New Mercies.

At the start of the new year, I decided to change up my Bible reading a little bit and switched to Bible writing. I enjoy variety and after reading through the Bible two years in a row, I decided I needed to come at it from a new direction.

Lately I've been writing the book of Galatians and I've been enjoying that quite a bit. Hands down, the Apostle Paul is my favorite Bible character (besides Jesus, of course). As I finished out chapter 4 of Galatians, I was captivated by what he had to say in the last verse: 

"So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

Simple verse, but it stopped me in my tracks. You see, the start of my Saturday morning was awful. I jumped out of bed at 6:05, intent on a nice cup of iced coffee and my Bible, and by 6:07 I heard Paul's bedroom door opening. I darted up the stairs and found a smiling little boy, ready to start his day. The problem was I wasn't ready for him to start his day! I hoped to get him settled in for a nice, long breakfast by filling his cereal bowl to the top, but instead I was keeping track of just how many milk drops were falling on my freshly-cleaned floor.

Mere minutes later, Nat came down with a smiling Ellie. Apparently my kids didn't get the memo that Saturdays are always our sleep-in day. Hrumph. I offered some coffee to Nat, but he opted to take a shower instead. When he was finished, we switched places. Of course me going to take a shower really means I grab the two baskets of folded laundry that never got put away last night, I quick make the bed, straighten up Ellie's pack-n-play, readjust the position of the fan that got moved yesterday when my cleaning lady was here, take the mosquito racket off the charger, and then go take a shower.

After my shower, I take the laundry basket of towels and go outside to start the load of wash. Glancing around the patio, I see the jump rope was left out, as well as strollers and a soccer ball haphazardly strewn across the patio. Returning inside, I find more food on the floor -- Ellie was chewing her way through a pineapple spear and it must've slipped from her hand -- as well as more milk and cornflakes. Inwardly I feel like crying. Where did my quiet morning go? I had such good intentions to start my day off with the Lord, but my day took off without me!

Nat and I both finally had (made!!) time to spend with the Lord and that's when I came to the verse I mentioned earlier:

"So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

Why was I living my day out as if I was a child of the bond woman, enslaved and of the flesh? Ok, so I had a less-than-stellar start to the day. My attitude was slipping down a grumpy slide and I was starting to take it out on my family. But the fact that I am a child of the King should stop my grumblings and complainings, and instead keep things in perspective. It's just one day. And you know what? Even if my kids wake up every morning at 6:10, I still need to make that choice to rejoice. In everything. 

What a balm to my soul that His mercies are new... Every single morning.

Closure.

This past week has been so incredibly long, but God has given such strength every single day.  I'm weak, and He is strong. It's as simple as that.

I wanted to share what I said at my dad's funeral on Saturday. I'm really glad I wrote most of it down...

My name is Anne and I'm Bob and Shirley's youngest child. Last night I heard wonderful stories about my dad and felt as if I heard his life story as people shared how my dad influenced them.

I too have a story to share. About eight weeks ago, my husband and I went over to my parents house and talked with my dad for about three hours. We wanted to resolve a conflict in our relationship with Dad and challenge him about his relationship with God. We had a good talk about how salvation is found in Christ alone. After talking about the need for a restored relationship with God, my dad and I were able to address the need of forgiveness in our relationship.

I'm so grateful I took that opportunity to be reconciled with my dad. Last night was an amazing time to hear testimonies of how Dad influenced so many lives. I am so thankful to hear all the kind words completing Dad's story on earth. But my greatest peace is to know that I was able to express my love to Dad before he passed into eternity.

Friday night I heard from so many people who came through the receiving line telling me about the impact my dad had on their lives. My dad had varied interests and pursued many of them. Along the way he was able to meet so many people. The one theme that many expressed to me was that my dad was extremely friendly and personable. Nat and I were talking about my dad last night and he mentioned the first time he talked with my dad was when he took a box of some of my things over to my parents after he returned from Thailand (about two weeks before I moved home from my year long stay there). My dad was sitting outside when Nat drove up and began chatting with Nat right away.

