Category: <span>thoughts by Marilyn Ehle</span>

Published February 3, 2010

Small Words, Large Meaning

by Marilyn Ehle

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your (God’s) ways may be known on earth…so that all the ends of the earth will fear him”. Psalm 67:1-2 & 7

How many Bible studies have I participated in where I have been challenged—or have challenged others—to glean the “big idea” for the verses under consideration? In the well-meant pursuit to discover the primary meaning, or perhaps to dig beneath the surface, it is easy to gloss over simple, small words intended to have tremendous impact.

In the psalm quoted above, the writer clearly calls to God for blessing. How often the Jews were in danger from their enemies or living in the sorrow of captivity. They were pleading for relief, even for victory in the midst of unbelievable odds. But somehow—perhaps looking back to the Abrahamic Covenant which stated that all peoples on earth will be blessed through you, or forward to the words of Christ, go into all the world—the writer sees that God’s gracious blessing has a purpose far beyond personal application.

When God pours his blessing into our lives, the purpose spills over to the world around us: so that God’s ways may be known on earth. Any other plea for blessing is far too small.

Father, thank you for the blessings you regularly pour into my life; help me creatively see each one expanding into the lives of those around me.

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published January 18, 2010

Do I Want a Broken Heart?

by Marilyn Ehle

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?  Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless”. James 2:14-17

I write these words two days after the catastrophic earthquake that devastated the country of Haiti. Every where I turn I see images of people walking through rubble with dazed, empty eyes, women holding their dead or dying babies, children huddled on the street with only rags covering them. I hear the “I-can’t-believe-what-I’m-seeing” voices of reporters experienced with the reality of war but never before seeing anything like this.

A disturbing thought creeps into my consciousness: why is all this only information to me? I make arrangements to send money; I listen to friends who are in the midst of the adoption process and now wonder if their “children” are even alive; I pray. But why is my heart not broken? Why am I not weeping?

Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, visited Korea in the 1950’s and saw the devastation of war. He was tormented by the vision of suffering and dying of Korean children. And he prayed, “Break my heart with what breaks the heart of God.”

I have heard that story; I have shared those words with others, but one glaring question faces me with neon-like brilliance: “Do I want my heart broken?” Perhaps you, like I, have had your heart broken at the death of a loved one. Perhaps you have suffered the disaster of divorce, or chronic pain from an illness for which there is no cure. We know what a broken heart feels like and we’re not sure we want another one.

In his book, The Hole In Our Gospel, Richard Sterns, the current president of World Vision, writes, “Bob knew that he could not love somebody else’s kids the way God did. No (one) can unless God breaks that individual’s heart. Only then can he or she—or we—care as God cares and love as He loves. That’s why we must pray constantly (emphasis mine) that God will soften our hearts so we see the world the way He sees it.”

The question remains: do I want a broken heart?

Father, I sit at the crossroad of faith and action. I want to serve you by serving others but a broken heart hurts so much. Help me.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published December 21, 2009

Alone for Christmas

by Marilyn Ehle

“The light shines in darkness…” John 1:5

It was her first Christmas away from the rest of the family. One brother was serving in another country in the military, another was married and living thousands of miles away, and we—her parents–were on another continent. What would Christmas morning be like for this single young woman living in a big city? How could joy possibly be there without her loved ones? Who would watch her open each carefully chosen gift?

An afternoon telephone call answered all our questions. She had chosen to have a leisurely breakfast before reading the story of Christ’s birth while sitting near lit candles and her small, decorated tree. Then she opened each gift and thought of those who cared deeply for her even though they were absent. Then it was time to bundle up in warm coat, hat, gloves and scarf and go for a long walk in the snowy city park near her apartment. Her day ended in a small downtown church with a diverse group of people meeting to celebrate the Savior’s birth.

Although it was her first Christmas alone, it would not be her last; she was learning that true celebration begins with a choice. Deciding what our attitude will be prior to the event is crucial. Emotions may swirl, but we have the ability to choose our reactions to the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who died for his faith, wrote the following Morning Prayer as he “celebrated” his first Christmas in prison. We would do well to make it our own.

O Heavenly Father,
I praise and thank you
For the peace of the night;
I praise and thank you for this new day;
I praise and thank you for all your goodness and
faithfulness throughout my life.
You have granted me many blessings;
Now let me also accept what is hard
from your hand.
You will lay on me no more
than I can bear.
You make all things work together for good
for your children ….

