The past week or two, I have had a chance to share the testimony of God's grace, provision and comfort in my life of late. Many of you have a clue on the hardships I have faced over the years, while others may not. Someday, I'll write a book or something. :)
And I am very thankful that those listening have been encouraged by my sharing (so they say anyhow ;)), something else that has hit me strongly is that AS I share, I am able to truly look back on those dark moments in life (deaths of loved ones, illnesses, injuries, satanic attack, etc.), and can see God's hand clearly on those situations...and how He has brought me through them with grace, mercy and love, even if I couldn't see it at the time.
I guess my challenge to you would be a two-fold one this week. 1) Take the time to share your testimony with others--Christians and non-Christians alike. God is honored and receives GLORY through our sharing about His greatness, love and mercy, and others are encouraged! 2) Take some time to write down a history of God's provision, love, mercy, kindness, goodness, etc. in YOUR OWN LIFE. All throughout the Bible, we see the authors reminding themselves and repeating the things that God has done in their lives, and in the lives of those around them. Each time they do this, they rejoice! And, it helps to keep them close to God and focused on Him and His glory.
19 July 2011
15 June 2011
Separation Anxiety?
(Mom & me in St. Louis this May)
As I prepare to leave for Australia in just a few weeks, the reality of being separated from family (Mom in particular, since we've been roommates for so long now) has only just begun to set in. It's easy to expect to be separated from friends or family that you see once or twice a year (or less), but it's something else entirely to realize that the one person who has been the constant and stable person your WHOLE life (with a mom, this is actually literal!) will no longer be a daily part of your life...But Mom and I came to the understanding, a long time ago, that we would be parted for pretty much the rest of our lives. When God called me to missions, we knew it would be this way. When God called Mom to missions, we realized, all the more, that it would be this way.
People have asked why Mom and I aren't going together. Others have asked how I can stand leaving my whole family--my whole life--behind to go to a country that I have spent so little time in. Others have indicated that they think I'm awfully icy to leave my family and friends, saying that I love another country, and HAVE to go...
And these comments hurt. They make me miss Mom all the more. They make me feel like something's wrong with my relationship with Mom--that I could leave her...
BUT then I think of the missionaries going to the other parts of the world 75+ years ago. Many of them packed all of their belongings into coffins, expecting never to return (and to only live a few years while on the mission field). Hudson Taylor left for China, and said good-bye to his mother, both of them fully never expecting to see each other again. He was willing to make that sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel--and so was his mother.
AND I rejoice--because though Mom and I (and my brothers, their wives and kids) will be far away from each other, I have the wonderful technology of Skype, facebook, email, cellphones, MagicJack and others to still keep in touch with them--even video calls. And I can fly to the USA (or Mom can) to see family again every so often.
So--though I may have separation anxiety a bit, knowing that Mom will be recovering from major surgery while I'm not around, and that she'll be in Argentina when I return to the USA this September, I can rejoice in the privilege that God has given me: that I may sacrifice my own desires and hopes to serve Him as a missionary on a foreign field.
This week's challenge: Has God called you to sacrifice something in order to obey Him? Has God directed you to do something that others see as ludicrous, unhealthy or unreasonable? If so, are you doing it? If you're not--why not? Isn't HE worth making any sacrifice He's called you to?
(Verse of the week: Luke 14:26-27 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple...")
08 June 2011
Walks With Jesus
"When through the woods
and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees...
Then sings my soul,
my Savior, God, to thee,
how great thou art!"
(How Great Thou Art, Carl Gustav Boberg--translated by Stuart K. Hine)
As I have been walking more late, rather than running, I have been able to pause and enjoy the beauty around me. I've seen dozens of varieties of wildflowers, heard dozens of varieties of birds singing, made friends with horses, seen armadillo, rabbits, squirrels, frogs, snakes, bald eagles and a host of other critters as I have enjoyed my walks.
And while these walks are memorable and lovely, the walks I most remember (and wish I could recapture), are the ones that I took with Jesus back when I lived in Chicago. I took a walk with Jesus at least once per week while there, and often more than that, but the ones that I most remember are those after my friend committed suicide.
For weeks, I walked around the city, ranting at God, telling Him how much I hated everything about He worked sometimes, and lot more that it was pretty darn brave of me to say to the God of the Universe.
But as I look back at those six weeks of my life, I easily realize that that was the period when I was closest to and most in love with God. When I wasn't out screaming at Him, I was in a classroom, eating dinner, talking with my R.A. as we jogged, or I was on my face before God, crying out to Him, "I need you. I want you! I need you. I want you!" Literally, every waking moment was filled with either daily life activity or conversations with God. Really honest conversations with God.
