Grace and Peace

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Peter 1:2)

The phrase grace and peace is used 18 times in the epistles, and always in that order. We have peace because we have grace.

In essence, grace is the continual giving of God. “Grace is the action of God bringing to pass in our lives good things which we neither deserve nor can accomplish on our own.” Dallas Willard

“Grace in the theological sense is that force that infuses our lives, that keeps letting us off the hook. It is unearned and gratuitous love; the love that goes before, that greets us on the way. It's the help you receive when you have no bright ideas left, when you are empty and desperate and have discovered that your best thinking and most charming charm have failed you; grace is the light or electricity or juice or breeze that takes you from that isolated place and puts you with others who are as startled and embarrassed and eventually grateful as you are to be there.” — Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies

If my peace depends on how perfectly I am handling life, I am sunk. If I can experience and extend grace to others, I can find rest in a supernatural peace.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.” (John 14:27)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Anyone who has walked with God for years will attest that faith is usually deepened from the rough times far more than under blue skies. At Indiana University, I had a poster on my wall that said “Faith isn't faith until it's all you're hanging on to”. Many of us have experienced the truth and stability of the anchor that holds within the veil. (Hebrews 6:19)

• We have known the peace that passes understanding when God meets us in the night watch, those sleepless hours in the middle of the night when no one is looking for us except God.

• We have reached out to touch the hem of his garment when no one else truly sees us, hears us, or understands what we're going through—and we have received strength and power from His presence.

• We have felt the everlasting arms beneath us when everything else seems to give way.

I have experienced grace in such powerful ways in the last year. In the midst of tremendous pain, Jesus has met me with an unshakable, undergirding joy that makes no sense from a human perspective. He has given me laughter, humor, friendship, unexpected surprises, divine appointments, beauty, fun, and a peace that is different than anything the world offers.

Life gets overwhelming at times. The needs around us can be intimidating. May we learn to embrace and offer grace, then rest in peace.

May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. (Jude 2)

.

Grace and peace,

Linda

P.S. I will be having surgery Thursday, May 30th, so I will be out of commission for a while. I would appreciate prayers for a safe surgery and swift recovery. Thank you for your patience while I am unplugged and away from the office. Many thanks to the Psalm One Prayer Team for walking with me.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

― Anne Lamott

From time to time, my spiritual life needs a jump start. A chance to shut down completely and rest, then reboot with renewed energy and vitality.  A bit of stretching and nurturing to refill my tanks and rekindle my love for Jesus. Time to pause and assess halfway through the year.

I often have the best of intentions to take time away with the Lord, but sometimes those intentions never become reality. Having some encouragement and accountability helps me when I gather with a few fellow pilgrims as we spend time seeking God alone together.

Could you use any of that? Come away with me June 28-30 for a Refocus and Refuel Retreat.

• Who’s invited? Men and women, anyone hungry for a deeper connection to Jesus. 48 hours to let the whirlwind cease, to let the noise subside, to let the dust settle, to be able to discern the important from the urgent, to keep what is valuable, to let the chaff blow away.

• What do we do? The weekend begins with time in the Word, considering the state of our souls, and heart preparation. We end with time in the Word, reflecting on what God has been whispering, and prayer as we return home. In between these gatherings, we are in complete silence except for great conversation and lots of laughter over meals and meeting with me for spiritual direction, prayer, or just a listening ear if desired.

• When: June 28-30, Friday dinner through Sunday lunch.

• Where: Cincinnati, Ohio. Your own private room and bathroom. Delicious meals. Beautiful quiet space to stretch out, gorgeous chapel, gardens, scenic neighborhood to walk, wander, pray, process, and be refreshed.

• How much? $225 ($275 after June 14) which includes all housing, meals and materials.  Space is limited and we cannot hold your spot until paid in full, so register soon!

“For me, being at the Refocus and Refuel Retreat was like stepping out of the jungle into an oasis! It was a place where I was nourished, refreshed, lovingly challenged and encouraged by God as I quietly meditated on His Word, prayed and worshipped through nature walks with Him.  God has uniquely gifted Linda Kline with the ability to greet pilgrims right where they are and provide an atmosphere that shepherds weary pilgrims towards increased faith in God, through well studied biblical teaching, powerful photography, and hilarious laughter! “

This is for men and women--anyone who desires a deeper relationship with God! This is especially life-giving and replenishing for those who pour themselves out in ministry to others. Come and clear out the cobwebs through life-giving time with the Shepherd. Set aside this time to devote to the Lord. It will be time well invested.

