“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. Yet there message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.” Psalm 19:1-4, NLT

As we move from the bright colors of autumn to the white beauty of winter, I’d like to share with you one more time the glory of God speaking through his autumn creation, the message he proclaims throughout all the earth.

“God’s glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon. Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening. Their words aren’t heard, their voices aren’t recorded, But their silence fills the earth: unspoken truth is spoken everywhere. Psalm 19:1-4, The Message

As you enjoy the beauty in these pictures, what unspoken truth are you hearing?

WOW! A two day retreat with Dr. Bryan Chapell – that was my privilege a few weeks ago. His content rich teaching left me with desire, hungry to communicate well. The title of this post came from his words referring to Philippians 2:12, ” … work out your own salvation …”

Work out does not mean manufacture; a correct understanding means to form something that already exists. Or in Dr. Chapell’s words, we work out what God has worked in (let the gospel fulfill its purpose).

Six days later, I board a plane for another retreat, this one on writing. Unlike the Dr. Chapell retreat, all these attendees are new friends. My temptation, put on my writing hat, you know, try to look like an author (of a blog) and base my testimony on the outward. After all, I’m starting with a clean slate.

I’ve been there before. What do I want you to believe about me? Even when the slate isn’t clean, there is the temptation to want you to believe who I am by my current circumstance. Like you, I wear many hats.

Mark 14 records Jesus and his trial before the Sanhedrin. He could have put on his Son of God hat.  Although accused of many things, when directly asked to defend himself, “But he (Jesus) remained silent …” (verse 61). He did not allow the Sanhedrin to define him by what he did, he did not put on a hat.

But when the high priest queried, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (verse 61), Jesus replied, “I am”. (verse 62) He claimed his identity.

That was my desire going to the writing retreat, not wanting to be identified by what I do, or what I write, but wanting to claim my identity (cling to the testimony that is already mine) that which will never change!

And in clinging to who I am – who God created me to be – I can also cling to “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

Dr. Chapell shared this story about Rembrandt, one of the most well-known painters and print-makers in Dutch history and European art. Rembrandt often worked with apprentices who would do the first drafts of what became Rembrandt’s paintings. Their drafts were excellent, but with a stroke or two of a brush, Rembrandt made them brilliant.

One of his apprentices asked Rembrandt of the value of their work; after all Rembrandt’s brush created the masterpiece. His response, “I treasure your work and I will use it”.

What do you hear in Rembrandt’s words?

“For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”        Hebrews 10:14

 

 

Every summer Bill and I get our two oldest GRANDS all to ourselves for a week of Mana – Pop-pa Camp. One of the specials this summer was a trail ride. Previously there only horse experience Jack and Ashlyn had was in a barn.  This picture speaks their anticipation.

This week I’ve invited my new – as in we’ve never met – friend Courtney Doctor to Echoes of Grace. Courtney has had LOTS more experience with horses. When I read her words, they echoed true, not only as I remembered the trail ride last summer, but also as I ponder God’s loving bits in my life. May you also be encouraged by her words…

“Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.” Psalm 32:9

Would I be taking my love of horses too far to say that it is a horse who has given me one of the best pictures of what I long for my life with the Lord to look like? Would you just assume that I was truly “horse-crazy?” Possibly… but it’s true. In fact, I would go so far as to say that the horse, Whizards Baby Doll (a.k.a. “Roxy”), is an example of what we should all strive to be. Let me explain.

In 2006, Roxy and her rider, Stacy Westfall, won a national horse competition. That, in and of itself, is not unique. What makes this ride so spectacular is that Stacy rode Roxy without a bridle, a bit, reins, or a saddle… and they were able to perform some amazing moves and maneuvers. If you have ever ridden a horse, you know that a bit is a relatively small piece of metal put in the horse’s mouth, connected to the reins and the bridle, that helps you control the horse. There are soft bits, which are round and smooth, and rough bits, which can be small and sharp or large and jabbing. There are snaffle bits, curb bits, Pelham bits, and gag bits, to name just a few. The trainer is the one who decides what bit to use. But regardless of the type of bit, horses need bits in their mouth to be ridden… at least most of the time. The beauty of Stacy’s ride was that Roxy was so attuned to Stacy, so compliant, so obedient, and so willing, that no bit was required.

Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to see what I am talking about.