I miss those walks with Jesus, even if I don't miss the pain that provoked them. So, I've begun having my walks with Jesus again. And it has beautiful. Sure, I get distracted, but thankfully God is patient!
This week's challenge: Take a Walk with Jesus. Skip the music, the sermons, the books on mp3, etc., and just strike out for some time alone with Jesus. Talk to Him about the things you are excited about, discouraged about, hurting over, rejoicing over...TALK to Him about it all. Or sing it to Him (that's what I do). Or spend the whole time identifying things to praise Him for, or...well, just make it about HIM and you--a special intimate time with Jesus. I know some of you have chronic illnesses that make it impossible to WALK with Him, but there are other ways of having some special moments with Him. Maybe take a drive through the countryside. Or go sit in a park somewhere.
and forest glades I wander,
and hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees...
Then sings my soul,
my Savior, God, to thee,
how great thou art!"
(How Great Thou Art, Carl Gustav Boberg--translated by Stuart K. Hine)
As I have been walking more late, rather than running, I have been able to pause and enjoy the beauty around me. I've seen dozens of varieties of wildflowers, heard dozens of varieties of birds singing, made friends with horses, seen armadillo, rabbits, squirrels, frogs, snakes, bald eagles and a host of other critters as I have enjoyed my walks.
And while these walks are memorable and lovely, the walks I most remember (and wish I could recapture), are the ones that I took with Jesus back when I lived in Chicago. I took a walk with Jesus at least once per week while there, and often more than that, but the ones that I most remember are those after my friend committed suicide.
For weeks, I walked around the city, ranting at God, telling Him how much I hated everything about He worked sometimes, and lot more that it was pretty darn brave of me to say to the God of the Universe.
But as I look back at those six weeks of my life, I easily realize that that was the period when I was closest to and most in love with God. When I wasn't out screaming at Him, I was in a classroom, eating dinner, talking with my R.A. as we jogged, or I was on my face before God, crying out to Him, "I need you. I want you! I need you. I want you!" Literally, every waking moment was filled with either daily life activity or conversations with God. Really honest conversations with God.
I miss those walks with Jesus, even if I don't miss the pain that provoked them. So, I've begun having my walks with Jesus again. And it has beautiful. Sure, I get distracted, but thankfully God is patient!
This week's challenge: Take a Walk with Jesus. Skip the music, the sermons, the books on mp3, etc., and just strike out for some time alone with Jesus. Talk to Him about the things you are excited about, discouraged about, hurting over, rejoicing over...TALK to Him about it all. Or sing it to Him (that's what I do). Or spend the whole time identifying things to praise Him for, or...well, just make it about HIM and you--a special intimate time with Jesus. I know some of you have chronic illnesses that make it impossible to WALK with Him, but there are other ways of having some special moments with Him. Maybe take a drive through the countryside. Or go sit in a park somewhere.
01 June 2011
Something Tough for a Stubborn Chick
I'm pretty sure that if you asked my Mom to describe me, one of the first words she would use would be "stubborn." She might be nice and say "determined," but, yeah...stubborn is what she means. I apparently get this trait from both of my grandmothers--once I make up my mind, REALLY make that choice, the decision is made and I WILL do whatever it is. Sometimes this is a good thing. Sometimes...not so much.
Recently, however, I had to make a change. It was shown to me that something I have refused to do is probably part of why I haven't raised as much support as was hoped: being overly connected on-line. It may sound silly, but I despise the way my generation and, even more, the younger generations have become obsessed with technology-based relationships. I admit that I've had some friends from chat rooms for years (let me see...I met Regi, Corbie & Daren back when I was sixteen and am still in touch with them), but that's not the same as spending every waking hour texting, tweeting, blogging, facebooking, emailing, etc. BUT that's what my generation does, SO, that's what I'm going to be doing more of. Yay...so exciting...yeah...really, it is...yeah...
SO, expect some more on-line stuff from me. Soon, I'll have some videos up on youtube (some clips from shows, some stage-craft tips, etc.). I'll be more faithful with this blog, as well as facebook, email and other updates. So...stay-tuned, or whatever the current-day equivalent of that would be... ;)
This week's challenge: What are some things you may need to change in your own life? They may seem petty, like my transition into my own generation's communication world, or they may be much bigger (and I've got some of those, too!). Ask God: what am I ignoring that is hurting me? And then LISTEN, and make the changes! Easier said than done, absolutely, but still necessary.
