“Blessed are those (who) yield their fruit in season.”  Psalm 1:3

A display of waxy artificial fruit sat on my aunt’s dining room table. On every visit, my dad took great delight in baiting Aunt Elsie by pretending to take a bite out of one of the artificially shiny apples or pluck some of the grapes. Of course he knew that before his teeth even came close to biting into the object, there would be a horrified cry, “DON’T DO THAT.”

Artificial fruit, whether the wax variety of fifty years ago or today’s shiny red wooden apples, are definitely not ‘for public consumption’.  They are mere representatives of the real thing. There can be no sweet, juicy, tasty nectar dripping down the chin, no fruity aroma reminding one of freshly picked apples, peaches or grapes.

In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes,

“It is not that God makes us beautifully rounded grapes, but that He squeezes the sweetness out of us.”

To paraphrase, God didn’t make us perfectly formed, wooden Christians; rather He created us to be living, breathing persons designed to have the life of Christ squeezed out of us so those around would be drawn by the tantalizing aroma of our presence.

Grapes squashed in the grocery bag on the way to my kitchen are not attractive; they are thrown into the garbage. Yet if I were starving, even those squashed grapes would become a tantalizing morsel. People, circumstances, events frequently are used by God to squeeze me. Unlike the grape, I have the choice of exuding the aroma, the very life of Christ to the starving people around me.

Father, help me recognize that the ‘squeezing’ of life can be used of you. May I see your hand in all the circumstances and people of my life.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

A Lingering Aroma  Read more..

The Woodshed Read more..

The Fragrance  Read more..

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“(The Lord) satisfies your desires with good things…” Psalm 103:4

Cooking in the Western world has changed dramatically. My mother would rise early Sunday mornings to begin preparations for the dinner that would await us after church. Browning the meat to cook slowly in the oven, peeling potatoes that would quickly come to a boil upon our return.

I yet take pleasure from experimenting with new recipes—how will taste buds be titillated with the addition of curry? Will a pinch of saffron give rice an entirely new face?

In addition to this somewhat adventurous aspect of cooking, I enjoy the cooking equipment I own. Although it took a long time for my conversion to microwave benefits, I now regularly use this scientific advancement. When the day has been long and the schedule crowded, I am thankful that I can quickly heat up a bit of sauce to pour over pasta. The vitamins remain and hungry people are satisfied.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the crockpot. This is an appliance that slowly—very slowly and safely—cooks foods. Before heading out to the day’s responsibilities, I can place meat and vegetables or soup ingredients into the crockpot, set the timer for six hours, and return to a complete and healthy meal.

Microwaves are great utensils for satisfying an immediate need. They are generally small and easy to clean. Crockpots, on the other hand, are somewhat hefty and even awkward. Cooking in them necessitates planning. But coming home at the end of a long day, weary from battles with commerce or classrooms, inhaling the aroma of deliciously prepared food can lift the spirits.

In today’s microwave world, we often expect Christian growth to happen similarly, but spiritual formation just doesn’t happen on a three-minutes-a-day schedule. Tuning out the world, sitting quietly to hear God, absorbing words and thoughts from scripture may not take the crockpot six hours, but it will take as much extended time as we can possibly give. Re-heated leftovers are sufficient occasionally, but only the food—both physical and spiritual—that has been carefully planned, seasoned with attention and cooked through and through satisfies completely.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

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FURTHER READING

How to Have a Quiet Time with God

When Silence is More Than Being Quiet

“Have You Ever Been Alone With God?”

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“.. their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water which yield its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”  (Psalm 1)

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They will be like trees planted by the water. They do not fear when heat comes; their leaves are always green. They have no worries in a year of drought and never fail to bear fruit.”  (Jeremiah 17:7-8)

I live at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet (over 1800 meters). The flower box on my small porch sits in full sun most of the daylight hours and during the hot days of summer, it only takes one or two days without fresh water for the plants to begin drooping and eventually wither.

The writer of the psalms says that we will likewise lose vitality if we neglect the practice of consistently meditating on God’s word to us in the Bible. Jeremiah, a Hebrew prophet, pictures the individual who confidently trust in the Lord as one who not only survives a drought but even bears fruit during those dry seasons.

What a contrast! We can actually choose to be people with ‘withered leaves’ obviously those who are unappealing and without benefit to passersby, or fruit bearers’ people who nourish others even during difficult days. Advice from our Master Gardener: meditate on God’s word and trust in him.

