"Also with the lute I will praise You- And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed." - Psalm 71:22-23
It's been a good day. Although my car is still dead, God provided transportation to church today. Afterwards, I had an awesome afternoon with my small group from church. We went and visited the Micah Project, another ministry here in Tegucigalpa. Micah Project works primarily with boys that they help get off the street and help them have a better life. We had an awesome lunch of tipico foods. We had a tour of both the house for the teenage boys, and the leadership house where those 18 and older live. I have visited once before, and am blessed to see the work God is doing through Micah Project. It is awesome to see all the ministries that are working in Tegucigalpa, helping the poor, and ministering to the lost. God's hand is truly in this troubled country.
After my visit to the Micah Project, I went to visitation. Our ministry is required to have supervised visitation once a month for any family members of our kids that are registered with the government. We have it at a school in the city for about two hours. It is a difficult time for those with no family, and also for those who have family but are unable to live with them. I stayed there until about 4:00, and then got a ride home back to the ranch.
As I reflected on the day, I just had to praise God. Although things have been difficult lately, God has proven Himself faithful, as always. He provided transportation. He provided safety. He provided a good time of fellowship. While at Micah House, I found out the girl who had her computer stolen had it returned to her (through a miraculous series of events). Even in times of difficulty, God is always with us and taking care of us. He is the Rock of Salvation. He is truly worthy of our praise.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I Am Blessed
"When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today." - Deuteronomy 8:10-11
I've realized lately that I have a tendency to focus on the negative. I don't mean to be that way, and I never really considered myself a pessimist. I guess I always thought of myself more as a realist. Anyways, when it was brought to my attention that I tend to shoot down ideas, it helped me realize that I tend to do that in other areas of my life, too. For instance, I have a tendency to forget all the ways that God has blessed me, and instead look at what I am lacking. I also tend to forget the seemingly little things, which in fact, are huge. I have plenty to eat. Anyone who sees me can know that immediately. I am not hungry, and I have three meals a day. I have a great place to live. I have a family that loves me. I have friends who truly care about me. The list could go on and on. So often I forget to be thankful for these many blessings that the LORD has given me. In reality, I do not deserve any of it. Yet the LORD decided to bless me in so many ways. I am in a country where I am surrounded by poverty, people who do not have enough to eat, and many who are completely alone. I work with kids who were abused and abandoned. How is it that I so easily forget how blessed I truly am? The LORD knew, which is why He warns us to not forget Him in our times of plenty. We cry out to God when we are in need, but how often do we remember to praise Him in our excess? I am wealthier and have more advantages than most people in this world. I am going to try and focus more on what God has provided in His mercy than what I lack. I hope to hold more to a positive attitude, and continually remind myself that I am blessed!
I've realized lately that I have a tendency to focus on the negative. I don't mean to be that way, and I never really considered myself a pessimist. I guess I always thought of myself more as a realist. Anyways, when it was brought to my attention that I tend to shoot down ideas, it helped me realize that I tend to do that in other areas of my life, too. For instance, I have a tendency to forget all the ways that God has blessed me, and instead look at what I am lacking. I also tend to forget the seemingly little things, which in fact, are huge. I have plenty to eat. Anyone who sees me can know that immediately. I am not hungry, and I have three meals a day. I have a great place to live. I have a family that loves me. I have friends who truly care about me. The list could go on and on. So often I forget to be thankful for these many blessings that the LORD has given me. In reality, I do not deserve any of it. Yet the LORD decided to bless me in so many ways. I am in a country where I am surrounded by poverty, people who do not have enough to eat, and many who are completely alone. I work with kids who were abused and abandoned. How is it that I so easily forget how blessed I truly am? The LORD knew, which is why He warns us to not forget Him in our times of plenty. We cry out to God when we are in need, but how often do we remember to praise Him in our excess? I am wealthier and have more advantages than most people in this world. I am going to try and focus more on what God has provided in His mercy than what I lack. I hope to hold more to a positive attitude, and continually remind myself that I am blessed!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Staying Focused and Keeping God's Perspective
"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:6-9
My car died today. I was on my way down the mountain with three other people, when all of a sudden I just completely lost power. We glided to a stop, attempted to start it a few times, and then gave up. Thankfully, I was in an area with cell phone reception, and I was able to call someone at the ranch. William, my next door neighbor, came and got us. He then took the time to go back down with the tractor and tow my car back to the ranch. I rode in the car and steered while the tractor pulled me. I couldn't help but think of the spiritual application in that moment. I am like my car in that I am completely helpless and useless without the Spirit of God within me. He is the power that moves me. Like the tractor, He often has to pull me along in the direction He wants me to go. I can either be obedient and steer in the direction He is pulling me, or I can resist and end up in a ditch. When I am obedient and steer in the right direction, He gets me to the final destination - exactly where I need to be. The only way to know which direction the Lord is pulling, is to keep my eyes focused on Him. It is so important that we constantly be in God's presence, and yet we often try to keep Christ separate from different aspects of our lives. It is my desire to someday reach a point when God's commandments are in my thoughts when I am home, when I walk, when I lie down, and when I get up - every moment of every day.
