Rebekah Tracht

2012-01-14T01:36:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 12:21 "There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief."

When I read this verse this morning, I thought, "Wait a second! What about Job? Evil happened to him! What about Joseph? Or the blind man that Jesus healed? The disciples asked Jesus who had sinned to cause this man to be blind? Obviously they were looking at the situation the way we often do. "What a pitty that person is going through so much. They must have some secret sin that God is either judging or trying to purge them from. If only they were more like me!" Some of us though who have gone through trials before know that the reason is often past our earthly comprehension. Jesus responded to his disciples in John 9 and verse 3, "Neither this man sinned, nor his parents; but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." This man was born blind to bring God glory! There is a song callee blessings that I heard recently. The chorus asks, "What if your blessings fall like rain drops? What if your healing comes through pain? What if a thousand sleepless nights is what it takes to know He's near? What if the trials of this life are His mercies in disguise?" My Bible reading then took me to Genesis where I read the story of Joseph, a young Hebrew boy who had the favor of his father because of who his mother was and the hatred of his brothers because of his fathers favor. This wasn't something Joseph asked for or even deserved, but not once does the Bible record him blaming God or complaining to Him. Joseph was sold by his own brothers into slavery, and then, just when life started looking up, Potiphar's wife had to slander him for a sin he didn't commit, and he was thrown in prison. What? Where was God in all his? Could it be that he was busy working this trial out for good? Maybe the trials Joseph was going through truly were God's mercy in disguise. My Bible reading hasn't yet taken me to the point where we see what God was doing, but admittedly I cheated and I think I know what's going to happen. Joseph could have sat in prison and gotten bitter, but instead he chose to focus on the goodness of God. Again things started looking up for Joseph and God miraculously made him second in command in the land of Egypt. Wow! But why? Was God simply rewarding Joseph for his faithfulness? Maybe, but I think God had an even bigger plan! You see, there was a famine that covered the land and only Egypt was profiting from it. Because of God's favor on his life, Joseph knew about the famine before it happened and had prepared Egypt to face this national disaster. Things weren't going quite so well for Jacob's family. The famine had hit them hard and they decided to go to Egypt where they could buy food so that they would not die. If you haven't read the story yourself then I encourage you to do so, but for the sake of those who have already heard it I'm going to cut to the chase. When Joseph's brothers realized that the man they were bowing before, begging for food and forgiveness, was their long-lost, sold-into-slavery brother, they knew they deserved His worst wrath. But through all his trials, Joseph must have recognized that the raindrops that were hitting him were meant to make him stronger and help him to grow. Josephs response to his brothers was this, "Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good to bring to pass, as it is today, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones." Oh the picture of grace Joseph's response is. Similar to the grace of the One who died for you and me, and cried, "Father, forgive them! They know not what they do." Our Savior knew that He had come to die. He knew the purpose of the blood that was flowing from his veins and covering the ground. It was to buy victory and freedom for you and me! Our Father controls the raindrops that fall on you and me. Always remember that there is a reason and purpose for the storm. "What if the trials of this life are His mercies in disguise?"

Open Hands

2011-10-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

Lord, help me to hold lightly
To the treasures of this world.
Help me live with upturned palms;
Heart open, loose, uncurled.

Make me willing to give up
What You don’t want for me.
In blessings or hard trials
Teach me, Lord, to trust in Thee.

Every good and perfect gift
Cometh from above,
And every purging trial
Is filtered through Your love.

Will we accept Your blessings
And yet reject Your tests?
In choosing only blessings
We, in turn, reject Your best.

My tight grasp I will loosen, Lord.
My troubled heart will trust.
My hands to You I’ll open
For I know that You are just.

The Receipt of My Ransom

2011-09-30T20:55:00.001-07:00

The receipt of my ransom
Is nail-scared hands.
The proof of my pardon
Reaches out to each man.
A body once broken -
Restored and renewed;
But those precious pierced hands
Still reach out to you.