Lord, drooping plants add no color to the flower-box and without attention, they need to be removed. I don’t want to wither but it’s so easy to forget to drink of the water you provide in your Word. Thank you for providing all I need to have life, but to share that life with others.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

• Lessons from Life: the Garden
• The Careful Gardener
• My Unfruitful Garden

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Two hikers, bone weary from trudging toward the peak of a majestic mountain, pause when one says, “I think we’re on the wrong path; we’ve stopped making progress. Maybe it’s time to turn back.” Instead of agreeing with her companion, instead of berating her fellow hiker with condemnation and shame, she simply says, “Let’s rest for a while and study the map.”

Walking the Christian path is much like climbing a mountain. Vistas ahead are breathtaking, companions along the way encourage, unexpected bubbling streams refresh. But the way is long and often fraught with danger.

When the way is long, when we doubt that God is leading—when we doubt that God cares—it’s time to rest awhile and study the map, God’s words from the Bible. Past experiences of God’s faithfulness, knowledge of God’s will and way will not always eliminate doubt. Faith is almost sure to waver as we climb the mountain, but God’s promise to “never leave nor forsake” is like a cup of cold water as we traverse through thorns that leave us bloody, blinding lightning and soul searing thunder, gnashing teeth of wild animals called despair.

After misunderstanding from friends and family, after the never-ending neediness of people, after heart rending grief, Jesus says to his weary friends,

“Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

Whatever thorny path you now travel, whatever doubt plagues your soul, whatever mountain peak is unseen through the clouds, Jesus’ invitation can be heard: “Sit down on the path with me and get some rest.”

Lord, I’m weary. Are you listening to my cry? Do you care? I need your comfort, please fill me again with your endurance and strength. Thank you that you are a God of mercy and grace.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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FURTHER READING

Importance of Knowing God
I Want to Know Him
The Christian and the Bible – do you believe it is the infallible truth?

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“The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”  Matthew 26:41

In, Revolution of Character, Dallas Willard writes, “Christians (who are being transformed) know that these words of Jesus are not a declaration about the inevitable condition of humans but a diagnosis of a condition to be corrected.”  (emphasis mine). What glorious freedom comes from believing that our slow spiritual progress or our stumbling walk with Christ is not an inescapable and permanent state of being, but rather a “correctable” condition.

Willard in other works describes Christians as “apprentices” and in that word lies great hope for moving onward and upward as followers of Jesus. By definition an apprentice is “a learner of a craft, bound to serve, and entitled to instruction from his or her employer for a specified time.”

God has promised to be our teacher and supplies all we need, through His Word (the Bible) and through His Holy Spirit within us. The Apostle Paul’s apprentice attitude can be ours as we walk on with weak bodies but willing spirits: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13).

Father, you know how often I use excuses to justify my sins, shortcomings and unwillingness to follow hard after you. Forgive me for focusing on myself instead of on you and all your provisions for me. Grant me grace to be a trainable apprentice.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

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“You are the light of the world…. Let your light shine before others, that  they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”   Matthew 5:14, 16

Although from the same country and practicing the same religious faith, the two young men could not have been more different. One was tall, handsome, self-assured, advanced in his university studies of philosophy, psychology and culture. The other was slight of build with facial features that definitely would not attract admiring glances. His studies were more in the technical field.

Both of these young adult students served as interpreters during a recent humanitarian medical project in their country. They not only translated words and thoughts from one language to another so hundreds of children could understand and respond to the questions and directives of medical professionals, but they willingly volunteered to entertain the squirming children with games, songs and other creative activities.

At the end of the project, each young man seemed unable to break away from us. “Can we talk just a little longer?” was uttered by our philosophy-oriented friend, while the less socially assured acquaintance simply wept on my shoulder.

We were unable to talk openly of God or our faith during these days in this politically sensitive country, but we connected on a level where such words were not necessary. As we conversed on a variety of subjects, clear eye contact provided heart contact. They gave their time and energy; we gave of our skills, time and love. They knew we were Christians.

We know the importance of the “heard word”—How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 12:14). But in this case, the seeds of the message of Christ became clear without actual vocabulary, and the advice attributed to St. Francis of Assisi had been followed: “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.”