After feeling sorry for myself and my car troubles, the Lord reminded me it could always be worse. This evening, I read a blog of another missionary serving with another ministry here in Honduras. I know her from my church here. She wrote how her computer was stolen out of her car when she was standing right by it. She didn't realize one of the doors was not locked, and she was literally within feet of the car when it happened. She never saw it. She was absolutely devastated. Her computer is her connection to her friends and family back home. It had all her photos, all her music, all her documents. I realized how easily I take things for granted. Now my car not starting doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. If I could just reach a point in my life where I stay in God's presence, the things of this world would no longer matter! It's all a matter of perspective.
My car died today. I was on my way down the mountain with three other people, when all of a sudden I just completely lost power. We glided to a stop, attempted to start it a few times, and then gave up. Thankfully, I was in an area with cell phone reception, and I was able to call someone at the ranch. William, my next door neighbor, came and got us. He then took the time to go back down with the tractor and tow my car back to the ranch. I rode in the car and steered while the tractor pulled me. I couldn't help but think of the spiritual application in that moment. I am like my car in that I am completely helpless and useless without the Spirit of God within me. He is the power that moves me. Like the tractor, He often has to pull me along in the direction He wants me to go. I can either be obedient and steer in the direction He is pulling me, or I can resist and end up in a ditch. When I am obedient and steer in the right direction, He gets me to the final destination - exactly where I need to be. The only way to know which direction the Lord is pulling, is to keep my eyes focused on Him. It is so important that we constantly be in God's presence, and yet we often try to keep Christ separate from different aspects of our lives. It is my desire to someday reach a point when God's commandments are in my thoughts when I am home, when I walk, when I lie down, and when I get up - every moment of every day.
After feeling sorry for myself and my car troubles, the Lord reminded me it could always be worse. This evening, I read a blog of another missionary serving with another ministry here in Honduras. I know her from my church here. She wrote how her computer was stolen out of her car when she was standing right by it. She didn't realize one of the doors was not locked, and she was literally within feet of the car when it happened. She never saw it. She was absolutely devastated. Her computer is her connection to her friends and family back home. It had all her photos, all her music, all her documents. I realized how easily I take things for granted. Now my car not starting doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. If I could just reach a point in my life where I stay in God's presence, the things of this world would no longer matter! It's all a matter of perspective.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Week of Rest
"And He said to them, 'The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.'" - Luke 6:5
Whenever we talk about the Sabbath, we are talking about a day of rest. Even the Lord rested on the seventh day after Creation. I've been reminded again recently how important it is for us to rest and to have Sabbath days. This past week was Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Here in Honduras, that means that most of the country shuts down for a part, if not for the entire week. We were off from school the entire week. I used this past week as a time of rest. I knew I needed it. In our busy lives, we often forget to take time to just rest and recouperate. We think we have to keep going because otherwise we will fall behind, or we will be less productive. I've realized that in order for me to be the most productive, I need rest. That means getting to bed early enough to get a good night sleep. It means taking one day off each week to relax, whether that day is Saturday or Sunday. For me, it is often Saturday because my Sundays are usually not the least bit restful. Resting also means allowing yourself to take a vacation when you need it. Even if it means going to a park, taking a walk through the forest, or sitting somewhere quiet, we need to rest. Having just completed an entire week of rest, I know that I can hit the ground running tomorrow (not literally, I don't run). I am ready to face new challenges that come my way, because I now have the energy to face them. And I can keep running as long as I stop along the way to give myself downtime when needed. Speaking of which, I need to go to bed. :)
