The Weekly Encourager – December 21, 2017 – Joy in Giving

Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? Would others say that about you? What would God say?

It's Christmas; have you pondered God's extraordinary generosity in sending His only Son?

I was not raised to be generous. My parents grew up poor and worked hard for everything they got. Accordingly, I was taught to shop carefully, to take good care of possessions, and to save everything possible for later use. There was an unspoken sense of fear that we might not have enough at some point in the future, so we'd better stock up now and never give anything away. Hard work, self-reliance, and saving are good traits in many circumstances, but not helpful in others. I'll never forget wanting to share a snack with the girls from next door, and my mother saying, “We're not feeding the neighborhood.” It was only as an adult that I figured out that other people routinely offered food and drink to every visitor!

When I became a Christian and started reading the Bible, I got new input. The New Testament gives several examples of Christians who gave generously both to support the work of the gospel and to provide for the practical needs of fellow believers locally and in distant lands. The people who gave were not always the wealthy members of the congregation, but regular folks who gave sacrificially out of loving hearts. They didn't wait for “a better income” to give to the church. Whether giving “the widow's mite” or feeding dozens in large, well-appointed homes, all were commended for liberality.

In studying Jesus' life, I learned that generosity is one of God's traits, and therefore to be emulated. This “Prodigal God” is generous with resources, calling men to “come ye buy and eat, without money.” Salvation is full and free for any who desire it. Certainly at Christmas we see how generous God was with His Son. We see the preeminent model of sacrificial giving. Love was the motivation of the triune God. This love would demand the highest price, yet it was given willingly. One of my favorite hymns is often sung at Christmas:

Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becamest poor;
Thrones for a manger didst surrender
Sapphire-paved courts for stable floor.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour,
All for love’s sake becamest poor.

When I became part of a church as a teenager, I saw many examples of generosity in action, from the wealthy people in the congregation who established large funds to help people in need, to the dear saintly older widow who gave Dave a “love gift” to help him pay some bills he could not afford. She said she didn't want him to pay her back, but to help someone else down the line. What a fabulous witness that “love gift” was to us when we were dating! And yes, he has paid back that gift many times.

Our pastor at the time, Steve Smallman, preached a series of sermons on Money which made a big impact on me and Dave. He gave a Biblical rationale for tithing which became our standard practice. Of course, tithing is not to be a forced, legalistic task, but a jumping off point, a place to start. “God loves a cheerful giver.” The spiritually mature will desire to give more and more, and God will bless their labors to that end, so that they are enabled to give more. Steve also said that what we do with our money reveals our priorities in life. Hearing that at age 20 was interesting, and now at age 60 I can testify that it's true. I've seen that, even when your resources are quite low and every human instinct says to hoard what you have, the more you give, the more God will provide. He is able! He is faithful! He is generous!

Marrying Dave was another way the Lord used to transform my stingy habits. At first I was pretty disturbed at how much my new husband wanted to give away, but I learned over time to respect this godly quality that the Lord had given him. Meanwhile, Dave respected the good training I had received in saving and managing money; he soon delegated the bill-paying to me. [This is one example of how opposites can benefit from one another in marriage.] I began to pray that the Lord would make me more generous with my money and possessions. Sure enough, He who began a good work in me is working to complete it.

Fast forward to Christmas 2016, one year ago. God had prospered us tremendously over the years. Yes, we started with next to nothing (“a bed and a piano”), but with hard work and God's provision, we saw our capital grow. Two key Biblical principles of careful management and generous giving can go hand-in-hand. Last Christmas I had the most wonderful time writing a bunch of checks! Instead of my fleshly nature filling me with fear for our future, the Lord of the Universe filled me with great joyfulness. Instead of a duty, it was a privilege to bless others. I'm not saying I have learned this concept perfectly yet (I am hanging on way too tightly to way too many things), but I can see the Holy Spirit working in me.

This Christmas is a bit different, since Dave's job ended just before Thanksgiving. Here is a test of faith, and what will we do? We're giving the same amounts as last year, and I get to write the checks! It is my JOY to tithe and to support various missions and causes in the community. It is my JOY to trust that God will provide a new job for Dave. It is my JOY to be obedient to Christ. It is my JOY to try to model my life after the Scripture, and to carry on the tradition of saints who were generous to me. He who did not spare His own Son will give us everything else we need. If I can trust Him with my salvation, I can trust Him with my money.

Are you generous with what God has given you? May this be a season of joy in giving, to the glory of God.

A Blessed Christmas to you all,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney. As always, I welcome your comments below.
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour, written by FRANK HOUGHTON (1894-1972).

The Weekly Encourager – December 15, 2017 – Joy in Waiting

I recently heard a sermon about Advent as a season of waiting. In fact, our whole lives on this earth are a season of waiting, and Advent is just an annual reminder of this truth.

What are you waiting for? Are you waiting to meet that special someone? Are you waiting to find a job, or a place to live, or a church home? Are you waiting to finish a degree or a major task? Are you waiting for recognition, approval, or acceptance? Are you waiting for friendship? Are you waiting for an apology? Are you waiting for justice and vindication? Are you waiting for healing? Are you waiting to finally conquer some besetting sin? Are you waiting for grief to abate after the loss of loved ones? Are you waiting for death?

In this world we struggle with trouble and suffering. We have broken bodies and broken relationships and broken finances and broken governments. We want it all to be fixed, right now! But God says, wait, My child, as a weaned child rests on his mother's breast. If we let tragedy get to us, we'll be sucked down into a dark, stagnant pond of despair. But the gospel brings us such hope! The people walking in darkness – you and I – have seen a great light, and that Light is Jesus. He is God's Son who came to live a holy life and to die a holy death for His people. He's the One we're waiting for, for He alone can free us from sin and all its terrible consequences.

We're all waiting for someone or something in our lives to change for the better. But how do we wait for these things that seem to take forever? King David had the same question: “How long, O Lord?” and the answer was, “But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” - Psalm 13:1, 5-6. David's in trouble, but he takes time to remember that the Lord has been good to him already. The way of waiting is prayer and praise. It is thankfulness and joyfulness. People have asked me, how do I get thankfulness and joyfulness when I don't have what I'm waiting for? Here's the answer: You have all you need already. “Faith comes by hearing, and that by the word of God.” You get faith by learning God's word, resting on Jesus, and asking the Holy Spirit for faith to believe in His promises.

In one sense, this life is just one big waiting room. If you've ever taken a little toddler (a weaned child) somewhere and asked him to wait an hour, you have a picture of how we must appear to God. Will the child whine, get angry, be sad, or have a meltdown? Will she rebel and try to escape the room? Will he destroy property or hit other people out of frustration and boredom? Or will the child cheerfully accept the waiting as an opportunity to be productive, or maybe see an extra chance to cuddle with her beloved parent? The wise parent will plan ahead to make the best use of the waiting time, by bringing little puzzles, games, coloring books, or story books to keep the child occupied. The good parent will stay nearby to direct the child's thoughts and activities. The loving parent will reassure the child that good things are coming. God our Father has provided all of this and more for us.

“God rest ye merry, gentlemen; let nothing you dismay. Remember Christ our Savior was born upon this day, to save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray. O tidings of comfort and joy!” We are to rest merry, in other words, wait with joy, be at peace until Christ comes again. Remember, you can't expect to have joy if you're not regularly in the word. Here are some promises to consider while you wait.

