'm not sure whether the person wants to continue the relationship, or what the future holds, but I am sure that God did this!

The Lord calls me to take the high road, no matter how low the other guy goes. The Lord calls me to love my enemies and do good to them, no matter how wrong they are. The Lord calls me to value my eternal inheritance above the most precious possessions here on earth.  The Lord calls me to humble myself, and let Him lift me up if He chooses. Jesus Christ gave me the victory, and I owe Him all the praise.

God gives the Victory!
j

The Weekly Encourager – April 10, 2015 – How to Live to 100

It should be no surprise that the Easter Sunday edition of “The Washington Post” contained little if any reference to Easter. Fifty years ago, the assumption was that virtually everyone would celebrate Easter, and newspapers reflected that. Twenty or even ten years ago, the front page would have had an article on the Annual White House Easter Egg Roll, or which church the president planned to attend, what the First Lady might wear, or even the latest research on the “historical” Jesus.

This year, the lead article was “Tech Titans' Latest Project: Defy Death” with the subtitle “The Human Upgrade.” The first sentence gives us a preview: “For centuries, explorers have searched the world for the fountain of youth. Today's billionaires believe they can create it, using technology and data.” The piece gave several examples of rich people funding expensive research, with the goal of trying to prolong life on this earth.

“Parade” magazine, the thin pop culture tidbit that is inserted in every major newspaper in the country, on Easter featured a “Cheater's Guide to Living to 100” as their main topic. While that article contained some excellent suggestions for optimizing your health, the emphasis was on living as long as you can. After all, you only go around once, right?

Right. According to Scripture, this life is mercifully short, which is fine since there's another life to come. But people don't see that. The unbelieving world around us is scared, because even with all our medical advances, inventions, and improvements, we're still going to get old and die. Recently, the two oldest people on earth died. Misao Okawa of Japan was 117 years old when she died. Five days later, Gertrude Weaver, 116, died in Arkansas. It's obvious to everyone that to live even to 100 is exceptional. I watched the recent documentary on PBS called, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies.” That's the holy grail of medicine: to cure cancer so we can live forever.

Just before Easter, 148 Christians in Kenya were murdered for their faith in Christ. A few weeks earlier, Christians in a different country defended the faith and died for it. All of these brothers and sisters showed amazing courage in the face of persecution, and this past Sunday, they spent their first Easter in Heaven. Now that's life and death in the fast lane. The Lord says. “To him who endures, I will give a crown of life.”

Isn't it interesting that everyone's talking about trying to defy death at Easter? Sorry, folks, there is only one way to defy death: to believe in the Lord Jesus, the only Man who defied death and defeated it once and for all! Jesus is the only One who can offer us “The Human Upgrade” - new bodies in which to enjoy perfect health forever. No more cancer, no more aging, no pain, no depression, no suffering of any kind. This new long life is available to any who trust in Christ, whether rich or poor, well-educated or not, strong or weak, tech titan or trash collector. The world looks to Science to save them, but God sent His Son to bring salvation and eternal life. Jesus' blood is the only fountain of youth that will ever be found.

My goal is not to live to 100, but to live for Christ in whatever time I have left. With the Holy Spirit's help, may I know and show the love of Christ more and more each day. By God's power within me, if I am called upon to choose, may I be brave enough to die for my faith, knowing that death is only a doorway into an eternal life worth living. Thanks be to God!

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – April 4, 2015 – Easter Dinner

Many of you are preparing today for an Easter celebration tomorrow, planning on a joyous church service followed by feasting with family and friends. Christians have so much to celebrate: forgiveness of sins through Jesus' death and resurrection, and the promise of eternal blessedness with the Father. Praise the Lord!

Thinking about Easter Dinner, a recent sermon by Elder Matt Bowles on Biblical Hospitality was a good reminder of Jesus' brand of hospitality. Matt read from Luke 7, where the Son of Man came “eating and drinking” at Simon's house. In that culture, the Pharisees kept things ritually pure, especially in the inner room where meals were eaten. Sinners who had not gone through the proper procedures were not allowed into the inner room, but had to remain in an outer courtyard. Yet, Jesus welcomed a woman who was a known sinner, a woman who had a bad reputation in that town, a person who didn't have the normal social standing and skills that would be expected at such a gathering. Jesus' welcoming of her showed that His reputation was now linked to hers! He would answer any objections against her.

