How to Take Heart in Hard Times

by | Sep 7, 2021 | Devotional, Learning Story, Suffering, Weekly Gospel Meditation

How to Take Heart in Hard Times

Win books! This month, as we celebrate the one-year-birthday of From Recovery to Restoration, I’m giving away four books each week. See above for this week’s books. Enter for a chance to win. To have more chances to win, share about the book more often or share the excerpts on the blog and let me know how many times you shared. 

Today’s blog is an excerpt from the devotional. I’ll be sharing excerpts every week. You can continue to share and have chances to win different books each week. 

Be of Good Cheer

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV

Here on the Gulf Coast of Florida, hurricane season threatens every year, tossing its mighty winds and roaring waters through our mind’s eye, arousing fears of future devastation and memories of past disaster. It’s been about fifteen years since Hurricane Ivan wreaked its havoc on our hometown, Pensacola, Florida, leaving a swath of blue roofs in its wake. 

We’ve recovered. But some never did. Some lost homes, businesses, even marriages to the disaster. They may have found a new home or started a new business, but the heartache of the catastrophe lingers. Maybe you haven’t been hit by a hurricane; maybe it was a divorce, a sudden revelation of a spouse’s affair. Maybe you were slapped with a cancer diagnosis. Or maybe your twenty-three-year-old has just renounced her faith.

The hard reality is that we may never fully recover from some of the disasters we endure. How can we live with hope in a world in which some losses will never be recouped? Jesus, in his final words to his disciples, anticipated this question. Shortly before his brutal crucifixion for a trumped-up crime, he prepared his followers for the disasters that mark life in a fallen world: 

“In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NKJV). 

Jesus’ words confound many of us, because western culture has fed us a lie: “This world is all there is,” it tells us, “and the things in it are here to make us happy.” Jesus contradicts this lie, telling his disciples, “Yes, in this world, you will suffer. I’m teaching you how to live in my world, my kingdom. Not only that, when I die and am raised again, you will have the resurrection power to live a different life, a new life, to recover what was lost in the fall. When you suffer, remember these things I have told you, and you will have peace. Not only that, you can be ‘of good cheer,’ ‘take courage,’ ‘not be afraid,’ ‘take heart’—because ‘I have overcome the world.’”

One day, not yet, but “soon,” Jesus tells us, I will return (Revelation 22:7). Then you will live with me in a new world, the world you were really made for. In that day, all of the pain and sorrow of the disasters you have faced will be washed away. All the sin—the clawing to get your own way, the clashing against loved ones over small differences, the clinging to things you think will satisfy you—it will be over. Overcome. Defeated. By me—your King. Love, Jesus. 

Dear friends, let’s take heart. There is something better that awaits. It is beyond recovery. It is restoration. It is renewal. It is reunion. Cheer loudly and long. Jesus has overcome the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for setting us straight. We are far too focused on finding joy in the things of this world. Help us to trust you when we suffer, to know that in you alone we will find peace and hope. In your cheering name we pray. Amen.

Further Encouragement

Read John 16.

Listen to “What a Friend” by Sara Groves.

For Reflection

What hope do you find in Jesus’ words to his disciples? 

A Prayer about Remembering God’s Rescue

by | Aug 20, 2021 | Daily Prayer, Learning Story

A Prayer about Remembering God’s Rescue

Lord,

I admit, I read about the Israelites’ forgetting

“the abundance of your steadfast love” (Psalm 106:7) 

and rebelling against you by the Red Sea, 

and I get kind of judgy. How could they forget? 

And yet, I too, struggle to remember your redemption.

Today and every day, I ask, help me to remember: 

how you have “led [me] through the deep as through a desert” (Psalm 106:9),

[Name ways God has led you through deep and dark places]; 

how you “saved [me] from the hand of the foe 

and redeemed [me] from the power of the enemy” (Psalm 106:10),

[Name ways God has saved you from foes and redeemed you from the enemy], 

how you have “looked upon [my] distress and heard [my] cry” (Psalm 106:44),

[Name ways God has looked on your distress and heard your cry].

And most of all, how you “remembered [your] covenant,” (Psalm 106:45),

faithfully loving us and rescuing us 

from our forgetful rebellion 

by sending your Son Jesus Christ.

May we spend today 

thanking you and praising you 

for all of your wonderful deeds 

and mighty works in our lives!

In Jesus’ rescuing name. Amen. 

Read Psalm 106. 

Sign Up for the Organizing Your Life & Legacy Workshop

Create a legacy that will give you and your loved ones peace today and in the years to come.

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A Prayer about the Church’s Great Calling

by | Aug 8, 2021 | Church, Daily Prayer, Learning Story

A Prayer about the Church’s Great Calling

Compassionate Lord,

I’ll never forget the scene in the waiting room 

before our son’s first brain surgery. 