“You should have as little real desire for this world as a dead person does. Your real life is in heaven with Christ and God. And when Christ who is our real life comes back again, you will shine with him and share in all his glories.” - Colossians 3:3-4

“Trust him all the time. Pour out your longings before him, for he can help.” - Psalm 62:8

“No good thing will He withold from them that walk uprightly.” - Psalm 84:11

“Every good thing the Lord had promised to them came true.” - Joshua 21:45

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” - Revelation 21:4

“There is no question that he will do what he says.” - Hebrews 10:23

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words remain forever.” - Matthew 24:35

“Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me.” - Psalm 131:2

So what are you waiting for? Now would be a good time to thank our good God who has dealt bountifully with you.

Wishing you comfort and joy in this season of waiting.
God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – November 29, 2017 – Joy in the Job Search

Earlier this month, my husband lost his job. Due to restructuring, his position was eliminated (along with most of his department).  The good news is that Dave saw the writing on the wall and was already thinking of looking around for another position, hopefully with a shorter commute. However, he is a 61-year-old white male, so maybe not the first choice of every employer.

I'm not really worried about his job at this point (more dreading the insurance hassle, #firstworldproblems). I'm confident that God will provide an even better opportunity for Dave, not just because Dave is a highly qualified worker, but because God's name is Jehovah-jireh, Yahweh Will Provide. If I have moments of doubt, I can just look to our history and see how He's always provided for us in the past. Thanks be to God, we have some savings, so we're still tithing and supporting Dave's brother as well as various missions. My husband is a very generous man, and I've learned that the more we give, the more God blesses us. We're doing fine!

Dave decided to keep a job search diary, and he'd like to share what he wrote a few days ago:

Day 6

Thanked God for arranging the timing of this. As a Christian, I know that God has something much greater planned for us than we are typically expecting. We lose a job, and immediately we think that all that God has in store for us is to get us another one. That's probably true, but God is also probably planning for us to meet new people through that job who we otherwise would not have come into contact with, or planning for us to have an impact in a situation involving something much more consequential than a mere job.

God is advancing His kingdom day by day. Our ultimate job is to serve Him and that means our primary occupation is kingdom-building. Working for our daily bread is a secondary occupation.

To the non-believer, this just appears like wish-fulfillment: you believers don't know what the future holds, so you just say that God is superintending over all of it, so no matter what happens, it was "God's will". This is superficially correct. We don't know what the future holds, and we do believe that God superintends over it.  

But we do so not because we need a convenient excuse, but because this is explicitly promised in the scripture, and it is directly experienced in our personal lives. Time and time again, we see God leading us beside still waters, even in the shadow of death itself at times. 

To believe that God is sovereign is, indeed, just a hope as long as we walk in this mortal life. But it is not an unfounded hope, nor a merely convenient one.  

We're heading into the Christmas season with hope, joy, and prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” - James 1:5 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4

God is faithful,

j

The Weekly Encourager – November 17, 2017 – Joy Observed

As most of you know by now, I was diagnosed with breast cancer last May. Now I'm ready to give a good report to all my readers! By God's grace, I've been able to have a good attitude about the whole cancer experience. After all, I have a sovereign, loving Father who brings only what is best for me and His kingdom. With each problem that comes along in my life, whether physical, relational, financial, emotional, etc., I try not to complain. Yes, I feel intense grief at times, but I know that constant complaining is an affront to God and His perfect plan. I can have real sorrow yet still be satisfied in Christ. Discontent with one's lot in life is a sin which helps no one and only makes life worse for me and everyone around me. Instead, I try to ask, what does the Lord want me to learn through this? How can I give Him glory in this? How can I have joy? How can I encourage others?

People have noticed my attitude since May. Let me be clear, I'm not saying this because I'm some kind of super Christian, or because I have a naturally cheerful personality. The truth is that I've messed up just as much as you have, and I've struggled with Major Depression (yes, that is my actual clinical diagnosis) since I was a kid. I'm the same woman who wrote in this blog about a time I almost committed suicide, but cried out to God instead and felt Him hold me. This unexpected, unexplainable joy I have now is all about the Good Shepherd who loves me “with an everlasting love.” He has promised that “I shall not want” no matter what happens.

It's surprising how many people are watching how I am responding to circumstances, from the first x-rays and diagnosis, through surgery, radiation, and now hormonal therapy. I've gotten many comments over the last months, and not just from Christians. I'm hearing from the people in my exercise class, my quilting friends, the people I sing with in a community chorus, unsaved relatives and friends, and even strangers. And everyone in my life now knows I am a Christian. Because of the pain of early persecution for my faith, I've been quite reticent to share the truth with unbelievers. I've always felt my main ministry is to encourage the saints, and let others do the work of evangelism. But the Lord has given me a new boldness this summer, and I'm speaking out. I just can't stop smiling.

One friend said, “You have a strong faith and that will see you through,” almost wistfully as if she wished she had such faith. I sure wasn't born that way, so how did I get such faith? Here's the game plan: We respond well to trials by responding well to trials. We grow strong in faith by exercising faith muscles. We feed it good fuel (Bible truths) and get good workouts (trials and tribulations). We consult the best coach (pray to God for wisdom). We commit to a community of fellow athletes (local church) who surround, guide, help, inspire, and encourage us in our regular gym workouts. We seek out one or two close friends who will challenge us and hold us accountable in the hard stuff. Yes, faith is a gift of God, but we play a part. We can't skip our exercises, stay home in bed and expect to have faith full of joy!

People say, “You have a good attitude and that helps,” but the truth is, “I have a good God, and He helps.” He is the One without Whom I can do nothing. This joy is not from me, but supernatural. Are you facing some terrible trial today? Here's some good news: Anyone who trusts in the Lord Jesus can experience this kind of joy. This week I read James 1:1-11. James doesn't mention his high position in the church or the fact that he's the Lord's half-brother, but describes himself as a servant of God. Then he says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials.” Joy! But it's not just dropped into your lap like a pear falling from a tree. No, you are not the master who expects to have things brought to you, but a servant who follows the plan laid out for you. You have to look up, reach up, and pick that fruit by faith. This is your job. You must develop the self-discipline to “consider” it joy, especially when the situation is not joyful in itself. You must set your mind on things above, and dwell on what is good and pure and true and noble in your circumstance. A mind that “considers” produces a heart that is content.

As we approach the holiday season, Dave and I are going through hard things, and so are some of you. How wonderful that there is still one holiday not totally co-opted by our culture. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to exercise our faith muscles by responding well to trials (some of which may happen around the dining room table on Thanksgiving Day). By God's strength we can lift our weights with smiles on our faces. We can move mountains! Others around us will see our joy. We can bless believers while making unbelievers wonder what's going on! Do your friends, colleagues and neighbors know you're going through trials? Do they know you belong to Jesus? What conclusion can they draw from your witness? Will God get any glory in your gym?

May God strengthen us all in the true faith. May He bring us joy!

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney. [For any who wish to follow my cancer journey, I have a page on Caring Bridge: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janetamarney ]

The Weekly Encourager – November 1, 2017 – My Testimony

Recently, Dave and I were asked to write our Christian testimonies in 300 words. For me, this was a great opportunity to reflect upon how the Lord drew me to Himself many years ago, and how far I've come by His grace.  I highly recommend this exercise for every Christian.  I'm sure you will be encouraged in the Lord!  You may also be enabled to encourage someone else He puts in your path.

My Christian Testimony (short version, September 2017)

 I was raised in an upper middle class household in Northern Virginia. My parents, both of proud, independent, hardworking Scots-Irish heritage, were raised on rural farms in Appalachia. After putting themselves through college, they married and moved here to find jobs in the big city, leaving the Southern Baptist faith of their parents behind. My main exposure to Christianity was going to church with my grandparents a few times each summer.

