At the college I attended, in addition to completing required courses in your major—mine being English—students also submitted a portfolio of their best work, which after the approval of an academic Board of professors qualified them for graduation.

Tucked inside my portfolio, I still have an orange 3 x 5 card on which one of my professors wrote: 

A beautiful body of work—I’m proud of you and feel lucky to be one of your readers. . . . I hope you continue writing and try to start publishing. You have talent, and heart, and wonderful wit; and equally important, you can produce graceful pages.

Me? Start publishing? Really??

At the time it sounded impossibly overwhelming, but his words gave me confidence and vision to press on and consider that “maybe I could be a published writer some day . . .”

His words gave me encouragement then, and still do today when I read them.

We all need encouragement from time to time. To encourage means “to inspire with courage.” It’s to spur on, to stimulate, or initiate hope.

The antonym is to discourage, or “deprive of courage or confidence; dishearten.”

Proverbs 25:11 tells us our words of discouragement or encouragement can make or break a person’s spirit—imparting death or life. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. 

Encouraging words are words of blessing. We all need to be reminded of our potential, our goodness, and most of all the beautiful qualities we carry as image-bearers of God.

A word of encouragement, fitly spoken, can be exactly what’s needed to spur us on and give us the courage to live out the high and holy calling God has bestowed upon each of our lives.

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the proper moment.  (Proverbs 25:11 REV)

Here are a few thoughts about the value of encouragement:

Words of encouragement:

• are deeply connected to faith, hope, and love.
• can propel us into action.
• offer hope.
• help us feel loved.
• confirm our need for one another.
• cast a vision for the future.

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  (Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT)

It’s been said that encouraging words are oxygen to the soul.

An encouraging word is a word of blessing.

Lord, show me who I might encourage today, and give me the words to say. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Do you have a story of encouragement? Please share in the comments below.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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When Jesus is central in our hearts; when He is our First Love; when He is leading us and we are following Him—then, and only then—we have unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

When I am so in love with Jesus Christ, as a bride loves her husband, I enjoy sweet fellowship with others in the Body of Christ who are similarly love-struck.

We may have differences in our understanding of Scripture, but when we look to Jesus, the Living Truth, we experience harmony with one another.

We may have different ways of worshipping, but it is the same God we worship, and the same Lord we serve.

We may have various manners of praying, but it is the same Heavenly Father we are praying to and the same Lord Jesus Christ in whose name and authority we pray.

We may look different, act dissimilar, and dress in diverse ways, but if we are in love with Him and serving Him wholeheartedly, those differences quickly fade away, like morning fog as the sun rises.

He, and He alone, is the head of a glorious body of which we all are distinct and necessary members. When Jesus is central, it becomes a vital, whole, and healthy body that lives, breathes, and moves throughout the earth, bringing light, love, and healing to all it touches.

Throughout history, a focus on doctrinal differences has wracked and divided the Church, causing countless divisions among its members. Sound doctrine is essential to our walk with God—but doctrinal understanding should never usurp lordship over Christ.

Woe to those who think they have the only right way of understanding the mysteries of God and Christ! Scripture reminds us that we know only in part and understand in part. But one day, when He returns, we will know even as we are known!

Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. We receive our nourishment from Him, to the end that we grow and bear much fruit. His instruction to His followers was never that they all agree on the doctrine. It was that they love one another.

What a distinct and amazing privilege it is to be light-bearers to the world! And what joy it is to serve alongside brothers and sisters who are focused on loving Him and Him alone.

If we each do our part, keeping Jesus central in our hearts, the church can come together as one, celebrating God together, and bringing His love to a world desperate with need.

Jesus is the great unifier.

How will you love Him today?

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

This beautiful expression of God’s love from the hymn “The Love of God” speaks of the measureless immensity of His love toward us. It’s a love that has no fear in it. A love that never fails. A love that endures forever.

God assures us that nothing can separate us from His love . . .

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35-39 NIV)

There is no trouble or adversity we can experience in this life in which His love is not present. We could go through seasons of excruciating hardship, agonizing loss, severe famine, or acute danger, yet His love prevails.

Scripture reveals a faithful God, One whose ways are not our ways; a Heavenly Father who is working in all things for the good of those who love Him.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

To evaluate God’s love based on our circumstances can cause us to lose heart. We may think, “How could a loving God allow this to happen to me?”

Remember—God doesn’t promise us a life free of trouble or pain. But He always promises us His love.

Rather than assessing God’s love based on your circumstances, look for how He is expressing His love to you in every situation. You will find that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate you from His love.

The love that endures forever . . .