An Amazing Summer in Summary

2011-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer has come and gone and in just a couple hours I'll be heading back to West Coast Baptist College. I'm excited to be going back because it's really the only place I own a bed which, for me, makes it home. I know many will tell you that home is where the heart is, but let me tell you, you can't rest your head on your heart!
It was an amazing summer. Words really can't describe it. I was able to talk to my dad last night and I wanted to share with him what my summer was like, but where to begin?!! I guess if you're looking for an overview, we saw about 50 Gentiles saved and 2 Jewish people. What! Only two Jewish people? That was our target group. What an unsuccessful outreach... in the eyes of man. We were yelled at, accused of being frauds, we had people driving by taking pictures of us, we were surrounded by police officers several times. (We're a pretty scary looking bunch. Wouldn't you call the police if you had 5 girls dressed in skirts and flip flops going door to door in your neighborhood?) We were kicked out of two cities completely, had packets ripped up and thrown at us, were involved in 4 car accidents (only one major - praise the Lord!)... it was a very interesting summer. The question is - was it worth it? I was reading a blog by a man who prides himself on being able to find the angle in every religious outreach. He was criticizing the Jews for Jesus and said that it was ridiculous that they would spend all summer reaching out to a people group and finish only having reached 11 people. And truly, in the eyes of man, this was a practically fruitless mission. However, considering the pricelessness of a soul before God - our labour was definitely not in vain.
One of the men who received Christ was a Jewish man from London. He took the packet that we left at his door, watched the video, called Bro. Cantor, and was lead to the Lord over the phone. I got the privilege of visiting him several days later. Morris is in his mid-eighties. He told us all about his family, his Christian friend, and why he believes that Jesus is God in the flesh. He told us that Jesus died, was put in a tomb, and when they went to the grave, He was gone. Only God could do that! His child-like faith was beautiful, because that is the faith that God wants us all to have.
The second Jewish man who accepted Jesus as his Messiah is named Andrew. We went back to his house three days before we left Miami. He is a nice guy, but he's a big guy, covered with tattoos (obviously not a practicing Jew). We asked him whether he had watched the DVD. He said no. We asked if we could share with him what the Bible says about eternity and he said he was kind of busy, but we could come back another time. I told him that we were leaving and we wouldn't have time to come back... and he might not have another chance to hear the truth. So, I begged him for 5 minutes to show him what the Bible says. Fifteen to twenty minutes later (okay, so I'm kind of long winded), Andrew accepted Christ as his savior. Praise the Lord for His saving grace. I was able to go back the next day and leave him with a Bible. He also agreed to let our pastor come visit him. Please pray for Andrew and Morris as they grow spiritually.
Also pray for those who were given the truth, but chose not to accept it. Jesus said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. I've come to the conclusion that you can add God's chosen people to the rich. They're so closed, and if you look at the circumstances, it's no wonder. They've been persecuted and targeted through the centuries. However, that does not mean that they will be unaccountable for what they do with the truth. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and receptiveness for God's people. He loves them and He wants them. He's calling for His lost sheep, but they don't recognize His voice. Will you help them hear?

A Three Week Review

2011-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I was getting somewhat overwhelmed with all that was going on down here, and when I got behind on blogging I figured I'd wait until things slowed down before I started writing again. (I know this makes absolutely no sense, but I talked myself into believing it. I can be very persuasive sometimes!) So, in short, we have been under attack! We started out breaking down on a highway with no shoulder. So, all three of us girls jumped out and started pushing - uphill. It was great. Of course, nobody stopped to help, but they did a lot of honking and staring. At one point I turned around and asked no one in particular what they wanted us to do! Finally a man started yelling at us in Spanish. We quickly let him know that it didn't matter how loud he yelled, we weren't going to understand his command. After a while we understood that he wanted us to get inside the care and he was going to push our bumper with his until we came to an off ramp. Praise the Lord for our Spanish speaking angel!
That same day, after getting back to the ranch and jogging off some frustration, I jumped in the pool to cool off, only to find several minutes later, my poor phone drowning on the bottom of the pool. I've been told that I should have had a smart phone, so it would have known how to swim.
Several days later, our driver had her phone stollen off her car seat. Around that same time, Kayla Cook, one of my favorite team members, passed out at a Jewish man's door. THIS WAS NOT IN THE PLAN!!! We know that Satan doesn't like what we're doing, but there comes a point that you wonder what part is Satan and what part is just plain stupidity. Needless to say we were getting discouraged. I used to begin each day telling the girls what a great day it was going to be, but I began telling them that we'd probably get run over or kidnapped, but it would still be a good day because God makes no mistakes.
Last Friday we saw 4 people saved and we were so excited! We were able to talk to two Muslim men who were desperately searching for the truth. We gave them the gospel and although they were not ready to claim Christ as their Messiah, the door was left wide open for a pastor to come back and pray with them and continue to share the message of Jesus Christ. We were thrilled... and pretty amazed that nothing bad had happened all day. No literally - we were a little sceptical. This never happens to us! That night I spent the entire night in the ER with Kayla while they tried to figure out what was causing her to faint. So, maybe Satan was still fighting.
It wasn't until Thursday that our whole group was able to go out together again. Sickness was tugging down two of my girls and it was all we could do to get from day to day without losing one or the other. I was tired. They were tired. We were a mess. Welcome Friday - the last day of our work week - and we get hit by a car. We are all healing up well, but there are times when I ask God, "Why." However, it is not my place to question God. As Job said, "Shall we receive good from the hand of the Lord and not evil also?" God does not make mistakes, and through it all I am learning to trust.
We would very much appreciate any prayer that you can spare. Kayla Cook went home to heal and to figure out what was causing her fainting. Her plan is to come back at the beginning of August. Amanda Price went home to heal and found out that she has a spinal injury that is going to require several weeks of physical therapy. Ashley Maynard is experiencing minor back and neck pain which the doctor attributes to tight muscles along her spine. However, she is going to tough it out and has already returned to work. I am experiencing some chest pain due to what the doctor believes is an irritated rib connection that hurts but is definitely not fatal. Praise the Lord I am back on the battlefield!
God is good and makes no mistakes. I must admit that the relentless attack of Satan was beginning to take its toll. However, this morning I was reminded that sometimes we will grow weary and we will fall.

"Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the end of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
God has not given up on me. It is no3 a sin to grow weary. Even the youngest and strongest will do it. But it is the just man that riseth up again. And it is God that gives the strength to stand.

MY DAD IS:

2011-06-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Amazing!!!
Brilliant - (You know it's true!)
Cautious - You think before you act.
Dedicated - More than anyone I know.
Energetic - You live with a passion.
Fantastic - Well, I think you are! And you've got at least 11 more fans.
Godly - Thank you for my heritage.
Handsome - Even more so than Charlton Heston.
Independent - But reliant on God
Just What I Needed - God makes no mistakes!
Kind
Loving - I love you too!
Merciful - 'Cause if you weren't I probably wouldn't be here now.
Not Normal - We are called to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works. You are.
Only Mine - I'm not gonna share.
Persistent - The just man falleth seven times, but riseth up again.
Quiet - I have watched you for years take time to be still and recognize God.
Respectful - You are not a respecter of persons based on their color, ethnicity, or social standing. This is an attribute of God and I admire it in you.
Sweet - There's no denying it, Dad. I caught you!
Trustworthy - When I need counsel you are the first person I turn to. You have wisdom from years of living and you have invested so much into me. Thank you.
Ultra Cool - :) When I grow up, I want to be just like you! ... Just a little more feminine.
Valuable - I'm not about to trade you in or let you go!
Wise - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
X-tremely Handsome - Oh wait. I think I already said that. :) But it's true.
Yielded - To God. You are my hero and my example.
Z - Hmmm... well, you're not a zebra... I guess I'll just say this: You are A to Z to me. I love you and I am so thankful for you. Thank you for loving God and giving to me a Godly heritage. I am so proud to call you mine.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

A Rock That Is Higher Than I

2011-06-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

This poem is dedicated to my girls: Amanda, Ashley, and Kayla. Praising God that there is a much wiser and much more dependable foundation than me. :)

If I were the top - we'd all be in trouble!
If I were the master - we'd all surely die!
If I were the shelter - the storms would destroy us!
But - there is a Rock that is higher than I!

There is a tower of refuge awaiting
For any who choose to enter His gate.
There is a perfect encompassing mercy
For any whose heart in His hands will place

Psalm 61:1-2
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Week 11 - Still Breathing!