Whenever we talk about the Sabbath, we are talking about a day of rest. Even the Lord rested on the seventh day after Creation. I've been reminded again recently how important it is for us to rest and to have Sabbath days. This past week was Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Here in Honduras, that means that most of the country shuts down for a part, if not for the entire week. We were off from school the entire week. I used this past week as a time of rest. I knew I needed it. In our busy lives, we often forget to take time to just rest and recouperate. We think we have to keep going because otherwise we will fall behind, or we will be less productive. I've realized that in order for me to be the most productive, I need rest. That means getting to bed early enough to get a good night sleep. It means taking one day off each week to relax, whether that day is Saturday or Sunday. For me, it is often Saturday because my Sundays are usually not the least bit restful. Resting also means allowing yourself to take a vacation when you need it. Even if it means going to a park, taking a walk through the forest, or sitting somewhere quiet, we need to rest. Having just completed an entire week of rest, I know that I can hit the ground running tomorrow (not literally, I don't run). I am ready to face new challenges that come my way, because I now have the energy to face them. And I can keep running as long as I stop along the way to give myself downtime when needed. Speaking of which, I need to go to bed. :)
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday Musing: Relationships
"All men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider His doing. The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and trust in Him. And all the upright in heart shall glory." - Psalm 64:9-10
Growing up Catholic, Good Friday has always been a holy day to me. It is a day to reflect on what Jesus did to reconcile us to the Father. Normally for me, it is a day to hole up in a room and spend time in the Word and prayer. I did some of that today, but today was more about my relationships with people. I started my day having breakfast with some of the WGO missionaries that work in our El Hatillo mission house. I don't get to see them very often, and really enjoyed spending time with three short-term missionaries and a long-term couple. I then stopped by and visited two other co-missionaries that were staying in the same hotel where I am taking a mini-vacation. Although somewhat brief, I enjoyed my time talking with each of them. By God's divine providence, I got a random phone call from my roommate who was also at the hotel. She did not know which room I was in, but found me in her attempt to call the front desk. After that, I was invited to join some other co-missionaries for lunch who were coming into the city for the day. The day culminated in a Good Friday service at my church, where I had a brief time of fellowship with my local church family.
Good Friday is usually a day I spend alone. As I look back on today and how different it was from previous years, I cannot help but think about how most of Jesus' life on earth was about his relationships with people: His disciples, the sick, the lame, the demonized, the sinners. Yes, Jesus needed time alone to commune with His Father, but the majority of His time was spent with people. It was out of His love for people that He took on flesh, became like us but without sin, and suffered a horribly brutal death. Why? Because without it, we were separated from God by sin. But He loved us so much, that He paid the penalty for our sins, redeeming those who trust in Him and restoring our relationship with God. Relationships are very important to God. I am an introvert by nature, but I was blessed by my time with people today. Sometimes in the busyness of life, we forget the things that are most important in life. As this holy week draws to an end, my prayer is that I will enter into the last quarter of the school year with my relationships with people as a priority. Jesus loved people and spent extraordinary amounts of time with them. We as Christians are commanded to love one another. The best way to do that is by spending time with each other.
Growing up Catholic, Good Friday has always been a holy day to me. It is a day to reflect on what Jesus did to reconcile us to the Father. Normally for me, it is a day to hole up in a room and spend time in the Word and prayer. I did some of that today, but today was more about my relationships with people. I started my day having breakfast with some of the WGO missionaries that work in our El Hatillo mission house. I don't get to see them very often, and really enjoyed spending time with three short-term missionaries and a long-term couple. I then stopped by and visited two other co-missionaries that were staying in the same hotel where I am taking a mini-vacation. Although somewhat brief, I enjoyed my time talking with each of them. By God's divine providence, I got a random phone call from my roommate who was also at the hotel. She did not know which room I was in, but found me in her attempt to call the front desk. After that, I was invited to join some other co-missionaries for lunch who were coming into the city for the day. The day culminated in a Good Friday service at my church, where I had a brief time of fellowship with my local church family.