Thank you, Father, that Christmas is first and foremost a celebration of the heart. May mine be pure.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published November 25, 2009

Silence Is Golden

By Marilyn Ehle

“…abide in me…This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit…�  (John 15)

“I spent all this money on a mission trip and now you tell me to just ‘be’ with the people?  No sharing of the Gospel, no handing out Bibles, no giving my testimony?�

Such were the questions – some spoken, some uttered only in the frustrated minds – of a group of young adults who traveled halfway around the world to participate in a church-sponsored mission trip. How could one’s mere presence fulfill the goal of Christ’s commission to bring the good news of salvation to all who would hear?

While we are too frequently less than faithful in giving words to our faith, it is also true that we who live in the Western world easily slip into the trap of placing more value on our words than on our actions, or even on our “mere presence.�

Could this be why we also shy away from wordlessly sitting in the presence of God, listening for whatever whispered words he might choose to utter in solitude and silence? The worlds around us place high value on production, success, activity, and their accompanying sounds. If we are not attentive, how quickly we can be ensnared by that same value system.

During the closing days of the mission trip described above, the participants who had traveled so far to speak the Gospel were amazed to hear the comments of people who had been observing them: “We watched to see how you reacted when the power went off or the well went dry. We saw you praying as you stood under a tree. We felt your hugs. We want to know the God who made you this way.�

Jesus, it sounds so simple to just “abide,� to just rest in you, to block out the noise of the world and the clutter of my mind, but I confess that I often choose activity over solitude, sound over silence because in activity and sound there is some sense of my effort and worth. Help me be more aware of when you want my presence to be your instrument of grace in a dying world.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/11/25/me_golden/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published November 5, 2009

The Long Life of Words

by Marilyn Ehle

“The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.� John 14:10 (NLT)

When I heard this morning of the death of a female singer popular in the 1960’s, I could hear her singing as clearly as I did over 40 years ago. Without turning on the radio or inserting a disc, that distinctive voice rang in my ears.

Jesus challenged His listeners with these words, “You have heard it said…but I say to you…â€? In remembering a conversation they had with the risen Jesus, two of His followers said, “Were our hearts not burning within us while He talked with us on the road…?â€? Another friend wrote, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard…”

Words have a strange and wonderful power. As we submit daily to the leadership of Jesus Christ, as we continue in the practice of silence and solitude in order to more clearly hear God’s words and thus have our own words transformed, I believe the message that we speak and the life we live will take on new radiance.

I wonder what will be said of me when I die? Although I am definitely not a singer, I wonder if what I have said, the directions I have given —more importantly, the message of the life I have lived—will still be heard clearly. Will it be said of me, “When I heard of her death, I could still hear her voice�?

Father, thank you for the freedom we can experience as we daily walk in the light of your Word and your Holy Spirit. Thank you for your gentle nudging when my words have been my own and not yours. May my words—and my life—have eternal influence.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published October 25, 2009

God’s Power to Change

By Marilyn Ehle
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“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give…â€? Hebrews 4:15 (The Message)

Discouraged woman“He takes the reality of nightmares and makes them only memories.� That statement (author/source unknown) echoed in my head as I listened to Linda share the story of her experience and loss. Just short of celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary, her husband died in a mountain climbing accident. The event rocked Linda’s world and—for a brief time—even her faith. How could a loving God allow a much-loved father and husband, a man with faith visible in the business community die in the prime of his life?

In a strange, yet familiar, way, Linda chose to hold on to her breaking heart even though submitting to His will. She refused to let go of her grief, telling God it was the one thing she had left. It was hers.

Finally in the stillness of a retreat afternoon, she sobbed her grief and handed her broken heart to the only One whose heart broke in a similar way. Her Heavenly Father knew what it was like to lose a part of Himself. He knew what it was like to stand aside—apparently powerless—while evil seemed to reign. He alone could begin the mending process—but only with Linda’s permission.

Linda’s heart has been scarred by the very real nightmare of sudden death, but her memories have been cradled in the loving arms of her Father and healing continues to take place. She has entered into areas of service—both in her own country and around the world—that she never imagined. Her walk with God has taken on intimacy she never thought possible. Nightmares have been changed into blessed memories.

