Author Archives

Norma L. Brumbaugh

Inspirational Writer, Author, and Speaker

PO Box 6432, Chico, CA 95927
nlbrumbaugh@gmail.com

Keep a smile in your heart.

Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional by Michelle Ule (Baker Books, 2017)

Gertrude “Biddy” Hobbs Chambers is not your ordinary Christian woman nor is she married to your average Christian minister. Theirs is a different sort of Christianity than you hear much of in religious circles. They depend on God to supply the way, to prepare for the need, and to change an unrepentant heart. Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers give selflessly and work tirelessly to fulfill their burning desire to give their utmost for His highest. After years of reading My Utmost for His Highest as my favorite devotional–a book of uncommon depth of insight, I looked forward to reading this biography of Biddy Chambers that tells the story behind the book. It is an intense read. Mrs. Oswald Chambers devotes her life to mining the treasure she wrote in shorthand in notebooks and journals. They contain sermons Oswald Chambers preached and classes he taught. Biddy turns these into assorted leaflets, calendars, and over thirty books, some of which live on to this day. After her husband passes at age 43, Biddy continues to live dependent on God for provision and direction.

In the life story of Biddy Chambers, Michelle Ule displays her talent for getting it right. This biography is researched thoroughly, written skillfully, and compiled concretely with careful attention to detail, making for a rich read. We soon learn Biddy Chambers is one for ‘doing the next thing’ that comes her way, all the while remaining devoted to transcribing journals and notebooks of Oswald’s words into spiritual themed books. Oswald Chambers is the author. Biddy, though, transcribes, organizes, prepares, edits, and does the hard work for publication. Book profits support the printing of more books. Biddy is savvy, smart, and much more. Hospitality, leading Bible studies, cooking for a crowd and various forms of ministry are a constant part of her life besides the typing of manuscripts and correspondence tasks. Key friends participate in the Chambers’ ongoing BTC ministry. Such is the life of Biddy Chambers. We can learn from her. Oswald and Biddy challenge us to live in ways that still speak today: how to live close to God. In their lives we witness an amazing trust in God. Both knew the true, blessed secret to a happy, fulfilling life.

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ANGST, WORRY & FEAR: A TERRIBLE TRIO

Biblical Context Matters

Fret Not: This is Not the End

Last Sunday the pastor spoke about how we get anxious about problems in the world. He brought us to Psalm 37, a favorite biblical passage. I’ve derived comfort from Psalm 37 ever since I was freshman in college struggling with a heartache from a recent break-up. Its words said to me, “Fret not,” this is not the end; life still has promise.

“Do not fret because of those who are evil
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

In my line of work, I like to keep up with current events. To do so means I daily read Facebook, Twitter, and Newsfeeds. Some of the content shocks me. Evil is out in the open. Hate, too. I fear where society is headed. I worry about the mindset of godless youth and adults. I fear the Christian voice is being silenced and eventually will be confined behind closed doors.

The heaviness of the burden is like a gray blanket surrounding me. Its weight threatens to rob me of my joy. I wonder if I should step away from my writing to be free of it. Rather than escape, God tells me to not fret about that stuff. He says to trust in him and there-in enjoy safe pasture.

“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

God is in control. The best thing I can do for myself is to commit my way to God. He makes my path straight. No matter the hatred or troubles, my vindication is complete in the Lord. I can let the evil of the day confuse my ability to access joy. It is natural to let it overwhelm me. However, God waits for me to trust him for the journey. What a blessing when I choose to do so.

“Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.

Powerful words are these. We are given what we need, when we need it. Going through a heartache? Trust in the Lord and do good. Fearing about the future? Delight in the Lord and rest in him. Look to God for that with lasting value: hope, life, and eternal promise. Sigh. Yes! We don’t have to give in to the cultural angst. We have something better.

I do not always like my circumstances or the problems I face. I get discouraged. God asks me to give it to him. Sometimes I do that easily. Other times it takes a series of steps to get there. The world’s mess, however, gets to me in a much heavier, worrisome way. I feel its darkness enclosing the world. I can’t solve this problem. Like it says in the first two verses, this isn’t my worry. This is God’s deal.

“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Scripture text is from Psalm 137:1-7  NIV

My responsibility is to commit myself to the Lord and to trust in him. God reaches deep down in me as his presence ministers to my soul. He encourages me to pray and to surrender everything to him. The burden lifts once this process is complete. As a result, my friendship with God flourishes as it tenderly flowers within my being. Praise God for this.

To God Be The Glory