thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Archives - Page 3 of 20

Published June 1, 2023

Anointed but Waiting

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27

Followers of Christianity, Islam and Judaism all honor the man known in the annals of religious history as King David. He was a simple shepherd; a very unlikely candidate to become a king. Jesse, father of a large family, is asked to introduce his sons so the prophet Samuel can examine them. In that culture, the oldest son would be the first obvious choice but he is passed over, and the rest of the boys—quite fit for military service and thus for leadership—subsequently pass before Samuel. After this parade of the non-chosen, the last of the litter is summoned. Here’s the way Eugene Peterson paraphrases the conversation in The Message: Then he (Samuel) asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?” “Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.” And this seemingly unqualified young man is chosen by God through the anointing hand of Samuel.

So begins the saga of King David, chosen somewhere between the ages of fifteen and twenty. Imagine the thoughts whirling in David’s head after that momentous occasion. Was there ridicule from neighbors and family: “Yeah, right…you’re the new king?” As he bedded down in the green pastures with his sheep, did he think about his older brothers out on the battlefield while he was offering nothing to the ongoing war effort? Even when he obediently carried food to his brothers, he was mocked by the oldest brother: “Why are you here? Who’s with the sheep? You’re just a conceited know-it-all who wants to be the center of attention.”

It would be another fifteen years before the anointed king would take his rightful place as leader, years filled with bloody war, hiding in caves, disappointment and—perhaps the hardest of all—waiting. David’s poetic words ring with truth: Where would I be if I did not believe I would experience the Lord’s favor in the land of the living? Wait on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Wait on the Lord! (Psalm 27)

Have you felt God’s call on your life to do some specific thing but that call—or at least its specifics—have not been realized? Have you prepared for something that you believe God wants you to do but the opportunity to serve has not yet happened? One of the most difficult things God asks of us is to wait. We want to jump at the chance, dive into the task, begin the process and God’s Spirit whispers, “Wait.”

Help me, Lord, to trust you enough to wait. And to be aware whether your Spirit is whispering, “Go, stay or wait.”

Was there a time in your life when God asked you to wait? Describe the process. How did you grow spiritually? What were some of the specific difficulties? And rewards?

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Seeing Like Jesus

Jesus saw two brothers…Jesus saw the crowds…Jesus saw their faith…Jesus saw the woman…

When I worked in a downtown church office, it was only a two-block walk to favorite cafés and restaurants. At twelve noon I locked my office door, leaving the constant call of people and their needs temporarily behind.

However, between my office and the tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed coffee and a sandwich on homemade bread with tantalizing ingredients, I passed the large city park. Its tall trees and green lawn invited me to a picnic table, but the lawn was usually filled with lounging high school students, most with tattooed arms and spiked hair. Behind the trees often lurked those same students—or unkempt and smelly street people—exchanging a joint or other illegal substance.

Intent on the one hour dedicated to me and my satisfaction, it was easy to avoid the park and its people. Keeping my eyes on the sidewalk before me or the coffee shop ahead, I could almost dream them away.

But no amount of avoidance or dreaming removed the reality. In the next day’s newspaper I would read of a teenager who overdosed. Or a street person’s body found down by the river.

Even Christians with dedicated “world vision” grow weary of the world’s needs. We quickly turn the magazine pages so as not to gaze too long on the sad face of yet another child with a cleft lip. When one more appeal envelope arrives in the mailbox, we’re tempted to toss it, unread, into the recycling bin.

Over sixty times in the New Testament we read the words “Jesus saw.” Most often these words refer not only to physical sight, but a perceiving with the mind or understanding. This is illustrated most vividly in these words: When Jesus…saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them…

Those of us who wear glasses regularly visit the optometrist for checkups. Frequently we need a new prescription in order to see more clearly. Perhaps we should all more regularly ask God if our spiritual vision is healthy. It is very likely we need the lenses of our hearts cleaned in order to see as Jesus saw. And then act with compassion as He did.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Turning Toward the Son

“The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places… you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 55:11

The spindly, pale green plant drooped more each day as it struggled to survive in the shadow of stronger, taller greenery in the same large pot. Finally, assuming that I couldn’t inflict more damage than what was apparent, I gently tugged it out of its spot, brushed off the dry roots, re-potted it in an old chipped coffee mug and placed it on a windowsill to catch morning light.