Because he worked at a church leading worship, 

and because he had friends who were pastors elsewhere, 

he had four pastors visiting with him and praying with him 

before he went back for surgery. 

Another patient’s wife came over and asked 

if one of the pastors would pray for her husband. 

I’ve never forgotten the feeling of a church bearing our burdens 

when we we were “fainthearted” and “weak.”

Today, we pray for all of the lonely souls 

in waiting rooms and living rooms and locker rooms

who do not know the care of a loving church. 

We pray that we, the church, 

would seek out the weak and fainthearted 

and offer to bear their burdens. 

We pray that they would receive our invitation. 

Thank you for calling us to be 

your ambassadors of hope. 

We pray that we would fulfill this profound calling

in the power of the Holy Spirit 

and by the grace of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Amen.  

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22; Galatians 6:2; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

How to Share Your Story of Grace

by | Jun 1, 2021 | A Woman's Story, Learning Story, Weekly Gospel Meditation

How to Share Your Story of Grace

O my people, listen to my instructions.
    Open your ears to what I am saying,
     for I will speak to you in a parable.


I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—     

stories we have heard and known,
    stories our ancestors handed down to us.

We will not hide these truths from our children;
    we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord,
    about his power and his mighty wonders.

Psalm 78:1-4

The Psalmist Asaph exhorts us to share our stories for the sake of growing in faith (turning away from idols and turning toward God), hope (believing that God will redeem and restore again), and love (sharing the mercy God has shown us).

If you’ve ever wanted to write or tell one of your stories of grace but weren’t sure how to begin, this post is for you. Today, I’m going to walk you through a simple way to do this in a story feast setting. If you’re not yet ready to share your story with others, you can follow these instructions to write some of your stories.

If you’d like 20 summer story prompts for free and a “pretty” version of the instructions for story feasting to use with a group, make sure you sign up to be a Living Story Subscriber. You also might want to check out the free YouTube series on sharing stories at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7Ye1tLnHUSbOfvV5rUDUpesurZutmADb. 

Why Story Feast?

God has written his very image into your story. He has sent you as his ambassador to tell his story. As you share your story with others and listen to others’ stories, you will grow closer to your sisters and brothers in Christ and open doors for the hurting world to hear the gospel. A Story Feast is an intentional way to gather a group together to share stories.

Food for the Feast

Invite everyone to bring something. You can choose a theme or just go with pot luck. Do an entire meal or make it simpler with apps or desserts. Some of my favorite recipes have come from story feasts, and the cool thing is you often get to hear a story related to the food:-)!

Story Topics

If you want 20 summer story prompts on printable cards, be sure to sign up here. Otherwise, there are as many story topics as there are stories, but here are a few to get you started:

• best/worst school story

• a story of rescue

• traditions of holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

• first job story or work story

• stories of waiting

• vacation stories

Our Bible study group used to choose a theme related to our Bible study and take a break from our regular study to have a story feast. 

Help People Write Their Stories

Here is one way to approach writing a story to share:

1. Set aside 15 minutes. Brainstorm by writing down topics/titles that come to mind.

2. Set aside 30 minutes. Choose a topic, and answer a few questions about it. Here are some questions to consider:

Describe the senses — what you heard, tasted, felt, saw, smelled…etc.

Who were the people involved?

What happened? Was there a conflict? Was there a resolution?

What did you or do you see about God in the story?

Is there any redemption or revelation in the story?

3. Set aside 30 minutes again. Using the questions above, write out the story. Try to keep it rather short — around two pages. Sharing time is usually limited to around 10 minutes at the feast.

Plan the Feast

Although sometimes stories just come out as we linger around the table or living room together, often the time needs to be a little more structured.

  1. Allot a certain amount of time for eating, then gather to share stories.
  2. Give an allotted time — usually around 10-15 minutes works well. (Tell your guests ahead of time, so they will know they won’t have time to share every detail).
  3. Consider beginning with a brief gospel-centered devotional or by reading a Scripture related to the topic. 
  4. Remind everyone that they aren’t “required” to tell a story (tell them this when you invite them, too — more people will come!) Then remind them it will be fairly dull if no one does. Usually one brave soul begins, and often others decide to tell their story or remember one to tell if they haven’t before.
  5. Share stories.
  6. Provide a little time for feedback or observations. Remind people that they don’t need to try to fix anyone’s problem, just listen carefully, especially for hope and redemption.
  7. After the feast, within a day or so, return to the story and jot down a few new things you noticed after telling your story.