Objections did arise. “What's she doing here? Can't You see she's a sinner? She doesn't belong with us.” Jesus showed how this woman was a better hostess than Simon the Pharisee, then He dropped a spiritual bomb. Luke 7:47 has got to be one of the most precious verses in the Bible. It certainly expresses the spirit of Easter. Jesus said, “Her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much, but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” What an encouragement to anyone who has ever felt that his or her sins are too horrible to be forgiven! Sinner, this verse is for you. The greater your feelings of failure, the more faith you will have in Christ when He forgives you, and the more you will love and honor Him. This woman came with humility, weeping over her sins. She didn't let social convention get in the way; she bypassed the works of outward obedience in favor of inward faith. She came with sincerity, and Jesus had compassion on her need. She came with hope, and He gave her healing. Hallelujah!

Who is coming to your Easter Dinner? Did you invite only those who fit in? Could you perhaps invite a widow, a college student far from home, a neighbor no one gets along with, a colleague visiting from another country, some singles from your church, a military family whose dad or mom is serving abroad, someone persecuted for their religious beliefs? Could you invite the one who is a little “strange” and give him a sense of belonging? Might you know someone of poor reputation or humble means who might be blessed by the love of Christ in your home?

Jesus showed us that meals can be a means of inclusion, not exclusion. We, the Forgiven, are to invite the sinner, the misfit, the outcast, the sojourner, the bruised reed, and give them the hope we have in Christ. Remember that we were outsiders to God, yet we've been brought inside, into the innermost room, and given a seat at the Lord's holy table! Grace leads to intimacy. In the Bible, eating food together is a picture of fellowship and joy. At the table, strangers become friends, enemies become sons and daughters. Understanding the grace of God is the beginning of hospitality.

May the Lord bless you with great Resurrection Rejoicing this weekend! However you celebrate, may you feel the warm rays of the light of Christ and His love for you.

He is risen!
J

To hear Matt Bowles' wonderful message given on March 22, 2015, use this link: http://newhopefairfax.org/resources/sermons-to-hear

The Weekly Encourager – March 20, 2015 – Seeing God's Hand...and Wrist

“Shall we receive only pleasant things from the hand of God and never anything unpleasant?” - Job 2:10

A lot has happened since I last wrote here. It's been a time of ups and downs. Shortly after my last post, I traveled to see one of my quilts displayed in a major judged and juried show. It was an honor to have my original work in the company of such high artistic and technical achievement. Also, this particular piece had been rejected by another show, but my friend Gitta encouraged me to try again, so this acceptance was an affirmation. Due to a large snowstorm hitting that area, the highways were perfectly plowed yet deserted, so I made excellent time on the trip. I felt so much joyful anticipation that day and I was praising the Lord!

The next morning I arrived early and eager at the Convention Center, and promptly slipped on black ice in the parking lot! To spare you a lot of boring details, I fell on my wrist, and it turned out to be a bad sprain and a big pain. After about five hours of waiting at three different places, I was finally seen and given x-rays, splint, pain meds, etc. In addition, there were problems at my hotel (no hot water, etc.). If you view the characteristics of my personality type, you'll see that incompetence and inefficiency are two things that drive me nuts, and there were plenty of nuts! With only one hand, everything from dressing to driving to making meals to taking a bath (did I mention no hot water?) took twice as long as usual, and I was in a lot of pain. So, was I praising the Lord as I had been the previous day?

Sort of. If you've been following this blog, you know I've been thinking about thankfulness for some time. By God's grace, I started seeing God's hand in everything that was happening. That Job verse came up in my daily devotional and really struck me: “Shall we receive only pleasant things from the hand of God and never anything unpleasant?” - Job 2:10 I had a very pleasant day in which everything went right, followed by a very unpleasant day in which several things went wrong. I knew that God was testing me, to see if I'd still be rejoicing on Day 2. And I was! I'm not saying it was easy, but the Holy Spirit gave me strength developed by the discipline of practice.

My Pilates teacher calls it Pre-hab, instead of Rehab. You work all your muscles now and build up strength, so that if you fall and sprain your wrist, you'll heal faster. I saw the truth of this with my own eyes: for years I've been deliberately carrying weights and doing many tasks with my non-dominant hand in an effort to be more ambidextrous. After this recent injury, I saw just how much I've come to rely upon that second hand. Yet I know I've been healing much more quickly than I would have, had I never challenged that hand's capacity on a regular basis. There's an obvious spiritual parallel. Work those muscles of gratitude every day. Believe God's word when He says He's in control of all things, He does all that He plans to do, He uses evil for good, He disciplines those He loves, He strengthens us, He never leaves us. Be thankful, no matter what God sends your way! It's all for His perfect glory and our perfect good.