Precious Father, how often I hang on to my sadness or disappointment or grief instead of handing everything over to you. Teach me to more quickly give you everything.

What have you been holding on to? Why? What do you need to learn about God that will help you relinquish everything to Him?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published October 17, 2009

Settled and Scattered

by Marilyn Ehle
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“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.� Acts 1:8

Beach balcony chairsMost women find great comfort in what might be called “settledness�—all moving boxes quickly unpacked, pictures on the walls, furniture in place. For them, to contemplate the idea of uprooting family again is not only unpleasant, but fearful.

Other women—perhaps a minority?—can hardly wait to see what new people, events, houses lie around the next corner. When their job, or their husband’s, requires a move, they march ahead with enthusiasm and vigor.

Theologian John Calvin encouraged Christians to be both “trekkers and settlers.� He envisioned Christians moving with determination into population centers, commerce and education to influence all of society and then—as God instructed His people centuries earlier—“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens…marry and have sons and daughters…seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you…� (Jeremiah 29:5-7)

First century Christians were scattered because of persecution. The apostle Peter reminded them that even in the midst of that danger, they were chosen by God and that their faith would result in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.�

We experience a variety of seasons in our lives—sometimes we are called to be trekkers and other times we are settlers. Our call as Christians is to be always alert to the whispers of God and be ready to move—or stay. Wherever God places us, we can be confident that His Spirit will supply our needs so that we can be a blessing to those around us.

How grateful I am, Father that my grandparents dared to be trekkers as they risked so much to settle here in this country. Help me express that same willingness to be your person in whatever place you call me to—for Kingdom purposes so much greater than safety and security.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published September 18, 2009

Trees and Children

by Marilyn Ehle
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“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.�
Jeremiah 17:7-8

In our well-intended effort to protect our children from the effects of an increasingly secular and self-absorbed culture, I wonder if we are growing spindly saplings instead of sturdy oaks?

Children are naturally curious about anything they perceive as “forbidden fruit.� Have you ever watched a toddler who has been told “don’t touch�?? As soon as the parent’s head is turned, little fingers reach toward the hot oven door, wet paint or sharp knife.

How much better it would be to read together the questionable book, sit side by side during the dubious movie or television program, and then discuss the subject in light of our being called citizens of the Kingdom of God.

First-century Christ followers were not all adults. Children also lived under the reign of godless tyrants. They, too, were slandered for their faith. Entire families lived in caves. They were stripped of the support of extended family as they became “scattered exiles� (1 Peter 1:1).

It is wise to support seedlings fresh out of moist earth, but robust trees are formed when they learn to bear the hot sun, drenching rain and howling winds. Only then do the trees create seeds which abundantly reproduce.

Lord, you know how much I want to protect my children from all harm and evil. You understand how my heart breaks when they make poor choices. Teach me how and when to intervene so they will be strong enough to withstand all that life throws at them.

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published August 24, 2009

Not Quite Retired

by Marilyn Ehle
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“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…� Colossians 3:17

His entire career had been spent in the university classroom, not only lecturing in his chosen field but also encouraging students to always reach for higher goals. He loved the challenge of young minds as well as the personal intellectual and scientific growth, but the mandatory retirement age was looming. He couldn’t imagine filling each day with golf or fishing; he wondered what kind of stimulation lay ahead.

And then came the phone call from a young man he had known years earlier as a campus minister, a man he remembered who built life-changing relationships with students while leading them toward fuller understanding of life with Jesus Christ. Could they meet for coffee?

The scheduled hour flew by and turned into three. Would the professor consider a new career after the classroom: meeting regularly with faculty to share his personal faith in Christ and help those who expressed interest to walk into spiritual maturity. His heart quickened as he thought of the possibilities. He could be an influencer of the influencers. He would remain in academia albeit with a different perspective, an eternal perspective.

Today this professor remains in the hallowed halls he loved so much but he enthusiastically awakens each morning with the knowledge that in a very real sense, his career is just beginning.

Father, thank you for the wide roads of opportunity that lay ahead for each of your children. There truly are no closed doors for your Spirit, no end to a life of serving you.