And that’s all it takes to have a story feast. If you have questions about this process, please feel free to contact me. Also, don’t forget to sign up for 20 summer story prompt printable cards!

For reflection and discussion:

Have you ever written or told stories of your life? What was that experience like? 

For a Prayer about Stories of Grace, Click Here.

Get your free summer story prompts and printable guide to Summer Story Feast!

Gather with your community this summer to share stories!

Send it now!

How to Find Rest This Christmas

by | Dec 1, 2020 | Learning Story

How to Find Rest This Christmas

Finding Rest in Christmas

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. Luke 2:14

Is it possible to find rest in the holidays?

Target, Walmart, and scores of other retailers set out Christmas decorations before Halloween was over. The brightly-colored websites blink violently at me, urging me to buy even more Christmas décor and/or gifts— Now. Today. Before it is too late.

Are you feeling stressed yet?

Maybe you are still worn out/basking in the glow of your properly socially distanced Thanksgiving holiday? It was a delightful time of fellowshipping, telling good stories, and staying up too late. Or, maybe you are feeling the ache of not being able to join with family or friends for Thanksgiving, or possibly Christmas. 

Why not stop… ?And pray. “Lord, this holiday season, this time of waiting for Christmas to come, may you spare us from the pressure to rush!!!” Listen! God answers us! ‘Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ Luke 2:14 

Charles Spurgeon explains this peace so poetically. Though he wrote centuries ago, see if his words sound familiar:

“There had been wars within as well as wars without. Conscience had fought with man; Satan had tormented man with thoughts of sin. There had been no peace on earth since Adam fell. But, now, when the newborn King made his appearance, the swaddling band with which he was wrapped up was the white flag of peace.”

 

FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Do you need help finding rest in Christmas?

Check out this four-part devotional series designed to help you…Slow down. Let go…of the frenzy, worry, rush…
Hear the story of the wonders God has done—in the lives of people who also struggle with fear, anxiety and loss of hope.

Each of the four weekly guides contains five daily activities:

Day 1: Devotional

Day 2: Reflection Questions

Day 3: Story Starters

Day 4: Prayer

Day 5: Music

Subscribe now!
Buy now for someone else!

Aren’t we still today sick of the wars without and the wars within? The internal war with guilt over failures large and small? The ache for peace on earth, for bitter divisions to cease?

The good news of Christmas is that God has wrapped us in Christ’s swaddling blanket of peace. God’s favor rests on us. Because of that favor, let us draw near to the God who has drawn near to us to find true rest this Christmas.

A Prayer for Finding Rest in Christmas

Lord, We confess—the rush of Christmas frenzy drowns out our fears and regrets—fears that we’re not enough, regrets that we’ve blown it with our kids, friends, parents. Help us, we ask, to dial our activity level way way down, even to a snail’s pace, in order to soak up your grace. Give us the infant’s rest, the Infant’s rest, the true rest of Christ’s birth, this season. We ask in the name of your saving Son. Amen

 

Photo by Gareth Harper on Unsplash

Christmas Gift List: 10 Ideas for Saying Thank You

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Learning Story

Christmas Gift List: 10 Ideas for Saying Thank You  
You can always give without loving, but you can never love without giving.  ~Amy Carmichael
Tell me again why we give gifts at Christmas when it’s Christ’s birthday? (I hate to admit it, but sometimes that’s my first response when it’s time to start Christmas shopping). What always helps me get over that proverbial hump is to remember that gift-giving is at core a way of saying “thank you,” “I love you,” “I appreciate you”—first, to God, and second, to others. Gift-giving is a way of fulfilling the greatest commandment to love God and to love our neighbor. Once I remember why I’m giving gifts, and once I’ve gotten through the decision-making aspect, I find that I actually enjoy giving them (if not, wrapping them, since wrapping is not in my “gift-set”!). In case you struggle with choosing gifts, and in case you didn’t, like some of the best gift-givers I know (my daughter-in-law among them!), start shopping in July, I’m giving you my first gift of Christmas: a few ideas to get you going.  
Christmas nativity ornament

Encaustic Art

Lisa Tarplee

I recently discovered Lisa’s lovely art while doing a Bible study on Ephesians, for which she created a gorgeous piece. Here’s a description of her work from her website:

“Lisa draws inspiration for art from life and faith. As she wrestles with concepts of God, the church, suffering, and joy, she works it out with torn paper, hymns, Scripture, encaustic paints and other media. Her mixed media art reflects her personal faith journey of lament, joy, and hope, and beauty.

Her work often stands as a visual parable and prayer. As she composes each piece, she converses with the Lord, her Creator, in prayer and meditation. The final work invites the viewer to join into a conversation of faith and life.”