Of course my dad really knew how to talk, as I'm sure many remember!  When Nat went to ask my dad if he could have my dad's permission to marry me, I think Nat was there for three hours before my dad finally said yes. :-)

We received a lot of closure with my dad's funeral.  I know several in my family have been waking up early and thinking, unable to go back to sleep.  But the healing process has begun.  My dad had an appointed time last Monday, just as the Bible says. Hebrews 9:27 ~"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"

My dad's funeral was the best funeral I have ever attended. Nina and her sister played sweet hymns on the harp, which my dad loved. Our wonderful pastor, whom my dad really liked, preached a wonderful message on salvation. My three brothers and I each gave a testimony of my dad, and my nephew read a scripture passage from Job. I know my dad would've been very pleased with his funeral.

Nat and I cancelled the rest of our meetings (4) from the last leg of the trip we were on. We will be home until the end of May to be with my mom.  We also need to get our car fixed this week.

We weren't supposed to be home for another three weeks, but I'm really grateful to be home. What a joy to be with my family over the last several days and then to be with my church family on Sunday. Truly the Lord has been very good to me.

Whining.

Our next door neighbor has a dog. Actually, she has a few dogs. Currently one of them is whining which is detestable in a child, but downright annoying in a dog! The whining from the dog next door reminds me of when we were in Africa and of the puppy that lived next door to the missionary and yapped all. day. long. (Incidentally, I just found out the other week that the little puppy in Africa died when it was bit by a poisonous snake. Sad ending.)

Whining. If I can't stand it when a child or animal whines, why do I think it's ok to do it to God, my husband, friends, and so on?

My pastor preached an excellent message on Sunday evening about praise. He used Paul and Silas as his reference point and was pretty dramatic in describing all the horrible things about their situation. A dark, dingy dungeon. Whipped back, feet in the stocks, no snuggle blankets or fuzzy socks (ok, I added those last two in there:D). Pure torture.

Yet Paul and Silas decided to praise God. There was plenty of room for a pity party and some whining. "Oh woe is me!" would also fit, but the choice Paul and Silas made is permanently recorded as praise and prayer.

Wow.

Whining. Leave it with the next door neighbor's dog and praise the Lord!

Timely messages.

In light of the last post on prayer, I thought I would share the points from a three-week series my pastor just finished preaching (tonight!) on praying for our missionaries. You know that "God bless all the missionaries" prayer? We actually do pray like that, but I've been so encouraged and challenged by these prayer points:

• Pray for contacts
  (Colossians 4:2-3 ~ "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:")
  
  
• Pray for clarity
  (Colossians 4:4 ~ "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.")
  
  
• Pray for free course
  (2 Thessalonians 3:1 ~ "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course,")
  
  
• Pray for conversion
  (2 Thessalonians 3:1 ~ "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified,")
  
  
• Pray for care
  (2 Thessalonians 3:2 ~ "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.")
  
  
• Pray for courage
  (Ephesians 6:19 ~ "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel,")
  
  
• Pray for Christ-like character
  (Philippians 1:20 ~"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.")

This list was specifically put together to better pray for our missionaries around the world, but the truth is this list can be used in praying for dear brothers and sisters in Christ too!

Redeeming The Time.

My husband and I, along with two friends, made a trip down to Frederick, Maryland on Monday to attend a memorial/funeral service for a pastor we had known for several years. My friends Rachel and Pastor Shorter both wrote about this man - Pastor Purks - who stepped out into eternity suddenly last Monday morning.

There were many tears shed at the funeral, but in stark contrast there was much laughter heard. A saint of the Lord's had gone home to be with his Saviour. After the service was over, my husband and I were quietly talking about the various people we had seen, how we were challenged by the speakers, and obviously about Pastors Purks. One thing that struck both of us was the fact that Pastor Purks was known as a man with a passion for souls. Nat made the comment that this was the most convicting funeral he had ever attended.

Pastor Purks was only 59 - quite young, really. One never knows when it's time to go home, and the reminder from Scripture is so necessary: "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5)

Starving: It's A Good Thing.

Years ago my pastor's wife did a Bible Study with the single girls using the book Lies Women Believe and I remember walking away from that study thinking how easy it is for me to be duped into believing a lie. Profound I know, but so true!