If you’ve done something like this before, you know how God meets us where we are and gently leads us where we need to be. If you’ve never done anything like this before, do not fear! There will be plenty of guidance and freedom for you to experience the presence of Jesus. Spaces are limited and Early Bird ends June 14, so register soon at: https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

Psalm One Bible Study:

We are studying 1 Peter online on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm Eastern Time and would love to have you with us. This letter is jam packed with wisdom on how to walk as strangers and aliens in this world, yet chosen and beloved of God. We're getting so much out of this study! This is for men and women, single and married, anyone who wants to go deeper in the Word and walk closer with Jesus. Sign up online to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study  (We’ll be skipping a few weeks as I recover, but you are welcome to hop in at any point after then.)

I look at Him. He looks at me. We are happy.

Dear friend,

• Are you ever frustrated by your lack of strength, energy, or stamina?

• Do you ever get discouraged when you can't do what the other kids can do?

• Do you ever feel "less than" when some weakness or limitation prevents you from accomplishing everything you expect of yourself?

• Have you noticed that getting old is for the birds?

I had some really, really wonderful and exciting plans for 2024, and I may still get to do some of them, but so far I've had to cancel or delay most of the things on my calendar.

So many good things going on in my life, but my body decided to revolt on me this year. So much pain, so many medical appointments, so many medications that may or may not work, so many excruciating treatments. One surgery down, one to go. I’m trying to be a patient patient, but I've got places to go, things to do, and people to see!

There are times when I suddenly see the paper I'm writing on is getting wet and blurring my words, because I don’t even notice anymore when the tears are flowing. There are times when my body won't stop shaking from the pain. Multiple times a day I cry out (trying to scream quietly if the windows are open) when it gets too much. My current mantra is: “It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.”

“You have taken account of my wanderings;

Put my tears in Your bottle.

Are they not in Your book?”

(Psalm 56:8)

But this has also been a season of laughter. It’s hard to explain, but there's been an undercurrent of unshakable joy even in unrelenting pain. I find humor in the midst of daily life. There are so many ridiculous little things that make me smile, chuckle, or laugh out loud. My heart is lifted by friends who come alongside me, often surprising me with love and support and hilarity exactly when I need it.

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)

There are seasons when we can go "flat out like a lizard drinking" as we say in Australia.

There are seasons when we need to rest in the palm of his hand.

There are days I can accomplish an amazing workload.

There are days I can barely walk across a room.

But God doesn't waste a thing. Even our pain. The hours I have to spend hunkered under a weighted heating pad because the pain is too severe are not wasted hours. In that darkness, He meets me.

In this secluded place I meet a king.

He comes alone to drink reality with me.

Sometimes we talk, sometimes we sit

And sip a life that passes by the crowd.

As inwardness is born—a felted thing

Of power—a commonality of grace—

A union where unmended hopes are knit

Where silence roars as quiet sings aloud.

Oh Christ, I love it here! It is our place.

Speak Lord or not. Touch me or not.

Show then Your will or bid me wait in patient grace.

Fill all my hungry need with joy again.

With simple loaves of bread and chaliced wine

Heaven, earth, and all of God are mine.

           --Calvin Miller (A Hunger for the Holy)

A beautiful, simple, deeply profound quote from a dear saint today: “I look at Him. He looks at me. We are happy.”

He meets us wherever we are. And my prayer is always, “Lord meet me where I am, and take me where I need to be.”

Grace and peace,

Linda

P.S. I have surgery scheduled May 30th. Please, please pray they would move it up. Even a week or two would help tremendously. So grateful for those on the prayer team who keep lifting me up. Let me know if you want to join the team.

Upcoming and Ongoing:

• We invite anyone to join the Psalm One Bible Study on Tuesday nights in 1 Peter. This study meets online (with in-person gatherings for the locals) and is for men and women, married, and single, anyone who wants to know the Word and walk with Jesus. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or drop in every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• Mark your calendar now to join us for the next Refocus and Refuel Retreat June 28-30 in Cincinnati. This is for men and women, anyone who needs to let the dust settle long enough to rest, recover, remember, rebound, restore, revive, and reboot. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel

• Thank you for understanding that my availability and capacity has varied a lot the last few months. I appreciate your kindness and patience. A lot of things are in the air right now. More events will be scheduled once I get past this season.

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains"

Pain. How’s that for a fun topic?

No one is exempt. You know how life sometimes gangs up on you all at once? I’ve had some major medical issues hit me and I’ve been in unrelenting pain for months.

Some of my favorite people are currently in a lot of pain. My heart breaks for friends with physical pain, chronic illness, emotional struggles, mental anguish, grief, marital strife, heartbreak over children and family members, terminal diagnoses, and loss of all kinds. Always remember the meme: “Be kind. You have no idea what someone is going through. You may walk past someone who's just trying to hold it together.”

