With the Christmas season in full swing, it’s easy to become overloaded with the many obligations and expectations it brings.

We can get so busy with the decorating, shopping, concerts, and other activities that we’re fitting into our already packed schedules, that we lose sight of why we’re doing it all to begin with—leaving us feeling drained and overwhelmed.

In an effort to get a handle on our endless to-do lists, it’s easy to rush into the day, spending little or no time with the One who helps us most!

St. Francis de Sales said:

Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour.

Let’s let that sink in!

To spend more time in prayer when we’re busy certainly goes against our natural inclinations. Yet the truth of this statement falls in line with the many paradoxes of Christian living: e.g., when we give, we receive; when we praise God through our difficulties, we find joy. 

When we enter the day from a place of rest, and invite Jesus to partner with us as we go about our tasks, our eyes will be open to see Him working; our hearts will be at peace to hear His voice.

We’ll be sharing the yoke with the Master, allowing Him to lighten our loads.

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

With His peace guarding our hearts, we will do less, but accomplish more.

There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest . . .  (Hebrews 4:9-11 NKJV)

In our drive to be productive, let’s remember the thing most worth being concerned about: spending time with the Lord . . . resting in, and enjoying His presence.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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There’s nothing I enjoy more than being on the ice, figure skating. The freedom of movement, the cold air, gliding to music, I find invigorating.

While skating, I am immersed in the moment, the rest of the day put on hold.

Yet I didn’t always experience this pure enjoyment.

For many years I took lessons in ice dancing. A group of us adults would take tests, working to move up the ranks of the sport. In my drive to excel, I sometimes deprived myself of enjoying the day’s practice—by focusing on my paucity of progress, or comparing myself to someone else.

During these times, a wise man at the rink often would say, “Enjoy the journey.”

Likewise, we should enjoy our journey of faith each day, without mental distractions. 

God gives us 24-hour day-tight compartments to live in.

My thinking of tomorrow is limited, not knowing what it holds.

God is limit-less.

When we accept the limitations of living one day at a time, life takes on a beautiful simplicity. We’re free to live in an awareness of His presence and can experience His partnership in all we do.

Yet how easily we rob ourselves of this oneness by encasing our thinking in the past or the future—as either a pleasant or fearful thing.

For some, the past is:

A sanctuary: Always thinking of the good ‘ol days; the past always looking better. 

A jailer: A prison that enslaves, causing condemnation, regret, and mental bondage; feeling like victims of past suffering.

For some, the future is: 

A daydream: “I will be happy when I have ‘such and such’, or achieve ‘such and such’.” 

A fear of the unknown: Living with anxieties about what is ahead and can’t be controlled today.

These ways of thinking constrain us, causing us to miss fully living in the now.

In contrast, living in the now—in the presence of God—eliminates worry and increases faith.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God knows what we need, and today is enough to take care of. 

London’s Waterloo Station houses a huge 4-faced clock hanging in the center of the main concourse. It’s known as one of the city’s most famous rendezvous places.

Imagine this large clock—with no hands!

“What time is it?”

“NOW!”

Like a clock with no hands, the word of God and the presence of God is our past, present, and future.

Our eternal now.

Our lives are in His hands, therefore our hearts can be at peace and take joy in His presence—every moment of our now.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Beautiful butterflies flitted all around me, silently gliding through the air and softly landing on nearby plants and flowers.

Not just a few butterflies, mind you, but more than 7,000 butterflies flying freely in a large five-story tropical conservatory.

This spring I visited the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition,[1] featuring more than 40 different species imported from the Far East and Central America.

Seeing the kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns of these delicate creatures, and observing the various stages of their growth was truly breathtaking!                                           

Scientists continue to be amazed how one creature: a caterpillar, transforms into an entirely different one: the butterfly. 

Metamorphosis is the biological term describing this transformation, or complete change.

It comes from the Greek word metamorphóō, used in Romans 12:2:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform (metamorphóō) you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” 

The process of metamorphosis wonderfully illustrates the life of a Christian learning to walk in the steps of Christ. 

This transformation doesn’t happen instantly, but through various stages. In the case of the butterfly, first there’s the egg, then the caterpillar (or larva). It begins to change and a hard shell, or chrysalis forms. From this, finally emerges the butterfly.

Similarly, as Christians submitting our lives to Him, the old sinful nature gradually dies as our new nature in Christ is being developed.

We literally move from a life of rebellion against God to living a Christlike life that glorifies God, and bears much fruit.

God does the transforming, as we yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit—renewing our minds, and teaching us the ways of Christ. We start thinking, feeling, and viewing things as He does.