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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Friday night I attended a special meeting at church for those who are grieving or have experienced loss around the holidays. With me was our good friend R., who recently lost his mother.

It was a quiet, healing time for all. Some, like R., who lost a loved one this year, were deeply comforted by the love of God shared and simply being together.

Others, like myself, had time to reflect on other kinds of losses we have experienced, and how God’s grace and goodness have carried us through.

Jesus tells us that here on earth there will be sorrow, yet in Him we find peace:

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

Seasons of trials, loneliness, and sorrow come to all of us at times. They don’t just disappear because we turn the calendar to December.

While songs of holiday joy fill workplaces and shopping malls, hospitals remain full. For some, loved ones will not be home for Christmas. Family in the military, broken relationships, illness, loss of loved ones, and a thousand other trials big and small continue to fill people’s lives, even through this season of “cheer.”

Christmas isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it isn’t. It’s about turning our eyes to things above, accepting God’s love into our hearts, and remembering the greatest gift ever given: His wonderful Son.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:1)

The holidays present a special time to extend the love of Christ to those in need, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine as lights in a dark and troubled world.

Do you know someone who is feeling the sting of loss this Christmas?

Reach out to them this week with the love of God, and remind them that they are not alone.

It may be the greatest gift they receive.

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Moving day was overwhelming. When our new neighbor Ginny came to the door with a plate of blueberry muffins and an offer to help, it was like cool breeze on a sweltering summer day. 

“I’m free this week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I can help unpack, clean—whatever you need, I’ll be ready to do.”

After many years of working and saving, friends of ours were finally enjoying a family vacation. As they pulled up to the tollbooth on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel in VA with the hefty $15 fee in hand, they got quite a surprise—from strangers!

The toll collector said, “the car in front of you paid your toll!” 

Who doesn’t appreciate the blessings of kindnesses such as these?

Have you ever considered why kindness matters?

God showed His kindness to us

“That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:7)

God wants us to be kind

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Kindness shines your light and gives God the glory

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Our demonstration of kindness shows God’s love and opens the door to lead others to Him

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)

In a self-centered world, simple acts of kindness are refreshing, bringing joy to the receiver and the giver:

A warm smile.

Holding the door for someone.

Remembering a birthday.

A quick call or text to let someone know you care.

Unexpected flowers.

“What can I do to help?”

Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, developed through intentional effort to think of others more than ourselves.

How can you brighten someone’s life today by showing them the love of God through kindness?

Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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Years ago I wanted to write a poem that portrays the heart and life of the man who is committed to and lives for God first. I have been blessed to know a number of men—including my husband, pastors, leaders, and friends through the years—that fit this description.

This poem is dedicated to them, and to all the wonderful men who walk with God in their lives:

The heart of a man of God stands sure,
His mind held firm by knowing
That God is with him moment by moment,
His life is a continual showing
Of God’s healing love, and wondrous grace,
A steady triumph shines in his face.

His eyes full of peace, his smile of caring,
His touch of warmth, his ways of sharing
God’s every-abiding love—this assurance made known
by all his strong hands touch.
God’s love glows tenderly in his eyes,
This man’s life needs and wants no disguise.

For God causes him to stand up tall,
And walk with strength and conviction,
The man of God is respected and loved,
For all he is, for all he does.
His strength and love when needed,
Are always right on time—
I’m thankful today this man of God
is also a brother of mine.

Copyright © 2016 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, the Holy Spirit begins a divine work to produce Christ’s character within us.

In doing so, our whole outlook on life changes. His thoughts become our thoughts. His actions become our actions. His purposes become our own.

We become more Christ-like.

No longer living by the old sinful nature, we now live by the Spirit, and in doing so, we bear fruit.

Fruit is mentioned many times in the Bible, both literally and figuratively. The concept of bearing fruit is used often.

Fruit, as the result of work or activity, can be either good or bad. And just as with literal fruit, no fruit grows until seeds are planted.

Likewise for us: the fruit evidenced in our lives grows from what we allow to take root in our hearts.

Galatians 5:16-25 contrasts the fruit of our old sinful nature with the fruit of the Spirit—our new nature in Christ—and what it looks like to be directed by or live by each. The section concludes: 

“But 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)

Interestingly, the Greek word for “fruit” (karpós) is in the singular, indicating there is one fruit with nine attributes, or characteristics.

Like a bowl filled with various kinds of fruit—strawberries, apples, pears, grapes, etc.—yet together referred to as a single bowl of fruit.

By definition, karpós[1], used figuratively, results from the joining of two life-streams—the Lord living His life through ours—to yield what is eternal. In this usage, it implies that everything is done in true partnership with Christ.

What an awesome reality!