A few days later, a far worse thing happened to me than a sprained wrist. Someone close betrayed me, attributed false motives to me, accused me of lying, stealing, and more. This person was fed up with me and wanted nothing more to do with me, and told others that fact before telling me. The words were like being punched in the gut. I was an emotional basket case for the whole day. I think the only thing I “accomplished” that day was loading the dishwasher. I lost a full day of work. Yet, that day was part of God's plan, too. Again, it was test time in the Godly School of Gratitude. In those situations, it's harder to find things to thank God for – you just sit on the sofa and cry. Yet, after a time of crying out to our Lord who is “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,” the Comforter surrounds you with his warm light. “Shall we receive only pleasant things from the hand of God and never anything unpleasant?” - Job 2:10 I was able to thank God for the many wonderful relationships I do have with family and friends, and many more blessings besides.

This life is not fair, but God is good. His hand will bring pleasant days and unpleasant ones, as needed to conform us to the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. The hand that feeds us and sometimes slaps us will also hold us so that we never fall out. Jesus' love is not fickle like that of people, but faithful and true. His wrists bear the marks of that Supreme Love. Thank God!

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – February 22, 2015 – Six Truths About Temptation

Today we had the opportunity to attend a different church. The minister's message was about Christ's temptation and ours. Here are some of his observations and my thoughts: Six Truths About Temptation.

1. We will be tempted, because Christ was tempted. There are interesting parallels between God's nation of Israel in the Old Testament and Christ's path in the New. Jesus' baptism recalls Israel's passing through the Red Sea, His 40 difficult days in the desert recall Israel's 40 years of wandering, and Jesus' temptation in the wilderness parallels the temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Of course, Adam and Eve failed to resist their temptation, while Christ succeeded. He was tempted in every way like us, yet without sin. Thanks be to God.

2. Satan appeals to our vanity. He doesn't approach us saying, “Hey, do you want to be like me?” Instead, he approaches us saying, “Do you want to be like God?” Remember that Eve was asked if she wanted the knowledge (and therefore power) of God by eating fruit from the Tree. She might not have eaten the fruit if she hadn't felt already entitled to its benefits.

3. Satan appeals to our strengths. He only asks us to do things he knows that we can do. Satan knew Eve could reach the low-hanging fruit. Satan knew Jesus could turn stone into bread if He wished. Satan knew Jesus could come down from the cross, for He was God. The greater your abilities, the greater the temptation that will be presented to you. (Perhaps this is why some who have been given great spiritual gifts fall so hard later on? They think they can handle more than they really can.)

4. Satan appeals to our short-sightedness. Satan shows a short-term perspective; he doesn't advertise consequences down the road. He doesn't ask us to do something that would immediately make us look bad or feel bad. He doesn't say, “Do you want to lose your family and your job?” but rather, “Do you want the freedom to fool around and have fun?” Often what he suggests is just what “everyone else” around us is already doing.

5. Satan appeals to our laziness. He offers an easy path, because Satan wants a different kind of follower. Satan appealed to Jesus with promises of pride, power, and position, but giving in to those things would make Jesus a different kind of Messiah. When we give in to what Satan suggests, we're giving in to what's easier in the moment, rather than choosing the difficult path of discipleship. God has a plan for us to become like Jesus in every way, conformed to His holy image. But Christ's road to Resurrection went by way of the cross. Take up your cross and follow Me, He says. Do we want our Easter without Good Friday?

6. Christ is there to help us! Praise God! We can call on the only One who was able to resist every temptation and to walk in perfect righteousness, the One who suffered and died to forgive our sins, the One who was obedient unto death, then rose again in glory! Emmanuel, God is with us. Be ye glad.

God is faithful,
j

These thoughts were stimulated by the sermon of Rev. Dr. Timothy Gerde, Lead Pastor of Fairfax United Methodist Church, Fairfax, VA. It's nice sometimes to worship with a different denomination: we get a greater sense of the whole of God's kingdom. We are encouraged to see how He's building His church in many places and many ways. They may have minor differences in doctrine, but these are our brothers and sisters in Christ, and we need to unite with them in a world of increasing secularism on the one hand, and violent religious extremism on the other. Thanks be to God for the fellowship of believers!

The Weekly Encourager – February 4, 2015 – Two Twins in the Womb

Today I'm sharing a thought-provoking short story, originally composed by Útmutató a Léleknek in Hungarian. He lets us listen in on a conversation between two twins in their mother’s womb.