Recently, however, I had to make a change. It was shown to me that something I have refused to do is probably part of why I haven't raised as much support as was hoped: being overly connected on-line. It may sound silly, but I despise the way my generation and, even more, the younger generations have become obsessed with technology-based relationships. I admit that I've had some friends from chat rooms for years (let me see...I met Regi, Corbie & Daren back when I was sixteen and am still in touch with them), but that's not the same as spending every waking hour texting, tweeting, blogging, facebooking, emailing, etc. BUT that's what my generation does, SO, that's what I'm going to be doing more of. Yay...so exciting...yeah...really, it is...yeah...
SO, expect some more on-line stuff from me. Soon, I'll have some videos up on youtube (some clips from shows, some stage-craft tips, etc.). I'll be more faithful with this blog, as well as facebook, email and other updates. So...stay-tuned, or whatever the current-day equivalent of that would be... ;)
This week's challenge: What are some things you may need to change in your own life? They may seem petty, like my transition into my own generation's communication world, or they may be much bigger (and I've got some of those, too!). Ask God: what am I ignoring that is hurting me? And then LISTEN, and make the changes! Easier said than done, absolutely, but still necessary.
31 March 2011
A Testimony of Giving
The story of the widow giving her two mites (in the New Testament) has always been precious to me. There is something so beautiful about someone who gives ALL that she/he has that she/he might please God. And lately, I came to know of someone doing this. Before I tell you this story, I admit that her actions seem VERY unwise in the eyes of those looking on at the giver. This young woman lives on $50 per month with her room and board graciously given to her by a family member. All of her bills must be paid with this money, all of her "extras" including medicine, specialty foods for health, etc. $50 per month in AMERICA is not much at all to live off of, unless you're in grade school perhaps.
She knew that God was prompting her to give $25 per month to a missionary. She also knew that God was telling her to give $38 per month to sponsor a child in India, who has so much less than her. I guess she's not very good at math. Last time I checked, 25+38=63...So she's actually giving something like 126% of her income each month.
She was afraid to take that step, of giving. After all, giving 126% of your income is insane, right? How would she ever pay her bills, etc. now? It was late one Tuesday night that she swallowed her fear and hit the "pay now" button on the Compassion International website, sending off her $38 gift. And she was excited. Really excited. She shared that she's never been any good at giving: it has always been a struggle for her. She grew up in a household with parents who gave faithfully, but she'd seen them struggle financially most of her life. She'd gone on missions trips and always struggled to raise the money needed. Her parents had even planned to be missionaries, but had been unable to raise the financial support they needed to go. They never went. While she says she doesn't care much for money, she admits that in reality, its because she hasn't ever had much of it. And she knew it was God at work in her heart because she WAS excited to give--something that had never happened before.
Well, Wednesday came and went...and then Thursday came. "I'm sending you a check for $150. Do whatever you want to with it," a friend emailed her. Needless to say, this young woman was rather ecstatic...she had seen God answer her prayers! Now she could not only sponsor this little girl and give to the missionary she had pledged to support, but she could pay her bills, too!
It may seem like so little...after all, where will the money come from next month to cover the bills?
But, really, according to her, there is no question. "God will provide it. After all, He told us to test Him in our giving. I'm doing that. I may not be very wise in the world's eyes for giving like this, but I trust Him to cover it. And more. He says in His Word that He will. That's good enough for me."
This week's challenge: Are you giving? Do you tithe each month? Do you give to missions? Do you help the poor (even with time/effort/things)? If someone who has so little can do it, just like the widow with her two meager mites did, I guarantee you can. Sure, you might have to cut back on those Starbucks' coffees or eating out 3 times per week, but you can do it...after all--the salvation of the lost is a lot more important than that coffee, right? (I doubt your waistline would mind the relief from those calories either!). And don't get all weird because it's a missionary saying this to you. I'm just repeating what I know to be true: Give because GOD is telling you to give--and He will bless you for doing it!
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:10)
She knew that God was prompting her to give $25 per month to a missionary. She also knew that God was telling her to give $38 per month to sponsor a child in India, who has so much less than her. I guess she's not very good at math. Last time I checked, 25+38=63...So she's actually giving something like 126% of her income each month.