Father, we too often think that only our words can be used by your Holy Spirit. Help us see how crucial are our actions.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

I Was Watching You

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus

How to Pray

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“My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

On major highways in the United States there are large signs before exits that lead to nearby cities and towns. On these signs are listed conveniences for the travelers such as gas/petrol stations, hotels, restaurants, etc. But while driving through more rural areas, occasionally one of these signs will have only two words: NO SERVICES. This is to inform travelers that at this exit there are no nearby businesses to satisfy a traveler’s needs. Drivers are free to leave the highway at these points, but they will find only fields, the occasional house or farm and less-maintained roads. There will be no resources to meet basic human needs.

As we travel down the roads of our lives, we are faced with choices similar to those facing drivers on U.S highways. God has promised to provide resources for all our needs but He allows us to make the choices. We are free to investigate all the possibilities, but frequently we turn off God’s best paths only to find that there are, ‘no services‘ at these points.  In the Bible, God gives us all the information we need to make good choices; He asks only that we seek the answers.

God, thank you for providing all I need for living in such a way that you are pleased. Help me never forget how much you love and supply my needs.

By Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

All Your Needs

God has Enough for Every Need

Help in Conflict

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“I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart…”  Ezekiel 11:19 (New Living Translation)

After much research into which was most recommended, I purchased a small toaster oven. It cost a bit more than others, but was manufactured by a respected company and came with what I thought was an ironclad guarantee. It worked well for months. And then one day, the small door wouldn’t completely close. I gave it a forceful push and the door slipped into place. A few days later, however, the door again gaped open. This time nothing I did solved the problem. Perhaps a screw was loose in the door?

In our town is a small shop that specializes in the repair of such appliances so I shook out the crumbs, polished the surface and placed the oven in my car. My trusty repairman sadly shook his head when I explained the problem. “I’m sorry, but the manufacturer has made this oven in such a way that the door cannot be removed. You will have to send it back to the factory.”

“What about the replacement guarantee?” I asked. “Oh, that guarantee is very limited. It doesn’t apply to the door.”

God’s guarantees are not limited. He promises to replace our stony, stubborn hearts with those that are tender and responsive. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!”

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

The New Is Here

New Isn’t Always Comfortable

The Dynamics of God’s Word in Your Heart

The post God’s Replacement Policy appeared first on Thoughts About God.

I lock my doors sometimes too. Emotional doors because I fear hurt or rejection.

“When it was evening on that same day, the first day of the week…the disciples were meeting behind barred doors for fear of the Jews… Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” After He said this, He showed them His hands and His side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with great joy.”  John 20:19-20 (Amplified Version)

They had moved from the pinnacle of joy to the crushing depths of tragedy within the span of a few days. Exultant “hosannas” were buried beneath horrifying screams of “crucify him.” The healing hands of Jesus were mutilated by spikes. His words of love and freedom were silenced by mockery and whips.

Rumors of his resurrection floated in the heavy air of disappointment, disillusionment and despair. His friends huddled together to be for each other what they could not be alone. They locked the doors because they knew what had happened to Jesus could easily happen to them. Then…

Jesus came and stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.”

I lock my doors sometimes too. Emotional doors because I fear hurt or rejection. Intellectual doors because I’m unsure what deep study will uncover. Spiritual doors because I wonder if giving my all will truly mean giving my all.

I need Jesus to come. I need to hear his voice and see his scarred hands and wounded side. I need to believe that it’s really him. Such hearing and seeing and believing doesn’t come easy. It requires time away from the realities of daily life which so often give birth to hurt, rejection and fear.

When Jesus came to his friends, he somehow miraculously just appeared. I don’t need that miracle today because he is as near as the Word of God (the Bible) and his Spirit who lives within me. To the pressing crowds Jesus once said, “Seek and you will find.” Crowds in my life—whether people or circumstances—so easily block out those words, words I need to hear and believe. It is through such seeking and believing that doors are unlocked so I can see Jesus. And experience his peace.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Pressing the RESET button on our lives 

•   Keeping Yourself in God’s Love – even during painful times in your life

•  Salvation Explained

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“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”  Luke 23:56

Only Luke, a New Testament author known to include minute details, offers a glimpse into life on the day after Jesus’ crucifixion and the day before His resurrection. I have often thought that the weather on the Saturday before Easter should always be gray and gloomy, atmospheric conditions matching what must have been the emotions of Jesus’ friends and family. In addition to grief, they obviously were bewildered because Luke also records a conversation two had as they walked away from Jerusalem, away from the scene of broken hearts: “…we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel…”

I, too, have known the heavy weight of grief, a weight that causes the body to slump into mindless sleep only to awaken in the dark hours, in those first moments, denying the reality of death, then almost immediately becoming aware of all that has happened. But I also have discovered the comfort of “obedience to the commandment”… By faith in the One who loves me, I laid my anxiety at His feet, I thanked Him for His sovereignty and presence, I prayed for myself and the weeping others, and then…

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding…”

put a guard on my heart and mind so that I could go about the dailyness of life. The women prepared spices and perfumes; I prepared meals and made beds. In a few short hours those women would experience the joy of the resurrection. One day I, too, will fully experience that joy.