The progression of dying to self and becoming like Christ happens daily as we choose to spend time with Him—to meet Him in that secret place, to acknowledge His presence, to walk and talk with Him.

In this process we bear fruit in our lives—others see it, they are nourished, and seeds are planted in their lives. Ultimately some will go on to produce fruit of their own.

Through this wonderful progression of spiritual growth and bearing fruit, God is responding to the longings of our hearts . . . transforming us into being more like Him.

[1] At the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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A feeling of finality came over me as I thumbed through, then closed my 2016 monthly planner.

December 31. Another year ended . . .

By the grace of God it had been a good year, despite some unexpected challenges and changes. He had seen us through.

We are grateful.

As I open my new 2017 calendar I pause to admire its clean pages. Each one an empty slate, soon to be filled in with day-to-day happenings, appointments, and special occasions.

A new year brings hope. A sense of new beginnings. A time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

To look ahead to new and better days . . .

Like the first blank page of a new calendar year, our new life in Christ is a new beginning—each and every day. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV) 

The same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is now the transforming power of Christ dwelling in us—enabling us to put away old deplorable behaviors, and change—becoming more and more like Him.

“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4 NLT) 

As we begin the New Year, may we take time to be still in His presence—allowing Him to strengthen us and give us direction for the days ahead—to fill us with His peace, His joy, His hope. 

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NKJV) 

Each day, may we be transformed more and more into His likeness as we live in His presence.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Last summer I had the joy of sitting in a class at the Montrose Christian Writers Conference taught by James Watkins.

I immediately sensed him as a man who deeply loves the Lord and desires to live for Him.

This month I’ve been enjoying a new book compiled and edited by Watkins called The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language by Thomas à Kempis. For five hundred years à Kempis’ devotional classic has brought wisdom and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages—second only to the Bible in sales!

Watkins’ new paraphrased version has “modern and inclusive language that remains faithful to the original message,” making it easier to read and contemplate à Kempis’ profound insights on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The book is set up in a clear readable format arranged by topic. True to the original, at times it is written from the perspective of the Disciple and at other times as if Christ was speaking directly to us.

The meditations of à Kempis invite deep contemplative thinking and insight. Perhaps that’s why this book has been changing lives for centuries. I’m finding my love for the Lord deepening in the process of reading just a few pages each day.

Here’s a sampling from p. 62-63, On Wisdom In Action:

The Disciple

“You must not trust every word of others or feelings within yourselves, but cautiously and patiently ask if the matter is godly. Unhappily, we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than their good. But Christ-like people do not pay attention to every bit of news, because they know that in human weakness they are prone to evil and untruthful words.

This is great wisdom for us: do not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom also is not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, nor even though we believe it. Take advice from a person who is wise and has a good conscience. Let us seek to learn from one wiser than ourselves rather than follow our own imaginations. A good life makes us wise toward God and gives us experience in many things. The more humble we are and the more obedient we are toward God, the wiser we will be in all things, and the more our souls will be at peace.”

I believe this book can help any serious Christ follower appreciate our Lord, grow closer to Him, and take greater joy in His presence.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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Do you sometimes feel that you fall short in living the Christian life?

If we’re honest, I think many of us would say yes. We may put self before service; perhaps we deny Him by the words we speak, the way we live. We may be easily distracted, love only when it’s convenient, and at times willfully disobey God’s word.

Yet Jesus has an amazing way of restoring us back to Him when we fail. He doesn’t ask us to try harder. He doesn’t demean, degrade, or disgrace us. Rather, He simply asks that we consider our love for Him.

In His final post-resurrection appearance, Jesus addresses Peter, saying, “do you love me?”[1] 

To Peter—the one who denied Christ three times and abandoned Him in His most crucial hour—our Lord asks, three times, “do you love me?” 

And all three times, Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.”

Note that Jesus doesn’t ask: “Will you please get the doctrine right?” “Will you be faithful?” “Will you go on the mission field?” but simply, 

“Do you love me?” 

Isn’t love built on relationship? How much time are we spending with Him? Is His presence living and real each day?

And how do we show our love for Him? 

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” (John 14:21 NLT) 

Jesus Christ reveals Himself to those who love Him!

The early church at Ephesus was known for their righteous deeds, their patience and perseverance, their intolerance of evil. Yet over time, one thing was lacking—love. So much so, that Jesus says to them:

“But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4 NLT) “. . . you have left your first love. (NKVJ)”

First means best. Jesus Christ had been their first and best love. But over time that love diminished.

Is Jesus Christ our first love? Or, like this early church, has activity replaced relationship?

