One day as I pondered a problem
the answer came simply to me:
Why do I worry, why do I fret?
Here’s something I must not forget:
He did it before; He can do it again,
God is totally awesome;
If we knew it then, we should know it now,
He is the mighty God.
When He did it before, we should remember back then,
God is completely faithful;
His Word is still true, He knows what to do,
God is the One that we need.
If we needed Him then, we need Him now,
God is certainly able;
When we call out to Him, we can trust Him,
God is the Ruler of all.
There’s nothing too hard, for He is the Lord,
God made the whole Universe;
When we humbly call, He hears us all,
God wants to answer our prayer.
We’re worn out with sin, we need Him within,
God wants to save our soul;
Repentance is needed, His Word is heeded,
Then He can answer our call.
Now He’s my Lord, and now He’s my friend,
And this is how it will be;
One day I’m going to Heaven to see
Jesus who died for me.
And how about you? You need Him, too,
Let Jesus enter your heart;
Don’t wait and delay, this is your day,
God is calling to you.
By Elaine Hardt ©2003
EncouragingU * * * * * * * * * * * * We ALL need a word of encouragement once in awhile.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
More Than a Promise, More Than a Dream
Difficulty, betrayal, deceit, disaster —we see it in the life of young Joseph, son of Jacob. But we also see the faithfulness of God, His plan of promise, dreams, and blessing.
When you and I take a closer look at this Bible story it brings us hope and joy. If you’ve ever been misunderstood or cheated you’ll feel relieved to see how God’s blessing comes to the man or woman who trusts and obeys the Lord.
Joseph was daddy’s favorite of all his children. At first it almost sounds like he was a spoiled kid, a tattle-tale, an attention-getter. It sounds like he bragged about his dreams and got on his brothers’ nerves. But what was his attitude, his understanding, his behavior?
For many years God prepared Joseph to fill an important role in a family of great destiny.
God taught Joseph in his family.
Father Jacob surely had often gathered his youngsters around him to hear him recount the story of his life. He would have told about his dream of the ladder that reached to Heaven, and of hearing the very voice of God, “Behold, I am with thee . . . I will not leave thee…” (Genesis 28:15).
Years later, Jacob traveling back from Mahanaim with his wives and children met angels of God, (Genesis 32:1), and at Peniel Jacob wrestled with a “man” and Jacob said, “…I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.” (32:28-30). God spoke with him at Bethel (35:7-15).
In those days families might sit out under the starry skies by the burning campfire after the day’s work was done and listen to their parents recite the stories of God’s dealings with mankind. Repetition and memorization of important facts of the family history was of great importance. Surely, Joseph knew that God had a destiny for his father’s family.
Joseph knew right from wrong. His father could trust him to make a truthful report about the brothers and the flocks. Father was grooming him for leadership. God was grooming him for leadership.
God gave Joseph the dreams.
At the age of seventeen Joseph was assured of God’s presence in his life through two dreams. Knowing God made the difference.
Was it the naiveté and self-confidence of a unpretentious teenager that led Joseph to relate his dreams? It well could have been the mercy of God, testing both the family and Joseph, as a way to reveal the condition of their hearts.
When he was sold into slavery, later falsely accused and thrown into prison he would remember those two wonderful dreams, but he must have also had a personal relationship with God, the Father he could always talk to, any place, any time.
Later he’d interpret the dreams of others. God gave discernment and wisdom.
God gave Joseph a robe.
Joseph learned to love and trust God, for he experienced his own father’s love and trust. That beautiful robe (the “coat of many colors”) had probably been presented to him at a family gathering, and Father Jacob would have again recounted important details of blessing and worship of God for all to hear.
Remembering that robe of honor perhaps Joseph later realized it had been a glimpse of another beautiful robe that he’d wear, after God had tested and trained him, and prepared the circumstances for Joseph to become a great and powerful leader.
God gave Joseph what he needed.
When his brothers turned against him Joseph could not be delivered from trouble. God had a greater plan. Joseph later would deliver others with the wisdom God gave him.
God gave Joseph what he didn’t deserve; trouble and disgrace, but eventually great honor and power.
God gave Joseph testing.
For the next thirteen years Joseph was tested to see if he’d fall into depression or confusion or anger.
He was tested to see if he’d take a short-cut to success, taking advantage of an illegal relationship with another man’s wife.
He was tested to see if he could take the stress.
He was given responsibility, and he developed managerial skills.