Did you see it? When Stacy indicated that she wanted to go faster, Roxy went faster. When Stacy asked her to slow down, Roxy slowed down. When Stacy asked Roxy to turn, or stop, or run, or back up, Roxy did. All without a bit in her mouth! She was so tuned into Stacy that she was able to obey the slightest command and respond to the smallest request—and it is beautiful!

We Often Need Bits Too

In Psalm 32, verse 9, God tells David to not be “like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you” (emphasis mine). God is saying that it is better to be like a horse that does not need a bit—be like Roxy! I don’t think I’m taking the text too far. The purpose of the bit, according to verse 9, is to keep the horse or mule near. If a horse or mule is wandering off, they are a useless creature. But a horse or mule that is near is useful, usable, and ready. And to be near, ready, and willing without a bit is best!

Unfortunately, I am more like a horse or mule that requires a bit than I am like Roxy. And so God places and allows certain things in my life to draw me back to him. Just like there are a variety of real bits, there are a variety of metaphorical bits, too.

There are soft bits—things like a gentle rebuke or correction from a friend. When my heart wanders (and I am prone to wander), a rebuke can pull me back. There are stronger bits—things like loneliness and hardship. Loneliness causes me to long for the Lord. Hardship is a bit that softens my rebellious heart. When my passion for God wanes, struggle and sadness can be the bits that causes me to run back to him. And isn’t that the purpose for which God said the bit was to be used?

There are harsher bits, too. Suffering has certainly served as a bit in my life. Few things make me realize that I have grown proud and self-sufficient like suffering. Suffering reins me in; it is supposed to. This is not always the purpose of our suffering, but there are times that God allows suffering in our lives as a means of drawing us back to himself. He is the God that can take something hard and use it for good—if we will be trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Will We Submit or Fight?

The question becomes, how do I respond to the bits the Lord uses to rein me in? There are two ways a horse can respond to a bit. She can submit to it.

Or she can fight it.

So, if the Lord has put a metaphorical bit in your mouth to draw you back to himself, how are you responding? Are you fighting it and trying to run away? Are you angry, rebellious, or out of control? Or are you submitting to it by drawing near to God and becoming soft to his will and his ways?

Back to Roxy and Stacy. Roxy was only able to accomplish her remarkable feet for three reasons. One, she had spent time learning. Two, she had submitted to what she learned. And, three, she trusted her master. The same has to be true for us.

So, let me be like Roxy . . . but when I’m not, thank you, Lord, for using a bit of your mercy and grace to draw me back to you.

I couldn’t help but show you these two fun memories of our afternoon as well.

Jack on Rio and Ashlyn ready to take off on Dixie.

How have you experienced bits in your life?

Lissa and I have been wondering together via keyboard and screen about receiving God’s love … what it means, how it happens, why it seems elusive.

This recent communication seemed a good illustration to finish the month of posts on God’s love.

Hi Lissa,

Hmmmm, receiving love on their terms … what that means. I think I know what you are asking.

Here are a few thoughts …

Everyone has the same love needs: security, significance, acceptance, attention, protection, relationship with God and others, to trust and be trusted. I’m sure there are others as well.

But, we RECEIVE those needs in many ways. God created us each uniquely. For some, attention  means receiving a bouquet of flowers … others could care less about flowers, they desire deep conversation in a quiet coffee shop, or, or, or. Although we experience the love of attention differently,  we all need it.

We also GIVE love in many ways, giving resulting from receiving, receiving from God.

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23, NLT

This desire in Jesus’ prayer for us, his followers, amazes me. Jesus asks, God will you love them (us) as much as you love me?

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me…” John 15:9, NLT

Jesus received the love of the Father and then passes it on.

I too need to receive love before having love to give.

God created us differently; and we receive and we give differently. Sooooo, we need to give friends and family the freedom to love us in how God created them. We cannot give love in ways we haven’t received.

God is the only one whose love is perfect. He alone can love us in ways we get. Our earthly giving and receiving of is imperfect.

I think of my relationship with Bill. In my insecurity as a newly wed … and for a long time after … I didn’t understand Bill’s love. It looked different than what I had known. We come from very different families of origin. As I’ve grown in understanding God’s love,  I’ve come to accept his way of loving me.  And accepting has morphed into appreciating and loving his love.

But receiving God’s love was first.

Does this make sense???? Let me know.

Sue

“We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” I John 4:16, NLT

What does trusting God’s love look like for you?

My friend emailed the story of the birthday party for her Mom. You know, one of those BIG ones when all the relatives come together.

She was thrilled, and she was hurt (my friend, not her Mom).

Her Mom overwhelmed with honor by the family and friends was oblivious to other relationships not quite as congenial.

My friend so wanted to offer love, to include, to enjoy — but it wasn’t to be.

Last month I too traveled to a big family gathering, not a birthday party but a funeral, celebrating a life in a different way.

I too found myself tripping over love. Not love I was offering, but the love I wanted to receive eluded me.

In the midst of busy and emotional, I neglected God’s love for me. And in the neglect I was unable to receive love, the love I craved, love that was there all the time … I just didn’t see it. The lack of receiving God’s love shackled me from receiving the love of others and of giving love.

Three lessons I’m learning about receiving God’s Love

Hearing and Accepting – Each Sunday in church several opportunities come to the congregation to receive the love of God. After our prayer of confession and the benediction at the end of the service both offer God’s love. Many stand with palms upraised communicating, yes, I receive this gift.

My devotional time starts with reviewing scriptures that speak God’s love. I read them, pray over them asking what it would look like to trust (receive) them today. One of my favorites …

“I am my beloved’s, and His desire is for me.” Song of Solomon 7:10

In public or private hearing and accepting God’s love is the first step. Once accepted, then experienced.

Experiencing God’s Love – My Dad was not good at receiving love. On his birthday or at Christmas when gift giving is common, his always response was oh you shouldn’t have. His experience of love stunted because receiving was so hard.

When God’s love is received, other responses become natural. Reminding myself of God’s love last month, two new reactions emerged: thankfulness and affirmation.

Once experienced then given.

Giving God’s Love – When I became aware of being the focus of God’s love, giving His love became easier. I saw ways to serve, opportunities to affirm, thankfulness happened, smiles and hugs were spontaneous, love words flowed.

But the best part of hearing, receiving, and giving was the peace in my heart. Living who God created me to be, His beloved child, freed me from needing the love of others.

The first verse I ever memorized was John 1:12. I got part of it back then; I’m understanding more now.

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,” (italics mine)

” … Make yourselves at home in my love.” John 15:9, The Message

What are your favorite love of God scriptures? How do you experience the truth of these verses?

 

or, A Story of a Website Fenced by God’s Love

Begging and Praying

The last day of August, the final day at our Sanctuary dawned beautiful Colorado blue … again. I didn’t want to leave and was ready to return home all at the same time.

My adrenaline was surging. Echoes of Grace was celebrating its sixth birthday by moving to a new home, its very own website. September 1, less than 24 hours away, all my friends would be invited in.

I’d been begging praying, asking God to bring many to the new home of Echoes of Grace and to  minister deeply to those who stopped by. Lord, I’ve done what I can do advertising Echoes on FB this week. And I’m feeling a bit emotional today. Thank you for the reminder of Psalm 138:8 that in Your Love You will fulfill your purpose for me and for Echoes. I lean into that today! Father, please bring my desires in line with Yours. Amen (my journal 8/31/16)

I sent weekly reminders to all Echoes of Grace followers on its original site the entire month of August. I created a daily countdown to the new Echoes the last week of August. I shared the good news in other social media places.

God did something very special that day too. A guest post I submitted to the PCA website, enCourage was also going live that day. I spread the news.

Bribing

Those FB reminders included bait. Stop by and sign up for the Echoes of Grace community (subscribe) and I’ll send you a note when a new post is live AND a very special gift at the end of the year. (This is still true.)

I did what I knew to do to spread my good news.

Believing

Early the next morning the rooster crowed (I wasn’t sleeping anyway). I rolled over to grab my phone and check FB. WOW, the first two entries – my brand spanking new website and next the announcement from the PCA site that my words were live. My breath caught.

My believing encouraged by truths from Song of Solomon 7:10 and Romans 8:31 waivered a bit. So quickly I sent a reminder email with both links. You know, just to make sure I’d done all I could do.

The text arrived a few hours later, Sue, do you know you put an incorrect link to the PCA website? NO, I’m sure she’s wrong! I checked; she was right. OUCH!

The air wooshed out of my proverbial balloon.

And at the same time, God’s love enveloped me.

