This morning I heard a renowned pediatrician and child psychologist on Christian radio talking about the important role a father plays in a child’s life. It caused me to reflect on my dad, and the effect his presence has had on my life.

It’s well known that our childhood experience drives us toward certain behaviors or attitudes, sometimes carried throughout our adult lives. No one had it perfect. Where there was lack, we often seek to fill the void, sometimes with things that bring more pain than blessing.

If we’re honest, in different ways we’re all broken people—in need of filling what C.S. Lewis called the “God-shaped hole” in every human heart. Jesus Christ fills the void of our brokenness by restoring us into relationship with our Creator, the only one who fills the deepest longings of our hearts for love, purpose, and hope.

A heart of humility recognizes its limitations, and is willing to admit its failures, weaknesses, and need. It willingly receives the grace that God freely bestows to the humble.

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  (James 4:6)

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.  (Ephesians 2:8)

The Christian life is all about grace—the free and unmerited favor of God.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.  (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Grace is written all over our lives, for those who have eyes to see. The apostle Paul did, to the end he was able to say “I delight in weaknesses . . . in difficulties.”  He recognized where his strength came from.

But he [the Lord] said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.   (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

God so freely extends His grace and goodness that we are exhorted to be strong in grace.

Pause today and reflect upon God’s grace in your life.

With thankful hearts, may we echo Paul’s words, “By the grace of God, I am what I am.” 

His grace is enough.

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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A new year brings hope, a sense of new beginnings and better days. For many, it’s a time to redefine goals and sharpen our focus on what is truly important.

As Christians, perhaps now more than ever we need to stay strong in the Lord.

 Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  (Ephesians 6:10)

This verse begins a section of scripture—Ephesians 6:10-17—which gives us the crucial reminder that at its core, life is spiritual. We’re to “put on” the armor of God to ready ourselves for the spiritual battle at hand, and to be victors in this life through Christ.

The armor we’re told to put on is the:

• Belt of TRUTH
• Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
• Sandals of PEACE
• Shield of FAITH
• Helmet of SALVATION
• Sword of the Spirit—the WORD OF GOD

The armor of God is more than just a protective covering—it’s the very presence of Christ Himself. By putting on the armor of God, life becomes no longer about simply fulfilling our own desires, but allowing ourselves to be transformed into His likeness, so we may carry out His work in the world.

As the only offensive weapon on the list, the sword of the Spirit is significant.

From the original Greek, verse 17 reads: “the sword of the Spirit is the word (rhema) of Christ.”  

A rhema (word) is a “speaking.” This certainly includes the written word of God. In the gospels we see Jesus, when confronted by the devil, bolding proclaiming “It is written . . .” as He quotes from the Old Testament.

Most notably for us today, a rhema is also a speaking by the Holy Spirit into our Spirit—a revelation word for a specific situation in the moment. The rhema of Christ must be wielded like a sword—spoken out and acted upon—to yield the results God desires.

God has given us this magnificent imagery of the armor so we might draw near to Him and experience His presence and power—thereby enabling us to be victorious in the spiritual battles of life.

The power of God is demonstrated by the rhema of Christ.

Perhaps our greatest goal for the new year should be to sharpen our swords—to spend more time in His presence, to learn to hear His voice as He speaks rhema words to us—and to proclaim His word, His power, and His love to the world around us greater than ever before.

I want to start the new year strong—strong in the Lord, equipped with the full armor of God—living day by day in His presence.

How about you?

Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Elton

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One of the greatest turning points in my life and faith was when I realized I don’t have to live a life of reactions: meaning when I speak and my words are favorably received, I’m happy; but when not, my smile quickly disappears.

No longer need I let people and circumstances dictate the inner joy of my heart, leaving me wounded by someone’s words or actions, or down because it’s raining again.

I can cultivate a cheerful heart.

Now maybe you’re thinking, “Life is hard right now. How can I possibly have a cheerful heart in these circumstances?”

Jesus tells us in this present life we will have trouble:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  (John 16:33)

But because He has overcome the world, we can be of good cheer. Even in the midst of great difficulty or sorrow, beneath the pain there is peace, because the Lord is present. I can experience deep-seated joy, because Jesus is my strength, and in Him, there is always hope.