I still think about that study, especially when I blunder and make a wrong choice. I want to kick myself as I wonder, "Now why did I respond to that situation like that? I know better and I thought I got the victory over it the last time." Giving in to the flesh is temporarily satisfying, but never brings true contentment. I have to make a conscious choice to listen to truth, rather than believing lies.

I'm in a rather contemplative mood as I think about a Bible study Nat and I did for marriage counseling. As a quick aside, I strongly recommend marriage counseling before the wedding bells toll! Nat and I have tremendously enjoyed it and have learned so much from our sessions with Pastor Roland. Ok, commercial over.... back to our study:). This one is on communication and many of the questions have really made us think! Standard Sunday School answers don't cut it and I've been forced out of my comfort zone of logically and methodically working my way through easy-to-answer questions. In truth, I have to think of scenarios and situations in our future that have yet to happen. Tough stuff. My personality is the type to sit there and say, "Well I don't know what's going to happen or how I'm going to respond so how am I supposed to answer this question!"

This is where it's so foundational to know what God's Word says and to combat the lies of the devil with the truth of God's Word. My marriage depends upon it. Obviously communication plays such a huge role in relationships and if I'm not careful, I'm going to feed a lie instead of starving it to death. I choose life - for truth, that is!

Just some late night musings from a girl who is looking forward to becoming the wife of a wonderful, godly man in 87.1 days... of course the .1 represents the rest of this day:).

A Time To Pause And Reflect.

In reading a dear missionary friend's blog this morning, I paused for a moment over the last paragraph:

Right now, as I sit here at my desk, it seems like we never left here 5 months ago. Our lives are truly like a vapor that appear for a little time and then pass away. Our days are flying by swiftly and there is much work left to do. Pray that our strength holds and that we are able to finish the job that the Lord gave us to do. To all of you that we left behind, we love you and we miss you. Leaving all of you is the hardest part of being here.

There is much work left to do. Life is a vapor and the days fly be so swiftly. These thoughts coupled with a message my pastor preached yesterday morning have left me in a reflective and contemplative mood.

My pastor preached on the feeding of the 5,000 men (plus women and children!) and offered an illustration of how the fish and loaves were multiplied. I think Pastor was right when he said that Jesus didn't multiply the food as the baskets got passed from row to row, but rather as the disciples handed out the food and saw their supply diminishing in the basket. As they reached in the basket and pulled out the last loaf of bread, I'm sure they saw the multitude of people before them and the enormity of the situation. But as my pastor vividly portrayed, all they had to do was turn around and return to Jesus and He would supply them with more food. That's the way He operates, isn't it? He doesn't meet the entire need (whatever it is) all at once, because self-reliance and self-dependence are characteristics we tend to fall back on too easily. How quick we say, "Oh I can handle this!" but when faced with something we can't handle, that's when the problem becomes BIG. The promise of "nothing is impossible with God" is still in His Word and one I can claim!

When I bring these thoughts over into the realm of what my friend was talking about, I know that there is still work to do for the Master because the harvest of souls has not yet been brought in. I tend to get antsy at times in regards to returning to the foreign mission field. I'm ready to go now, or so I think. My days fly by so quickly and I wonder that oft-asked question, "Where has the time gone?" Before I rush ahead of the Lord and hop the next plane destined for Southeast Asia, I remember where He has put me right now. I get to work at a bakery and interact with my dear co-workers, all the while praying for them. Each Wednesday I get to invest time in my precious nephew and niece. My favorite time of each day is when Nat and I get together -- in person or over the phone -- and pray: for people we know who are without Christ, for struggling Christians, for missionaries over the world, for family and friends.

Right now several men from my church are in the country of Chile helping out two missionary families from my church. These men arrived in Chile before the earthquake hit, and now have unforeseen ministry opportunities! Although we're not there with them, my church family has the blessed privilege of upholding in prayer these men and ministry opportunities.

Time is so short and there is much work left to do. But the same God who took 5 loaves and 2 fishes and feed over 5,000 people is still in control today!

Just A Minute... Definitely Worth It!

For Christmas my future mother-in-law gave me a book entitled, "Come Away My Beloved" - 365 one-minute meditations. Now I will admit that I'm usually not very good at keeping up with a year-long devotional book, but so far I've made it 8 days!