He was tested in prison, and he mastered leadership skills.
He was tested when he interpreted the dreams for two prisoners.
He was tested when he was called before Pharaoh.
Joseph passed the tests. His heart was right; his attitude was right. He gave God the credit.
More than seven years later when the brothers came to Egypt Joseph was tested to reveal his attitude. He was caring, wise, and mature.
When Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers he declared, “…God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Genesis 45:7).
Joseph was tested in his generosity to the 70 members of Jacob’s family.
Later he assured his family what he had believed, all those years, “What you meant for evil God meant it unto good . . . to save many people,” (Genesis 50:20).
Throughout the life of Joseph he was blessed by God, and he was tested so that his obedience could be a blessing to his family, and then to thousands and thousands of others.
In all of his testing he never denied God or abandoned his family. He did what was right, even when it must have been hard.
God gave Joseph fame.
It’s a fascinating story to read and consider. From weakness to strength. From obscurity to fame. From hard physical labor to a life of great wealth. From ridicule to rulership. From trials to triumph.
His brothers grew up and became the leaders of the tribes of the nation of Israel. Later known as Jews they filled an important role in God’s purposes throughout the Old Testament times. Jacob’s family was in the lineage of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:2 and Luke 3:34).
Five things we learn from the life of Joseph:
1. As God provides ways for us to be a blessing to others we will be tested.
2. God wants us to discover the condition of our hearts.
3. God gives us knowledge and wisdom; we can rely on Him.
4. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what’s going on at the time.
5. God’s time is not the same as our time.
One thing to remember . . .
More than a promise, more than a dream God gave Joseph an awareness of His very presence. God gave him His faithfulness and His love. Throughout his life Joseph developed steadfast courage and determination, hard work and faith. He gave God the credit.
What you and I need is more than a promise, more than a dream. We, too, need an awareness of the very presence of God in our life. We need a relationship with the Lord that endures testing, so we can bring to others great blessing.
Living as we do in these difficult days, let His awesome love mean more than a promise, more than a dream.
###
by Elaine Hardt ©2004
When you and I take a closer look at this Bible story it brings us hope and joy. If you’ve ever been misunderstood or cheated you’ll feel relieved to see how God’s blessing comes to the man or woman who trusts and obeys the Lord.
Joseph was daddy’s favorite of all his children. At first it almost sounds like he was a spoiled kid, a tattle-tale, an attention-getter. It sounds like he bragged about his dreams and got on his brothers’ nerves. But what was his attitude, his understanding, his behavior?
For many years God prepared Joseph to fill an important role in a family of great destiny.
God taught Joseph in his family.
Father Jacob surely had often gathered his youngsters around him to hear him recount the story of his life. He would have told about his dream of the ladder that reached to Heaven, and of hearing the very voice of God, “Behold, I am with thee . . . I will not leave thee…” (Genesis 28:15).
Years later, Jacob traveling back from Mahanaim with his wives and children met angels of God, (Genesis 32:1), and at Peniel Jacob wrestled with a “man” and Jacob said, “…I have seen God face to face and my life is preserved.” (32:28-30). God spoke with him at Bethel (35:7-15).
In those days families might sit out under the starry skies by the burning campfire after the day’s work was done and listen to their parents recite the stories of God’s dealings with mankind. Repetition and memorization of important facts of the family history was of great importance. Surely, Joseph knew that God had a destiny for his father’s family.
Joseph knew right from wrong. His father could trust him to make a truthful report about the brothers and the flocks. Father was grooming him for leadership. God was grooming him for leadership.
God gave Joseph the dreams.
At the age of seventeen Joseph was assured of God’s presence in his life through two dreams. Knowing God made the difference.
Was it the naiveté and self-confidence of a unpretentious teenager that led Joseph to relate his dreams? It well could have been the mercy of God, testing both the family and Joseph, as a way to reveal the condition of their hearts.
When he was sold into slavery, later falsely accused and thrown into prison he would remember those two wonderful dreams, but he must have also had a personal relationship with God, the Father he could always talk to, any place, any time.
Later he’d interpret the dreams of others. God gave discernment and wisdom.
God gave Joseph a robe.
Joseph learned to love and trust God, for he experienced his own father’s love and trust. That beautiful robe (the “coat of many colors”) had probably been presented to him at a family gathering, and Father Jacob would have again recounted important details of blessing and worship of God for all to hear.