In a mother's womb were two babies. One asked the other: “Do you believe in life after delivery?”
The other replied, “Why, of course. There has to be something after delivery. Maybe we are here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”
“Nonsense” said the first. “There is no life after delivery. What kind of life would that be?”
The second said, “I don't know, but there will be more light than here. Maybe we will walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we will have other senses that we can't understand now.”
The first replied, “That is absurd. Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. But the umbilical cord is so short. Life after delivery is logically excluded.”
The second insisted, “Well I think there is something and maybe it's different than it is here. Maybe we won't need this physical cord anymore.”
The first replied, “Nonsense. And moreover if there is life, then why has no one ever come back from there? Delivery is the end of life, and in the after-delivery there is nothing but darkness and silence and oblivion. It takes us nowhere.”
“Well, I don't know,” said the second, “but certainly we will meet Mother and she will take care of us.”
The first replied, “Mother? You actually believe in Mother? That's laughable. If Mother exists then where is She now?”
The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by Her. We are of Her. It is in Her that we live. Without Her this world would not and could not exist.”
Said the first: “Well I don't see Her, so it is only logical that She doesn't exist.”
To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you're in silence and you focus and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice calling down from above.”

The Bible says that faith is believing even when you can't see. Might we use this story to start a dialogue with an unbelieving friend? May God bless you as you seek to share His truth with the world around you.

God is faithful,
j

Note: I have not been able to find out much about author or translator, but I wanted to share the story anyway, because it's just that good. If anyone has more information, please share it in the Comment section below.

The Weekly Encourager – January 27, 2015 – My Weakness, His Strength

My weakness, His strength. I've been reminded of the truth of this concept. I've been struggling to do something important for a deadline, and I keep running into unforeseen difficulties. Very frustrating! It seems that my skills are not what they once were in solving these kinds of problems. I had thought I could impress people with my ability, but instead, I've been feeling pretty low. Lord, I'm trying to do this for Your glory, why is it so hard?

Guess what came up this morning in my devotional reading? The apostle Paul, that great giant of the faith, feeling frustrated with ongoing difficulty in his life, asks for God to please remove it, take it away, smooth his path.

Paul reports, “Each time he [God] said, 'No. But I am with you; that is all you need. My power shows up best in weak people.' Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite happy about 'the thorn,' and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong – the less I have, the more I depend on him.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 TLB

God's answer to Paul's prayer flies in the face of the “health wealth success happiness” gospel preached by some. Fervent belief in Christ does not guarantee an easy path through life. In fact, the Bible tells us that true believers will go through many trials to test their faith. “Don't be surprised when you go through fiery trials. Instead, rejoice because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13 These trials are to grow us in “perseverance and proven character and hope.” - Romans 5:3-5 What can we say say to friends who tell us that if we only prayed harder with more true faith, our prayers would be answered: our problems solved, our relationships healed, our cancer removed? Our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, prayed so hard that blood dripped from His forehead. If an all-wise and all-loving God said No to Jesus and Paul, then He just might say No to me. These problems must have a purpose.

That purpose is revealed further on in the passage: I am to be a living demonstration of Christ's power. Like Paul, I am to be thankful in all things, even rejoicing in the difficulties God allows in my life. The less I have, the more I must depend on Him. What's more important to God: the fact that my skills are lacking, or that my patience is lacking? Is it this particular task, or my attitude while doing it? He is forming Christ's character in me, and He will use whatever means necessary to that end, that I might shine forth with the light of Christ's glory in all I do. Today, I guess that means I need to look like Christ during the most frustrating challenges of this project, not just on the day when I present it all complete and beautiful.

We must never forget that we are Christ's project. He will present us blameless, complete, and beautiful before the Father one day. How we will rejoice when all our weakness has made us strong in Him! We will stand as mighty oaks beside a river of water, bringing forth our fruit in its season, the fruit that heals the nations. Oh Lord, let us seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, gaining strength from Your river of spiritual life. Give us the true faith of total dependence upon You. May we look to You so that we can look like You. To God be all glory.

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – January 14, 2015 – Don't Tell God What to Do!

Have you ever asked God for a specific solution to a problem? I know I have, many times. How was that prayer answered? In my experience, sometimes God does exactly what I wanted in the situation, but other times, He does exactly the reverse! Or He uses a different method to achieve the same result, a method which I never saw coming. Or, He moves in a different way to achieve a far better result, above what I could even ask or imagine!

I am reminded of one Christmas when I was about five or six years old, and I had asked my parents for a locket necklace. What I wanted was a Polly Pocket, which was a colorful plastic egg-shaped contraption containing a little doll. Very kid-like, trendy, and girly. What Dad chose for me instead was a beautiful delicate lady's locket made of real gold on a lovely chain. Photos show me wearing this in grade school. I still have it and it's still in style, and it always will be. Dad knew I would have tired of the Polly Pocket in a year or two, or it would have been broken, and he was right. As usual, he chose to give a quality gift rather than junk.