 In general, my home life was not happy. My parents were very critical, perfectionistic high-achievers, and they raised me to be the same way. There was little affection and no positive reinforcement for doing well, only punishment for not performing. Some of what happened would be called child abuse today. My brother and I fought constantly; my parents took his side. At age six, I was sexually abused several times by a male babysitter, but I never told my parents, knowing that they wouldn't believe me. Later I was abused by others. Also at age six, I was a latch-key kid, responsible for picking up my four-year old brother from preschool.

 When I was a teenager, my combative parents got divorced, and we kids lived with my mother. After about a year, they re-married on April Fools Day, but it didn't last, so they divorced each other for the second time when I was 16. I was alienated and sad. I did not feel loved or valued by my family.* Consequently I looked for love from friends, sometimes making mistakes I regretted. I couldn't trust my family; I had learned how to lie, cheat, and steal.

 In seventh grade, another student invited me to a worship service. The House of Bread was a large charismatic fellowship meeting in the basement of Truro Episcopal Church. When I got there, I immediately saw that they had what I longed for: love, joy, and peace. I was looking for love and they offered total unconditional acceptance. I began going regularly, reading the Bible, and learning dozens of Scripture songs. I was searching for a reason to live and they told me, “Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you.” I would come home from school and read the Bible for hours and compose songs to God. Reading the New Testament in order, I was saved – gradually – somewhere around I Corinthians. The Holy Spirit used the love of believers, the gift of music, and the power of His Word to reach my heart with the amazing truth that God loved me, forgave all my sin through Christ's death and resurrection, and had a plan for my life.

 A high school friend invited me to McLean Presbyterian Church, where her father was a respected elder (Ed Keck). I was baptized by Pastor Steve Smallman and became an active member, soaking up all the truth and love I could. My parents were not pleased. For about two years, I experienced persecution from my own family: they mocked me, would not allow me to go to church on Sunday mornings, etc. However, an ex-nun was teaching science at my school, and I joined her after-school Bible study, which was wonderful. I continued to read and pray on my own. God was always with me.

 While I was in college, both parents abandoned me (long story). I became not a ward of the state, but a ward of the church. When I was at school, the Charlottesville Mennonite Church had a huge influence on my life through their teaching, lifestyle, and hospitality. When at home, members of MPC took me in, stored my possessions, drove me to summer jobs, helped me pay for college, etc. In addition to meeting very real practical needs, they taught the Bible, encouraged me, counseled me, prayed for me, loved me. I was showered with kindness. In a very real sense, the church had become my family.

 I could not write enough books to tell all that the Lord has done in my life since I was saved at around age 13-14. My boyfriend Dave was saved and Steve Smallman married us. We were given two wonderful sons, then helped found New Hope Presbyterian Church, where we had many good years rich with God's blessings. I am 60 now, and the Scripture songs I learned as a pre-teen have rescued me, encouraged me, and pointed me back to Christ many times. I have had struggles and sorrows, but the Lord has been with me through them all. Each time, my faith has been strengthened. I have never doubted His love for me. I have been blessed to see how the Lord has used my experience to encourage others. God is faithful.

 Here are a few of my life verses that sum up my testimony.

 “For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up.” - Psalm 27:10

 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5

 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” - Jeremiah 31:3

 “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:6

 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” - I Corinthians 1:4

 [* Footnote: After he left home, my brother called me to apologize, I forgave him, and we moved forward.  I am so thankful now to have such a wonderful brother!  By God's grace, all three family relationships were eventually restored. Much healing has taken place, to the glory of God. God is faithful!]

The Weekly Encourager – October 25, 2017 – Dave's Testimony

It's been a while since I've written an Encourager. I have plenty to say, but no time to sit down and write it!

Recently, Dave and I were each asked to write a brief Christian testimony (about 300 words). Today I'm sharing his. One Scripture sums it up: “He [the Lord] brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” - Psalm 40:2

My Christian Testimony

By Dave Marney

I grew up in a family where my father and all of my siblings were atheists. My mother, however, believed in Catholicism as a kind of a "who knows?" insurance policy, so we all attended Catholic school. I was a little unusual in that I was always interested in matters of faith, from my earliest memories.

 It was a young nun at the school who first told me that it's not enough to just go through the motions, one has to actually believe. The questions I had about God pestered me all through my childhood.

 When I started high school, I interviewed a priest, a rabbi, and a protestant pastor and asked them if they really believed in God. The priest told me yes, he believed, but the important thing was to follow the sacraments, that's what they're there for. The rabbi said no, he didn't believe, but it doesn't matter if God exists or not, it's what you do with your life that matters. The pastor said yes, of course God exists, and you should be looking for hard evidence of it. If God really created the universe, you should be able to see it in the universe. If God really created man, you should see it in historical accounts.

 The pastor's answer really struck me. It wasn't enough to convince me to be a believer, but it was enough to give me a way to answer my questions.

 Later on, I started socializing with a small group of students who had all become Christians around the same time. Some of them were musicians as I was, and they sang Scripture songs constantly, most of which I can recall word-for-word to this day. They were very different from other students, not quite so caught up in themselves, more thoughtful and kind. A very attractive group.  

 After I graduated, I got a job as a pianist on tour in Canada. The life of a touring musician sounds glamorous, but it really wasn't for me. Being on the road, separated from everything, working until 3AM every day is a very lonely existence. But I loved the music, it was my life.

 After about six months, I started coming back to the States to visit with a young lady of interest from that school group, Janet, who later became my wife. She was a Christian, and so I followed her to church every Sunday at McLean Presbyterian, then meeting in the much smaller facility on Balls Hill Rd.

 Every time I would visit, I would run into people like Carolyn Frickel, people just sparkling with the joy of the Lord. It was quite a culture shock. At that time, Janet was going through a very hard time with her family, and was kicked out of her own home. She was adopted on the spot by one of the church families, the Harrises, who became my role model for what a functioning Christian family looks like.

 So, when I would visit her, I wasn't just visiting a person or even a church, but an entire family and community of believers. Then I would go back to my job on the road, playing in yet another beer-soaked bar in Canada. It was like God was showing me two very different paths I could take, almost night and day.

 So, I left Canada and came back to the States. I started reading the Bible and other Christian books in earnest, because these questions would just not let me go. It took a very long time. I am a hard-headed person.

 Finally, I remember sitting in the front pew of MPC one evening just thinking about everything, when a good friend of mine, Jay, who was visiting for the weekend walked up and sat down next to me to say hello. And I just unloaded on him. All the questions I had, everything I had concluded, the Bible passages I had been studying, everything.

 And he said to me, Dave, you may think these questions are unanswered, but actually they're not. Based on what you've told me, you are a believer. You are a Christian. You should just pray right now and thank God for everything He has done to lead you to this point and accept it.

 When he said that, it kind of stunned me, but I realized he was absolutely correct. God had won my heart over. It had happened very slowly over years and years, but I had passed from death to life.

 It took a while to convince Janet and the rest of the people in my life that I was a new person, because I was pretty incorrigible. But it was true. From that point forward, my life took a very different path.

 As a child, I had learned how to read music by sitting around my grandmother's dining room table and singing through the Southern Baptist hymnal. My aunt was the director of music at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, and she would take me to church concerts with a score, and help me follow along.

 So, my first introduction to music was to sacred music. Later on, I realized that God had been using music to prepare my heart from childhood. I loved music because it combines creativity, intellect, and beauty -- all traits of God Himself, I later realized.

 When I became a Christian, I immediately turned my musical interests in a religious direction. I started taking hymns that had wonderful words, but the tune didn't really express them very well, and replacing the tunes with my own melodies. This turned into a lifelong hobby of mine, and over the years I have written a fair number of hymns which I publish at www.newhymns.org.

 I've gone through times of great sadness in my life, great difficulty, and I've always turned to music and to hymn writing at those times to work out those emotions and seek the reassurance that God is there and He cares for me.