Good Friday is usually a day I spend alone. As I look back on today and how different it was from previous years, I cannot help but think about how most of Jesus' life on earth was about his relationships with people: His disciples, the sick, the lame, the demonized, the sinners. Yes, Jesus needed time alone to commune with His Father, but the majority of His time was spent with people. It was out of His love for people that He took on flesh, became like us but without sin, and suffered a horribly brutal death. Why? Because without it, we were separated from God by sin. But He loved us so much, that He paid the penalty for our sins, redeeming those who trust in Him and restoring our relationship with God. Relationships are very important to God. I am an introvert by nature, but I was blessed by my time with people today. Sometimes in the busyness of life, we forget the things that are most important in life. As this holy week draws to an end, my prayer is that I will enter into the last quarter of the school year with my relationships with people as a priority. Jesus loved people and spent extraordinary amounts of time with them. We as Christians are commanded to love one another. The best way to do that is by spending time with each other.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Remembering My Call
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." - Luke 4:18,19
These are the words that Jesus read from the book of Isaiah, just before being rejected in Nazareth. As I read them, I think about the call that God has placed on my life to do some of these same things. Tonight I had the joy of calling a young woman and giving her the green light to come and serve in Honduras. She will be a new teacher on my staff next year. I was happy to hear the excitement in her voice when she received the news. I remember having that same excitement when I got a similar call in 2005. Knowing that God was opening the door for me to serve the poor in Honduras brought great joy. I love what I do. Tomorrow as we celebrate Good Friday, and remember the suffering that Jesus did on our behalf, I pray that we will remember the call that He has placed on our lives to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free. The message of the gospel is a powerful one, and God wants it spread throughout the world. If each of us would take the time to openly share our faith with our friends, coworkers and neighbors, how many more people would enter the kingdom of God? It is a joy and a privilege to answer the call to go and share the gospel throughout the world.
These are the words that Jesus read from the book of Isaiah, just before being rejected in Nazareth. As I read them, I think about the call that God has placed on my life to do some of these same things. Tonight I had the joy of calling a young woman and giving her the green light to come and serve in Honduras. She will be a new teacher on my staff next year. I was happy to hear the excitement in her voice when she received the news. I remember having that same excitement when I got a similar call in 2005. Knowing that God was opening the door for me to serve the poor in Honduras brought great joy. I love what I do. Tomorrow as we celebrate Good Friday, and remember the suffering that Jesus did on our behalf, I pray that we will remember the call that He has placed on our lives to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, and to set the captives free. The message of the gospel is a powerful one, and God wants it spread throughout the world. If each of us would take the time to openly share our faith with our friends, coworkers and neighbors, how many more people would enter the kingdom of God? It is a joy and a privilege to answer the call to go and share the gospel throughout the world.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Going About My Father's Business
"And He said to them, 'Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?'" - Luke 2:49
I am sorry it has been a little while again since I last wrote. I am currently on vacation this week, celebrating Semana Santa (Holy Week) along with the rest of Honduras. I am actually back at the Bridge House at the moment. I arrived here on Friday night and will stay until Thursday. I am covering the house while the regular house couple is away at a conference in Nicaragua. I will then stay in the city through the weekend so I may attend the Good Friday Service and the Sunrise Service on Easter morning at my church. So far, my time here has been fairly relaxing. There are only two young adults who stayed this week. The rest are away visiting family. I am using the time to do my taxes, read, and work on my crocheting skills (I am a beginner). I am also going to the church for a little while each day to practice piano. I will be playing the hymns at the Good Friday service. Although I am fully capable of playing them, I tend to get nervous playing in front of people. Please pray for my nerves to remain calm so I do not ruin the mood of the solemn celebration.
Part of the reason I have not written in a while is because I have been extremely busy. I guess you could say I have been about my Father's business. In addition to teaching full-time, I have also been taking on more of the principal duties. They want me to take on the full role of principal by April 1st. This will allow me time to actively fulfill the role while the current principal is still here to give me guidance and counsel. Please pray for me as I try to balance both roles without neglecting the education of my students. Please also pray that I will not get caught up in Martha syndrome, which I tend to do naturally. Pray that I will take the time every day to sit at the feet of Jesus and receive instruction from Him.