Remembering that robe of honor perhaps Joseph later realized it had been a glimpse of another beautiful robe that he’d wear, after God had tested and trained him, and prepared the circumstances for Joseph to become a great and powerful leader.
God gave Joseph what he needed.
When his brothers turned against him Joseph could not be delivered from trouble. God had a greater plan. Joseph later would deliver others with the wisdom God gave him.
God gave Joseph what he didn’t deserve; trouble and disgrace, but eventually great honor and power.
God gave Joseph testing.
For the next thirteen years Joseph was tested to see if he’d fall into depression or confusion or anger.
He was tested to see if he’d take a short-cut to success, taking advantage of an illegal relationship with another man’s wife.
He was tested to see if he could take the stress.
He was given responsibility, and he developed managerial skills.
He was tested in prison, and he mastered leadership skills.
He was tested when he interpreted the dreams for two prisoners.
He was tested when he was called before Pharaoh.
Joseph passed the tests. His heart was right; his attitude was right. He gave God the credit.
More than seven years later when the brothers came to Egypt Joseph was tested to reveal his attitude. He was caring, wise, and mature.
When Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers he declared, “…God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” (Genesis 45:7).
Joseph was tested in his generosity to the 70 members of Jacob’s family.
Later he assured his family what he had believed, all those years, “What you meant for evil God meant it unto good . . . to save many people,” (Genesis 50:20).
Throughout the life of Joseph he was blessed by God, and he was tested so that his obedience could be a blessing to his family, and then to thousands and thousands of others.
In all of his testing he never denied God or abandoned his family. He did what was right, even when it must have been hard.
God gave Joseph fame.
It’s a fascinating story to read and consider. From weakness to strength. From obscurity to fame. From hard physical labor to a life of great wealth. From ridicule to rulership. From trials to triumph.
His brothers grew up and became the leaders of the tribes of the nation of Israel. Later known as Jews they filled an important role in God’s purposes throughout the Old Testament times. Jacob’s family was in the lineage of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:2 and Luke 3:34).
Five things we learn from the life of Joseph:
1. As God provides ways for us to be a blessing to others we will be tested.
2. God wants us to discover the condition of our hearts.
3. God gives us knowledge and wisdom; we can rely on Him.
4. God wants us to trust Him, no matter what’s going on at the time.
5. God’s time is not the same as our time.
One thing to remember . . .
More than a promise, more than a dream God gave Joseph an awareness of His very presence. God gave him His faithfulness and His love. Throughout his life Joseph developed steadfast courage and determination, hard work and faith. He gave God the credit.
What you and I need is more than a promise, more than a dream. We, too, need an awareness of the very presence of God in our life. We need a relationship with the Lord that endures testing, so we can bring to others great blessing.
Living as we do in these difficult days, let His awesome love mean more than a promise, more than a dream.
###
by Elaine Hardt ©2004
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Artificial Flowers
During the pastor’s long-winded prayer Sunday morning I sneaked a glimpse towards the pulpit. There on the table in front was a large bouquet of artificial flowers.
As I pondered those flowers I think I even saw a tiny spiderweb from one fern to another. With a wry smile I reached for my pencil and here’s what I jotted on the back of the Sunday bulletin:
Why I don’t want to be an artificial flower:
No scent. The thing has no fair aroma that stirs the senses, that paints pictures on the minds of the viewer.
No freshness. No need for water’s blessing in a cycle of life.
No reproduction. The thing cannot make other flowers, cannot pass life on.
The thing invites creepy things, like spiders, to set up webs. It gets dusty.
No change. The thing is dead, always has been and always will be.
Then I summarized my thoughts by writing,
I’m glad I’m alive. Life: what a gift from God! Lord, I want to grow and bloom and please you, most of all.
by Elaine Hardt ©2007
As I pondered those flowers I think I even saw a tiny spiderweb from one fern to another. With a wry smile I reached for my pencil and here’s what I jotted on the back of the Sunday bulletin:
Why I don’t want to be an artificial flower:
No scent. The thing has no fair aroma that stirs the senses, that paints pictures on the minds of the viewer.
No freshness. No need for water’s blessing in a cycle of life.
No reproduction. The thing cannot make other flowers, cannot pass life on.
The thing invites creepy things, like spiders, to set up webs. It gets dusty.
No change. The thing is dead, always has been and always will be.