 Looking back on it, the threads are clearly music, which God used to draw me in by beauty, intellectual curiosity, which God used to draw me in by my mind, and friends and church family, which God used to draw me in by loving relationships.

 God took me when I felt I was being sucked down into a pit, like in a pit of mud, and He lifted me out and He set me on a rocky ledge. Literally my entire waking life God has been drawing me to Himself.

 And that's my story.

The Weekly Encourager – August 1, 2017 – An Offering

Here is a thoughtful poem which is a follow-up to my previous post about giving all our talents and blessings back to God for Him to use when and how He pleases.

An Offering by Eileen Berry

O Christ, who spared not any cost
Nor any grace withheld,
But poured forth Your redeeming blood
In love unparalleled;
What would You have me offer, Lord?
What must I count as loss
That I may taste the fellowship
That brings me near Your cross?

Why should I cling to gifts You give?
Why grasp in foolish pride
What You, who gave Yourself for me,
Now bid me lay aside?
To know You is my highest gain,
Worth any sacrifice,
A treasure worthy to possess
At any earthly price.

Yet if behind my open hands,
My heart shrinks from the cost,
Teach me that nothing offered You
Is ever truly lost.
A hundredfold reward awaits
In one glimpse of Your face,
My sacrifice forgotten
In the riches of Your grace.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him.” - Philippians 3:7-9a

John, beloved of Jesus, wrote, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30 Oh, let me understand this!

God is faithful,
j

“The Offering” has been set to lovely music by Dan Forrest. He describes it as “a musical unfolding of the balance between anything we could possibly offer and Christ's supreme sacrifice.” To hear it, visit http://danforrest.com/music-catalog/an-offering/

My thanks to Holly Novak, who sent me this poem.

The Weekly Encourager – July 20, 2017 – Earthly Failure, Eternal Gain

Has God taken away an ability you once had? Do you feel a sense of loss that you can longer do what you once did well? Was it something that made you feel good about yourself? Something that others admired? How have you dealt with this loss? Are you angry, sad, or resigned? The Scripture calls us to be thankful in all things. By God's grace, can you turn this circumstance into praise?

God gifted my friend Amy with a beautiful singing voice. Her lifelong dream has been to use her musical talent to record an album, but she got very sick. For several years she has suffered from serious health issues.

Amy wrote, “I can boast in my weakness and in my sufferings because His strength is glorified in it. When I am weak, He is strong. This week I made a recording of a song and sent it to a very few trustworthy friends. I had several people who lovingly corrected me on my singing capability. It may be one of the kindest things to have had friends who spoke the truth to me. But I have to thank God Himself right now, due to the reality check that I had to have with myself.

“First, I only have to be one thing in this life and it is me. While others may be capable of more in an area, I am only called to do 'me' and that is enough. Also, there is nothing wrong with disappointment, frustration and earthly failures. It is a gift of God in weakness to keep me humbled in Him. What a relief that God does indeed maintain my spiritual walk with Him far more than I do. Ultimately what is earthly failure can be eternal gain.

“Lastly, I'm grateful that God has allowed me to use my music talents for Him at all. It is a gift of God to desire to serve Him, though in weakness. Three years ago I was in a hospital dying...back then the doctors predicted that this malignancy would prove fatal earlier in life. I'm grateful that He's allowed me any progress at all.

“My confession today is that I can boast in this vocal weakness because the Blood of Jesus has set me free to do so. I don't need to be better than anyone else vocally. I need Jesus. That's about it. But in this life, Jesus gives us more than just Himself. He often gives us our hearts' desires, particularly when placed in His hands, but not always.

“So today, I commit that my voice is His. My pride is gone. I don't need to sing well. It's is merely a desire of my heart, that I have believed to be from Him. However, I am OK with me. I know that I want Him to make my voice do whatever He wants, even if it is to stop. May His will be done in my voice as it is in Heaven. My desire is not enough pleasure to me to displease Him. I don't need man's approval, but I do need His.”

Amy's public confession had special significance for me. I have had to wrestle with the fact of losing my professional singing voice and career, a career which brought me a lot of satisfaction, as well as the admiration of others and a decent income. Amy feels that if she is not completely willing to give up her talent, then He can't use her, either by giving opportunity to use her voice, or by enabling her to accept the answer No. She doesn't want to become resentful, but to remain “tender” in her heart, even through loss.

I remember one time as a teenager when I was a guest soloist at my voice teacher's church. After the service, an older lady I didn't know came up to me and complimented me. Then she said something I will never forget, “Use your voice for the Lord.” God is sovereign over all things, including the gifts He gives us to honor Him.

“Do not fear, O land, rejoice and be glad, for the Lord has done great things….So rejoice, O sons of Zion, and be glad in the Lord your God...I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the creeping locust, the stripping locust, and the gnawing locust, my great army which I sent among you. And you shall have plenty to eat and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you.” - Joel 2:21-26

This is the same God who created us from dust to rise up and breathe deep and serve Him with thanksgiving! We “come before His presence with singing” even if He takes away our voices. He will make up to us any loss that we endure in this life. He will restore all that was lost, and it will be better than before.

So give Him all your honest emotions. Be completely willing to give back your gifts, your education, your health, your money, your time, even your loved ones. Fight the good fight, grateful for whatever ministry He provides. In Christ, who died and rose again, losing everything only to gain it back with glory, earthly failure can be eternal gain.

God is faithful and good,
j

Quotations above are from a conversation with my friend Amy Fortner Nelson and her friend Donna Miller on Facebook, June 18-19, 2017. Used and edited by permission.

The Weekly Encourager – June 29, 2017 – Church Covenant

What are the responsibilities of church membership? Did you make a promise or take vows when you joined your church? Have you reviewed those vows lately to see how you're doing? Last weekend we visited a church we like down at the beach. In the bulletin was a copy of their “Church Covenant,” which was thought-provoking. Even though I'm from a different church and a different denomination, I found it beneficial to read their document. Hope you will, too!

Church Covenant

Having been led as we believe by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and on the profession of our faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do covenant by the grace of God:

1. to walk together in Christian love, dealing with any disagreement or conflict that might arise in a timely and biblical manner.

2. to promote the spiritual welfare of others within the church.

3. to be sensitive to the physical needs of others, and to do what we can to meet those needs.

4. to attend faithfully the services of the church.

5. to support the church faithfully with our tithes and offerings.

6. to participate, as the Lord directs and provides, in the ministries of the church.

7. to live a life separated from worldliness and separated unto holiness.

8. to control the use of our tongues for the furtherance of the will of God, and not to participate in speech that could be considered as backbiting, gossip, or divisive.

9. to be zealous in our attempt to reach the lost.

10. to constantly keep before us, as we are making decisions as a church, the one overriding question that is at the center of every decision - “What does God want us to do?”

–--
Did any of these convict your heart? Numbers 1 and 8 are particularly good reminders for me. How do I personally deal with disagreement or conflict in my church body? Do I seek to resolve issues promptly, or do I let them fester? If there's a problem in the church, do I complain and gossip to my friends, or do I address the church leaders with respect and gratitude for their service? Is my conversation honoring to God and kind to others? And one more thing that this covenant (above) leaves out: am I praying for the leaders of my church on a regular basis? They have a tough job, and they need God's help.

“Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as your see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV

God is faithful,
j

This “Church Covenant” was from the June 26, 2017, bulletin of Still Waters Independent Baptist Church, Nags Head, NC (edited).

The Weekly Encourager – June 22, 2017 – Thankfulness

This week's post could be called Under the Influence, Part 2, because I'm sharing some Scriptures that should influence us in a positive way.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do you suffer from the sin of ungratefulness, complaining, murmuring, and whining? Do you cause others around you to suffer by your lack of thankfulness? If so, repent and read these Scriptures. It may be wise to memorize some of them. Our thoughts need to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and He is characterized by thankfulness.

