God Sends a Surprise

I am in tears as I write this--happy tears, because God's showed his goodness and love in a sneaky way today.

In the mailbox was a letter from a friend. A special friend whom I love, but have only seen in person three brief times, and one of those times, I was speaking and he was in the audience! But this gentleman is a person of immense faith, a speaker, and he displays a terrific sense of humor. So it would be hard for anyone not to like him.

Back to the story--out of the blue, he sent me a check for $92.00. Like the gift of God's grace, I did nothing to deserve this, but am happy to have it! (If you know about the den, the dog and the computer, you know cash has been flowing the wrong way around the Allen household this month). But the check could have been for two dollars, and I would feel just as special. God knew a surprise like that would really cheer me up!

Curiosity hit me, though--why a strange number like "92"? Maybe my friend will let me in on his thoughts later. His note just said that the gift was from God. When I looked up Psalm 9:2, a big smile emerged on my face and in my heart.

“I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High."

God is good... and sneaky.

Effortless Encouragement

My friend Linda is a great encourager. She makes it look easy and natural. For instance, just the way she says, "Wow!" can make you feel like you just gave her a priceless painting.

She helped put herself through college and law school by doing everything from selling makeup to waiting tables. So she always notices people who work in service jobs and talks to them. Last Friday, we were having lunch, and she told our waitperson, "You have the most beautiful green eyes I have ever seen!" The young woman did have beautiful eyes. And hearing that from Linda made those eyes dance. She came back to our table later, wearing a big smile, "Someone else noticed my eyes!"

Encouraging others costs nothing but a few seconds of our time. The goodwill we generate may last for days. That's a great return on investment.

Gratitude is Good

Have you ever noticed how many scriptures in the book of Colossians talk about being thankful? When you single them out, you know that gratitude will please the Lord. Take a look. The version is New American Standard Bible, and I've added the italics.

Colossians 1:12: "Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

Colossians 2:6-7: "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."

Colossians 3:15: "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Colossians 3:17: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Colossians 4:2: "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."

What are you thankful for today? Think about it, sing about it, write about it, pray about it!

One More Reason to Study

Preacher Chuck Swindoll sounded great on the radio this morning. His topic--the temptation of Jesus--made me realize I need to know the Bible better.

In Matthew 4, Jesus is tempted three times by the devil. The devil gives up on each attack after Jesus quotes scripture. That tells me if I can recite verses in the face of temptation, the devil will give up on me, too. In verse 10, Jesus adds a direct order, "Begone, Satan!" I think I'll just start every day out that way and see how it goes.

Favorites

Do people ever ask you your favorite Bible verse, story or character? They may be just trying to start conversation, or maybe they feel like they can get some insight into your personality or spiritual status. For example, if you said, "Job," then the questioner might ask if your patience had been tried lately. And if you pronounced it with a short "o," then the inquirer would have an idea of how much Sunday school you'd attended.

When I get asked this, I usually go blank in confusion. I want to say, "I like them all." But I fear that is the wrong answer. For instance, I don't like the story of Jesus' death--it's not a pretty one. But without it, we wouldn't have the story of His glorious resurrection. While that has to be the best and most important story of all, the Bible is full of such great stories, it's hard to pick another favorite.

As for verses, phew, one will be my favorite for a few years, and then I'll come across another one and that one just has to be my favorite. Some people have "life verses." That impresses me. They can commit to a verse for life!

Right now, my favorite verse is Joshua 1:9 (NIV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

That probably gives you way too much insight into me.

Here's a funny story about that verse. It was sent to me last summer by my friend Angie. I liked it so much, I forwarded her e-mail to a few friends. My friend Ellen's computer started acting up a few months later, and that message with that verse kept popping up! She lost many of her other e-mails and files, but not that one! God was with her even in a technology crisis.

Here's good news... God is with you even if you don't have a favorite story, character or verse.

In the Scheme of Things

Whoever said, "When it rains, it pours" must have lived in Texas in the springtime. Or Oklahoma or Kansas...

Spring storms have tested a lot of us recently. A young man reminded me today that God promised He would never destroy the Earth again by flood.

I said, "Maybe He was just joking." Then I started to get a lecture about God.

"Just KIDDING," I interrupted, to stop him. Who needs a lecture when her house is flooded?

This is my third house flooding as an adult, living on my own. In the scheme of things, this one was not so bad. But that it came while the dog was recovering from surgery and two days before the computer crashed made me think I am under attack from the Evil One.

I was discouraged for a few days, but then realized as long as I am down and out, Satan wins! Don't you suppose the enemy wants us downtrodden, so we won't share the love and joy of Jesus with others?

Of course, I will have more compassion for others who run into a spate of troubles. But I'm not going to let a few obstacles get in my way!

Noticing the Signs

"And everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place..." Acts 2:43 (NASB)

You ever feel like God is trying to tell you something? I heard a testimony from a fellow named Moby today who said he had been almost killed in truck accident when he was a truck driver, so he became an electrician. Then he had a zillion volts go through him, burning spots all over his body, so he became a mechanic, and then, he got hit by a train! Fading in and out of conscienceness, he felt he heard the Lord ask, "Have I got your attention yet?"

Moby tells everyone about Jesus now, saying you don't have to get nearly killed three times to invite him into your life, you just have to ask!

For those of us who already know salvation, the signs might be more subtle. For instance, I saw a tire cover on the SUV speeding in the left lane. It said, "Life is Good." Then later the same day, I read a bumper sticker that advised, "Look for the blessings."

The good news is: God has posted the signs. We just have to notice them.