I should also mention that last week we had our Spiritual Emphasis week. It was wonderful! We had two visitors, Tom Gill and Russell Miller. They are friends of my coworker, Steve Livingston. Tom presented most of the messages, while Russ shared through his gift of music. Their messages were powerful and really touched many of the kids. Their ability to be genuine was well received by the older kids. I believe the students really listened to what they had to say. Please pray that seeds were planted in the hearts of those kids who still refuse to surrender their hearts to Jesus.
My goal is to rest this week so I will be refreshed and renewed, that I may then go back about My Father's Business here in Honduras.
I am sorry it has been a little while again since I last wrote. I am currently on vacation this week, celebrating Semana Santa (Holy Week) along with the rest of Honduras. I am actually back at the Bridge House at the moment. I arrived here on Friday night and will stay until Thursday. I am covering the house while the regular house couple is away at a conference in Nicaragua. I will then stay in the city through the weekend so I may attend the Good Friday Service and the Sunrise Service on Easter morning at my church. So far, my time here has been fairly relaxing. There are only two young adults who stayed this week. The rest are away visiting family. I am using the time to do my taxes, read, and work on my crocheting skills (I am a beginner). I am also going to the church for a little while each day to practice piano. I will be playing the hymns at the Good Friday service. Although I am fully capable of playing them, I tend to get nervous playing in front of people. Please pray for my nerves to remain calm so I do not ruin the mood of the solemn celebration.
Part of the reason I have not written in a while is because I have been extremely busy. I guess you could say I have been about my Father's business. In addition to teaching full-time, I have also been taking on more of the principal duties. They want me to take on the full role of principal by April 1st. This will allow me time to actively fulfill the role while the current principal is still here to give me guidance and counsel. Please pray for me as I try to balance both roles without neglecting the education of my students. Please also pray that I will not get caught up in Martha syndrome, which I tend to do naturally. Pray that I will take the time every day to sit at the feet of Jesus and receive instruction from Him.
I should also mention that last week we had our Spiritual Emphasis week. It was wonderful! We had two visitors, Tom Gill and Russell Miller. They are friends of my coworker, Steve Livingston. Tom presented most of the messages, while Russ shared through his gift of music. Their messages were powerful and really touched many of the kids. Their ability to be genuine was well received by the older kids. I believe the students really listened to what they had to say. Please pray that seeds were planted in the hearts of those kids who still refuse to surrender their hearts to Jesus.
My goal is to rest this week so I will be refreshed and renewed, that I may then go back about My Father's Business here in Honduras.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Speaking Blessing Daily
"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26
Every morning for the past two and a half years, my principal has sent us to our classes with the words, "I bless you in the name of Jesus." It was only recently that I realized that she was actually speaking blessing over us. What a powerful realization! The power of the tongue is something that I have been reflecting on a lot lately. As I prepare to step into the role of principal, I have been thinking about how important it is to send the teachers off each morning with a word of encouragement and blessing. While I love the words that my principal uses, it just doesn't seem right to say the exact same thing. It wouldn't be wrong, but it is hers. As I read through Numbers chapter 6, the famous verses of blessing struck me. Somehow, speaking this powerful blessing to the teachers every day seems to be an appropriate solution. It says exactly what I hope for each teacher that gives daily of their time and talents. I don't know for sure if I will say these exact verses, but they have given me an idea of what I want to say to my teachers each day. I want to send each precious teacher into their day with a powerful word of blessing.
Every morning for the past two and a half years, my principal has sent us to our classes with the words, "I bless you in the name of Jesus." It was only recently that I realized that she was actually speaking blessing over us. What a powerful realization! The power of the tongue is something that I have been reflecting on a lot lately. As I prepare to step into the role of principal, I have been thinking about how important it is to send the teachers off each morning with a word of encouragement and blessing. While I love the words that my principal uses, it just doesn't seem right to say the exact same thing. It wouldn't be wrong, but it is hers. As I read through Numbers chapter 6, the famous verses of blessing struck me. Somehow, speaking this powerful blessing to the teachers every day seems to be an appropriate solution. It says exactly what I hope for each teacher that gives daily of their time and talents. I don't know for sure if I will say these exact verses, but they have given me an idea of what I want to say to my teachers each day. I want to send each precious teacher into their day with a powerful word of blessing.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Worthless Sacrifice? All You Need is Love!