Then I summarized my thoughts by writing,
I’m glad I’m alive. Life: what a gift from God! Lord, I want to grow and bloom and please you, most of all.
by Elaine Hardt ©2007
Tears, So Much Like Rain
Tears, so much like rain
washes the soul, releases a sorrowful shower
a heart quake, a heart break
pierces an unseen reservoir
permitting a cascade of private indulgence
Weeping so fits the melancholy sound of rain
as distant rumbles pulsate from heavy clouds
Other times the floods have arisen
lightning flashing, searing
raw emotions convulsing
crying was an intruder with angry red eyes
But today a strange gentleness persists bringing
a healing, a refreshing of pearl gray dimensions
waters bestowing an affirmation of life
whispered in the stirring of a necessary breeze
The sun gone down, so no prospect of rainbow arising
yet this rain in staunch darkness is kind
One slightly salty tear tastes sweet
by Elaine Hardt ©1991
washes the soul, releases a sorrowful shower
a heart quake, a heart break
pierces an unseen reservoir
permitting a cascade of private indulgence
Weeping so fits the melancholy sound of rain
as distant rumbles pulsate from heavy clouds
Other times the floods have arisen
lightning flashing, searing
raw emotions convulsing
crying was an intruder with angry red eyes
But today a strange gentleness persists bringing
a healing, a refreshing of pearl gray dimensions
waters bestowing an affirmation of life
whispered in the stirring of a necessary breeze
The sun gone down, so no prospect of rainbow arising
yet this rain in staunch darkness is kind
One slightly salty tear tastes sweet
by Elaine Hardt ©1991
Of Weeds and Prayers
One stubborn weed
pushes upward from a tiny crack
between the wall and the sidewalk
proving in that narrow space
life will not be denied
flowers and seeds are its reward
My stubborn prayer
pushes upward from life’s clutter
defying the world’s narrow view
proving beyond circumstance
God’s grace cannot be denied
His presence is my reward
by Elaine Hardt ©1997
pushes upward from a tiny crack
between the wall and the sidewalk
proving in that narrow space
life will not be denied
flowers and seeds are its reward
My stubborn prayer
pushes upward from life’s clutter
defying the world’s narrow view
proving beyond circumstance
God’s grace cannot be denied
His presence is my reward
by Elaine Hardt ©1997
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Do You Hear the Song?
A song of sadness was heard across the land,
Tears fell in torrents like April’s rain,
Questioning hearts cried out to God— or hid,
Refusing emotion again.
A song of honesty was heard across the land,
Show me my weakness, show me my part,
What could I have done differently
To spare someone’s breaking heart?
A song of surrender was heard across the land,
Lord, we are all frail and weak,
You alone know each person’s heart;
It’s You, not just comfort we must seek.
A song of caring was heard across the land,
I’m determined to reach out to others,
Give me wisdom and discernment;
As Jesus’ love I discover.
A song of thankfulness was heard across the land,
God’s Holy Spirit points us to Him;
We pray, then rest peacefully,
Confident though our vision is dim.
A song of praise was heard across the land,
There’s coming an end to sadness,
Trust God, obey Him fully,
He fills our hearts with gladness.
By Elaine Hardt ©2007
Tears fell in torrents like April’s rain,
Questioning hearts cried out to God— or hid,
Refusing emotion again.
A song of honesty was heard across the land,
Show me my weakness, show me my part,
What could I have done differently
To spare someone’s breaking heart?
A song of surrender was heard across the land,
Lord, we are all frail and weak,
You alone know each person’s heart;
It’s You, not just comfort we must seek.
A song of caring was heard across the land,
I’m determined to reach out to others,
Give me wisdom and discernment;
As Jesus’ love I discover.
A song of thankfulness was heard across the land,
God’s Holy Spirit points us to Him;
We pray, then rest peacefully,
Confident though our vision is dim.
A song of praise was heard across the land,
There’s coming an end to sadness,
Trust God, obey Him fully,
He fills our hearts with gladness.
By Elaine Hardt ©2007
Me, Pray About the Weather?
Bad weather stretched across the US from the Atlantic to the Pacific. There on the computer screen the warnings were visual. It looked scary. Heavy rain in the southeast. Strong storms advancing in “Tornado Alley,” and a continuing drought in the southwest.
With no rain for 78 days here our concern is for the forest. Bible camps outside of town are vulnerable. Everyone — camp administrators, fire officials, the sheriff’s department are on full alert, concerned about the potential danger. Everyone, that is, except the Christians I’ve talked to lately.