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published August 20, 2009

Life Sentence or Death Sentence?

by Marilyn Ehle
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“Seek the Lord and live… “ Amos 5:6

Last evening I talked with a man who had just received a death sentence. Doctors recently announced that a person with his condition lives, “on average,� five years from the point of diagnosis. A vague verdict at best. Out of fifty people, ten may live five years. Science cannot accurately predict the life span of the other forty.

This man and his wife have already walked through some of life’s most turbulent waters, losing their only son. All their hopes and dreams died when the vibrant boy dropped dead of unknown causes while dribbling a basketball on their patio when he was only eight years old. And now this.

Did Henry just receive a death sentence? Most of us would see it that way, but in our conversation Henry continually used phrases like “I am so blessed,� “God is so good,� “I’m so excited about what God is doing.� This does not sound like a man living under the cloud of impending death.

Erwin McManus writes, “Is your goal how long you will live or that you will live?â€?* We were created for life, and death is an interruption originally brought about by sin. But even death has been redeemed by the work of Jesus Christ. Christians are familiar with the words, “O death, where is your sting?â€? and Eugene Peterson vividly captures that truth in this paraphrase: “Death swallowed by triumphant Life! 
Who got the last word, oh, Death?  Oh, Death, who’s afraid of you now?â€? (1 Corinthians 15:5)

Henry is choosing to transform a death sentence into a life sentence as he and his wife triumphantly walk with their ultimate Victor, seeking to live.

Father, thank you not only for life, but for the power you provide to live with triumph.

*Seizing Your Divine Moment

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https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/08/20/me_life-sentence/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published August 2, 2009

How to Find Friends

by Marilyn Ehle
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“A man who has friends must himself be friendly…�
“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…�
Proverbs 18:24 and Matthew 20:28 (NKJV)

“I’ve been in this church 14 years and I can’t find anyone to talk to on Sunday morning.�

When I heard those words from an intelligent, attractive, mature woman, I questioned their validity. Because the church is large, it provides myriad opportunities for involvement—everything from hiking to knitting groups, Bible studies to craft classes, mission trips to music.

How is it possible for an individual, over the course of many years, to not find a niche in a local church? An acquaintance employed by the foreign service of her country’s government and who moved every three to five years—usually to areas of the world far from friends and family—said there was a relatively simple way to emotionally survive in such a lifestyle: “Dig in immediately. Try new things. Invite strangers to your home. Find a place to serve. Don’t give up.�

Jesus is our example for entrance into a new culture whether it be a school, church, community or country. He moved out of his “comfort zone� of heaven. He developed relationships with people of diverse backgrounds. He unselfishly served. He went to parties and weddings, even daring to eat with sinners!

Followers of Jesus must be people with passionate purpose. While not everyone is an unreserved extrovert, we must not use our personalities as an excuse for lack of involvement. We dare not wait 14 years to find someone to talk with. We are called to intentionally serve, not be served.

Jesus, you are my friend but also my example of friendliness. Not a friend whose hand is weak and words glib, but one who intentionally reaches into my life. Help me be creative in doing the same for others.

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https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/08/02/me_friends/

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Published July 29, 2009

Opening Heavy Doors

by Marilyn J. Ehle
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“And the child grew and became strong in spirit…�  Luke 1:80

Her thick dark braid swung to one side as she struggled to open the heavy church door. I had offered to accompany her to this first night of a children’s program in a church we had just begun to attend, but she said she could do it alone. She was not a gregarious seven-year-old, preferring books to games, moments alone to group play. My heart sank as I watched her pull on what seemed to be a huge obstacle to an evening of enjoyment.

In the decades since that evening, I have watched this shy child evolve into a competent woman who has struggled with doors far heavier than massive ones made of wood. My heart ached as I watched her walk alone through airline security, leaving the refuge of home and family in Europe to begin university in California. Later she planned her own study program in France, away from the familiar halls of that university. After graduation she would move alone to New York City to attend graduate school. She floundered and almost sank when an important relationship was cruelly severed. She navigated the waters of choosing a career, buying a home and building a life as a single woman.

Perhaps struggling with wooden doors as a little girl was a first step in what would become a lifetime of far more challenging decisions as a daughter, friend, aunt, teacher and counselor. We dare not open doors for our children they can open for themselves.