Facing persecution and possible death, “Daniel...continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God.” - Daniel 6:10

David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” - Psalm 34:1

Paul encourages us to be “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Ephesians 5:20

Again, “in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17

Do you feel as if God owes you something? Have you been treated unfairly?  A Christian woman told me that, in her marriage, her husband had gotten a better deal than she had. I was so shocked I couldn't speak. Her evident pride in feeling superior to her husband in several ways, including spiritually, was a far worse sin than the faults she complained about in her husband. Lord, let me never think that my husband got a better deal than I did in our marriage!

“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also, keep back your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me, then I will be blameless...” - Psalm 19:12-13

“By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise continually...” - Hebrews 13:5

Has God taken away something that you loved? Is He asking you to give up something or someone that your heart desires?

Job lost everything and everyone that was important to him, yet he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:21

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

Note that no extenuating circumstances are given in any of these verses! There are no good reasons in the Bible to be ungrateful. There is no Scriptural support for any of us feeling like we have a right to complain about our lot in life. That's Satan whispering into our ear, or the world, or our own deceptive hearts. Of course there is a place for sharing our struggles with a selected few in a godly way, particularly in the context asking for prayer or wise counsel. But attitude is everything. Circumstances may humble us, but we fall on our knees and thank God still. He is good, He is wise, He is loving, He is fair. Never doubt who He is, and who we are before Him! In everything give thanks.

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – June 14, 2017 – Under the Influence

It's graduation season. Are you driving under the influence of alcohol? After surgery on Friday, I was told not to drive while under the influence of narcotics I had been given. Since then, I've been thinking about what other influences I may be under.

A Christian brother shared about the negative influence of depression in his life. We reminded him that many of these thoughts are whispers from Satan. Having suffered from depression myself, I have learned that many of the Downer D feelings – depression, discouragement, destruction, doubt, and their denizens – come straight from the Devil. As Bible teacher Kay Arthur says, we need to “Philippians 4:8 it.” In other words, put a filter over your ears to reject whatever is not pure, noble, good, and beautiful.

As people who follow the Lord, we must take every thought captive to Christ. Lots of folks wear earbuds these days. We need to let the Word of God act as a permanent earbud, filtering everything we hear before it becomes ingrained as a pattern. This is especially true of negative self-talk. Any time we catch ourselves thinking what horrible people we are, having already repented of sin, we can counter that lie with Truth. Counter D with T. God sent His only Son to die for us, forgiving us of every sin (yes, even the ones we struggle with the most). We are wholly accepted and beloved in Christ, adopted into His family for all time. God is able to pour His power into our hopeless situations; nothing is impossible with God; when I am weak He is strong. Thanks be to God!

Such positive promises of Scripture are our lifeline in the Downer D times. But if we're too far down, we may forget to reach for that lifeline. At that point, Satan steps in the door and asks, “Where's the beer?” Resist the human tendency to welcome this salesman into the house for a party! We need to be ready at all times for whatever the world, the flesh, and the devil may throw at us. We need to operate under the influence of God's Word at all times, whether driving a car or lying in bed, whether alone or interacting with other people.

I saw this on Sunday evening when two friends stopped by unannounced. I had no warning of their visit, so I had no opportunity to get my mind prepared and to pray that I would be a blessing to them. I wasn't particularly under a godly influence at the time either – my mind was wandering as I watched a series on Netflix. (Did I mention that this series, while very well done, is kind of a Downer?) The two well-meaning friends caught me unaware, so I had few filters on my speech, and I ended up saying some hurtful things to dear friends who came only to show me kindness! What a shame that I wasn't more gracious. Next morning I had to send out an apology.

How do we build godly earbuds? I love what Pastor Steven Lawson said, “Do you want to hear the audible voice of God? Read the Bible out loud.” Certainly, reading the Bible is the place to start, and it's even better if you can do it out loud. Studies say there are many different kinds of learners, so use whatever method works for you. You may learn best by reading aloud, listening, writing it down, studying it, acting it out, telling others about it, drawing a picture of it, or some other method. Not sure how you learn best? Try them all. (Parents, note: your child's best learning method may not be the same as yours.) Ask the Lord to help you develop the habit of interacting with the Word morning and evening, even if it's just reading one verse. As a bonus, I've found that reading the Bible as I go to bed at night is helping me to get better sleep, which is a real answer to prayer!

Sing to the Lord! I can tell you with confidence that music is a very powerful learning tool. We all know it's much easier to memorize lyrics of popular songs than silent lists of dreary facts. Let's use this gift of song which God has provided to learn His promises. Here's part of my personal testimony: At age 13, I was saved through the influence of neighbors who invited me to a charismatic fellowship. There I learned dozens of songs whose lyrics were straight out of Scripture, and those songs have stuck with me for decades. Time after time, the Holy Spirit has brought those words to mind at just the right moment when I really needed help. God's word will not return void. It's always a good influence.

Who or what has the greatest influence on you at this moment? Jesus, help us to be under Your influence.

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – May 31, 2017 – Can't Afford a House?

This week I feature a guest contributor. I've asked my husband Dave to share the story of how his coworker bought a house. That experience had a big impact on us.

"Family Finances" by Davide C. Marney

When it comes to deciding how to support a household financially, there is really only one rule: money coming in must exceed money going out.  Both sides of that balance are equally important. Saving money is exactly the same as making it. For example, choosing not to buy a new car @ $300/month vs. buying a used one @ $150/month is exactly the same as if you had gotten a $1,800/year raise.

Finances should be looked at in terms of net value. Net value measures not only how much you saved or earned, but how much it cost you to do so. For example, a young family where both parents work full time outside the home will need to pay for child care. The additional cost of that care must be subtracted from the additional income of the second job. The remainder is the net value of the income.

When I had my first real job after college, I worked alongside a man whose wife had a very nice, high-paying job, making making much more than either of us were. His family had a toddler and an infant at home, as mine did. We lived in equivalent neighborhoods. However, my wife was working as a homemaker.

One day my coworker asked me how it was that I, on my one income, was able to own my own home, yet he wasn’t able to rub two pennies together. So, we sat down with side-by-side spreadsheets and we ran the numbers on our incomes and expenses. What we found was that I was slowly making money over time, but he, with more than twice the income, was actually losing ground.

The reason was simply this: his life was far more expensive than mine. They had to pay for full-time child care, which for an infant is very expensive. They had much larger clothing expenses, because they both had to maintain professional attire. They had to have two cars, and they both had to be in good repair. They were exhausted after working all day, so they rarely made meals at home, and paid for food delivery or went out to restaurants. Many repairs had to be paid for out of pocket. They took nice vacations because they were both completely stressed out and felt they needed it.

And the list went on. For literally every expense category his were either larger, or were for expenses I and my family just didn’t have. It was quite an eye-opener.

A couple of months later, he left the company and moved to Texas. And six months after that, he wrote to tell me that he had moved because of that spreadsheet exercise! He had found a job where they had on-site day care as a benefit. His wife found a job where she could work partly from home. They sold both cars and bought one for cash. And within six months, they were able to put a down payment on a new house that was only 20 minutes from work. Their new mortgage was half of what had been their rent. Yes, their new combined incomes were lower, but they were higher than their new expenses. They were now making money over time.

So yes, it is possible to “make it” on one income -- even today. You must run the numbers for your particular set of circumstances, and see where you can save as well as earn. You have to start small; you can’t expect to immediately move into the kinds of houses your parents own -- remember, they didn’t start off in that kind of house, either! 