The entry for January 4th made me stop as I considered the challenge issued. Here's the brief entry:

"And he said, Take... thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah: and offer him there." ~ Genesis 22:2

No price is too great to pay for the proper care of that which I have given you. Never regard lightly that which is precious in My sight. There is always an alternative to the life of relinquishment, but it is lean and barren. That which is most precious needs to be offered up to Me continually. My grace is as a beacon. It shall shed light on all that is now obscure.

A Visual Reminder.

"Lord, give me a vision on my heart....

So I can see a dying world, the way You saw it that day.

Give me tears that like your blood flow freely to the ground.

Without a vision, souls will perish and guilty I'll be found."

"Where there is no vision, the people PERISH"

~ Proverbs 29:18 ~

A Simple Truth.

Over the past two months, my Bible reading has been focused in the Psalms. I just flipped through my journal and saw countless verses from the Psalms the Lord fed me with on any particular day. As I think and meditate on His Word, I've noticed a reoccurring theme that really has changed my outlook on day-to-day happenings.

This simple truth the Lord has taught me is just that: simple. I won't say I've conquered this area in my life, but I am more aware of it, which is a good place to start! There are so many verses I could share, and even now as I look for one verse that sums up the lesson the Lord has taught me, I'm torn with which one to share. The very last verse of the book of Psalms does a good job expressing this important truth:

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

Psalm 150:6

In essence, the command from my precious heavenly Father is to praise Him. With all my being. To all people. At all times.

Now I don't know how it is for you, but usually when the Lord shows me something that I need to implement in my life, He'll also give me an opportunity to implement it in my life. Strange, I know!

For instance, last week I thought I was done with a very important project and was relieved it was finished. My surprise was great when I found out that not only was I not done, there were seven pages of corrections that needed to be made to the project. Not good. I was working under a major time constraint, and started to vent my frustration:

"I can't believe he did this to me. He told me everything was correct last week! Now I'm going to have to re-do the whole thing...[complain, complain, complain]."

My attitude was less-than-pleasing to the Lord (and the people around me), and I'm sorry I had that little venting session. The good news is that the Lord did get through my thick head with that still, small voice: "Are you praising me or are you complaining?'

Oh. Right.

Another opportunity came up to praise the Lord in all things when I found out there's a problem with my cell phone in the States. My first thought was, "oh no! All that money I still have to pay." But my sweet Saviour gently prodded and reminded me about praising Him. The situation still hasn't been resolved (that I know of), but you know what? I know that the Lord still wants to be praised regardless of how things turn out.

I hope this is an encouragement to you today as you meditate and rejoice in the Lord. Praising the Lord is the best thing to do in the midst of any circumstances!

"I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works."

Psalm 9:1

The Reminder In Laughter.

I was working on the Good and Evil project today, just like I do (most) every day. I was checking all the footers and making sure all the verses listed actually existed in the Bible, and not just in someone's imagination:). My anticipation of finishing was fast becoming reality as I flipped to the book of Genesis (I started at the back of the book... hence, in Revelation).

As I steadily worked along, one footer in particular caught my eye. Underneath the reference was listed a little p.s. ~ "The name Isaac means laughter." I thought about that statement for a moment and realized that Isaac was a constant reminder for the rest of Sarah's days that she laughed at the promise of God. God clearly said, "Sarah... shall have a son." (Gen. 18:10), but Sarah turned around and "laughed within herself" (Gen. 18:12).

I thought that was interesting to note that Sarah had living, visible proof right in front of her every day regarding the promise of God and how He did fulfill His promise. I also thought about how I tend to be like Sarah in that I'll laugh within myself over something God has promised. But God hears that laugh. And God is faithful - each and every time.

What a good reminder in the middle of my day!

Riding The Circuit.

One of my favorite things we do here in Thailand is a weekly Bible Study on Thursday nights. Since there are two different missionaries and several team members that all live on the same street, it just makes sense to meet together and fellowship. Of course the two ministries run in different directions so it's a good time to catch up on what the Lord is doing, to share prayer requests, sing, hear preaching and (what else?!) EAT!