She was afraid to take that step, of giving. After all, giving 126% of your income is insane, right? How would she ever pay her bills, etc. now? It was late one Tuesday night that she swallowed her fear and hit the "pay now" button on the Compassion International website, sending off her $38 gift. And she was excited. Really excited. She shared that she's never been any good at giving: it has always been a struggle for her. She grew up in a household with parents who gave faithfully, but she'd seen them struggle financially most of her life. She'd gone on missions trips and always struggled to raise the money needed. Her parents had even planned to be missionaries, but had been unable to raise the financial support they needed to go. They never went. While she says she doesn't care much for money, she admits that in reality, its because she hasn't ever had much of it. And she knew it was God at work in her heart because she WAS excited to give--something that had never happened before.
Well, Wednesday came and went...and then Thursday came. "I'm sending you a check for $150. Do whatever you want to with it," a friend emailed her. Needless to say, this young woman was rather ecstatic...she had seen God answer her prayers! Now she could not only sponsor this little girl and give to the missionary she had pledged to support, but she could pay her bills, too!
It may seem like so little...after all, where will the money come from next month to cover the bills?
But, really, according to her, there is no question. "God will provide it. After all, He told us to test Him in our giving. I'm doing that. I may not be very wise in the world's eyes for giving like this, but I trust Him to cover it. And more. He says in His Word that He will. That's good enough for me."
This week's challenge: Are you giving? Do you tithe each month? Do you give to missions? Do you help the poor (even with time/effort/things)? If someone who has so little can do it, just like the widow with her two meager mites did, I guarantee you can. Sure, you might have to cut back on those Starbucks' coffees or eating out 3 times per week, but you can do it...after all--the salvation of the lost is a lot more important than that coffee, right? (I doubt your waistline would mind the relief from those calories either!). And don't get all weird because it's a missionary saying this to you. I'm just repeating what I know to be true: Give because GOD is telling you to give--and He will bless you for doing it!
"Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need." (Malachi 3:10)
16 March 2011
The Reality Escapes Me
"I am crucified with Christ,
therefore I no longer live:
Jesus Christ now lives in me."
(Galatians 2:20)
The strangeness of that thought: to be crucified with Christ, yet still living...
We, as Biblically taught Christians, understand that this death is the death of our sin natures on the cross of Jesus ("And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" Gal. 5:24) but how strange this truth is! None of us has the concept, not really, of what it would be like to be crucified...I mean, personally I've stepped on a few rusty nails, which caused me to then be stuck with a long, pointy needle, but that's the closest I've been to having nails driven through my hands and feet! And whipped? How many of us have actually been whipped intensely with such a whip as Jesus was scourged with? Not that many people...and carrying your own instrument of death? Those on Death Row in America certainly don't experience that...And yet, none of these things were what made His crucifixion so truly horrific.
"My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) Jesus cried out to God, His Father, Himself! NONE of us know what it is like to have such an intimate, deep, passionate relationship with God as Jesus has with Him. And NONE of us can even fathom the agony Jesus went through when separated from God when He took on the sins of the world (John 1:29, Isaiah 53). It is my belief, through various studies on Mark 14 (Jesus' agony in Gethsemane), etc., that separation from God is what made the crucifixion so horrific. Yes, Jesus' humanity was complete in every way on earth: terrible pain, terrible hunger, terrible loss, terrible sorrow. Jesus experienced these all, along with great joy, happiness, peace and other positive emotions and experiences of humanity. But His deity was not diminished in the slightest, despite how people have tried to twist Philippians 2:6 ("Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God"). Jesus IS God. And setting aside His immortality, His perfection, His sinlessness to BECOME sin for humanity was the greatest agony of all. To be separated from God is more devastating than any of us can or want to imagine. Many nights I have laid awake thanking God that I will never be separated from Him, for life eternal without God is truly hell.
Oh, that we might truly understand what it means when we say "I am crucified with Christ"! None of us truly does, at least experientially. I don't know that any of us truly will on this earth, for we still shall struggle against the flesh. But, as my friend pointed out, Christ has already DONE the crucifying of this flesh. So, in heaven someday, we shall finally have the full concept of this crucifixion of the flesh, for there, we will no longer struggle against the Old Man.
In the meantime, are you attempting to understand what this crucifixion of the flesh truly is? If not, why not? If you're not living a life behaving as one whose flesh has been crucified, then you're not living the glorious, joyous life that God has intended for you! Jesus wants us to have an abundant life, and that abundance only comes through HIS gift of New Life: revel in it!
03 March 2011
Salvation/Redemption: For His Name's Sake
Genesis holds not only the record of God creating the world, but it also holds the account of the fall of that creation, as well as a promise from God Himself that someday, He would redeem that creation back to Himself and defeat Satan (Genesis 3:15). Creation was for God's glory (Colossians 1:16, "For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him"), so it only makes sense that Redemption/Salvation is also for God's glory.