“The LORD will work out his plans for my life – for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8, NLT

I heard His whisper. He heard my prayers. God was at work fulfilling His plans for me wrapped in His faithful love. Echoes of Grace is God’s responsibility. My adrenaline returned to normal. It was good.

David makes two bold statements in the first sentence, God works out his plans for us and they are wrapped in his love. And then adds the last sentence, for you made me. Don’t abandon me reminded me of the father’s cry in Mark 9, I believe, help my unbelief.

” … that God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special … Something happened in you … Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word … you’re the message!” I Thessalonians 5, chapter 1, The Message

How have you experienced God’s love in the midst of disappointments? What scriptures speak to your heart?

If this post has encouraged you, please share it with your friends. They just might thank you.

This week’s post is a continuation of last week. Scroll down to start at the beginning.

God IS Love

” … God is love … ” These three words nestled in the middle of I John 4:16 communicate huge truth – Love is the character of God; love is who God is. God’s love is never challenged or changed by my love. David Benner says in his book Surrender To Love, “What a small god we would have if divine character was dependent on our behavior (or how I love).” parentheses mine

– Hards, Hurricaines, and Horrifics – God is there; his love active. Truly this is hard to trust; it doesn’t make sense to my finite mind. Those why questions come easily; my perspective severely limited. Biblical illustrations come to mind; personal illustrations simmer below the surface; the experiences of my friends hurt too. Recently I was challenged to replace why questions with how or what questions. What might trusting God’s love look like in this situation? How can I trust God now?
I’m trying to remember this.

God’s Love for me is the same love He has for Jesus

” … so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you love me.”       John 17:23.

AMAZING! AMAZINGLY TRUE! These words from Jesus’ final prayer (known as his high priestly prayer) paint a picture of the depth of God’s love. This prayer for us whispered before we were even born speaks Jesus’ desire; to add the exclamation point, he repeats it three verses later. As thankful as I am, I can’t grasp it. Once again I pray, what would it look like to trust your love today, Lord? The thought comes to mind, Jesus knows how to deeply minister to others. Today I have lunch with a friend. That’s where today’s trust lies. I pray, Father will you help me to share your love with my friend. Amen.

God’s Love is my guideline for relating to others

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you …”  John 13:34

I remember our wedding day. We declared our love; we took vows. As I look back, I wonder, did I even understand love on that day? No. In my insecurity as a newly wed, I didn’t get Bill’s love. It looked different than what I had grown up with. We came from very different families of origin. But as I’ve learned to trust God’s love, I’ve come to accept appreciate and enjoy Bill’s love. Love for others needs to be anchored in God’s love.

God’s Love casts out fear

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” I John 4:18

Another wedding story … We were going to pick out our rings. Bill’s quizzing me on my plan for his inscription was frustrated by my desire for surprise. As we parked, I changed my mind – too late, Bill now into the surprise mode. An engaged couples argument ensued.

I’m not sure why my fear;  but it was fear that kept me silent. In retrospect, I know. I desperately needed to trust God’s perfect love for me and then I would be able to trust Bill’s love even though our human love is far from God’s perfect love.

God’s Love is always and forever

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases …” Lamentations 3:22                                                         ” … your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever…” Psalm 138:8

This principle threads throughout the scriptures with words like steadfast and endures. And it is never dependent on me.

Having young GRANDS, Robert Munsch’s now classic children’s book, Love You Forever, came to mind. His words woven throughout the story illustrate God’s love. Perhaps I would switch the last line to My child (of God) you will be. It aptly teaches that our behavior – like unrolling all the toilet paper – doesn’t affect his love, and his love carries from childhood to old age. Interesting, the refrain came to him as a result of two of his children being stillborn. God’s love endures even through our hards.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Which of these 10 principles most communicate to your heart? What stories come to mind? How do you experience God’s love?

 

 

 

I love orange this time of year, and dark red, and the yellow Aspens. The trees showing off their true colors.

Two questions …

Did you come by on Monday to see the newly decorated room? If not, click over to Monday Quotes, a new feature of Echoes of Grace. Words that have spoken to my heart, and I hope will speak to you as well. Please share what you’re hearing? Let’s start a conversation.

And, if you haven’t signed up for the Echoes of Grace community glance over to the right and you’ll see the place. It will help us stay in touch with each other.