With the Gaudets out of the country, the other missionary has been doing the teaching -- that is, when he's in Bangkok:). Anyway, tonight's message was so simple, and yet so profound. I learned something when I was here in Thailand in 2007. I am responsible for my spiritual growth... without the weekly dose of three church services, Bible studies, visitation, and fellowship with brethren. I thought I would share with you what the Lord touched my heart with tonight (so glad I brought my notebook along!)

~~~~~~~~~~

1 Samuel 7:16-17 ~ "And he [Samuel] went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD."

• This cycle is to prevent spiritual burnout; I must make the spiritual cycle to Bethel, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah.
• Bethel means house of God. (Genesis 28)
• God wanted Jacob to dwell at Bethel -- to live there and make it his home.
• Gilgal was a place of restoration, renewal, and being recharged.
• This can be likened in my life to: camps, evangelistic meetings, revival services, Ladies' Retreats, etc.
• Mizpeh was a place of repentance.
• Samuel called a meeting at Mizpeh and the people got right with the Lord.
• Ramah means heights/highlights.
• Ramah was Samuel's home. Samuel built an altar unto the Lord there. Samuel had his Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpeh, but he also had Ramah. All four places were important.

I'm sure glad I typed that all out, even if no one else gets anything out of it... God sure is good!

Complaining Or Rejoicing?

The assistant pastor at my church sent this out in an e-mail last week. It was so good and encouraging that I thought I would share it here. It was written by a pastor out in the Midwest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

COMPLAINING

Devotion for March 24, 2009

"And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp." Numbers 11:1.

The children of Israel were guilty, on numerous occasions, of displeasing the Lord. In this example, "when the people complained, it displeased the LORD." Their complaining angered God. They complained about the general difficulty of the journey, the presence of giants in Canaan, the lack of food or water, the absence of Moses when he was away seeking God, etc. Complaining sometimes brought God's chastening hand against His people. Most people would not consider complaining to be a serious sin, but when "the LORD heard it; . . . his anger was kindled."

We all have, at some time or another, been guilty of complaining. Why would complaining so displease the Lord? For one thing, those who are complaining have usually been blinded to the wonderful things that God has done or is doing. God had delivered these people from their Egyptian slavery and given them hope and promise for the future, but those realities were momentarily forgotten. Having forgotten God's great blessings, they focused on their present lack, and the result was complaining.

Complaining also indicates a lack of contentment with God and His will. From a prison where Paul was rejoicing, he wrote that we are to be content with the basic necessities of life. Not only is complaining an expression of personal discontent, it also helps to spread discontentment.

Complaining discourages others and affects their attitudes and spiritual growth. Just as a grateful spirit can be contagious, a grumbling spirit can be infectious. Complaining demonstrates a lack of trust in God. God is trustworthy and He wants us to trust Him. He consistently met the needs of these Israelites by providing them with manna and water out of the rock, and by destroying their enemies. To complain is to forget all the ways God has guided and provided in the past and to assume that He has somehow become incapable of supplying now. Complaining is a serious sin and must be taken seriously. It displeased the Lord then, and we can be sure that it displeases Him now. Let us purpose to develop and maintain a positive attitude, free from complaining.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After I read that, I jotted down a simple note and put it where I would see it several hours each day: Am I complaining or rejoicing?

Just today, my co-worker and I caught ourselves complaining about something. Three of us are currently in a border town where boundless photo opportunities present themselves because many cultures and people groups are represented here. We were getting frustrated with our lack of ability to capture the moment and both voiced some discontentment with cameras. As soon as we verbalized it, my co-worker said, "I got this camera for free, so I really shouldn't be complaining." I agreed with her and then thought about the camera I'm using. Because my own camera is in the shop right now getting fixed, Pookie graciously allowed me to borrow hers. Not too much wiggle room to murmur and complain for the Lord has been very good to us!

A Drawn Out Answer To An Often Asked Question.

While going through some pictures this week, I found this on our network:



I can't really tell you who tweaked it in Photoshop; perhaps it was this girl or maybe even this one. Regardless, it now sits on my computer desktop and has been a constant reminder for me to keep my mind stayed on the Lord.