 

Gentle and Lowly

Dane Ortlund

We believe in the grace and mercy of God…until we don’t. Ortlund meets us in our struggle to stay squarely on the gospel path with sound theology and a Scriptural description of Jesus that reminds us of the surpassing hope we have in Christ. Jesus is Gentle and Lowly, with both sufferers and sinners. He will never cast out any who come to him. Read this book and fall in love with the Jesus who is head over heels in love with you.

Tul Notebooks

Office Depot

There’s just something about the feeling of placing real ink from a real pen on real paper. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, or if you’ve read my books, you’ve probably heard me mention my prayer journal. My new favorite notebook for prayer journals and other writing projects is the Tul at Office Depot. You can easily move pages around; the paper is thick and hearty; and the covers are attractive. Tul offers junior and standard sized notebooks, as well as planners, lined paper refills, and graph paper. You can even purchase dividers, stickers, to-do lists, and all sorts of other accessories for your notebook. This could be a delightful gift for the paper and pen lover in your life.

Ephesians: The Love We Long For

Scotty Smith

Reading Scotty’s daily prayer is like drinking a gospel protein shake to get your day started! Scotty always begins with one or more Scripture verses, and then goes on to pray in everyday language about everyday realities. The prayers always energize and encourage with the gospel. Even though you can subscribe to Scotty’s prayers for free, it’s nice to have them all together in one place. I often pull out Everyday Prayers and Every Season Prayers when I’m stuck for something to pray, when I want to understand a passage of Scripture better, or when I need an injection of gospel encouragement.

Finding Rest in Christmas

An Advent Devotional Guide

Elizabeth Reynolds Turnage

Where can you find a great gift for teachers, co-workers, friends, and family for less than five dollars? This advent devotional guide will take you through Mary’s story and help you reflect on the story God is writing in your life. Four weekly guides, with five days of possible activities:Day 1: Devotional on the life of Mary; Day 2: Reflection questions on the devotional; Day 3: Story starters: ideas to reflect on and share your story; Day 4: Prayer; Day 5: Music. Check it out today.

Get Finding Rest in Christmas for Free

I want rest!

A Holy Fear

Christina Fox

If fear disrupts your sleep or hampers your freedom, this is the book for you. Christina gently addresses our inordinate fears and graciously guides us to see how “a holy fear” of the Lord brings us relief. Christina guides us into the deeper meaning of the command to  “fear the Lord” — reminding us of how powerful, holy, and good he really is. As we begin to live into this “holy fear,” our anxieties about the “what-if’s” of this world subside, and our enjoyment and hope in the Lord increase.

Holy Fear book cover
Cover of Your Story Matters

Your Story Matters

Leslie Leyland Fields

If you’ve ever considered writing parts of your story but had a hard time getting started, you will find a helpful guide in Leslie Leyland Fields’ book. Always encouraging, Fields not only convinces us of the importance of writing and sharing our stories, but she also gives practical instruction on how to do so. A great gift for a friend or family member who loves to remember stories, or a great gift to yourself.

Christmas

Phil Wickham

  For all the vinyl lovers in your life (yes, “vinyl” is what we used to call “records” if you’re of my generation;-), why not give them a Christmas album that they’ll enjoy for years? Wickham’s mellow, folksy style conjures up images of sitting by the fireside with a group of longtime friends sipping warm drinks and sharing good stories.

Christmas album Phil Wickham
The Beautiful Community

The Beautiful Community

Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best

Irwyn L. Ince

What a beautiful book! In a season when the division in the church has seemed to mimic the division in the world, Irwyn L. Ince Jr. engages us with the reminder of what it looks like to live in as members of the spectacularly diverse, unified in difference, body of Christ. He gently and kindly invites those of us in the majority to consider what it would be like to be in the minority in our churches. Open this book and discover the hope of the gospel to transform our churches and our hearts.

Let’s Make Art

Sarah Cray

A couple of years ago, I decided I needed a new hobby. I had heard that watercoloring could be relaxing, but it turns out, for unartistic novices like myself, it’s way more relaxing when you have a good teacher, the right materials, and some readymade projects. The awesome thing about Let’s Make Art is that Sarah Cray makes her tutorials available for free. And, she’s probably the most encouraging teacher you will ever have. You can use your own materials to paint along, or you can order a complete kit from her, which will come with the outline to trace, the paints you need, and the paper to paint your creation. There’s even a monthly subscription, with four projects per month. I haven’t tried the lettering because I’m so bad at that I think it would be more stressful than relaxing, but I have watched a tutorial, and it looks like it could be fun if you like lettering.

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Living Story is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

*Author’s note: Any small earnings from Amazon affiliates are poured back into the maintenance of this site for your enjoyment! Other items in this gift list are not affiliate links.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash