All through the instrumental introduction, I was praying. We’d had a busy day – a busy week, a busy month – and many people were on my heart. Their needs and their joys played through my mind as the musicians on stage wordlessly proclaimed Christ’s glory.

Then it was our turn to join in.

As we stood to sing in the pew and the lights rose over the choir belting out a medley of carols, I searched the rows for any familiar face. But my mind was full of faces, and it occurred to me: all of us who know Christ have signed up to be part of the eternal Christmas Choir.

All of us who know Christ have signed up to be part of the eternal Christmas Choir!
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Someday, I’m going to stand next to my dear mentor and we’ll sing together about the worthiness of our Savior.

Someday, my struggling friend and I will lift our voices in praise to the Lord who has made all things right.

Someday, I hope, our neighbors and the kids in Sunday School and the people whose salvation I pray for regularly will be there with me magnifying the God who I see working now to draw them to Himself.

Someday, you and I will meet in a world without end and will harmonize “holy, holy, holy” before the throne of God!

On that day, we won’t be self-conscious about our voices. We won’t fuss about who we’re directly beside and who we’re not. We won’t worry about falling out of sync or missing a line or if we’ve got our part in the harmony right.

We’ll be in perfect unity, and there will be no “resounding gongs or clanging cymbals” because we’ll be singing love having been made perfect by Love Himself (1 Corinthians 13:1).

I can’t wait.

This Christmas…

>> I’m grateful Jesus came and made a way for us to praise Him right in the presence of God.

>> I’m grateful Jesus is with us – all of us in the body of Christ- enabling us to praise God together despite our failings and fallout.

>>And I’m grateful that Jesus is coming again, and we’ll praise Him perfectly, in harmony, then. If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we already signed up for the choir!

And to all of you who I’ve had the joy and privilege of interacting with at #RechargeWednesday, I can’t wait to sing with you on that day! I’m stepping back from hosting the linkup once a month as God is calling me to serve more in other ministries, so I’ll miss praising Him together with you as regularly here. But I’ll still be around, and be thanking Him for you!

Did you know you signed up to join a Christmas Choir? Join my friend @BethanyMcIlrath as we pause to celebrate Christ together. Share your blog! #rechargewednesday #Grateful @bethanymcilrath
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The post The Christmas Choir You Already Signed Up For appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

‘Tis the season for writing out wishlists, filling the calendar, and stuffing our stomachs! Our to-do lists our longer than usual. At this time of year, we tend to spend more time thinking about we need, want, or plan on than usual.

Sometimes it’s refreshing and helpful to remember what we already have.

What We Have as God’s Children

• The Spirit

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” –Romans 8:6

• God’s Own Word

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” –2 Timothy 3:16

• The Riches of Christ

“Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ.” –Ephesians 3:8

• A Place in God’s Kingdom

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” –James 2:5

• Faith, Grace, Hope, and a Testimony

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” –Romans 5:2

Ideas for Thinking on God’s Good, Perfect Gifts

• A few years ago I heard someone on the radio say that when they found themselves dwelling on lists of hurts or worries, they tried to switch and think on a list of blessings from God.
• Memorize Scripture! God gives His Word to us as a good gift and we can never spend too much time learning from Him through it.
• Focus on someone you love- thank God for them, pray for them, consider what a blessing they are to you.
• Recall your testimony. Remember how God has saved you. Praise Him for answered prayers and times when He has especially apparently worked in your life.
• Look up one of the names or character traits of God and consider the glory, matchless implications of God being who God is.

What else would you add? Any tips for re-orienting your mind to think on what you already have in Christ?

{A version of this post was previously published here}

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Let's pause to think on what we already have. Join my friend @BethanyMcIlrath as we take a moment to praise God in a busy season. Share your blog! #rechargewednesday #Grateful @bethanymcilrath
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The post Thinking on What We Already Have {Recharge Wednesday} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Stepping into the airplane, I noticed a sign that made me laugh. 

The content wasn’t humorous. It wasn’t the design that cracked me up. There wasn’t really anything funny about the sign itself…

But it was stuck with packaging tape…on to the side of a jet plane.

Jet planes travel around 600-900 miles per hour. They tend to reach a 35,000 foot altitude.

That thin sheet of paper and its plain old packaging tape were in for a ride.

When we hit turbulence, my amusement at the simple adherent peaked. I wondered if, exiting the plane, I’d see tattered remains.

Guess what?

Plane, people, paper, and tape all made it.

I can’t get tape to hold a picture on the wall when it’s humid!

Somehow, that packaging tape had enough stickiness to hang on tight. I want a faith so stuck on Jesus.

Abiding faithfully in Christ is something we ought to long for as believers. @bethanymcilrath
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We’re called to start in the faith:

“Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” –Romans 5:2

Then continue in the faith:

“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” –Galatians 2:20

And finally, to finish in the faith:

“Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” –Galatians 3:3

Clinging to Christ is a lifelong, moment-by-moment persistence- and it is by faith (from first to last!)

May we be counted as tenacious as that tape on the side of an airplane.

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed–a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” –Romans 1:17

{This post is an updated version of one previously published here}

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A call to cling to Christ! Join my friend @BethanyMcIlrath to reflect on how faith is meant to last. Share your blog! #blog #faith
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Looking at others around me, I find it easy to assume they’re God-glorifying because of what great people they are. Sometimes I want to ask, “what’s your secret?” I don’t feel like I’m good at glorifying God.

I mean to praise the Lord, but I end up assessing what could be better instead.

I wish I spoke to God’s glory all the time, but often I say things that just don’t need to be said.

The list goes on. And on.

When it comes down to it, I want to share God’s glory. But I fail, a lot.

There is good news for me, though (and the people God’s placed in my life.) God’s glory doesn’t depend on my delivery, my evidence, or my performance.

God’s glory doesn’t depend on my delivery, my evidence, or my performance. @BethanyMcIlrath
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I’m not lacking any special secret power needed to share about Jesus. And neither are you.

Paul shared the secret long ago.

“This is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” –Colossians 1:27

Here’s what Christ living in you means for sharing His glory:

• “You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you.” –Romans 8:9
• “The Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” –2 Corinthians 3:18
• “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22-23
• “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” –1 Corinthians 12:6

More than any tactic, personality, or specific testimony, what we need to share God’s glory is God living in us.

The Secret to Glorifying God: More than any tactic, personality, or specific testimony, what we need to share God's glory is God living in us. @bethanymcilrath
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If we belong to Him through faith in Christ, then God says: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” –Romans 8:16

The pressure’s off. God’s got His glory covered.

My prayer is that we’ll make the assurance of sharing His glory the worst-kept secret ever.

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Do you struggle to glorify God? Join my friend @BethanyMcIlrath to remember the not-so-secret secret. Share your blog! #blog #faith
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{A Version of This Post Was Previously Published Here}

The post The Secret to Glorifying God {Recharge Wednesday} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

As a new mom, a friend of mine regularly reported sleeplessness. Sipping hot drinks while her infant alternated between fussing and sleeping, she told me how it had occurred to her one late, loud night that her baby was doing his job:

He was growing.

The sweet little guy didn’t understand what was happening as his adorable cheeks filled out and squirming legs got longer. He didn’t have any way to communicate his needs or frustrations except for fussing.

Listening to her gentle wisdom and his soft murmurs as he settled into her arms, it struck me that my growing is often done with kicking and tears too.

Growth is uncomfortable. Change, though we long for it, is jarring while it happens.

Growth is uncomfortable. Change, though we long for it, is jarring while it happens. But with God, we get grow in grace.
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As God’s own children, though, we are invited to:

“Grow in grace.”  –2 Peter 3:18

It’s striking that this is God’s invitation.

More often, we presume He’d like us to:

• Grow in guilt.
• Grow in obligation.
• Grow in fame.
• Grow in perfection.
• Grow in contentment.

We tend to act as if God doesn’t know it takes some adjusting to walk on longer legs. As if He isn’t aware it takes some time to get used to new routines when we lose a loved one, move, or say “yes” to a different opportunity to serve Him.

To us, grace is reserved for the “no”s of life, not the “yes”s.

• Fail in grace.
• Resign in grace.
• Settle in grace.
• Pretend in grace.
• Backpeddle in grace.

But again, we face the wonderful truth.

God says:

“Grow in grace.”  –2 Peter 3:18

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Need encouragement in your faith growing pains today? Join @BethanyMcIlrath in considering God's call to grow in grace. Share your blog! #blog #faith via @PatHolbrook
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Sometimes when we beg the Lord for confirmation or a sign, what we’re really saying is that:

• We don’t want to walk by faith- we want to walk by sight.
• We don’t find His direction in Scripture enough.
• We don’t take Him at His Word that He’ll always be with us.

God’s leading often asks us to ‘go’ without us knowing the where. Or to follow with hope instead of with certainty.

God’s leading often asks us to 'go' without us knowing the where. Or to follow with hope instead of with certainty. @BethanyMcIlrath
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His confirmation often comes after our faith has grown.

“God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’” –Exodus 3:12 

Just think…

Moses was standing in front of a burning bush, hearing the voice of God. He wasn’t entirely sure this was God. He had good reason to think that the people he was being sent to wouldn’t believe him. God was sending him back to a land he fled from because he was going to be killed there.

Moses would be returning to slavery to speak to oppressed, worn people who his relationship with was complicated at best. He was to tell all these people that God Himself had sent him, that generations of oppression were about to end with no warning, and that they were going to leave the mud pits triumphant and enter a glorious promised land they would call their own.

God was asking him to follow by faith, not by sight.

The sign? The confirmation?

It was going to come after all the crazy stuff. “When” Moses had obeyed, “when” the people were already freed, and “when” what seemed impossible was accomplished…that was “when” Moses would have it confirmed that it was indeed God who sent him in the first place!

Would Moses have even doubted by then?

God would be with Him. There would come a day after walking through very treacherous times by faith that Moses would return to the mountain where God first spoke to Him.

And THEN Moses would know what He needed to know most…

God was the One who sent Him. God, who said He would be with him, would have been beside Him all that time.

So it goes for us.

We walk by faith. We obey what His Word already says, even when we want more explanations and directions. We believe God that He is with us.

We trust that someday, we’ll turn around and recognize what is then behind us is one big, brilliant sign: God sent us, and He has been with us all the time.

Let’s walk by faith as Moses did, for:

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” –Hebrews 11:1

{A version of this post was previously published here}

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“Bethanyland is a magical place,” I like to say to my husband when he calls me back to reality because I stopped listening and got lost in thought (again). The truth is, I spend a lot of time thinking. Most of us do.

We dwell on things in the shower, in the car, at work, while we exercise, while we cook and clean, while we’re falling asleep….and yes, even while we’re supposed to be listening.

God makes clear in Scripture that He wants us to be purposeful with our thoughts.

We’re to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor 10:5).

God makes clear in Scripture that He wants us to be purposeful with our thoughts.
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But what are we to do with those captive thoughts and our Christ-focused minds?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” –Philippians 4:8

It’s a lovely idea, right? To think on true, lovely, excellent things?

Sometimes, in this messy, busy life lived in a world of suffering, chaos, and sin, I have a hard time thinking of such good things to think about.

Betsy DeCruz, in a post on memorizing Scripture, says: “most days I could use something better to think about than my own whining thoughts.”

Amen.

Her suggestion is to memorize Scripture. This, and several other instructions in Scripture, clue us into what sorts of things are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy- AKA: what we should think about.

Think About Scripture

God’s own Word definitely meets the “to think on” qualifications of Philippians 4:8. While memorization and in-depth Bible Study are excellent ways to get your mind on Scripture, thinking about God’s Word doesn’t always have to be formal.

For example, I’ve learned that trying to take in a breadth of the Bible on a weekday morning isn’t as profitable for me as reading until a verse grabs my attention. I type that verse reference into my Bible app and continue to steal glances at it all day, so that each day I’m continually thinking on that bite of God’s truth.

Think About Good Gifts

A number of Bible passages reiterate the charge to give thanks in all things. Being grateful to God comes by thinking on His good gifts and generosity. It’s much harder to get lost in worries, “what ifs,” and greedy thoughts when we’re marveling at God’s good provision.

Think About Those God So Loved

Many introductions and conclusions in the Epistles demonstrate what the apostles thought about: the church and the unsaved they desired to reach. Likewise, we’re to be so invested in others that we think often about, and pray often for, their spiritual development and relationship with Christ. This sort of thinking is far more noble and admirable than dwelling on he-said-she-said, past conflicts, or other worldly-relationship-things.

Think About Who You’ve Offered to Pray For

“Praying” is easy to type or even say when people share their hurts and needs. Instead of focusing endlessly on our own requests and situations, or what we saw in our social feeds, or fictional plots we’re waiting to see resolved when the next episode releases, we could think on (and pray for) those we’ve said we would.

Think About God Himself

It’s hard to think about God and His attributes and His character and not end up dwelling on what’s true, right, pure, etc. The person of Christ, who we have a relationship with as believers, is worth thinking on.

If that seems weird- think about how you often think about the character of people you love and admire. You reflect on how kind your husband is, you dwell on the self-control of your mentor as she struggles through something with incredible dignity and commitment. Those kinds of thoughts grow our relationship with and respect for others. This is true when we think about God’s character, too.

What sorts of (noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy) things do you think about?

What do you think about everyday? Join @BethanyMcIlrath in considering what it looks like to take thoughts captive to Christ. Share your blog! #blog #faith via @PatHolbrook
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(A version of this post was previously published here)

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The post Do You Think About These Things? {Recharge Wednesday LINKUP} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Oh you of little faith,” Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 14:31.

I get it. The guy was sinking. His succumbing to the waves, we’re explicitly told, is because he doubted. So yes, his failing faith left him flailing in the moment.

But before that?

Peter got out of the boat.

“Jesus,” I want to challenge, “doesn’t that count for something?”

It would make sense in my mind if Jesus called Peter’s faith “promising.” I’d like for Peter to have gotten some credit, a pat on the back, and another shot. Or at least the encouragement, “solid starter.”

But this isn’t the only time in Scripture God highlights the importance of finishing in the faith.

Thankfully, His Word offers all we need for godly living. With this sort of (sometimes frustrating) correction, He also offers helpful instruction on how to have lasting faith.

1. Don’t finish in the flesh- stick with the Spirit

“After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” –Gal 3:3

After posing this question, Paul goes on to talk about the means of the Spirit. He highlights that through the Spirit:

• We are freed from trying to keep the law to please God so we can please Him by believing Him
• We trust God and act according to His promises
• We live as children of God, clothed in Christ
• We don’t have to justify ourselves, Christ is our righteousness

2. Ask God for help in unbelief

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24

Instead of crying out that he was drowning and needed saving, Peter could have said “help me overcome my unbelief!” We have that option, too.

Like the honest Dad trying to do right by his suffering son, sometimes persevering in faith means admitting our lack thereof. God is faithful to help!

3. Keep your eyes on the real prize- Jesus

“Press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ.” –Ph 3:14

Why do we have faith? Jesus. Who do we have faith in? Jesus. What does our faith believe? Jesus- crucified, risen, and eagerly awaiting us in eternity. He is our portion and our prize- plus our strength for persevering in the faith.

Faith lasts when we know that it is finished, and rely on Christ to help us persevere!

(A version of this post was previously published here)

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My competitive side was getting the better of me. As far as we were into the game, it was clear I wasn’t going to win. I’d tried, strategizing my way through, but there was no doubt who would have the victory (not me.)

The temptation? To pick up the whole stinking board game and shake it. Maybe toss it. Maybe stomp on it, as I’d seen little kids I babysat do.

On that day, I was feeling like a sore loser.

That’s what Satan probably feels like every day.

Sometimes I need reminding of this, and maybe you do too.

Satan knows he is going to lose.

Victory, for all eternity, belongs to Jesus. He’s already won it. Fate is secure. Back in the garden when God pronounced His curses, Satan knew he would be the loser.

Still, he wages war. Sore loser that he is, Satan does what he can to stack the playing field so we doubt the outcome. He shakes up the board, so all the pieces look like they’re out of place and we can’t make sense of anything.

Like a bitter child about to be punished, he gets in whatever jabs he can anyway.

Satan likes to go down swinging.

That’s why faith is still a fight, even though we know who is going to win in the end.

Satan likes to go down swinging. That’s why faith is still a fight, even though we know who is going to win in the end.
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When suffering and sorrow make fear and desperation seem credible,

Remember:

• The end is near
• Death will die
• Satan will be bound
• Christ has overcome the world
• There is no condemnation for those who are Christ’s
• God gives us the victory through Jesus

This battle of faith isn’t about winning because it’s already been won. Instead, it’s about persisting.

The believer’s rallying cry is simply keep on.

Though that sore loser thrashes and trash talks and threatens that he isn’t playing, we know he’s missed the whole point of the game anyway. We’re not to miss it, too.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” –1 Corinthians 15:58

Continuing to do the next thing, to play by God’s rules, to live faithfully to the finish line with our eyes on the prize- is not in vain.

Satan’s a sore loser, but He will lose!

“Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” -1 John 5:5

Keep fighting the good fight of faith!

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The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. –1 Timothy 5:24

Paul made this small but vivid remark at the end of a letter to his younger friend, Timothy. The wisdom has stuck in my mind.

Sin on the Flashing Sign

There are some obvious sins. The kind with far-reaching, immediately obvious consequences. These are sins that run on ahead of us. They holler on up ahead to our kids “don’t copy Mom in this!” and warn off our friends “you know how she is.”

We don’t have to look back to see their havoc; instead we have to ask for grace and offer apologies before anyone even gets a word in. Obvious sins mark our paths like flashing signs on the highway. Very few overlook them, including us.

Example: If you knew me before or around the time I became Christ’s, you know I loved to cheat. Any game. Any contest, any debate. It was never a surprise when friends weren’t interested in playing with me- my obvious sin proceeded me, turning away prospects for fun because I had a reputation.

Sin on the Mile Markers

But then there are other sins, the sort Paul says “trail behind” us. We pass on by these signs like mile markers along the road, taking them for granted as “just the way we are.” We may glance at them as helpful hints, but we rarely realize their impact until we’ve got a trail of them behind us.

These are the kinds of sins we only recognize when the distance is crossed and the damage is done. They are subtle, normalized, and even seem harmless.

Example: Early in our marriage, I frequently commented on my husband’s prayers. It never occurred to me I may be sinning by commentary. But, my comments were quiet criticisms and subtle opinions. Looking back, I can see that now and understand why for a time his prayers became formal and curt. That regular sin slowly put miles between us without my seeing it.

Making Up The Mileage

Like it or not, we’re going to live with sins that flash glaringly before us- and sins that take us by surprise when we see how they’ve subtly created consequences.

Thanks be to God whose grace is sufficient to make up for the sins that go before us and behind us.
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As we navigate life with our obvious baggage and the stuff we drag behind us, we are given this charge alongside Timothy:

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” –1 Timothy 6:11-12

1. Flee the sin
2. Turn toward God
3. Press on the pedal
4. Hold that steering wheel and drive in line with His directions

Someday, the flashing lights will be out of sight. Then, as Ruth Bell Graham’s gravestone announces: “End of construction- thank you for your patience.”

Someday, the mile markers trailing behind will be left in the dust as we finally arrive, perfected in Christ.

Until then, we press on after our Lord and trust that He can make good out of our meandering miles.

{A previous version of this post can be found here}

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