The Lord had placed a special burden upon my heart for missions when I was 16 and that burden didn't fade over time. When I came to Thailand in June 2007 on a short-term missions trip, it was with great anticipation and much excitement. I had such peace and knew I was right where God wanted me to be. When it came time to leave Thailand in August 2007, I didn't want to come home but knew the Lord was taking me home. That was a very real struggle for me, but ultimately I saw the Lord's wisdom in it all.

As I spent last year home in the States, the Lord continually pressed upon my heart Thailand. Time and time again, I poured out my heart to the Lord with my desire to return. I well remember a verse that Bro. Tom Gaudet (the missionary family I'm working with) shared with me in early 2008:

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." ~ Ephesians 3:21

He then said to me, "Let God do the exceeding abundantly part."

The Lord did that very thing (Each Step I Take records it all), and I began to share God's leading with family and friends. Invariably, one of the first questions I would be asked was this: "How long are you going to be gone?" My original answer was a pat, "until May and then I'm coming home to baby-sit my nephew while his parents take a missions trip."

That answer worked really well in Pennsylvania. Not so much in Thailand. When I returned to Thailand, I felt like I was coming home. Suddenly it didn't make sense to return home in May to baby-sit. You may laugh at this, but within days of returning to Thailand, I began to pray for direction as to when I should go home. No, it wasn't because I wanted to leave Thailand; it was quite the opposite! Within a couple of weeks, I was calling my brother and sister-in-law to say I couldn't come babysit my nephew while they went to Israel. My brother's response was very telling: "I didn't think you were going to come home in May." He was more perceptive than I was, and was very gracious in allowing me to back out.

The question of coming home still lingered, although most people didn't really ask it during my first couple of months in Thailand. Within the past two months though, it has really picked up speed. In fact, a couple of people have jokingly accused me of avoiding the question. Just last week, one of the ladies I used to work with asked me when I was coming home and I replied, "I'm really not sure... waiting for the Lord's timing. My timing is never, but I think the Lord's timing is a little sooner:)."

And that is, I believe, a fair assessment of where it stands. The Lord has given me the answer of wait regarding my prayer of direction. Wait is just as much of an answer as yes or no, but perhaps not as "definable" to my finite mind. Wait. Such a small word. Such a weighty command. Such a necessary task.

Tentatively speaking, my one-year visa expires at the end of July. If I exit the country and renew it again before it expires, 90 days are supposed to be granted to me. Anything is possible with the Lord and I have full confidence in His leading.

I found this a while back on Chantel's blog and thought it very fitting to share now:

The Call to Service

The call to Christian service
Is a call from God above.
He sends us forth to serve a world,
And save that world through love.
He calls for you, He calls for me;
‘Tis God’s own voice that says “Go ye.”

The call to Christian service
Is a call from men without.
“Come o’er to Macedonia” –
Can you hear their dying shout?
They cry to you, they cry to me.
Let’s go while still they plead, “Come ye.”

The call to Christian service,
Is a call we hear within.
Our own hearts seem to whisper,
“Go and save this world from sin.”
May your sincere response now be,
“I’m wholly Thine, Lord, please send me.”

~Adlai Esteb ~

That last line is echoed in my heart: "I'm wholly Thine, Lord..." If the Lord chooses to keep me in Thailand for an extended period of time or take me home to PA within a couple of months, so be it. I wholly belong to the Lord and am His to use.

Keeping and Preserving.

With missions on my mind (hey, I might not be in PA, but I am on a mission field:D), I began my Bible reading in 2 Corinthians 11 last evening and stumbled upon a list. It was written by a great missionary ~ the apostle Paul. In a way, this list sums up Paul's life and all that happened to him for the cause of Christ.

• In labours more abundant
• In stripes above measure
• In prisons more frequent
• In deaths often
• "Forty stripes save one" five times
• Beaten with rods three times
• Stoned once
• Shipwrecked three times
• In the deep a night and a day
• In perils of waters often
• In perils of robbers often
• In perils by his own countrymen often
• In perils by the heathen often
• In perils in the city, wilderness, and sea often
• In perils among false brethren often
• In weariness and painfulness often
• In watchings often
• In hunger and thirst often
• In fastings often
• In cold and nakedness
• And then, in addition to all that, the care of all the churches daily

Doesn't exactly make a person want to say "sign me up for missionary work!" does it? But then I flipped over to Proverbs 2 and read verse 8:

"He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints."