For the past 16 years, I’ve been absorbed by God’s love. Almost daily I pray scriptures that speak it to my heart; and with the passing of time, I’m learning to mine its depths. Focusing on His love this month is the subject of Echoes of Grace. This week and next, some of the principles I’m learning about His love.

Principles of God’s love, my first five …

God’s love for me and you has been in the works from eternity past.  

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” Jeremiah 1:5

When I started my freshman year at Hope College, I received this advice … Now don’t get too religious. What did the advice-giver see in me that prompted those words? What were they supposed to mean? At that time my religion was demonstrated by that piece of my life that determined my Sunday morning activity – church.

You know, I don’t like that word religious at least when it refers to my child of God status. Christianity is much more than my religion, it references my relationship with God.

This scripture has become more and more meaningful to me. I love that God knew His plans for me even before I was conceived. (I guess that advice was in vain.)

God’s love for me and you is not fickle.

            “For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.”
Psalm 26:3

It is HIS steadfast love; it is HIS faithfulness that characterizes His love for me.

Do you ever second guess yourself and your reactions to something? I did it just this morning. Should I have said that? I’m still pondering, but this I know … God loves me. Paul reaffirms David’s words in Romans 8:38, 39 this way. “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else (NOT EVEN MY SIN) in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (parentheses added)

God’s love gives us our identities.

“What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.” I John 3:1, The Message

My identity is not up for grabs. It is not dependent on my circumstances. God gave me a new name – child of God – that name defines me. My heart’s desire is to live as a result of this verdict so I often pray, God, what would it look like to trust the truth of my creation as your child today? Sometimes I say amen and I have no idea how God will answer that prayer; other times I know the answer before the prayer has left my lips.

God’s love is His plan for our growth as His children.

“Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.”                                                                Ephesians 1:4, The Message

My friend, Bill Thrall says, “God doesn’t want you to change; He already has changed you. Now He wants you to mature out of the change He has already made in you.”

The DNA of godliness has been planted in me, the seed is there. Now it needs God-designed water and fertilizer to sprout to continue to mature me in holiness.

Sometimes that looks like joining a Bible study; sometimes memorizing a certain passage; most recently for me it meant signing up for a course entitled, High Trust Leadership.

“How do I grow in holiness? I live out of my new life, my new nature. I live out of who God says I now am.” Lay It Down, Bill Tell (yup, my husband)

This truth has freed me from any anxiety of how God might design my personal growth program. It is designed by His love.

God’s love is the springboard for our purposes.

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;  your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8

I’d memorized and prayed over the first 8 words of this verse not considering the last 15 words. It encouraged me that God had a purpose for me. But it wasn’t until recently that the rest of the truth of David’s words grabbed my heart. His purposes for me rest in His love which endures forever. It endures. That gives me so much confidence. Even when I blow it, His love is enduring (it is not fickle).

And then the last sentence, “Do not forsake …” It reminds me of “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24. David made two bold true statements, and then finishes with the plea, “Do not forsake the work of your hands”. He is so human.

(My October 20th post is sharing a personal story springing from this truth.)

“God not only loves you very much, but also has put his hand on your for something special … Something happened in you … Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word,” from
I Thessalonians 1:2-7, The Message

“My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I’m sick or in good health, whether I’m in a state of grace or disgrace. He comes to me where I live and loves me as I am.” ~ Brennan Manning

Next week, five more principles that are gripping my heart about God’s love.

What communicates God’s love to you?

 

 

I’m thrilled to be bringing you these words this week. They first appeared in the Mommy Missionaries website for the Navigators. Although written from a different perspective, the story that birthed them is the same.

Then on September 1, the National Women’s Ministry of the Presbyterian Church (PCA) published them on their women’s blog, enCourage. Click over to read it here.

And now, for you, Echoes of Grace readers, Desperation. I trust that it will encourage you to come into the light with your hards.

My friend emailed her story, begging for help. She was desperate. A story of jealousy; jealousy of her husband’s ministry. She, stuck at home with their littles, feeling unable to join in the work and the joys of ministry, was jealous! Did God not want to use her willing clay pot?

Jealousy – a hard word; harder than comparison, one of the acceptable sins among Christian women. But in her story … and in many of our comparison stories … jealousy is an accurate descriptor. It makes us desperate and it hurts.

• Hurt enough to cry for help.
• Hurt enough to come into the light.
• Hurt enough to invite God to work.