After Christmas this year, Pastor Paul Wolfe preached from Matthew 2 about what happened after Jesus was born. After the angels, shepherds, and wise men departed, did Jesus move into a golden palace to begin His reign on earth with everyone happy to see Him in a position of power? No, He and His family were forced to flee, due to Herod's evil slaying of all Hebrew boys aged two and under. The sermon title was “The Attempted Assassination of the Messiah.” The baby Jesus' early years were tumultuous, yet God was at work the whole time, protecting His anointed one, fulfilling prophecies from hundreds of years before. Evil is evident, but God still rules. His Son, and all His children, may be persecuted, yet they will be preserved. “His banner over me is love.”

Pastor Paul shared the following quote from John Calvin's commentary on the Matthew passage:

“We are here taught, that God has more than one way of preserving his own people. Sometimes he makes astonishing displays of his power; while at other times he employs dark coverings or shadows, from which feeble rays of it escape. This wonderful method of preserving the Son of God under the cross teaches us, that they act improperly who prescribe to God a fixed plan of action. Let us permit him to advance our salvation by a diversity of methods; and let us not refuse to be humbled, that he may more abundantly display his glory. Above all, let us never avoid the cross, by which the Son of God himself was trained from his earliest infancy. This flight is a part of the foolishness of the cross, but it surpasses all the wisdom of the world. That he may appear at his own time as the Savior of Judea, he is compelled to flee from it, and is nourished by Egypt, from which nothing but what was destructive to the Church of God had ever proceeded. Who would not have regarded with amazement such an unexpected work of God?” - John Calvin

God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine, and I need to remember that as I pray. Far better for me to spend most of my prayer time praising God for His intelligence, power, goodness, mercy, and love, than in prescribing particular plans for how I think things should be done.

God is God, and He's the Man with a Plan. He sees far into the future, and superintends all of history, of which my little life is only one small part. He is the Loving Father who gives gold when we ask for plastic. Lord, teach me humility and faith.

God is faithful,

j

Copyright 2015 Janet A. Marney

The Calvin quote comes from his commentary on Matthew (vol. 16 in Calvin’s Commentaries, p. 155).

The Weekly Encourager – January 8, 2015 – A Word for the Year

The Weekly Encourager – January 8, 2015 – A Word for the Year

Do you find it hard to commit to intensive Bible Studies in which you study multiple concepts each week and dozens each month? Maybe you're a mom with small children who need constant attention, or caring for disabled or aged relatives, or getting an advanced degree, or starting a new business endeavor, or struggling with chronic illness. You may be in a busy season of life with little time to devote, yet you know how important it is to hide God's word in your heart.

This holiday season, I was introduced to the idea of choosing only one word to study and meditate upon and grow from for the entire upcoming year. I've been reading “One Perfect Word: One Word Can Make All the Difference” by Debbie Macomber. For over 20 years, Macomber has been meeting with the same group of women each week. She relates, “every January we've each selected a word to serve as a personal focus for the year. Over time the words I've chosen have had a powerful impact on my life....When I find my word and begin to explore it, God takes me deep into that one word....When we choose one single word from His Word and spend a year with it, I've found that the Lord takes us by the hand and walks us through the year, teaching us about that word, about ourselves, and even more, about God Himself.”

“One Word That Will Change Your Life” by Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon, advises you to simplify your life and business by focusing on just one word for the entire year, making it a catalyst for change. This book explains how your word can impact the six dimensions of your life: mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial. The thought is that a list of lofty resolutions is easily forgotten, but one word lends a laser-like focus, providing power for positive change. They also say, “The most important part of life-change is a change of the heart” and “one word frees us up.” Serving, Purpose, Grace, Surrender, Power, and Discipline are examples of words that these authors say have transformed their lives. A group of people can choose the same word if they will be working together toward the same goal.

In a blog called One Word 365, Brittany Barbera invites people to join “a global tribe committed to journeying together and living intentionally. You can connect with others who have chosen the same word or live in your area. Together we can inspire and challenge each other.” There's a great list of word suggestions if you need one.

How do we choose our word for the year? One way would be to sit down and review the past year. Where did I succeed, by God's grace? What worked, and what didn't? What needs to change? You might draw up new goals for the coming year. One year Macomber chose Desire as her word, since she wanted to make significant progress toward her deep desire to be a writer. Another year she chose Hunger as her word, because she was motivated to deal with over-eating. Another year she was plagued with anxiety about circumstances in her life, so she chose the word Trust.