In Him, my heart can be cheerful.

Other scriptures talk about the benefits of a cheerful or merry heart:

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.  (Proverbs 15:13)

But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.  (Proverbs 15:15)

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.  (Proverbs 17:22)

Singing, praising God, and giving thanks lend themselves to a cheerful heart.

Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Ephesians 5:19-20)

When your heart needs hope, and needs to find its happy place—its merry place—try this:

          Sing when you feel terrible. 

          Praise God in the midst of your difficulties. 

          Give thanks when you don’t feel like it.

Soon you’ll be smiling, encouraged by His ever-abiding presence and the peace and hope only He can give.

You will find yourself with a cheerful heart!
Copyright © 2018 Cheryl Elton

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A few days ago I lost my favorite watch. After stumbling through the day feeling like part of my arm was missing, that evening I found my watch.

What joy!

A few days later, however, remembering the lost watch incident, my joy was not as intense. After a week, the joy had completely faded away. Yet at that moment the watch was not lost again!

So what happened here?

Simply that what was now lost wasn’t again the watch, but the joy in finding it!

Chinese Christian teacher Watchman Nee likens such an example to the Christian experience. He wrote about the joy we experience when first saved, but over time often dissipates, resulting in a life of spiritual highs and lows, or what Nee calls times of “joy” or “dryness”.

Most think a joyous feeling denotes spiritual height—so when we lose our joy, we ramp up efforts to regain what we think we lost, by going to church, more Bible reading, etc.

But here’s the point: although our joyous feeling is at times lost, the object of that joy—Christ—is not!

What is the secret to lasting joy, and what does it look like?

Nee 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]

Through all life’s seasons, feelings fluctuate. But a life of faith gains joy—and strength—through the inner awareness of the source of that joy, Jesus Christ!

. . . the joy of the LORD is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)

As times of joy and dryness become one, inner strength emerges—the deep unshakable joy of His presence—the secret to lasting joy!

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

Copyright © Cheryl Elton 2018

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As we busily move through our days—and especially when things are going well—it’s easy to leave God on the back burner. So often, it’s when the burdens of life become overwhelming, or too tough to handle on our own, that we cry out to Him.

And although in His graciousness and goodness He hears us any time, God never intended that we navigate through life alone. In Christ, by way of the Holy Spirit, He’s given us a helper, a comforter, a companion and friend to walk with us through the peaks and valleys of our journey.

When the stresses of life leave us exhausted and empty, Matthew 11:28-30 is often quoted:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” 

Yoke is a term rarely used in today’s vernacular. Yet its significance adds astonishing insight to these verses.

A yoke was a farming tool used to join two animals such as oxen, to pull heavy loads. Together, they could share the workload and become more productive. Neither animal could carry the load alone, but in partnership, could shoulder it with ease.

In biblical times, yoke for oxen were often custom made to fit particular animals. It’s believed that Jesus came from a carpenter’s family, so it’s likely He had personal experience in hand carving wooden yokes and making sure they fit well.

Using the illustration of a yoke, Jesus is inviting us to partner with Him in the work of life and ministry. This beautiful section of Scripture clearly implies a continuing relationship with Jesus Christ.

We each have a yoke and a burden, a function and a responsibility as Christ followers. The Lord has a custom yoke ready for each of us when we’re willing to let Him share our daily burden.

When we find ourselves weighted down and weary, the remedy is found in bringing our hearts back to Him, into His presence.

Doing our work with Jesus alongside us sharing the load is not tiresome or burdensome.

Yoked to the Master we find rest to our souls.

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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Several years ago, a figure skating coach I know decided—after 20 years of teaching—he would start training to compete again. That winter, every time I was at the rink, I watched him practice. He pushed himself to train, every single day, for months on end.

Finally, the big day came. He travelled halfway across the country to compete against other highly accomplished adult skaters at Nationals.

But soon after arriving, he experienced a crushing blow.

His back gave out, and he spent the entire event in pain, watching from the stands as a spectator.