I’m reminded of the story of the woman with the unceasing flow of blood. (Luke 8:43-48) How embarrassing; how not normal; and I wonder, was she jealous? I don’t know. But I do know, she too was desperate and hurt enough to cry for help, to come in to the light, and to invite God to work.

“But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”” Luke 8:46-48 NLT

“Someone deliberately touched me”

Someone had a plan; someone acted with intention; someone was desperate and clung to a sliver of hope. Hope that was outside of herself. Hope placed in Jesus. Both my friend who cast her jealousy and hurt into cyber space and this lady with her physical hurt casting herself at the feet of Jesus, needed help. They were desperate.

“she could not stay hidden”

Jesus knew she was there; knew her desperation; and in His great love healed her. He not only healed her physical ailment, he gave her ministry. Perhaps that was more than the woman was asking when she deliberately touched the hem of Jesus’ robe. But I wonder, if underneath many of our requests lives a silent desire, to encourage, to love, to minister to others. For my friend, it was her spoken desire.

“she began to tremble”

Trembling akin to fear. Skimming through Luke, several narratives tell similar stories of desperation. The response – fear or in some translations, awe, awe that makes you tremble. Always this fear leads to greater things. The woman got to share her story with the whole crowd. Zechariah and the widowed mother of the dead son were desperate. Jesus’ love compelled him to heal. In both, the people stood in awe. In both, God’s plan was greater than the healings. The news of Jesus spread; God was glorified. Trembling, fear leading to the spread of the good news of Jesus and to glorify God.

“and she fell to her knees”

Falling to her knees signifying humility, submission, a reverential posture before God. (Philippians 2:10; Ephesians 3:14) The appropriate place in the presence of Jesus. My emailing friend, not literally on her knees, demonstrated great humility and a bowed heart like the woman with the flow of blood.

“the whole crowd heard her explain”

The woman told the truth to everyone. I bet her trembling produced tears. I imagine she kept her gaze on the grass in front of her. But she told the truth.

“Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.””

In one sentence Jesus summarizes the gospel in two significant ways. He calls her daughter. They are related, members of the same family. He affirms her adoption.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are …” I John 3:1

He affirms her again by putting her healing in the right context. It is her faith that fueled her desperation and she came to Jesus, the great physician. Jesus saw her desperation, he saw her heart and because he loved her first, he stopped the bleeding; he healed her.

My friend’s struggle did not revolve around something physical. but her jealousy also requires the healing of our great physician. Her desperation, her shred of hope, and her coming into the light, opens the door for her to experience the gospel, to experience the love God already has for her.

“… For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Have you joined the Echoes of Grace community yet? If not, before you move on, go to the top right and sign up. Not only will you be kept in the know concerning all things Echoes of Grace, but also a special holiday gift will be coming your way.

And, in just 3 days … Monday, October 3 … mark your calendar and check in with Echoes of Grace. A new room is waiting for you to explore.

 

Two BIG, IMPORTANT family events … the same weekend.

1. A Family Reunion, my side, in the works for the last 9 months. A first for the Fraser clan.

2. A Family Funeral, the other side. Although expected, in the works for 1 week.

On both sides, hopes, hurts, hards, expectations, motives all knotting up in a confusing web.

Although the airline tickets for the reunion sat on my desk, I knew the right decision, for us the funeral was priority. Disappointed, yes; at peace, yes.

But many related decisions swirled around, bumping into each other with potential for bruises or worse. If I don’t come to the reunion, who will get Mom there? (One of the easiers.) I wanted perfect weekends … neither were perfect. All the knots could not be untied.

And there is a bit of peace-maker in me – which leads to the middle of the muddle.

The situations and the options were many. Should I call, perhaps an email … or nothing?

The answers came slowly … in one case, yes write – after the fact; in another, call. Allow others to live with their right decisions (even when I think their right is wrong). 

Most importantly, step out of the muddled middle. Trust, not trust the others, trust God with all the knots, all the relationships … even the bruises, all my desires and all my concerns.

Interesting, the image at the top often proves true. The muddle is in the middle. God is in the midst of the muddle too. The muddle didn’t start muddled and God is able to smooth the out the muddle in the end when I trust.

As I write, the muddle is still muddly. And my expectations rest with God.

“… The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philippians 4:5b, 6, 7, NIV

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20, NIV

Anticipating grace.

What about you? How do you trust in the midst of your own muddled middles?