Did the drooping plant seem straighter in just a few days? Were pale leaves slowly turning a rich, deep green? Was it just my imagination that this small cutting reached toward the sun when I turned the pot?

Just like the weak plant, we too struggle when we live in the shadows. Sometimes we wither when in the presence of strong, multi-talented, energetic Christians, considering ourselves so little and so less in comparison. Sometimes unwise decisions, unconfessed sin, poor choices, or relationships that damage our view of God and of ourselves block out the sun—the Son. We have forgotten that He is the Light that gives life. He is the Living Water that soaks into drought-stricken souls.

Just as I regularly turn that old coffee mug with its small sprout toward the sun, so we must regularly and intentionally turn to the Son. Bask in his love, drink of his love, accept his love. Feed regularly on the nutrients from his Word, the Bible. Remember that he says,

“I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love and more love!” Jeremiah 31:3 (The Message)

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Sacred Saturday

“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.” Luke 23:56

Only Luke, a New Testament author known to include minute details, offers a glimpse into life on the day after Jesus’ crucifixion and the day before His resurrection. I have often thought that the weather on the Saturday before Easter should always be gray and gloomy, atmospheric conditions matching what must have been the emotions of Jesus’ friends and family. In addition to grief, they obviously were bewildered because Luke also records a conversation two had as they walked away from Jerusalem, away from the scene of broken hearts: “…we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel…”

I, too, have known the heavy weight of grief, a weight that causes the body to slump into mindless sleep only to awaken in the dark hours, in those first moments, denying the reality of death, then almost immediately becoming aware of all that has happened. But I also have discovered the comfort of “obedience to the commandment”… By faith in the One who loves me, I laid my anxiety at His feet, I thanked Him for His sovereignty and presence, I prayed for myself and the weeping others, and then…

“The peace of God, which transcends all understanding…”

put a guard on my heart and mind so that I could go about the dailyness of life. The women prepared spices and perfumes; I prepared meals and made beds. In a few short hours those women would experience the joy of the resurrection. One day I, too, will fully experience that joy.

It’s not always easy to go about the daily rituals when the heart is heavy, Lord, but I thank you for the balm those rituals bring to sorrowing souls. Thank you for being a God of the daily. I love you.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

We’re Adopted

“Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5 (The Message)

When he arrived in his new home in North America, he weighed far less than the average two-year-old.

Nutritional lack had not only affected his weight, but from head to toe his skin was covered with scabs and lesions.

His undeveloped core muscles caused frequent falls, even from a sitting position. Like some adopted children without well-developed social habits, he allowed his more active older sister to take the often aggressive lead in physical play.

But with wise parenting and skilled medical and psychological care, a mere four months later this little boy had clear skin and a full head of shining black hair.

He ran and played with only the occasional tumble, was learning basic sign language as well as English, and devouring every morsel put on his plate. While he may have scars from his sad past, daily he is learning to be a participant in his new future.

This process is similar to what happens to a person who is adopted into God’s family.

Influences, people, events, even abuse from the past leave scars. But God stands ready to provide all that is necessary to transform us into “new creatures.” We grow healthy by consistently feeding on God’s Word, the Bible. We even learn a new language:

“with singing lips my mouth will praise you” (Psalm 63:5).

The Christian community encourages and often provides both physical and spiritual assistance that we cannot yet provide for ourselves. The Holy Spirit strengthens us so we can

“run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).

Parents are often amused when people discover that their children have been adopted: “But he looks just like his father!” Such is the situation for those of us adopted into the family of God. As time goes on, we adopted children (for such are we all) begin to take on the characteristics of our

Heavenly Father. And we can hardly wait for new brothers and sisters! My heart is full, precious Father. You have loved me so much that you have adopted me into your family before I even realized your love. Thank you.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Life in the Furnace

“.. in quietness and trust shall be your strength …the Lord longs to be gracious to you.. Blessed are all who wait for Him.” Isaiah 30:15, 18

We all want strength to face both the small and greater issues facing us daily.

Whether it is stretching diminishing resources, dealing with the newly independent two-year-old, facing (and loving!) a tempestuous teenager or ironing out relational difficulties in the workplace, we find ourselves in need of physical, emotional and spiritual strength. The problem is that we too often look for the strength in places that simply do not have the sufficiency to supply.

Four young men were taken captive by a powerful enemy king. They resolved to remain faithful to their God in spite of living in a culture totally foreign to their deepest beliefs. The king saw their commitment as defiance and a danger to his authority so he ordered they be ‘bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.’

As we read with imagination about the testing of Daniel and his friends in the blazing furnace, we shudder to think of the searing heat and licking flames. We read nothing of resistance or screams, only the absolute amazement of the king when he sees them ‘unbound and unharmed’. He shouts for them to come out and ultimately acknowledges that the God of these young men has power far beyond anything he imagined.

Isaiah the prophet reminds us that strength is found in quietness and trust. In his book The Way of the Heart, Henri Nouwen writes,

‘Solitude is the furnace of transformation.’

Daniel and his friends walked in quietness and trust long before they faced the furnace. No doubt they experienced solitude when taken far from their own family and culture and from that solitude learned to trust in the one true God.

While no one wants a furnace experience, we would do well to prepare daily ‘in solitude’ for whatever challenges may lie ahead.

Father, for many reasons it is easier to be busy than to be quiet. Help me learn to be quiet with you. Feed my soul in solitude and waiting so I can be blessed and be a blessing.

What ‘furnaces experiences‘ have you had?

How did you find strength within them? How does solitude prepare you for daily life?

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

What Will I Be Remembered For?

“Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:13

In just a few short hours Jesus will agonize in the Garden and go to the Cross. But for now He is in Bethany with His friends where at dinner a woman approaches with an extravagantly expensive gift of perfume which she pours on His feet. The disciples are displeased at this seeming waste of money but Jesus quietly dismisses their reaction, graciously accepting her humble, sacrificial act as evidence of deep faith and love.

We immediately read that Judas’ “as keeper of the common purse” has had enough of Jesus’ apparent disregard for what Judas perceives to be the real needs of the people. He goes to the chief priests, offering to betray the Savior for thirty silver coins.

Two people – Both remembered. One, for faith without seeing, the other for seeing without faith. What will I be remembered for?

Thank you, Father, for loving me and for Your grace which accepts my too-small sacrifices, transforming them into offerings which glorify You. May I each day humbly offer myself to You so that the world will see Christ in me and long to know Him.

by Marilyn Ehle
used by Permission

The Pause that Refreshes

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12

Over 60 years ago, a leading soft drink company coined the phrase “the pause that refreshes.” Whenever those words were said or sung, people’s minds immediately turned to the product as an example of how to take time out, how to slow down and enjoy the moment.

In describing the religious life of one of his characters, author Charles O’Brien writes, “During the day, Mrs. G. takes short pauses, becomes very still, as if asking God for direction, or sharing a problem with Him.” Truly a pause that refreshed.

In our modern world “far busier than the world of more than a half century ago” we need such pauses. Time to stop the whirlwind of activity, to center our minds on the only one who truly gives new life. Time also to give us insight and wisdom for the choices that lie before us.

One dictionary defines refresh this way: to restore to a certain condition by providing a fresh supply of something. King David had grieved a loving God with the horrible sins of adultery and murder; he deliberately stepped outside the joy that God wants to gladly give his children. David not only admits his guilt but pleads with God to again fill him with the joy he once knew.

If David had only paused before any one of the actions that led to sin, if he had only asked God to resupply what he formerly experienced, or asked God for direction, how different his story might have been.

Father, it is so easy to keep active, to somehow believe that activity equals relationships with you. Forgive us for ignoring your call to refreshment. In Jesus name, amen.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

The Mystery of Christmas

“I believe! Help me with my doubts.” Mark 9:24 (The Message)

A good mystery writer leaves the reader panting for more. Works of Dostoevsky, Christie, Sayers, Eco and others fly off library and bookstores shelves faster than they can be replaced. These writers have learned how to introduce and develop characters, plots, circumstances that draw us into worlds far different from our own. We enjoy imagining how we would act or react in similar situations.

The story of Christmas is one of three mysteries of the Christian faith that troubles many. The person and work of the Holy Spirit confounds our understanding. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is another. And it all seems to begin with the “beyond reason” circumstances that started nine months before the events of a starry night in Bethlehem.

Author Madeleine L’Engle writes that “Had Mary been filled with reason there’d have been no room for the child.”* God—being a God who created us as body, soul, mind and spirit—takes the risky step of asking us to trust Him in the midst of mystery. We cannot call upon facts of history to explain the conception of Jesus. Imagination often expressed in poetry may take us to the edge of understanding but leaves us still wondering.

The mystery of Christmas requires something we rational humans find most difficult: faith. Not some brain-numbing step into an abyss, but rather that which is described in the New Testament: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). This faith is based not on manufactured fact, but rather on active belief in the God who created, loves, sustains and desires intimate relationship with His children.

This God knows that as confusing as mysteries can be, there is a part deep within us that only be touched by the mystery of God Himself. And so, without knowing each detail of all God’s stories, I read on…panting for more.

Thank you, Father, for being greater than my mind yet for the way you stir my imagination as I choose to trust you.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

*A Cry Like a Bell

The Unchained Word

“God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9

Albania, once the most restrictive of East Bloc countries, heavily wrapped in the chains of Communism, today is the site of a growing Christian Church. In 1949, many people believed China would be forever closed to the freeing gospel of Christ, but Li Baiguang, a prominent Christian and legal scholar in Beijing recently said, “In 20 to 30 years China will have several hundred million believers.”

Although the ministry of the Apostle Paul seemed to be over “he was imprisoned by the Emperor Nero, chained like a criminal” he could say with complete assurance that “God’s word is not chained.” Another writer of scripture describes the word of God as alive, active, sharp and penetrating.

As we simply believe and confidently speak the “word and words” of God, we can be sure that he will bless and bring results: “The word that goes forth -will not return empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word cannot be chained!

May the knowledge that Your word is alive and eternal and will bring forth the results You have in mind, give me courage to faithfully share that word. Thank you for having purposes far greater than I could ever imagine.

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Be Still

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Sleep had been fitful and finally non-existent so at 4:30 a.m., I got out of bed, showered and put on the coffee. Caffeine finally energized me enough to begin the day’s activities but there was still a weight in the pit of my stomach. Late the previous evening we received word of a huge financial loss and our future was murky to say the least. This wasn’t just a matter of belt-tightening but a much more dire situation.

I made my way to the corner where God and I meet each morning and turned to see which psalm was indicated in my well-worn weekly devotional guide. I read the familiar opening verse of Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” I smiled as I thought of God’s perfect timing. He knew what words I would need and when I would need them.

But words farther down struck with even greater force: “Be still and know that I am God.” (The Hebrew language has the meaning of)“relax”. The writer goes on to give the reason why I can choose to be still in the midst of turmoil: Be still! The Lord Almighty is with us.

The situation hasn’t changed but as I consistently refuse to worry and thank God for the One who is my refuge and strength, I am acknowledging that the Lord Almighty knows, understands and stands ready to help.

In the middle of turmoil, Lord, it’s so easy to forget that you not only love me but stand ready to prop up my faltering faith. Help me believe even when I cannot see.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

A New Default Setting

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have minds set on what the Spirit desires … You are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” Romans 8

Even as I depend on my computer for the activities of daily life, I am also frequently frustrated when my assumptions about what it can or will do prove to be in error. Why do margins or indentations change? How can information I thought I had inserted into a document suddenly alter? In their effort to explain this phenomenon, technology experts toss around the phrase “default setting” as though they think I understand! “The computer (or all new works of technology) is just returning to its default setting,” they say with feigned patience.

So what do these terms mean? A basic definition goes something like this: Default settings are controls of a computer or software as preset by its manufacturer. Some types of default settings may be altered or customized by the user.

A spiritual application comes to mind.

When God created us, he declared us good! His perfect default setting.

But then man and woman changed that setting by choosing to set themselves in opposition to God … they sinned. Ever since that point in time, a new “setting” has been a part of our nature: “All have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and “sin enter the world through one man, and death through sin … because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

But God in His infinite wisdom and love chooses to make possible a new default setting: Christ comes to not just change a few incidentals in our lives, but to make us new creations. He installs totally new controls – the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Too often I think and act as though I must live according to those old settings, forgetting that because of the redeeming death and resurrection of Christ, and through the power of God’s Spirit I can walk as a new person.

We are not machines but children of God who loves us unreservedly and gives us all we need to walk in newness of life with Him.

Question: How can keeping the analogy of the “default setting” help us to direct our daily actions?

by Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Will God Be There?

“The Lord…sent them…ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go.” Luke 10:1

Three friends, newly retired from teaching, had taken the long-dreamed-of plunge: they volunteered for an educational project to a part of the world they had only read about in National Geographic magazine. But one glance at the globe was enough to unleash a trainload of questions. Is the water pure? Is in-country travel safe? What if we get sick? Are the people friendly? What is the political situation? While some of their questions could be factually answered, others fell into that grey area best described by the qualifiers “maybe, usually, yes, but.”

Whether it be a mission trip or a new job, child-raising or a geographic move, the Christian must ultimately rest on the promise, “where God leads, God provides.” Although Jesus gave quite explicit advice to “mission trip participants” he once sent on a daring adventure, the most reassuring words describing that experience remain, “The Lord…sent them…ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go.”

As we follow God’s call into frequently dim corners of life, we can be sure that Jesus is intimately involved. Sometimes he goes ahead, sometimes he walks alongside and sometimes his plan is to follow in our footsteps. But he’s always there.

Father, because I can’t see your physical presence, I sometimes doubt your actual presence. Thank you for the promise that you will never leave me nor forsake me.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

The Never Leaving God

‘I will never leave you nor forsake you…’ Hebrews 13:5

“Come on, Johnny. It’s time to go. Johnny, if you don’t come right now, I’m leaving you… OK, Johnny, here I go. Goodbye…” The harried mother walks away, not really intending to leave her child, but hoping her threat will lure Johnny away from the tempting candy or toys.

Do you ever imagine God making such threats? “If you can’t pay attention when you’re praying, I’ll stop listening.” Or “If you don’t witness, I won’t love you.” It is unimaginable that a mother would leave her toddler child in a busy store without her protection, but how much more irrational is it that he who gave his own Son will not also stay at our side through all the ups and downs of our relationship with him.

Conditioned by fickle human relationships, we’re tempted to believe that God is just the same, waiting for us to prove our love for him, or make ourselves good enough to be accepted into his arms. But his promises are as sure as his nature: always good, always loving, always just, always merciful. Never, ever will he leave you or forsake you. You can count on it!

By Marilyn Ehle
Used by Permission

Tension Adjustment Needed

“Are you tired? Worn out?… Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” Matthew 11:28

It had been a frustrating morning. I had set up the ironing board, cut the fabric to exact size, and placed thread in the sewing machine. A simple sewing project which from start to finish should have taken two hours or less hadn’t even begun. Years of sewing experienced dictated that I should first sew a line of stitching on a fabric scrap. And that’s where the problem began – or at least where the problem was detected. While the stitching looked good on the top side, underneath was a tangle of loops. A quick pull on one of those loops unraveled the entire seam.

In an attempt to solve the problem, I re-adjusted the dials, changed the needle and re-read the instruction book. Finally, with grim face and clenched teeth, I packed up the machine and carted it off to the repairman who quickly determined what I suspected: the machine tension needed professional adjustment. Just turning the dials wasn’t enough; work needed to be done deep within the machine.

We often need spiritual tension adjustments by a “professional”. The burdens of work, family, unforeseen crises, unmet expectations combine to produce tangled loops of frustration in our lives. While there are certain things we can do to make life run more smoothly, we must frequently take ourselves obediently and humbly to the one who said, “Come to me, ¦I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

Tension in life is not only inevitable, but useful. Healthy tension can motivate us to attempt higher goals. But when tangled loops appear, it’s time to seek advice from the Master.

Lord, my problem really isn’t tension. It’s knowing how to deal with tension. Help me recognize when I’m using my human methods instead of turning to you. And thank you for the true rest you provide.

By Marilyn Ehle
Used By Permission

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

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27

Further Reading

Jesus saw two brothers…Jesus saw the crowds…Jesus saw their faith…Jesus saw the woman…

FURTHER READING

“The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places… you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 55:11

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:5 (The Message)

Further Reading

We all want strength to face both the small and greater issues facing us daily.

‘Solitude is the furnace of transformation.’

What ‘furnaces experiences‘ have you had?

Further Reading

Further Reading

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12

Further Reading

“I believe! Help me with my doubts.” Mark 9:24 (The Message)

Further Reading

“God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9

Further Reading

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Further Reading

When God created us, he declared us good! His perfect default setting.

Further Reading

“The Lord…sent them…ahead of him to every town and place where he was to go.” Luke 10:1

Further Reading

‘I will never leave you nor forsake you…’ Hebrews 13:5

Further Reading

Further Reading