Pray about the weather? It sounds strange to petition God about seemingly unchangeable weather patterns. Perhaps it would bother Him and distract Him from more important things. It seems sort of selfish to ask for Him to fix the weather, kind of like something children would do when dark clouds advance towards the park.
Other people will claim that they don’t want to focus on bad things, only on the good things that are happening. That way they can keep on smiling, while ignoring the worldly events. They might point to the fact that in the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples He does not mention praying about the weather.
What if we believers were to pray fervently about the bad weather, and then the bad weather kept on coming, people were injured, property was lost. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?
What kind of a testimony would that be to our unbelieving friends and neighbors!
What we pray for
shows what we care for.
Of course, God is not counting how many prayers are asking for a certain thing to happen. And He does have an over-all plan for mankind. His Will will be done.
But our prayers to Him are not wasted. The Lord is developing our character. Events come at us each day, and we have a choice of how to act. If we pray for Grandma Maude’s place to be spared from the flood we can trust that God already loves her more than we do. God can answer prayer in a way that works out to be a wonderful blessing.
The Bible mentions weather: heat, storm, rain, snow, wind, lightning. Noah, Moses, Job, Paul, Elijah, and others dealt with the forces of weather. When you read one of those accounts picture what is happening. Imagine how the people are feeling, what they might be saying and doing. God is getting someone’s attention; He’s making a point.
David wrote, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. . . My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness. . . My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises.” From Psalm 57 (NLT).
Perhaps as we look out the window at the drifting snow — or the pounding rain — we should be questioning ourselves. What does God want me to learn in this situation? What can I do to help someone? When was the last time I felt like this?
Prayer is not a formal, dry and unemotional reading of some holy-sounding words someone has written. Prayer is not a scientific formula. And we all know that prayer is not confined to church on Sunday.
What shall I say? What shall I pray? Is my relationship with the Lord growing strong and confident?
No need to be bashful about telling others that you pray and you converse with God about such daily stuff as the weather. “Let your light shine . . .” to give God the glory. Our part is to trust and obey.
+ + +
With no rain for 78 days here our concern is for the forest. Bible camps outside of town are vulnerable. Everyone — camp administrators, fire officials, the sheriff’s department are on full alert, concerned about the potential danger. Everyone, that is, except the Christians I’ve talked to lately.
Pray about the weather? It sounds strange to petition God about seemingly unchangeable weather patterns. Perhaps it would bother Him and distract Him from more important things. It seems sort of selfish to ask for Him to fix the weather, kind of like something children would do when dark clouds advance towards the park.
Other people will claim that they don’t want to focus on bad things, only on the good things that are happening. That way they can keep on smiling, while ignoring the worldly events. They might point to the fact that in the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples He does not mention praying about the weather.
What if we believers were to pray fervently about the bad weather, and then the bad weather kept on coming, people were injured, property was lost. Wouldn’t that be embarrassing?
What kind of a testimony would that be to our unbelieving friends and neighbors!
What we pray for
shows what we care for.
Of course, God is not counting how many prayers are asking for a certain thing to happen. And He does have an over-all plan for mankind. His Will will be done.
But our prayers to Him are not wasted. The Lord is developing our character. Events come at us each day, and we have a choice of how to act. If we pray for Grandma Maude’s place to be spared from the flood we can trust that God already loves her more than we do. God can answer prayer in a way that works out to be a wonderful blessing.
The Bible mentions weather: heat, storm, rain, snow, wind, lightning. Noah, Moses, Job, Paul, Elijah, and others dealt with the forces of weather. When you read one of those accounts picture what is happening. Imagine how the people are feeling, what they might be saying and doing. God is getting someone’s attention; He’s making a point.
David wrote, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. . . My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness. . . My heart is confident in You, O God; no wonder I can sing Your praises.” From Psalm 57 (NLT).
Perhaps as we look out the window at the drifting snow — or the pounding rain — we should be questioning ourselves. What does God want me to learn in this situation? What can I do to help someone? When was the last time I felt like this?
Prayer is not a formal, dry and unemotional reading of some holy-sounding words someone has written. Prayer is not a scientific formula. And we all know that prayer is not confined to church on Sunday.
What shall I say? What shall I pray? Is my relationship with the Lord growing strong and confident?
No need to be bashful about telling others that you pray and you converse with God about such daily stuff as the weather. “Let your light shine . . .” to give God the glory. Our part is to trust and obey.
+ + +
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