While Redemption effects creation, the purpose of it (along with the fall of creation) was to demonstrate God's glory in the best way possible. His acts of kindness, His demonstrations of mercy, His love are all things that BRING HIM ALONE GLORY. His glory cannot be taken from Him, nor can it be lessened by a fallen creation, in fact, it is magnified in the very fallen creation that He will one day renew completely (Isaiah 12:22, Psalm 106:8, Romans 8:19-22, Titus 2:14).
All of the universe was made for God's glory, all of creation will be redeemed, some day for God's glory. Salvation, too, then is for God's glory, for it is through the perfect life, cursed death and miraculous Resurrection of Jesus Christ that all of creation will one day be restored.
Jesus Christ is the Instrument of God through which God's glory is most revealed (Romans 16:27, "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen"; II Corinthians 1:20, "'For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken...to the glory of God'"; Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven").
Jesus Christ, perfect in everyway, very God Himself (Revelation 22:13, "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End'"; Philippians 2:6, "[Jesus Christ] who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped"; Hebrews 1:8, 10, 11 & 12, "But about the Son He says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. He also says, 'In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end'"), was given, by God the Father, the task of salvation/redemption. John 17 holds the record of one of Jesus' prayers, in which He said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do,'" clearly in reference to this salvation, His work, His assignment from God the Father.
While the Bible does regularly speak of the benefits of salvation towards creation, the ultimate truth is that salvation/redemption are all works done to BRING GOD GLORY. Even in Psalms, it is clear that salvation is for God's glory, for His "Name's Sake" (25:11; 79:9; 106:8; 109:21; 143:11).
All Glory to God forever more!
All praises and honor
for His Sake He has redeemed what once was fell,
for His Name's Sake He died and rose as well!
This Week's Challenge: Examine your own life and heart...what do you feel the reason is that God redeemed you? Who deserves the glory for that? Who deserves the glory in all situations? It's easy for us to answer "God, of course." But in your heart-of-hearts, do you REALLY feel that way? If so, rejoice in His awesome glory. If not, rejoice in His awesome glory! If you struggle with giving Him the glory, just start to do it...one step at a time...one thing at a time. He will move in your heart, changing you...convincing you to give Him ALL the glory.
While Redemption effects creation, the purpose of it (along with the fall of creation) was to demonstrate God's glory in the best way possible. His acts of kindness, His demonstrations of mercy, His love are all things that BRING HIM ALONE GLORY. His glory cannot be taken from Him, nor can it be lessened by a fallen creation, in fact, it is magnified in the very fallen creation that He will one day renew completely (Isaiah 12:22, Psalm 106:8, Romans 8:19-22, Titus 2:14).
All of the universe was made for God's glory, all of creation will be redeemed, some day for God's glory. Salvation, too, then is for God's glory, for it is through the perfect life, cursed death and miraculous Resurrection of Jesus Christ that all of creation will one day be restored.
Jesus Christ is the Instrument of God through which God's glory is most revealed (Romans 16:27, "To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen"; II Corinthians 1:20, "'For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken...to the glory of God'"; Hebrews 1:3 "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven").
Jesus Christ, perfect in everyway, very God Himself (Revelation 22:13, "'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End'"; Philippians 2:6, "[Jesus Christ] who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped"; Hebrews 1:8, 10, 11 & 12, "But about the Son He says, 'Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. He also says, 'In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end'"), was given, by God the Father, the task of salvation/redemption. John 17 holds the record of one of Jesus' prayers, in which He said, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do,'" clearly in reference to this salvation, His work, His assignment from God the Father.
While the Bible does regularly speak of the benefits of salvation towards creation, the ultimate truth is that salvation/redemption are all works done to BRING GOD GLORY. Even in Psalms, it is clear that salvation is for God's glory, for His "Name's Sake" (25:11; 79:9; 106:8; 109:21; 143:11).
All Glory to God forever more!
All praises and honor
for His Sake He has redeemed what once was fell,
for His Name's Sake He died and rose as well!
This Week's Challenge: Examine your own life and heart...what do you feel the reason is that God redeemed you? Who deserves the glory for that? Who deserves the glory in all situations? It's easy for us to answer "God, of course." But in your heart-of-hearts, do you REALLY feel that way? If so, rejoice in His awesome glory. If not, rejoice in His awesome glory! If you struggle with giving Him the glory, just start to do it...one step at a time...one thing at a time. He will move in your heart, changing you...convincing you to give Him ALL the glory.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)