In hindsight, he realized he had over-trained, and unfortunately his body reached its breaking point at the wrong time.

Sadly, his story is not unusual.

In his zeal to excel, he had ignored an important principle sometimes overlooked by dedicated athletes: the body needs regular time to rest and rebuild after exercise.

God incorporated rest not only as an essential part of our physical life—but also our mental and spiritual life.

In any endeavor, routine times of rest are vital to avoid discouragement and burnout.

Jesus often had crowds thronging Him, yet never rushed when dealing with people. He understood the importance of a balanced life. When the demands became high, He often snuck away to a mountainside or a quiet place to pray. 

He encouraged His disciples to do the same:

“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.’ He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.”  (Mark 6:31)

Today, rest remains a rare commodity for many people. They wear busyness as a badge of distinction, and day in and day out stay caught up in its frenzy.

And regrettably, the busier we get with all our “stuff”—work, kids, meetings, meals, exercise, chores, even ministry service—the less time we spend with the One who helps us most.

Jesus extends an ongoing invitation of refreshing to us all:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”  (Matthew 11:18)

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

Taking time to cease from our own work, we allow Him to do His work in us—renewing our strength, restoring our peace. We learn to hear His voice.

In His presence, we’ll find ourselves doing less, but accomplishing much more.

Copyright  © 2017 Cheryl Elton

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Thursday evening the phone rang.

“Is R. there?”

“No,” I chuckled, “he’s in prison.”

“What?” a startled voice replied.

I always have fun with these calls—‘cause it’s true. On various Thursday nights my husband R. goes to a nearby correctional facility to teach a non-denominational Bible study.

Later that evening R. excitedly told me of the wonderful fellowship the guys had that night, and how D.—an inmate with great musical talent—played guitar and led some vibrant singing. As the men’s voices rose in glorious praise to God, R. glanced out the open window to the courtyard below and caught two corrections officers looking up.

D., it turns out, is in for life. But somehow he’s learning to be content with his circumstances, using his talents to bless others and his faith to make a difference.

The apostle Paul was also in prison when he wrote the New Testament epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

Here he shares with the church at Philippi:

“How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:10-13)

It’s believed this was written during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment in AD 59-61. This context makes it all the more significant that Paul learned to be content with what he had.

How?

By understanding it is “Christ who gives me strength.”

Living in the Lord’s presence is how Paul gained this perspective. So much so, that he concludes this section by saying:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Many people commonly assume that contentment and happiness are found in our circumstances—our wealth, health, job, or relationships.

God says differently.

Although He doesn’t always change our circumstances (as with inmate D. and Paul in prison)—as we seek and draw near to Him, He will change us . . .

. . . infusing us with His strength . . . His peace . . . His presence . . .

Thereby, like the great apostle Paul, we too can learn the secret of finding contentment in any circumstance.

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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In 2014, Burger King ditched its 40-year-old slogan, “Have It Your Way” for the more personal “Be Your Way.”

A BK management official noted in an interview that the former slogan focused only on the food purchase, while the new one is about connecting with a person’s greater lifestyle.

In a world where we’ve been conditioned to have everything instantly—our way, right away—little room is left for what’s often the hardest part . . . waiting.

Waiting in line, waiting for test results, waiting in traffic, waiting for an appointment, or a spouse . . . can make us restless, uneasy.

What about waiting on God?

Waiting on Him involves trust—trusting God with all your heart instead of trying to figure everything out yourself—and hope—looking to Him in hopeful anticipation of what He will do.

Waiting on God is being still in His presence, rather yielding to anxiety about circumstances. 

“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.” (Psalm 37:7) 

Waiting on God is how He designed us to live—staying mindful of His presence as we go about our daily duties, one day at a time. 

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.” (Psalm 62:5) 

The ability to live above one’s circumstances each day comes from a strong and steady relationship with the Lord and a deep dependence on Him.

Renewed strength comes to those who wait upon Him:

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NKJV)

Take joy in His presence today . . . trusting, hoping, waiting for God . . .

Our lives are in His hands!

Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton

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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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