It’s not always easy to go about the daily rituals when the heart is heavy, Lord, but I thank you for the balm those rituals bring to sorrowing souls. Thank you for being a God of the daily. I love you.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  The Easter Story – the story of Christ’s death and resurrection

•  Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or Fiction?  Resurrection evidences made clear and simple.

•  Who’s Got the Body?   A short, documented examination of evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.  By Rusty Wright

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The post Sacred Saturday appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his coat on and threw himself into the sea” John 21:7

Impetuous, wonderful, daring, loving, repentant Simon Peter is determined not to miss this meeting with his risen Lord. He quickly dons his coat and plunges into the water. The distance to the shore with its charcoal fire and forgiving Lord are but a few oar strokes away for his muscled arms. It would have made more sense to stay with the ship; they all would have reached shore eventually. He certainly gained no dignity by his impetuous act. But Peter acts on the small vision he possesses, meets his Master and hears a message meant especially for his aching heart.

Lord, help me act on my Spirit-guided whims instead of staying safely in the boat.  Help me know when you call from the shore, then give me courage to plunge in and swim toward you in spite of the derisive comments of onlookers. Only then will I feel the warmth of your fire and clearly hear your voice.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by permission

FURTHER READING

Courage to Speak the Truth

Be Strong and Courageous

Become a Brave-Heart Disciple

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All who have experienced soul-ripping grief at the death of a loved one would agree that time seems to stop.

Nights are endless, days drag like boulders pulled by a plow. Saying goodbye produces its own unutterable pain, but the days between death and funeral and burial—though perhaps filled with practical details—seem hours longer than the actual twenty-four. Although we may dread the more public acts of farewell, there is the incongruous something within us that cries to “just get it over with.”

Could this be similar to why we joyfully anticipate the glory of Easter Sunday but do our best to ignore—or at the very least de-emphasize—the emotionally-draining events of Holy Week? To shop for colorful spring clothing is far more satisfying than symbolically wrapping a rough towel around our waists to humbly serve others as Jesus did at the washing of feet.  What joy in preparation for a sumptuous Easter Sunday family reunion meal while how meager—and heart-rending—to contemplate the meaning of the bread, wine and bitter herbs that Jesus and his friends ate just before going out to the Mount of Olives. Triumphant is the music of “Christ, the Lord, Is Risen Today.” Somber are the notes of Braham’s Requiem.

New clothes, good food with friends and family and uplifting music are all rightful celebrations of the resurrection, what the Apostle Paul preaches as the bedrock of our faith. But I wonder how much more meaningful would be our Easter joy if we first took the time and concerted effort to walk thoughtfully through Jesus’ last days, if we asked God to let us more deeply glimpse his agony of relinquishment in Gethsemane, if we wept over his human cry, “I am thirsty.”

Many churches of a more liturgical nature practice what is known as the Easter Vigil where individuals gather in the darkness of Saturday night to read scripture and contemplate the sadness that surrounded Jesus’ followers after his death and burial, a darkness that represents all the meanings of darkness: hidden and secret sins, the darkness of the world and of our hearts. At a point soon after midnight, one candle is lit to symbolize Christ’s resurrection and members of the congregation light their own small candles from the larger one. Those who have participated in such a service of remem-brance and celebration relate how their view of Easter has been forever changed.

While this may not be practical or possible for all, let me encourage you to not avoid the pain of walking with Jesus through the days between Palm Sunday and Easter. I assure you that the sunrise of Easter will never be more glorious!

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

More Easter Reading:

Who’s Got the Body?   A short, documented examination of evidences for Jesus’ resurrection.  By Rusty Wright

The Power of Resurrection – by William S. Stoddard

Touched by the Risen Lord by Elfrieda Nikkel

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The post The Sad Path to Easter appeared first on Thoughts About God.