How fitting. After reading that list, it's enough to make a person want to run and hide from the world. But the promise of God's Word is still there. The "-eth" speaks of continual action on the Lord's part. He promises to continually keep the paths of judgment and preserve the way of His saints! That excited me beyond measure. In my own strength, I would have to call it quits right now. There's no way you're going to talk me into staying on the mission field if I'm going to face even a tenth of what Paul went through.

But.

God promises to preserve my way. That's all I need to know. If God allowed shipwreck, stoning, beating, and a whole host of other things to happen to Paul and He preserved Paul's way, then I can count on the same promise of God to see me through.

Just don't tell me if these things are ahead of me, Lord!

Mercy.

Late Sunday night I listened in to my church's morning service. Since February is missions month at LVBC, the assistant pastor was preaching on the origin of missions. The message was terrific, but one verse caught my attention that was only briefly mentioned by the pastor.

"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy."

~ Micah 7:18~

I've been thinking of that last part of the verse all day - God delights in mercy.


I think I'll leave ya'll with that today...

"... he delighteth in mercy."

Adieu To 2008... Moving Forward To 2009!

I had to laugh when I read this post that Amy linked to. Apparently I'm not the only one who is reading through the Bible "in a year." One of my friends was pretty surprised I had never read through the Bible, so I suppose I should qualify that with the fact I've never read it straight from Genesis to Revelation. After spending years in Bible Institute (where the main textbook is the Bible - who would have thought?!?), I know I've read the Bible through. My Old and New Testament classes come to mind, especially having to give a chapter heading for each chapter of each book in the Old Testament. :)

But even still, in my personal devotions I've always wanted to read the Bible the whole way through. Every January I would start off in Genesis - never mind the fact that by the time December rolled around I was only in Isaiah or Jeremiah.

So January of 2007 I decided to (once again!) read through the Bible and started off in Genesis, like I usually do. Only this time, I continued on in January of 2008! Now as we approach January of 2009, I am happy to report that I am in the book of Acts - chapter 14. My goal is to be finished by April. :)

It has always been easy for me to get caught up on one or two verses and spend a big chunk of time on them. It's been said before: "it's a marathon, not a sprint!" and I'm applying that to my Bible reading:). There are too many gems and diamonds in the Word of God, and I don't want to miss them!

A new year is always a time of goal-setting and resolutions. My pastor preached an amazing message on Sunday night (Monday morning my time - thank you internet!). I've probably heard this message a half dozen times over the course of 11 years, and yet this is the first time I'm actually applying it. He calls it "year-end inventory." Since I didn't really set any goals for this year outside of this missions trip to Thailand, I really don't have anything to inventory from this last year. But this new year - what an opportunity!

Here in Thailand, it's already New Year's Eve. I'm really excited about 2009 and all that the Lord is going to do!

Happy New Year!!!

Seeking Means To Bring Them In.

I can almost envision those men as they pushed their way through the crowd, carrying a bed between them. The man on the bed had long ago lost sensation and touch and lay paralyzed --- at times shaking uncontrollably. The room was jam packed with people and a huge crowd was gathered around the door.

It was rumored about that He was in the house. The men were jostled and shoved about, each person trying to get a good position - trying to see Him. "Hey, watch it!" an angry voice shouted as the crowd pressed in around the bed. The four men saw a small opening, but just as quickly as it appeared, it filled up. Desperately trying to get into the house, the men frantically looked for a way in.

Urgency crashed in as the men were pushed farther and farther from the house. Frantically they scrambled around, precariously balancing the bed between them. "We must get in," they murmured as "they sought means to bring him in" (Luke 5:18).

Suddenly one of the men triumphantly declared, "I've got it! Quick! Up to the roof!!!" The four men dashed around the house and up the stairs. Placing the bed down, they began to uncover the roof above where He was. Pushing aside timbers and plants, the four men picked up the bed and lowered their friend down "to lay him before HIM."

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Luke 5:18 says, "And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him."

Just like those four men sought for a way to get the man on a bed to Jesus, so too must you and I be seeking means to bring them in. I'm sure going up to the roof was not the first option for those guys, but when they saw that the "traditional way" didn't work, they began to get creative and found a way to bring the man to the Master.