To Dave's article above, I'd like to add that, after running the numbers, he and I decided to live on one income while I was home raising our kids.  Before we had children, we deliberately chose a starter home that we could afford on one income.  We cooked our own food, shopped at thrift stores, drove used cars and vacationed with relatives most of the time in those early years.  We put a lot of "sweat equity" into that little property, which enabled us to sell it for a significant profit.  

By God's grace, that profit became the down payment for our second (much larger) house, where we still live today. Following Spreadsheet Finance, we were able to pay off our mortgage several years ago.  Choosing a simpler lifestyle early on made all the difference in our being debt-free now.  Another note: we've been tithing at least 10% to the Lord since the day we were married, yes, even on one very small income.  It is possible and it is the Biblical path to financial blessing.  

God is faithful,
j

The Weekly Encourager – May 23, 2017 – Who is Watching You?

Who is watching you as you live day by day? Your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers? Since I set up a health web page to keep folks updated on my cancer journey, I've been increasingly aware that I'm putting myself out there to all the world.

I know I am taking a risk by clearly stating my faith in Jesus Christ on a public web site, but the Lord has made me more bold to share His truth in recent years. I don't know how this happened, but I have gained more confidence in the Lord. I have been struck by His command to share the gospel with boldness, not shrinking back in fear. This is a real challenge for me, having experienced persecution in my early days as a Christian teen. Even after leaving home, I was pretty gun shy about sharing my faith with unbelievers. I've always sought the approval of other people, especially those in authority.

Fear of man has been giving way to faith bit by bit as I come to know the Lord's love for me in deeper ways. I believe in His absolute acceptance of me, no matter what. To believe otherwise is to doubt the efficacy of the Cross of Christ. Others' approval of me has become less important as I get older (although their disapproval still hurts). God has been gracious to provide wonderful friends who do accept me. Christ is the solid Rock on which I stand, and the Christian community surrounds me with love.

We are to be ready in season and out to give an answer for our hope to anyone who may ask. “In season” is when you know you will be called upon to speak about the Lord, so you have plenty of time to prepare; “out of season” is when the unexpected happens to you, and there's no time to prepare. Someone dies, you lose your job, you're in an accident, you find out you have cancer. Life happens. All the sudden, you have to cope with catastrophe. Who is watching you?

I can tell you who's watching me: everyone! My husband and sons, my father and stepfather and their wives, my aunts, uncles, and cousins, neighbors, business contacts, longtime friends, Facebook friends, and acquaintances I just met last month. I want to be encouraging to believers and thought-provoking to people who do not yet know Jesus Christ. I have cancer: will anyone see my good works and glorify God in heaven because of this?

Who else is watching me? “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness.” - Psalm 33:18 “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” - Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the Lord search the earth for the blameless, so that He can show His great power in helping them.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9 My loving Father sees everything, so I want to do well to please Him. He tests me to see if I will gladly run to Him in every difficulty, to see if I will trust in Him alone. How grateful I am that His power is made perfect in my weakness! I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. I enjoy supernatural peace that only the Lord can give.

Will you join with me in praying for the lost souls who are reading my health journal? May the Lord shine through my joy!

God is faithful,
j

If you wish to follow my cancer journey, I invite you to visit:
Site Link: www.caringbridge.org/visit/ Site Name: janetamarney 
CaringBridge is the most widely used social network for family and friends to give and receive strength during a health journey. 

The Weekly Encourager – May 3, 2017 – Trusting in the Lord

I am trusting in the Lord. I was awake much of Monday night, knowing in my spirit that the next day I would get the call telling me I have breast cancer. Not dreading, just waiting. Tuesday at lunch time I got the call as expected. The Lord in His kindness had prepared me in advance.

I have been wanting to write about Christian community for several weeks, but have not had opportunity. Now I get the privilege of reporting that my friends in the Lord have been a terrific support to me as I have gone through various tests, including two biopsies last Thursday. One cancer survivor told me I needed a prayer circle, so I sent out an email. Then I reported back with thanksgiving that God had answered their prayers for a less invasive procedure with minimal pain and quick recovery time. I felt calm throughout. I experienced the supernatural peace of Christ, thanks to His grace and their prayers. God is faithful.

Here is one of my life verses which describes God's work in me during the various procedures and weekend of waiting, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

Knowing I had the love, prayers, and support of my Christian community was a great comfort. Combined with the promises of God in His Word, they enabled me to continue with regular life: enjoying a garden tour with my family, finishing a big quilt commission for a customer, working on our internet business, worshipping in church, doing housework, watering my garden, singing with the Fairfax Choral Society, praying for the needs of others. I am trusting in the Lord. I am so blessed to belong to the family of God.

A note about community: there was not a huge outpouring from any one person, just an email here, a phone call there, a text from one person, a short visit from another. There are rare instances in life when you meet a person with whom you have an instant connection. There can be a deep tangible bond from only one conversation. But most good friendships develop over a long period of time, just doing ordinary things together and letting life happen. Over time, layer upon layer of small bits of sand accumulate into strong sedimentary rock. All these little bits add up to a huge deposit of grace. Next to Christ Himself, Christian friendship is our greatest gift from a loving God.

In my daily reading, I hit Psalms 90-92 in the past three days. No coincidence, but the Lord's timing. “Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were born...from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Life is short, “so teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom….O satisfy us in the morning with Thy lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'” God says those who love Him and know His name will be delivered. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.” “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name….The righteous will flourish….They will still yield fruit in old age.”

I am peaceful and thankful. This doesn't mean there won't be times of fear, worry and pain, but I know that God is sovereign. Cancer is just another part of my journey. He who has begun a good work in me will complete it. He will only bring what is needful to that end. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4. I am trusting in the Lord.

God is faithful and good,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – April 13, 2017 – Thursday Thoughts

I woke up this morning thinking about the meaning of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. As songs played in my head I contemplated, just for a few moments, Christ on the cross.

“This the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
took the blame, bore the wrath;
we stand forgiven at the cross.”

“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!”

“See, from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?”

In social media there's a tradition called TBT, or Throwback Thursday. On Thursdays, people post photos from back in time: cute baby shots, how nerdy they looked in high school, their first car, or some other fond memory from the past. Well, today is Throwback Thursday, when we look back upon the most significant Thursday in history, the day when Jesus shared His last meal with the disciples on His way to the cross. Jesus broke the bread and poured the wine, and He washed their feet as a common slave would do. Look back, not with nostalgia, but with wonder that the Son of God came not to be served, but to serve.

A conversation last Sunday with K. and T. about forgiving our enemies has been on my mind all week. I've been thinking about how forgiveness truly is the purpose behind Easter. Most of us have heard the humorous quote, “If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything!” I suggest the following: If you haven't got forgiveness, you haven't got anything. My sin put the Lord of Glory, God's only Son, on the cross. It is only as I contemplate how deep and wide is my own sin, that I begin to comprehend how deep and wide is the love of God.

The Cross: What did it mean then? And what does it mean now? It means that I am known, yet loved, accepted, cared for, forgiven beyond my human comprehension. I am forgiven stretching back into the past and forward into the future. God showed mercy while I was yet a sinner, therefore I can show mercy to others while they are yet sinners. If He can forgive me, He can forgive anyone. In remembrance of Him, today we look back, not at photos, but at God's Word. We take into ourselves the bread and wine of forgiveness, full and free! Then, filled with gratitude for His grace, we pour out our lives for our enemies. We bless them, we pray for them, we do good toward them, we are kind to them, we serve them, we share the gospel with them, we never give up hope for them.

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.” This is the power of the cross.