Jesus asks that we examine our love for Him. If our answer is “Yes, Lord,” like Peter’s, He graciously reaffirms His will and His presence, setting our hearts at home once more.

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[1] Read the full record in John 21.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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In a recent interview on Christian radio, world-renowned vocal artist Wintley Phipps talked about his rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most celebrated gospel singers of our time.

Phipps is a two-time Grammy award nominee, has sung in Billy Graham crusades, and performed for six American presidents. His rendition of Amazing Grace has upward of 7 million views on YouTube.

His secret to success may surprise you.

“To be successful in anything, we must begin by preparing our hearts with stillness and prayer,” Phipps said.

He says the key to all the successes God has allowed him to have is that he learned “to go to the mountain before I went to the multitude—so when I came down off the mountain, my face was shining.”

“The secret of blessing is that people hear more than just a voice, but someone who is depending on God for his gift to shine,” Phipps said.

The world prompts us to be active at all times. We feel guilty when we’re not busy. If we’re not busy we’re not producing, and we must constantly be producing for achievement and worth.

Yet the reality is we accomplish more from a place of inner rest. God’s exhortation in the book of Hebrews speaks of His promised rest: 

So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. (Hebrews 4:9-11) 

Never has there been greater need to slow down and give ourselves permission to be quiet. In those moments of solitude and reflection we’re able to draw near to God.

In the stillness of our time with Him, He fills us with His peace. He prepares our hearts for the task at hand. As we wait upon the Lord, He renews our strength. We hear His still small voice.

Wintley Phipps credits spending time with the Lord and preparing his heart with Him each day as the key to success in his singing career.

“I want God’s presence to be the badge of distinction in my singing,” he says.

Do you want God’s presence to be the badge of distinction in your life?

I do.

Let’s take time to be still and rest in His presence today. We will do less, but accomplish so much more.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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One of the most exciting realities of the Christian life is that when we enter into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we begin a process of transformation. We start thinking, feeling, and viewing things as God does. The Holy Spirit governs this process while teaching us the ways of Christ.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2) 

From the word “transform” in the Greek (metamorphoo), comes the English word “metamorphosis” describing a complete change, like that of a caterpillar into a butterfly.

The biological miracle of metamorphosis continues to amaze scientists. It doesn’t happen instantly, but through various stages. In the case of the butterfly, first there’s the egg, then the caterpillar (or larva), the chrysalis, and finally the butterfly. The contrast between a caterpillar and a butterfly is astonishingly remarkable and beautiful.

This process of metamorphosis wonderfully illustrates the life of a Christian learning to walk in the steps of Christ. By submitting ourselves to Him, our old sinful nature gradually dies as our new nature in Christ is being developed. We literally move from a life of sin, defeat, and rebellion against God to living a Christlike life that glorifies God.

The progression of dying to self and becoming like Christ happens daily as we choose to spend time with Him—to meet Him in that secret place, to acknowledge His presence, to walk and talk with Him—to yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit within us.

Gradually we are transformed into His likeness, becoming more and more like Him, until our transformation is finally complete and perfected at His appearing. On that glorious day we will know as we are known, and receive new bodies like His. Hallelujah!

The depth and closeness of our relationship with Jesus Christ greatly determines how much we will live like Him. In the quietness of His presence He fills our hearts with peace. Gracefully, gradually we gain a new perspective on life—His perspective. And in doing so, He responds to the longings of our hearts, transforming us into being more like Him.

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For more on this topic, see the chapter Daily Transformation in Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ, available on this website.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

The post How to Become More Christlike appeared first on Cheryl Elton.

He who bends to himself a Joy

Does the winged life destroy;

But he who kisses the Joy

as it flies

Lives in Eternity’s sunrise.

William Blake, English poet (1757-1827)

For centuries philosophers, poets, and other deep thinkers have written about joy—its fleeting and unpredictable nature, and how it’s often found in the little things.

The Scriptures reveal joy as a deep-seated spiritual reality, grounded in an awareness of God in and around us. Joy extends beyond the reaches of happiness—the sense of pleasure that often comes and goes depending on circumstance.

It’s a warm, sunny day: I’m happy. We’re going out for ice cream: I’m happy. I got a bonus at work: I’m happy. Then I found out it’s a mistake: I’m not happy.

The joy God provides transcends circumstances, because it’s rooted in His presence.

Joy is called a “fruit” of the Spirit. It’s the deepest sense of happiness emanating from within. This joy is cultivated through an ongoing and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite chapters is John 15, about the vine (Christ) and the branches (us). A branch cannot bear fruit unless it’s connected to the vine to receive nourishment. John 15 is all about Christ—not only knowing and doing what He says, but drawing our daily sustenance through relationship with Him. (And surely all relationship requires communication, doesn’t it?)