As we learn to partner with Christ and live in His presence, the Spirit helps us practice the same love Jesus had when He laid down His life for us.

The joy Jesus experienced begins to fill our hearts.

The same peace that guarded Jesus’ heart, even as He endured the cross, protects ours.

The kind of patience Jesus showed to Peter works in us.

The kindness Jesus showed to the woman taken in adultery starts to soften our hearts toward others.

The Father’s goodness that Jesus showed others, the Spirit now works in us.

The same faithfulness that caused Jesus to always seek and obey the Father is built into our hearts.

The gentleness Jesus showed to children wells up within us.

The self-control Jesus exhibited by always doing the Father’s will, the Spirit now grows in us, so we may resist temptation and do what is right.

Like fruit ripening on the vine, all fruit of the Spirit is grown as we cultivate a close love relationship with the Master.

Throughout our lives, we grow in displaying Christ to the world around us through the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control God develops in us.

The Holy Spirit guides this process—growing this wonderful spiritual fruit in us—transforming us toward full maturation in Christ.

[1] See Strong’s 2590

Part 2 will explore more on how to grow spiritual fruit in our lives and its purpose.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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As Christ-followers in the family of God, there’s an amazing bond that quickly surfaces among brothers and sisters in the Lord.

I’ve often marveled at the people God has brought into my life over the years—those I often have had little in common with outside of our faith, yet who I sometimes have formed the closest friendships with because of that faith.

This anomaly can only be explained by the love of God.

This poem is dedicated to those notable friendships centered on the love of God—that special love of the brethren.

Why do I love you . . .
This I asked myself today.
Does the answer come that easily?
For the things you do and say
From a heart so tender and kind,
I searched deep in my memory,
Not many such hearts to I find.

I’d seen you here and there,
And known you quite awhile,
Another place, another face,
Perhaps an occasional smile.

Never did I stop and think
Or take the time to see,
The heart and beauty of your life,
All that God’s made you to be.

Then one day I turned and you were there,
Your eyes held a peace I had failed to see;
I looked therein and saw myself,
I saw the real you, I saw the real me.

We stopped and smiled at one another,
I realized then you were my brother.

The kindness and love you’ve shown,
The time you took to care.
These have drawn me close to you
And enabled us to share
From the depths of our hearts a love so real
That it far surpasses all we think or feel.

It warms my heart to be near you,
To see the love in your eyes,
To know that no matter what I do
You’ll never condemn or sympathize.

I can lay forth my life before you
And be who I really am,
As together we reach to the heart of God,
Together we stand, His chosen gems.

While we gently unfold our hearts,
We laugh, we live, we share,
I grow to love you more and more
And offer to you a perfect prayer.

For how can I show you how thankful I am,
Like you there is no other.
So I’ll be to you as you are to me,
A precious friend, a brother.

Copyright © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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In our activity-addicted world, many proudly wear busyness as a badge.

While feeling good we’re being productive, it can also become all too easy to go through the day so busy that we’re oblivious to those around us with needs. 

Jesus warned us of this in a parable in Luke 10:25-37.

After quoting the great commandment from the law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” a lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Here’s Jesus’ response (paraphrased with comments):

A Jewish man was on his way to Jericho when thieves viciously attacked him, stripped his clothes, and left him wounded and half dead on the side of the road.

In time, a priest and then a Levite passed by and saw the man. Surely these religious leaders would help the man, wouldn’t they? But no—they both continued on their way—no doubt having important things to do or appointments to keep.

Finally a Samaritan, despised by the Jews, came along, and seeing the man felt compassion. He bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day he gave the innkeeper money, saying, “use this to care for him.”

The most unlikely one to help—an enemy of the Jews—the Samaritan was the one who showed mercy. Jesus ends the parable saying, “Go and do likewise.”

How often do we stay so busy that we miss opportunities to help those around us?

We can become so focused on carrying out our own agendas that we fail to hear the voice of God prompting us to stop and get involved in someone’s life—to love our neighbor.

Are we willing to surrender control of our own plans and allow God to interrupt when He needs to?

Opportunities abound every day to love and help those near us, whether it be an encouraging word, an act of kindness, praying for someone, or reaching out with a phone call or email.

Or, if He’s telling us to do so, stopping by the side of the road to help the person with a flat tire.

Ask Jesus to live His life through you today and show you where to get involved. He knows your many responsibilities, and His timing will be right.

As we incline the ears of our hearts to hearing His voice, we’ll find that loving our neighbor isn’t only for when it’s convenient, but a lifestyle of service found in His presence . . .

. . . service that brings great joy and blessing.

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.

_______________________________________________

[1] Read the full record in John 21.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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