Good TBT,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney

”Power of the Cross” Written by Aaron Lindsey, Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Ricardo Sanchez, Ricardo Angel Sanchez 
“It is Well With My Soul” Written by P P. Bliss, Gloria Roe
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Written by Isaac Watts
“if you haven't got your health” Quote from “The Princess Bride”

The Weekly Encourager – March 29, 2017 – One Generation to Another

“One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.” - Psalm 145:4

When I was younger, I used to think this verse referred to older people teaching the younger ones, in particular, parents training their own children. Now I'm older, I know that I can learn just as much from the younger folks as they can learn from me.

For example, I am fortunate to be part of a women's Bible study which includes Christian women of diverse ages. The last time we met, only four of us were able to come: two 20-somethings and two older moms. A comment from one person led to an excellent discussion about relationships and marriage. It was great to have a safe place to honestly share problems and practical solutions. The younger women are just starting out and trying to do it right; the older women are renewing relationships which may have suffered trials along the way.

In both cases, the challenges we face are sent by a sovereign God who loves us and works all things for our good. Of course we seek answers from His word, but one of God's best gifts to us is the Body of Christ. The fellowship of other believers is God's provision for our need. As I tried to encourage the younger ladies from my own experience, I found I was getting encouragement from them as well. In some cases, I've known these young women since they were born, and I have watched them develop into lovely ladies of faith. It's nice to know I've had a small part in that by being part of a community growing up into Christ, the Head. What a blessing to learn from them as they walk their own paths with the Lord. Likewise what a blessing to have had older ladies who mentored me at critical times in my life.

Now that I've moved from eyeliner to recliner, I am in no way superior to these younger believers. In fact, the longer I live, the more I realize the value of their contributions. While it's pleasant to hang out with people who are like ourselves, we grow as we connect with people from different backgrounds and in different stages of life, with different experiences and perspectives to offer. Seek out opportunities to befriend someone who is different than you. I think you'll find surprising blessing.

No matter what your age, make true fellowship a priority. Light-hearted activities are good, but we were also designed with a need to be known on a deeper level. We need a safe place to share, learn, laugh, and pray together. We need people who will tell us the truth, challenge us, and hold us accountable. That deeper level of freedom comes with trust, and faithful commitment over time helps make trust possible. When we find a place where we can share our struggles as well as our joys, then we are encouraging one another in Christ. It's even more special when it happens across generations. It becomes a successful family. We are building up our hope together as we tell one another how God is working in our lives.

“I will extol Thee, my God, O King; and I will bless Thy name forever and ever. Every day I will bless Thee, and I will praise Thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts.” - Psalm 145:1-4

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney

The Weekly Encourager – March 22, 2017 – Old Bible, New Notebook

While packing for a church women's retreat, I saw an interesting juxtaposition. I was taking my trusty old Bible from the 1970s and a new notebook with a colorful graphic design. What a contrast: the faded, marked-up, dog-eared, tea-stained book held together with duct tape lay next to a bright spiral notebook of striking contemporary design. It occurred to me that the notebooks I select have changed over the years in color, style, and size, reflecting the mood of various times in my life. Certainly the content is different in each notebook, as I record new sermon notes, quotes, Bible verses, thoughts, prayers, and key events in my life. Different studies and experiences have taught me more things along the way, but they always harken back to the Book. The Word of God never changes, but we can always learn something new from it.

On the retreat, my friend Kathy Kuhl spoke on Renewing Hope. First, she gave us many Reasons for Hope in this world and the next, and every one of them was drawn from God's Word. In this world, we have hope that God will be with us whatever happens, God will sustain us through trouble, God is sovereign, God works all for good, we are being sanctified, and our ongoing sin takes us to the cross, and thus to joy. In the next world, we have hope that death is not the end, we will see Jesus face to face, we will be made like Jesus in glory and holiness, we will have new bodies, there will be no more tears, our sin will be forgiven, justice will conquer injustice, and we look forward to a new heaven and a new earth. All these reasons for hope are worthy of our meditation and thanksgiving to God!

Next, Kathy spoke on Guarding Our Hope, something I hadn't really pondered before. If we're feeling hopeless or depressed, it may mean that we're not guarding the gift of hope that God has given us. In this talk, she gave practical suggestions to prevent the erosion of our hope and to strengthen hope along the way. Among many good points was the reminder to be meditating on Biblical truths regularly, so that they permeate our thoughts. God's promises become positive messages that we tell ourselves, rather than the negative messages which so easily bedevil us.

One striking point was that stories are powerful, because they stick in our minds. What stories do I tell myself? Which character am I, the victim or the overcomer, the prisoner or the king's daughter? When I speak to others, are the circumstances of my life framed in hopeful terms, resting on the promises of God? Am I living out a story of hope which encourages those around me? I need to be careful to tell good stories, informed by Scripture.

By God's grace, I came away from the retreat with a desire to continue reading Scripture morning and evening, and to write down key verses in my notebook. The truth of the Bible is the same year after year, but we need to study it again and again, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us. The more we interact with these timeless truths, writing them in our notebooks as the Spirit writes them upon our hearts, the greater our hope will be. The old Bible and the new notebook are perfect companions.

God is faithful,
j

Here is a link to Kathy Kuhl's website. This page tells more about her speaking generally:  http://www.kathys-/ 

The Weekly Encourager – March 10, 2017 – A Special Occasion

Today I am addressing you younger moms, especially you who are so serious about raising your child well. As Christian parents, of course you have a godly desire to raise good kids who will love the Lord. Your dedication is admirable. In addition, as parents in the internet age, you are bombarded with massive amounts of information, advice, and warnings from many sources. Naturally you want to do the best you can, but there's an overwhelming sense of guilt when you feel you don't measure up.

I'm like you: serious, devoted, responsible, organized, maybe a bit rigid. So when Dave and I were raising our sons, I was task-oriented. I read up on godly parenting and made sure I knew all the latest wisdom from the experts. I established rules and got my kids onto a good schedule for their benefit and ours. A predictable day gives a child security and establishes healthy habits for the future.

But I also found that bending the rules at times may actually make for better kids and a happier mom. The main thing is that YOU, not the child, get to decide when to bend or break the rules. Perhaps you're with family or friends you don't get to see often. Perhaps the child is sick, or you are sick. Maybe it's a holiday or someone's birthday. Maybe you're on a trip. Or it's one of those days when life has thrown an unexpected trial your way, or an unexpected opportunity to experience something new. You make sure that your child knows the rules, but as a parent, you get to make exceptions for “a special occasion.”

A younger mom (in her 30s) told me this story last week: she was training her baby to follow a regular feeding and sleep schedule, which is a good thing. During a rare visit with her in-laws, the mom had just gotten the child to sleep, when the grandfather asked if he could hold the baby. The new mother said, “No, baby needs to sleep now.” I think many of us have done this, and many have later regretted that relentless insistence upon the rules. That mom now realizes that her precious baby would have been just fine missing a few minutes of sleep, or even a whole nap, on that “special occasion.” Moreover, she could have been a channel of God's blessing to her father-in-law.

A grandmother (in her 60s) told me this story: she was visiting her daughter, who is very religious about “doing everything right” in childrearing. When Grandma was putting her grandchild into the crib at nap time, apparently the way she laid baby down was not in accordance with the latest medical advice, for there was a severe reaction from the young mom! How much better if the young mom could have just relaxed for a moment, trusted God with her baby's welfare, and shown loving respect to her own mother who was trying to help. After Grandma left the room, mom could have shifted baby to a different position. What could have been a “special occasion” of blessing turned into a stressful time for everyone; if mom's upset, the whole house is upset.