A second way to choose the word would be to prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal it to you. He may already be doing so, but you haven't been paying attention. I have found that sometimes the same word or concept will keep cropping up. Now you know that's not coincidence! During the last couple weeks of December and into the first week of January, I have found one word appearing in several different ways: in a Christmas carol, in a sermon at church, in a book I was reading, in conversation with a friend, in my regular devotional reading, in a song on the radio. That word is Light, and every time I see or hear it, it seems illuminated by the Spirit so that I won't miss it. I am confident that this is something the Lord wants me to study at this time in my life, although I couldn't say why. I don't know what the new year will bring.

I'm excited about exploring this word from many angles, looking up Scriptures about it, and meditating upon it throughout the year. There may be times when I have opportunity to do some serious word study, including looking up the Greek and Hebrew terms, using a concordance to see all the ways the word is used in the Bible, reading what commentaries have to say, etc. There may be other times when all I can do is think about the word and ask God to help me remember that He is Light during a demanding or dark time. Although I am terrible at memorization, maybe I'll be able to memorize some key verses about Light. What a blessing it will be to gain a better grasp of even one of God's many attributes!

If you're not already doing a Bible study, I challenge you to think about choosing one word for the year. Let me know how it works out, and what the Lord shows you. Macomber says that as she looks back at the end of the year, she can see how God used that word in her personal journey in ways she would not have expected as the year began. God works all things for good!

God is faithful,

j

http://www.debbiemacomber.com/

www.GetOneWord.com

http://oneword365.com/#earth

Oe Word 365 is more than a new way to approach resolutions. It’s a global tribe committed to journeying together and living intentionally.

You cOne Word 365 is more than a new way to approach resolutions. It’s a global tribe committed to journeying together and living intentionally.

You can connect with others who have chosen the same word or live in your area. Together, we can inspire and challenge each other to live purposefully all year long.

a connect with others who have chosen the same word or live in your area. Together, we can inspire and challenge each other to liurposefully all year l 

The Weekly Encourager – December 27, 2014 – How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

I just sent a Christmas card to a friend who lives on Morning Star Road. I always thought it would be nice to live on a street that would constantly remind me of the Lord Jesus. In the Revelation, Jesus says, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” - Revelation 22:16 NASB Indeed, He is the “Dayspring from on high” who has visited us “through the tender mercy of God.” - Luke 1:78 KJ21 He is described as the sunrise, bringing to earth all the essential life-giving properties of the sun itself!

Today's Christmas hymn, “How Brightly Shines the Morning Star,” seems particularly appropriate as we reflect upon Jesus' birth as the sunrise. Thinking about New Year's Resolutions? This hymn gives a beautiful vision for the New Year to come: that we may adore Him more each day, then show Jesus' love to others, to the end that Jesus be known to the whole world, and ALL praise Him with joy forever. This is God's purpose for our life this year. Rejoice in the Morning Star!

1. How brightly shines the Morning Star,
With mercy beaming from afar!
The host of heaven rejoices!
O righteous Branch! O Jesse's Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices,
Jesu! Jesu!
Holy, holy! yet most lowly! 
Draw Thou near us:
Great Immanuel, stoop and hear us.

 2. Though circled by the hosts on high,
He deigned to cast a pitying eye
Upon His helpless creature:
The whole creation's Head and Lord,
By highest seraphim adored,
Assumed our very nature;
Jesu! grant us,
Through Thy merit, to inherit
Thy salvation:
Hear, oh, hear our supplication.

3. Then will we to the world make known
The love Thou hast to outcasts shown,
In calling them before Thee:
And seek each day to be more meet
To join the throng who at Thy feet
Unceasingly adore thee.
Living, dying,
From Thy praises, mighty Jesus!
Cease we never;
Sing we forth Thy name for ever!

4. Rejoice, ye heavens; thou earth, reply!
With praise, ye sinners, fill the sky!
For this His incarnation.
Incarnate God, put forth Thy power,
Ride on, ride on, great Conqueror,
Till all know Thy salvation.
Amen, amen!
Hallelujah, hallelujah!
Praise be given
Evermore, by earth and heaven.

Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, by Philipp Nicolai, 1597, translated by Rev. William Mercer, c. 1854. Public domain.

The Weekly Encourager – December 19, 2014 – “Thy Sweet Humility”

Typically at this time of year, I'm rushing to cram in every last thing I can do, but this year is different. I got started with preparations, then I got sick. Having to postpone and cancel things has given me a lot of time to contemplate the meaning of Christmas. I am aware throughout the day and night (I have trouble sleeping) that God is in complete control and that He sends trials for His own purpose, to do us good. “He knows our need, to our weakness He's no stranger.” So I do what little I can, seeking His face.