"And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." -Mark 12:33
As a missionary, I often have people talk to me about how much I sacrifice to be doing what I am doing. They talk about my willingness to leave family and friends to go to a foreign country and serve. They talk about the "creature comforts" that I have given up to live in a third world country. While there is some truth in that, the other side to look at is what I have gained. For instance, I love the school where I teach, and I have tremendous support. I have a relationship with the kids that goes deeper than is possible in the States. I not only can talk about Jesus freely with the kids, but I am EXPECTED to share my faith with them. There are no restrictions placed on me because of the twisted cry, "Separation of church and state!" I have fewer distractions without TV. I've learned to plan ahead because I can only get to the city twice a week. All in all, there are many more benefits to being here than sacrifices made. That being said, even if I sacrificed everything to be here, it still would not be enough. The scribe in Mark 12:33 understood that loving God totally and completely was greater than any sacrifice made. It does not matter what or how much we give up, but rather our devotion to the Lord that takes precedence. When that is the standard, how do I measure up? Do I serve the Lord wholeheartedly because of my devotion to Him, or do I hope my "sacrifices" will somehow score me points? How much time do I spend with the Lord on a daily basis, preparing to do my service? I am not saying that I do not do these things, but when closely examined, do I really put the Lord God above all else in my life? Some days, yes, but other days, not enough. It does not matter how much I have sacrificed to serve as a missionary in a foreign country. When I am not loving the Lord God with all my heart, soul, and strength, I am missing the mark and all my sacrifice is worthless.
As a missionary, I often have people talk to me about how much I sacrifice to be doing what I am doing. They talk about my willingness to leave family and friends to go to a foreign country and serve. They talk about the "creature comforts" that I have given up to live in a third world country. While there is some truth in that, the other side to look at is what I have gained. For instance, I love the school where I teach, and I have tremendous support. I have a relationship with the kids that goes deeper than is possible in the States. I not only can talk about Jesus freely with the kids, but I am EXPECTED to share my faith with them. There are no restrictions placed on me because of the twisted cry, "Separation of church and state!" I have fewer distractions without TV. I've learned to plan ahead because I can only get to the city twice a week. All in all, there are many more benefits to being here than sacrifices made. That being said, even if I sacrificed everything to be here, it still would not be enough. The scribe in Mark 12:33 understood that loving God totally and completely was greater than any sacrifice made. It does not matter what or how much we give up, but rather our devotion to the Lord that takes precedence. When that is the standard, how do I measure up? Do I serve the Lord wholeheartedly because of my devotion to Him, or do I hope my "sacrifices" will somehow score me points? How much time do I spend with the Lord on a daily basis, preparing to do my service? I am not saying that I do not do these things, but when closely examined, do I really put the Lord God above all else in my life? Some days, yes, but other days, not enough. It does not matter how much I have sacrificed to serve as a missionary in a foreign country. When I am not loving the Lord God with all my heart, soul, and strength, I am missing the mark and all my sacrifice is worthless.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Giving God What Already Belongs to Him
"And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.' And they marveled at Him." - Mark 12:17
Tonight in our singles' Bible study, we watched a portion of a message given by Andy Stanley called, "Playing God." Throughout this study, Pastor Stanley has been talking about the power that we have from God and how we use it. Tonight's message focused on how we have a tendency to hold on to that power so tightly that we sometimes push God away in an attempt to keep what He has given us. There were several points that stuck with me. One is that whatever power, privilege, or gift we have, we can and will lose at some point. A second point is that all these things come from God in the first place. It is absolutely absurd to cling to something and try to keep it from God when it was He who first gave it. Sadly, I can think of specific times in my life when I have done just that. Sometimes I recognize the problem and repent. However, there have also been times when I was so stubborn about letting go, that God literally had to pull it away from me. Why do we do that? Realistically, the biggest problem is not trusting God enough to know that He will do what is best for us. He knows better than I do. So then why do I argue and fight Him? Everything I have - every talent, every met need, every relationship - is a gift. I have no right to call these things my own. God has the right to give and take away according to His perfect will. So when I feel God asking me to give something up, I might as well give to God what is already His anyways.