So often our natural response is to make life easier for our children, forgetting that it is by opening increasingly heavy doors that they will ultimately succeed. Teach us, Lord, when and how to help.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
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Published July 25, 2009

Our Now and His Then

by Marilyn Ehle
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“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is�
1 John 3:2

Have you ever let your imagination run wild while watching children? The five-year-old twirling to music only she can hear becomes a ballerina at Lincoln Center. The twelve-year-old fearlessly swooping on his skateboard is transformed into a competent, confident jet pilot. The eight-year-old girl pushing up wire-rimmed glasses on her small nose as she pores over a book turns out to be a renowned author or professor.

It is this kind of imagination—but with the holy touch of transformation—that God has for His children. While He sees and loves us as we realistically are, He also sees what we can become through our submission to and cooperation with His plan.

While thousands have heard the name D. L. Moody and millions more have been affected by his life and ministry, words by a relatively obscure minister named Henry Varley deeply penetrated Moody’s life and sparked holy imagination within. In describing a conversation with this man, Mr. Moody recounted:

“Ah…those were the words sent to my soul, through you, from the Living God. As I crossed the wide Atlantic, the boards of the deck of the vessel were engraved with them, and when I reached Chicago, the very paving stones seemed marked with ‘Moody, the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to him.’�

Let us spend time imagining what wonderful things God might have in mind, and then make ourselves available as conduits for His will.

Father, my perspective is so earth bound.
Teach me to see both others and myself with a wild and holy imagination.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/07/25/me_his-then/

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Your Dream Homedream cottage autumn
Published June 1, 2009

Your Dream Home

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”
Matthew 6:21

“Set your hearts on things above” Colossians 3:2

Jan and I sat in the cafe musing about what our dream homes would look like and where they would be. We were currently living in a country not of our birth, in houses certainly more than adequate but not truly of our own choosing. We led busy lives and on this particular day were probably more than little weary.

Jana whose not adept at or fond of cooking described her future kitchen: “About the size of a closet with only an efficient microwave and very small refrigerator.” We agreed that our preferred site would be on the eastern United States sea-coast in a weather beaten cottage with a white fence around the yard.

Many years have gone by. Jan lives in a quaint, small home but it is on the outskirts of a major metropolitan area. My life is lived in a condominium in a suburban setting thousands of miles from the sea.

Have our dreams gone unfulfilled? Were our musings wasted time? Both Jan and I have moved into lives that have many challenges but are overall satisfying. (She still doesn’t cook much but owns a full-sized kitchen!) Our longings for the sea are partially indulged by an occasional holiday visit.

It is not wrong to keep a notebook of fabric swatches for the furniture of our dreams. House plans, garden layouts, paint chips of favorite colors are good memory joggers. But when dreams of the future supplant following hard after God’s plans for today, we can easily be diverted from His best for us.

Father, it is so easy to lose my focus on your grand plans. Keep me ever vigilant to hear your heart, then my own desires will fit perfectly into your own.

by Marilyn Ehle

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Published May 21, 2009

Walls

by Marilyn Ehle
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“For Christ himself has made peace between us and you by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us.� 
Ephesians 2:14 (Living Bible)

It looms above the lush greenery of the surrounding countryside. Visitors from around the world climb its thousands of timeworn steps. First built over 2,000 years ago, the original purpose of the Great Wall of China was to defend against invading tribes from the north. Today it is a mere rocky symbol of an imperial past.

Another wall, one of more recent memory, remains physically visible only in the small chunks preserved on corner shelves of those for whom it has special meaning or in larger pieces safely ensconced in museums. The Berlin Walls’ foundation has been covered over by modern buildings, brick sidewalks or green lawns. Its original purpose was to restrict access of a beleaguered people from seeing and escaping to a free world.

Walls of brick and stone are doomed to eventually crumble, either from the ravages of time or the unstoppable urge for freedom. But emotional walls between individuals and groups are far more damaging and enduring. Walls of remembered hurts, abuse, prejudice all loom and divide. Where walls exist, conversation is shallow or stilted, indeed is often non-existent. Fear replaces vulnerability. Hearts turn as stony as the rocks in the walls of China and Berlin.

Only one force is strong enough to collapse these dividing walls. Only when we submit our wills to Jesus Christ, the One who died to purchase our freedom, can we begin to live without the walls we believe so necessary for protection.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/05/21/me_walls/

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