I may be deprived of many pleasures of the season (singing, church, parties, baking, decorating, visiting, etc.), but closing the door on these things opens my mind and heart to God in a different way. Separated from the world for a time, I have more direct connection to spiritual things. In sickness, deep calls out to deep. I am allowed brief glimpses of what it may have meant for Christ to descend to die. If I am truly blessed, there may be quick flashes of actual humility.

Even though I have lost my voice and can't sing, hearing Christmas carols sung by others is a great encouragement to me. I have always loved the carols, for they remind me of the spiritual significance of Christ coming for our salvation. He came to heal the sick, to lift the lowly, to give the weak His glorious strength. He also came to humble the proud. In the carol I share today, Edward Caswall wrote, “Teach us to resemble Thee in Thy sweet humility.” There is no greater lesson of Christmas.

See amid the winter’s snow,
Born for us on earth below,
See, the gentle Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.

Refrain

Hail that ever blessèd morn,
Hail redemption’s happy dawn,
Sing through all Jerusalem:
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Lo, within a manger lies
He Who built the starry skies;
He Who, thronèd in height sublime,
Sits amid the cherubim.

Refrain

Say, you holy shepherds, say,
Tell your joyful news today.
Why have you now left your sheep
On the lonely mountain steep?

Refrain

“As we watched at dead of night,
Lo, we saw a wondrous light;
Angels singing ‘Peace on earth’
Told us of the Savior’s birth.”

Refrain

Sacred Infant, all divine,
What a tender love was Thine,
Thus to come from highest bliss
Down to such a world as this.

Refrain

Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
By Thy face so meek and mild,
Teach us to resemble Thee,
In Thy sweet humility.

Refrain

- words by Edward Caswall

---

The Weekly Encourager – December 10, 2014 – More Blessed to Give

“Your greatest test is when you are able to bless someone else while you are going through your own storm.” - Regina Malabago

This was posted on Facebook by my friend Ellen, who is enduring ongoing suffering of a nature that I can't even imagine, yet still retains her faith in God with an upbeat attitude. I say AMEN! Our Lord Jesus the Christ lived a whole life of service to others. Even while suffering on the cross, He blessed the thief who repented and His mother who grieved. While dying, He gave to others words of hope! If you are suffering and you can find a way to bless someone else, God has given you His special grace to do that. You are sharing the true sacrificial love of Christ, the love that passes understanding, the love that knows no end. Even if no one else notices, God is watching you, and you WILL be rewarded for every kind word or deed done in His name.

Another friend posted this quote: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” - Rabindranath Tagore

The apostle Paul told the disciples, “You know, from the first day...how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials....[More] bonds and afflictions await me...but I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God....And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified....In every thing I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” - Acts 20:18-24, 32, 35

When we feel the call to bless another in the midst of our own suffering, it's a test. With “tears and with trials” will we “testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God” as Paul did? This is the ministry which we have “received from the Lord Jesus” if we belong to Him. The student is not greater than the Master. We must take up our cross daily and follow Him, offering words of hope to those around us.

Oh Lord, let everything I say and do testify to YOUR LOVE that is greater than my pain, stronger than any death! May the gospel of grace be evident in my life.

Have a blessed, thankful, giving day.

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2014 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – November 26, 2014 – Thankful Testimony

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share the encouraging testimony of my friend Wendy Wang, whose mother died sharing her joyful faith in God. 

Wendy writes, “I have joined the ranks of those who have lost both parents. My mother passed away last Tuesday. There are so many things to thank God for! One, that my faith plus her suffering over the years let me see her death as a release and a success: She made it! She finished the race! Also, that every family member was present to say goodbye. Everyone gathered in her hospital room, said their love and thanks for specific contributions she had made to their lives, and received the same from her. My children...will always have the memory of how joy transformed her expression when she saw them walk into the room.

 She also saw a "huge bright yellow light" two days before her death, when the hospital summoned me to her side. Leaving the light was so painful that she could tell me without hesitation that the next time, she wanted to leave her body behind instead.

 The morning she passed, she said, "I want to go to heaven faster." She was in hospice care and didn't feel pain.

 In her last month, she told both my cousin and me that this was the happiest time of her life. Despite her physical condition, she knew great joy because giving up the things of this life freed her to spend more time with the Lord. He arranged two born-again Christians to be her caregivers. Two others also loved to talk about Jesus and read scripture to her. Two weeks before her death, while thinking about how God so loved us that he sent his son, she felt an overwhelming presence of love and a sense of thousands upon thousands worshipping Jesus. She even told hospital staff, "Isn't it amazing that God loved us so much that he sent us his son?"