To you younger parents who are so serious that you've become anxious, I say, let go, relax a bit. Realize that giving up some of your standards is not the end of the world, but a re-ordering of priorities. A perfect schedule is a good thing, but not God's top priority. A completed list is a good thing, but not God's top priority. A perfectly clean house is a good thing, but not God's top priority. Excessive concern with the wisdom of experts is not godly, but reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Seek God first, and He will make your path plain. I want to tell you what a wise older parent told me when I was raising young toddlers: you are okay, you're doing a good job, it's enough. Trust in God, who gave you that child.

Oh, the perils of perfectionism! Let me assure you, no matter how hard you try, you will NOT raise perfect children! You are a sinner who got together with another sinner to produce little sinners. It's natural to feel burdened with the constant chore of caring for others. But you were not designed to do this alone. Jesus calls you, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” - Matthew 11:28-29. Your ministry now is to care for spouse and children, but not in your own strength. God gives us great burdens so that we have no choice but to lean on Him. Anxiety and guilt are two of the burdens we are not to bear. Leave them at the foot of the Cross. You are loved just as you are.

God is faithful and good,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney
As always, I welcome your comments below.

The Weekly Encourager – February 10, 2017 – True Love

Well, I messed up again. Surprised? You'd think after last week's post that I would have learned my lesson, right? Not. It turns out that these besetting sins just keep on besetting. The good news of the gospel is that I am loved, forgiven, and accepted in Christ, even though I continue to struggle with sin (and its effects). I am loved anyway! The good news of the gospel is that, when I apologized to the Christian sister I hurt with careless words, she was ready and willing to forgive me. Because of Christ's work in her life, she was able to be generous and gracious toward me, passing on the mercy she received from the Lord. I am loved anyway!

Since New Year's Day, I have been posting a positive quote on my Facebook page each day. This month, all the quotes are about love. These thoughts are not necessarily about romantic love, but the love our world needs now, the faithful and true love of Christ, family, and friends, as well as love for the stranger in our midst. Today's quote is, “True love is choosing the many things a person did right, rather than the one thing he did wrong. True love does not keep the record of wrongs.”

Because God chooses to see us through the lens of Christ's sacrifice for all our sins, we can choose to see others that way. Instead of judgement, we choose the way of mercy, knowing that our own failings are just as bad as the other person's, yet God is merciful to us. True love is not a feeling, but a choice to do what is right, even though we may be hurting. When young children hit each other, we teach them to apologize and forgive their siblings (whether they feel like it or not), but do we do the same, as adults, with our siblings in Christ?

True love is choosing to forgive, over and over, without keeping count. True love operates out of gratitude for God's grace. True love is freeing. True love brings peace.

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney
As always, I welcome your comments below.

The Weekly Encourager – February 1, 2017 – The Flip Side

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” - Proverbs 16:24

Do you struggle with ongoing sin that you can't seem to get rid of? I do. Anyone who knows me has seen my sin of speaking before I think. I'm told that sometimes I can be a good listener; I've learned how to make pleasant conversation with strangers. My words can be compassionate, helpful, thoughtful, or humorous as fits the situation. But other times I just let fly with whatever comes to mind, piercing people with poison barbs. When the Holy Spirit brings conviction, I feel pretty low.

A couple weeks ago, I had one of these terrible encounters in a small group of women. One lady proposed a charity project for our group, and several of us chimed in with suggestions on how it could be done. In my mind, I was just brainstorming like everyone else, eagerly offering ideas on how to maximize our time and efforts for the best result. However, some of the other ladies thought I was “taking over” the project. Perhaps in tit-for-tat mode, they spoke very rudely to me as I was leaving. I felt awful. It's so easy for me to see the “best” way to do something and take charge of a group. Sometimes this ability is welcome, and people have told me that they are glad to have someone step up to organize things. This was not one of those times. My intention may have been good, but my method was bad, and the group made sure I knew it. I felt that I had been a terrible Christian witness.

Thanks be to God, two ladies in the group came to me after the meeting and told me that the group's rude response to me was way over the top, and that people had lost sight of the fact that this was a charity project meant to encourage. The gracious words of J. and P. proved the truth of the proverb: their words were as sweet to me as the other people's words were bitter. Yet I still felt depressed. God has given me a certain personality which others don't like, and this often leaves me lonely. I hate to hurt people, yet it seems inevitable. I keep failing.

A few days later, our family was enjoying lunch after church, discussing current events at a busy café. As we talked about the president's new immigration policy and its possible effect on Muslims, our son made a comment about our nation being a-religious. At that point, a beautiful African-American lady sitting at the next table broke into our conversation, saying, “I'm sorry, but as a person of color, I can't sit here and listen to this hate speech.” Well, we were amazed that she had gotten that impression, because that is the last thing we were saying! Dave and our sons immediately responded, “Oh, no, that's not what we meant,” etc. Feeling the Lord's nudge and saying a quick prayer, I turned to her and began a one-on-one conversation while my family continued on with their separate thread.

This lady had been eating with her husband and three small children. Providentially, our two seats were ideally positioned for this private focused interchange. As I listened to her with genuine interest, she shared how she felt afraid for her children growing up as people of color in this nation, along with several other real concerns. It turned out that she was a lawyer and she had all the traits you'd expect: strong convictions, strong sense of justice, strong reasoning ability, strong verbal skills. But because of my own confident forthright speech, I was able to respond without being upset, angry, or offended. Her attack didn't intimidate me one bit. I was able to defend Christianity by saying that Jesus loved those whom others rejected or hated; prejudice is not a trait of true followers of Jesus. I was able to challenge some of her own beliefs. For example, seeing our group of four white people and hearing only fragments of what we were saying, she shouldn't assume that we were racists or that we voted a particular way, since that would be reverse racism on her part. I challenged several things she said, while agreeing wherever I could and showing compassion for her position. After a heart-to-heart talk with this stranger, some minutes later she had calmed down and was agreeing that she had pre-judged us without knowing anything about us. I asked for her name, we shook hands and parted as friends!

I felt good about that interaction. How many times in these past acrimonious months in our nation's history have I prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace!” That conversation was a direct answer to my prayer. God did that. I continue to pray for “Val” that she will think about what I said. May the Lord work truth into her heart. As a servant of the Prince of Peace, I want to be ready in season and out to use every opportunity to advance peace, to fight fear and hate, to dialogue with those who are different, that we may discover how we are the same.

I still didn't see the broader significance of that day until my time a few days later with G., K., and M. As I told these trusted Christian sisters the two stories of my failure in the group project and the success in the café, my mind was opened. I realized that this is the flip side of my gift: I can use speech to calm the angry, to show compassion, to defend the faith, showing that Christians can be open-minded and open-hearted, all because of Christ. Not in spite of, but because of my strong personality, I was bold in response to Val's boldness. Note that, although my friends spoke kindly to me, only the Lord could give me the deeper comfort I most needed. That comfort is knowing that He made me the way I am for a purpose. He can use me and my gifts for His glory. Now I feel gratitude and wonder at what God can accomplish!

I have so much more to say, but it must wait. Friend, if you are reading this and feel like a failure, please know that God created every part of you – uniquely you – for His purpose. You may have some terrible trait, but there is a flip side. Ask Him to teach you how to use that trait for good, by His power. To God be all blessing and honor and glory and praise.

God is faithful,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney
As always, I welcome your comments below.

Update on 2017-02-06 23:51 by Janet A. Marney

Follow-up:

Re: including specific details in public posts, I gave that a lot of thought before posting this Encourager, and I decided that I wanted to publicly recognize those faithful friends who were used by the Lord to bless me. Some readers will know them, and some won't.  None of the other folks who hurt me (from the charity project group) are on this email list.  I doubt that they are even aware that this blog exists, so it's very unlikely that they will ever read what I wrote.  Nevertheless, I am now changing those names to initials only.  May God richly bless those who encouraged me at a time when I really needed it.  God is faithful and good, and He provides for every need.