Today is election day in the United States of America. You can be guaranteed that even though I am living in Thailand, I am still praying for this election (and yes I DID vote!). Regardless of the outcome today, God will still be on the throne tomorrow. Our ultimate purpose is not to vote in a new president - because truly this world is not our home.

If you've participated in any "get the vote out" campaigns for the election, then I believe you are doubly responsible to seek means to bring them in - to Heaven and Eternity. Jesus IS coming back, and I believe it will be sooner rather than later. Just think about that verse and let it sink in today -

"And they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him."

Experiencing The Manna For Today.

Going to church in a foreign country is always an experience. In South Africa it was in a dusty one-room tent. In the Czech Republic it was tucked down a maze of corridors in a back corner of a third-floor building in Prague. Another time in the Czech Republic was in the missionary's living room. Here in Thailand it's down a dead-end street in the midst of businesses and homes. Regardless of the structure on the outside, it's always a joy to worship with the believers on the inside.

In all the countries I've been in, there is always an interpreter - sometimes into English and sometimes into the native tongue. Most of the time here in Thailand, Berm (who happens to translate Baptist books in our office) will sit behind us farangs (foreigners) and quietly translate the service - from what song will be sung down to the last prayer. Today was a bit different since an Australian pastor preached. I always appreciate those services when I can understand the preacher for myself - and I filled up several pages with thoughts from the message!

The preacher preached from Exodus 16 - the story of God providing manna for the children of Israel. The message was so good and I wish y'all could hear it, but since you can't I'm just going to write down some of my notes. Go read Exodus 16:1-15 if you have time!

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• God provided food (manna), but they had to get up to get the food.
• Manna means, "what is this?" When the children of Israel saw "a small, round thing" (vs. 14) "they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was." (vs. 15). The manna wasn't what they were expecting.
• God's provisions may very well be different from my perceptions. (Point #1)
• I say: "What is this? This isn't what I wanted." but God says: "This is your bread. This will help you."
• God sends His bread for me in a small, round thing. I say, "manna?" and God says, "your bread."
• God wants me to put myself at His disposal.
• In Numbers 13, the 10 spies saw the giants and the problems, but in Numbers 14 the 2 spies saw what God provided and said, "they [talking about the giants] are bread for us."
• If you walk away from the problem, you walk away from the bread.
• God's proportions that He gives will be according to my needs. (Point #2)
• Regarding the manna, some gathered more and some gathered less... but they had no lack.
• God provided that manna for 40 years and provided for every man's needs!
• God gives me the portion that I need for this day; I don't need to worry about tomorrow.
• God's plans are for this moment. (Point #3)
• The manna fell each day except for the Sabbath, but He still provided the day before and kept the manna for the next day.
• When some tried to "save" bread, it bred worms and stank.
• Don't fight today's battles on yesterday's bread.
• Don't worry about tomorrow - God will provide!!!!
• Live in the present - yesterday's bread has worms in it and stinks!
• God doesn't want a casual relationship based on yesterday's bread. God wants a fresh, daily, relationship today.

Facing The Giants.

I'm sure some of you have heard about the movie Facing the Giants (see the preview here). I've watched it twice since coming to Thailand, the second time being Friday night (as my friend Melissa can attest to since she chatted me on IM both before and after it!). I won't ruin the storyline for those who haven't seen it, but one resounding theme is from Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, and Luke 1:37 - Nothing is impossible with God! NOTHING!!!!

As I watched the movie last night, I really let that thought sink in. Why do I walk around defeated at times??? With my God, there is nothing that will stump Him. There is nothing that presents itself as a challenge. There is nothing too big for my God!

This morning for my devotions I read about Jesus' crucifixion in Mark 15. I was struck with verse 5: "But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled." Jesus could have said something but instead chose to answer nothing. One may ask why and the answer is clear - in order to redeem all mankind, Jesus had to go to the cross. If He would have said something in His defense, Pilate might have "pardoned" Him, so to speak. But instead Jesus endured awful punishment for me, and then on top of that, promises that NOTHING will be impossible for God!!!!

Wow, that's good!

So Christian, think about that the next time you see a giant mountain staring you in the face. Before you cower in fear before the "giants," just remember that you have a sure promise from God - NOTHING is impossible with HIM!!!!