Jesus' response in the verse above was an answer to the Pharisees' question as to the legality of paying taxes. They were trying to entrap Him, but His answer caused them to marvel. May I continue to marvel at the teachings of Jesus. The above Scripture is also a gentle reminder that it is time for me to pay my taxes. :)
Tonight in our singles' Bible study, we watched a portion of a message given by Andy Stanley called, "Playing God." Throughout this study, Pastor Stanley has been talking about the power that we have from God and how we use it. Tonight's message focused on how we have a tendency to hold on to that power so tightly that we sometimes push God away in an attempt to keep what He has given us. There were several points that stuck with me. One is that whatever power, privilege, or gift we have, we can and will lose at some point. A second point is that all these things come from God in the first place. It is absolutely absurd to cling to something and try to keep it from God when it was He who first gave it. Sadly, I can think of specific times in my life when I have done just that. Sometimes I recognize the problem and repent. However, there have also been times when I was so stubborn about letting go, that God literally had to pull it away from me. Why do we do that? Realistically, the biggest problem is not trusting God enough to know that He will do what is best for us. He knows better than I do. So then why do I argue and fight Him? Everything I have - every talent, every met need, every relationship - is a gift. I have no right to call these things my own. God has the right to give and take away according to His perfect will. So when I feel God asking me to give something up, I might as well give to God what is already His anyways.
Jesus' response in the verse above was an answer to the Pharisees' question as to the legality of paying taxes. They were trying to entrap Him, but His answer caused them to marvel. May I continue to marvel at the teachings of Jesus. The above Scripture is also a gentle reminder that it is time for me to pay my taxes. :)
Monday, March 3, 2008
God the Refuge of His People
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling." - Psalm 46:1-3
I had no idea this morning when I first read this Scripture, that my day was going to be as bad as it was. Ok, so maybe it wasn't really horrible, it just felt that way. Let me tell you how it started. In our school, each person is assigned to provide a treat to share for someone else's birthday. I was assigned to bring something for my fellow missionary teacher, Jason. Today was Jason's birthday, and I made sure to bake a cake last night to be ready for today. This morning, I attempted to frost the cake before taking it to school with me. However, as soon as I started to put icing on top, the cake literally crumbled to pieces. I was devastated! I had nothing to take with me to celebrate Jason's birthday. I am still not sure what happened, but that's how my day started. Other things went wrong throughout the day, and I was very busy. However, as I re-read the Scripture from this morning, I realize now that the earth was not removed, and the mountains (on which I live) at no point shook. The day really was not a tragedy. Now if God will be my refuge when things get THAT bad, why couldn't I rely on Him to be my strength and refuge today? Instead, I let my bad mood affect my day. God has proven Himself to be reliable in the past, so I had no reason to fear or be upset by the day's events. And in truth, the day wasn't all bad. My students were good, I accomplished a lot that needed to get done, and I had dinner with the other ranch singles to celebrate Jason's birthday. When I am able to put God back at the center of my focus, it is amazing how everything else gets put back into proper perspective as well.
I had no idea this morning when I first read this Scripture, that my day was going to be as bad as it was. Ok, so maybe it wasn't really horrible, it just felt that way. Let me tell you how it started. In our school, each person is assigned to provide a treat to share for someone else's birthday. I was assigned to bring something for my fellow missionary teacher, Jason. Today was Jason's birthday, and I made sure to bake a cake last night to be ready for today. This morning, I attempted to frost the cake before taking it to school with me. However, as soon as I started to put icing on top, the cake literally crumbled to pieces. I was devastated! I had nothing to take with me to celebrate Jason's birthday. I am still not sure what happened, but that's how my day started. Other things went wrong throughout the day, and I was very busy. However, as I re-read the Scripture from this morning, I realize now that the earth was not removed, and the mountains (on which I live) at no point shook. The day really was not a tragedy. Now if God will be my refuge when things get THAT bad, why couldn't I rely on Him to be my strength and refuge today? Instead, I let my bad mood affect my day. God has proven Himself to be reliable in the past, so I had no reason to fear or be upset by the day's events. And in truth, the day wasn't all bad. My students were good, I accomplished a lot that needed to get done, and I had dinner with the other ranch singles to celebrate Jason's birthday. When I am able to put God back at the center of my focus, it is amazing how everything else gets put back into proper perspective as well.
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