We can't compare one person's pain with another. One thing we must never say to a friend in pain is, "I know exactly how you feel." No. You don't. You really don’t. You know how you felt going through a similar situation. But everyone has different circumstances, a different temperament, a different support system, and a different physiological makeup.

Several years ago, I became quite ill and I really wanted to have coffee with Job. Not to ask how he handled reconciling the character of God with his pain and suffering. God’s tangible presence was as close as my heartbeat. I wanted to know how he kept from slapping people.

I have amazing, wonderful, supportive friends who've come alongside me over and over. I’ve had incredible people come out of the woodwork to help in practical ways. I've also had friends tell me I'm not really in pain--I just think I am. I’ve had friends who’ve told me to suck it up. I’ve had a lot of gossip and unsolicited medical advice. I've had a lot of people tell me why it’s my fault. I've had friends explain that God had to inflict pain on me, because otherwise I won't listen to Him. I’ve had people pinpoint my obvious unconfessed sin and rebellion that brought on my well-deserved suffering. Quite a few people tell me I don’t have enough faith. I've had people tell me all I have to do is take this one supplement which cures everything, and lo and behold: they sell it, and it's only $250 for the first month’s supply.

“Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him. When they lifted up their eyes at a distance and did not recognize him, they raised their voices and wept. And each of them tore his robe and they threw dust over their heads toward the sky. Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.” (Job 2:11-13)

They sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him for they saw that his pain was very great. What a powerful ministry of presence to a hurting friend. The problem began when they decided they would explain God’s actions and motives and clarify why all this was Job’s fault.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) Have you have experienced this closeness with God when you’re hurting?

I remember being alone in a treatment room at Cleveland Clinic, hooked up to all kinds of big, loud, frightening machines. I could feel I was being held firmly in the palm of God's hand. I could actually reach down and touch His thumb against me. I was experiencing “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension” (Philippians 4:7) to such a supernatural extent that the nurse thought I’d somehow gotten ahold of some contraband tranquilizers.

I lean in and I can hear His heartbeat. As Kate Bowler said, "The sicker I got, the more God's love bubbled up beneath me. God's presence is assured when we are scared or lonely or unsure." I’ve often been scared and lonely and unsure. But I have found the reality of God’s presence to be true. Have you?

Pain can be a blessing. It stops us in our tracks. It focuses our attention. “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

There's absolute garbage theology out there that says if you're really walking with God, you will never suffer, you have lots of money, and you deserve special favor that means you are exempt from the troubles others suffer. To which I ask, “Have any of you read the Bible?”

Instead of asking “Why me? “, our question should be “Why not me?” “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)

We are eager to experience Philippians 3:10, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection” until we get to “and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”. We really want to know Him, and the power of his resurrection, but no thank you to the fellowship of his sufferings. Two out of three is plenty.

It is very discouraging to not be able to do what the other kids do. I have places to go, things to do, and people to see. I have some really wonderful and exciting plans in 2024. But God alone knows if I will be able to do them. Please pray that the tests, treatments, surgeries, and specialists can help diagnose and fix me in the coming months. And pray for patience and peace whether or not healing comes.

Whatever pain we experience in life, may it drive us to reach for the hem of His robe. May it draw us into intimacy with the only One who truly understands every facet of our pain. Our friends and loved ones may try to understand, but Jesus is the only one who has been down in our hole with us. May we cling to the One who will bring our final healing:

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Grace and peace,

Linda

Upcoming and Ongoing:

• We’re starting a new Psalm One Bible Study on Tuesday night in 1 Peter. This study meets online (with in-person gatherings for the locals) and is for men and women, married, and single, anyone who wants to know the Word and walk with Jesus. Everyone is welcome Tuesday at 7:30 pm Eastern Time whether you come every week or every once in a while. Sign up to stay in the loop: https://www.psalmone.org/tuesday-night-bible-study

• We just enjoyed a truly wonderful Sisterhood of the Fishbowl Pastors’ Wives Soul Care Retreat in Cincinnati. And we are gearing up to have another in Green Lake, Wisconsin April 19-21. We’re also meeting online every Thursday night at 7:30pm Eastern Time. This is a lifeline of genuine friendship, support, encouragement, prayer, and quite a lot of laughter. https://www.psalmone.org/pastors-wives 

• Mark your calendar now to join us for the next Refocus and Refuel Retreat June 28-30 in Cincinnati. This is for men and women, anyone who needs to let the dust settle long enough to rest, recover, remember, rebound, restore, revive, and reboot. https://www.psalmone.org/refocus-and-refuel