In Christ there is fullness of joy. 

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. (John 15:11 NKJV)

Chinese Christian teacher Watchman Nee wrote about the joy Christians experience when first saved, but over time often dissipates and is experienced less and less. He writes:

Christians nowadays incline too strongly towards a life of feeling. Yet God does not say to live by feeling but He says to live by faith. After years of experience you will come to realize that joy and dryness are really the same. 

Oh that we may not act like those with a small capacity—in joy they dance in the house; in dryness they drench the wall with tears. If we live by faith we shall not be swayed by either of them. 

Even so, let it be plainly understood that we are not people without emotion. We do have feelings of joy as well as dryness. But we ought not allow these external sensations to touch our inward man . . . the joy which the outward man feels is not that which the inward man enjoys in the Lord, because this latter joy is most deep and unshakable.[1] 

Strength comes from this deep and unshakable joy—the lasting joy found only in His presence.

[1] Watchman Nee, The Salvation of the Soul, (Christian Fellowship Publishers 1978), p. 114-115.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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Rays of dawning sunlight burst through the small aircraft window, awakening me from a deep sleep. As my groggy eyes adjusted, I gazed out and caught the first glimpses of land far below. Finally, we were over Scotland, gradually beginning descent toward the Glasgow airport. 

As views of land crystallized, rolling green pastures appeared, covered with randomly spaced small white dots. What were these? As we steadily moved closer, it became clear—sheep! 

While visiting Scotland, I delighted in seeing so many sheep. In the countryside, they seemed to be everywhere. And it was during this trip Psalm Twenty-Three, beginning with “The LORD is my shepherd . . .”, took on fresh meaning. 

Psalm 23 is one of the most commonly quoted passages of the Bible. As first Corinthians 13, the love chapter, is recited at weddings, Psalm 23 is regularly used at funerals as an expression of comfort, hope, and God’s faithfulness. 

What makes these six verses so calming and uplifting, and what does Psalm 23 mean for us today? 

In the Old Testament, David was a shepherd before he became king. The shepherd’s life was to care for and protect the sheep; to give them all they needed. Sheep are known to be dumb, skittish animals, which easily wander off and get injured. Only under the shepherd’s watchful care, they remain safe. 

Through illustration of the LORD being our shepherd, Psalm 23 expresses God’s desire for relationship, and all that relationship with Him offers: 

The LORD is my shepherd;  (God desires RELATIONSHIP)

I shall not want (He PROVIDES every need so I’m lacking nothing)

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;  (He gives REST)

He leads me beside the still waters. (He gives REFRESHMENT)

He restores my soul; (He provides HEALING)

He leads me in the paths of righteousness (He offers GUIDANCE)

For His name’s sake.  (He gives PURPOSE)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (TRIALS may come)

I will fear no evil; (He PROTECTS)

For You are with me;  (He is FAITHFUL)

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (He DISCIPLINES)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (He offers HOPE)

You anoint my head with oil; (He SANCTIFIES)

My cup runs over. (He gives ABUNDANCE)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me  (He BLESSES)

All the days of my life; (He’s with us ALWAYS)

And I will dwell in the house of the LORD  (He provides SECURITY)

Forever. (He is ETERNAL) 

David called God, the LORD (Yahweh in Hebrew), his shepherd. Today, Jesus Christ functions as our shepherd. 

John 10 beautifully illustrates Jesus as the Good Shepherd and us as the sheep. In verses 3, 5, and 16 He says the sheep will recognize or hear His voice. They do not know the voice of strangers, but through an ongoing, spending-time-in-His-presence, walking-talking relationship with Him, the sheep learn to hear His voice and follow Him. Then, they are able to receive all the provision and sustenance the Shepherd has to offer.

What does Psalm 23 mean for us today? It demonstrates God’s wonderful care and provision, fulfilled for us in Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. 

As God was David’s shepherd in the Old Testament, He is ours today through Jesus Christ. What a glorious walk of faith is ours, as we learn to hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him. 

One of my favorite souvenirs from our trip to Scotland is a small stuffed animal sheep that I keep on my bookcase. It not only brings back pleasant memories of the trip, but also reminds me of who I am, and how desperately I need the Good Shepherd.

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For more insight into Jesus as our Shepherd and hearing His voice, see Chapter 17, “My Sheep Hear My Voice” in Pathway of Peace: Living in a Growing Relationship with Christ.

Copyright © 2015 Cheryl Elton

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