 Her funeral was a celebration of life! I gave the eulogy with joy. I am sad for my loss, but delighted for her! She loved me and taught me about God: I thank him for his provision! Love changes people. Nothing will replace the mother-daughter relationship, but new relationships with spiritual mothers and friends will grow instead, like a fertile garden where the loss of a big old tree results in the strengthening and new growth of other plants.

 God is good! I will pray for you to keep your mind set on things above, Jesus who knows us and is enough for us.”

What a tremendous example of God's faithfulness to His child, and of a family's faithfulness to gather and thank the dying relative for what she meant to them. How wonderful that words of appreciation were given while the dear lady was still able to hear them!

If we have loved ones who knew Jesus while alive here, they are now alive There! We can rejoice this Thanksgiving, knowing that they are celebrating a far grander feast in Heaven. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of eternal life!

Happy Thanksgiving!

God is faithful,
j

Testimony of Wendy Wang used with permission, November 2014.

The Weekly Encourager – November 14, 2014 – The Pilgrim's Hymn

Today I am sharing a song we're singing this Sunday evening at the National Shrine. One of the advantages of singing sacred music is that the Lord uses the melody to reinforce the words. Now I can't get this prayer out of my head! To God be the glory.

Pilgrim's Hymn

Even before we call on Your name
To ask You, O God,
When we seek for the words to glorify You,
You hear our prayer.
Unceasing love, O unceasing love,
Surpassing all we know.
Glory to the Father, And to the Son,
And to the Holy Spirit.

Even with darkness sealing us in,
We breathe Your name,
And through all the days that follow so fast,
We trust in You.
Endless Your grace, O endless Your grace,
Beyond all mortal dream.
Both now and forever
And unto ages and ages.
Amen.

-By Michael Dennis Browne, from the opera The Three Hermits

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – November 7, 2014 – Jesus Prays for Us

I haven't written an Encourager in some time, but today, while trying to encourage a depressed friend, I was myself encouraged by the Scriptures. There may be others who need to hear the same things, so here is some of what I wrote to my friend.

After my recent visit with my dad, I am feeling sharp sorrow over unsaved relatives who are headed to hell. In addition, we've had some ongoing health issues, marriage issues, church issues, and other concerns.  I am just trying to keep positive and focus on the promises of Scripture.  My devotional life is sagging...both Dave and I are fighting depression.  My prayer is: Lord, heal my unbelief, and restore unto us the JOY of Thy salvation.

I know that physical health is intimately tied to spiritual & mental health, so I am trying to get good sleep, exercise, etc.  Also trying to sing to the Lord, listen to godly music, go to church, and spend time with believers, no matter how I feel.  Reminding myself and others to be thankful, no matter what God sends. All of these are vitally important to fight the good fight.

This morning I read what Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Satan has asked to have you, to sift you like wheat, but I have pleaded in prayer for you that your faith should not completely fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." - Luke 22:31-32  Have you ever felt like Satan was sifting you? Me, too. Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him, yet He had full confidence that Peter wouldn't lose faith entirely.

Combine this with Hebrews: "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." - Hebrews 4:14-16

As my son Austin recently reminded me, giving up is a sin which reveals a lack of faith. Yet if Christ was tempted in ALL things, that must include those dastardly Ds: denying God, discouragement, doubt, depression, and despair! Somehow it helps to know that even the Son of God was tempted to give up at times, yet He stood fast. He did what was right, and He did not grow weary of doing good.

Reading on in Hebrews, we come to a similar passage: “Since we have a great priest...let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together...but encouraging one another...” - Hebrews 10:21-25

Romans tells us that “Christ Jesus is He who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” - Romans 8:34. Ever wonder what Jesus is doing in heaven? He's interceding for the saints.

The amazing truth striking me today is that Jesus was not only tempted to get depressed, but He is praying for me right now about that very temptation! And if you are a Christian, that is true no matter what your area of temptation is. We're all different, but Jesus understands each one perfectly, because He's been there. He gets it, and He loves us, and He prays for us, right now. I may be sifted, but I'm safe.

The second truth I got from these verses is the command to encourage others. Jesus knows our weakness, prays for us, and is confident that we'll overcome – that in itself is encouraging. Then we are called to strengthen our brothers and sisters. Not only is it good for them, but it's good for us. When I tried to lift up my friend today, I was myself lifted up by Christ. “He who waters will himself be watered” is a sweet promise for every Christian. Thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and goodness.

God is faithful and good,

 j