2011-06-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

It's almost Tuesday and I am just now finding time to write about last week. Last week was crazy but fun. We've got a lot more nailed down, which lightened the stress load, and made getting up each morning seem a little less daunting.
This last week flew by! Any girl in the group will tell you the same. Week one seemed more like three weeks and week two seemed more like three days. For this we can only thank God. Our bodies are adjusting to the heat and humidity, our muscles are getting used to the exercise, and our minds are getting more accustomed to talking to people from all sorts of nations and cultures.
It makes me smile to think of all the humorous stories we all will have to tell when this adventure comes to an end. For instance, the Armenian man who hollered at us for coming to his door. It went something like this - (notice: insert heavy accent) "Why you come to my door? I tell I not believe in God! I tell you not to come to my door! This is free country! You not allowed to knock on my door!" When I tried to explain to him how sorry we were, but that we'd never knocked on his door before, he yelled at us more and told us that he recognized us. Pretty wrapped up in his tirade, he forgot that he was supposed to keep his daughter's dog inside. "Chester" ran away and then his daughter started yelling at the man who was yelling at us. He stormed inside and we helped find the little dog. The nice Christian neighbor lady we had talked to only minutes before witnessed the whole thing and told us that he was always grouchy that way, that he hated Christian, but that our helping find Chester was "a point for Him."
The highlight of my week was talking to a Jewish man named Chuck. He was incredibly friendly and spent several minutes talking our ears off about his work and how unfriendly people in Miami are. We told him that we were Baptist and instead of throwing the packet back at us, he told us that he was very intrested in reading it and he invited us to come back. Pray that this man's heart will be opened to the gospel and that when we go back we will have a wide open door to present the gospel. Also pray that we will be ready for any questions or acusations that he might have. We're excited to see what God will do, knowing that He makes no mistakes. Thank you for your prayer!
In Christ,
Rebekah

My Day by Day and Door to Door Friend

2011-06-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have a friend they know not of.
He's with me all the day.
He gently bids me to keep on.
He lights the darkest way.

They mock at me, They scorn His name,
They hope to see me fall;
But lovingly He hold my hand
And bids me love them all.

The doors may slam, the words may cut,
Yet as I face the next
I turn to Him and remind Him that
He's promised His Word to bless.

I have a friend they know not of.
I'm holding to His hand.
And with His heart so close to mine
I'll fear not any man.

Psalms 31:20-21
"Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me His marvellous kindness in a strong city."

Jewish Outreach: 1 week down - 11 more to go

2011-06-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week has been unlike any week I've ever lived. It's a good thing too, because I hate to get board. Every day has been physically and spiritually taxing. My trust in God is constantly being tested, and I pray that my faith in Him has grown.
For those who don't know, a group of 37 young ladies have been sent to Miami, Florida to reach as many Jewish people as possible. Miami has a very high population of Jewish families. This project is founded and funded by Tom Canter, a Jewish businessman who loves his nation, his people, and his God. He is using the finances God has blessed him with to reach into the homes of thousands of Jewish families across this country. We get to be his hands as he, and in turn we, invest in eternity. We are taking the gospel of salvation to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.
Our first priority is to get the information he has prepared into their hands. Often they will refuse it. Like most Americans they are content with where they are in life and, in there minds, nothing we have to offer could possibly be of any worth to them. Other times, they will graciously take the packet of information and we can only pray that they will actually watch the DVD or read the booklet.
There are also those who will insist that we summarize the message in the packet before they consider accepting it. This demand opens up an opportunity for us to personally present Jesus Christ as the crucified, risen, and returning Messiah for all men.
This occurrence is actually quite rare. It is also very unlikely that in such a case, we will ever be able to persuasively argue someone to Christ on their doorstep. However, the opportunity to present the gospel and the prophesies of the old covenant fulfilled through Jesus Christ is an amazing responsibility. Please pray that we will be studied up and ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. Pray that we will remember to present the gospel with the same grace with which it was given to us.
This summer ministry is an amazing one but certainly not an easy one. We need your prayer. Israel needs your prayer.
I talked to a very kind Jewish gentleman named Dave who explained to me that what we are doing is incredibly offensive to them because they view it as a modern day crusade. At first we may scoff at this accusation, but he explained that if he were to become a "Christian Jew" his children would be much more likely to marry non-Jewish Christians. If this were to happen, his grandchildren would be half Jewish. Which in the opinion of most Jews, would make them not Jewish at all, thus silently destroying the Jewish nation in a few short generations.
I explained to him how very sorry I was that he felt that way. I then explained to him how our identity cannot come from our heritage, our culture, or our color. Our identity comes from within. God sees the soul, and it is the spirit of man that God loves and sent His son to restore.
We parted on friendly terms and he was even willing to keep the packet from Brother Canter. Please pray that the seed that was sown will grow, and that Dave will understand his need for salvation.
Many other interesting things have happened in the last week including a broken down car, a couple of pit bulls, compliment, and complaints. But, lest I run the risk of boring you, I will conclude now. Thank you for your prayer as we continue to try to love people to Christ.
Sincerely Serving the Savior,
Rebekah Tracht

Puzzle Pieces

2011-05-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

"Our experiences resemble a jigsaw puzzle...
When it is all ready, we shall find that the dark pieces of the puzzle were as important in the completion of the full beauty of the pattern as the bright sections.
The dark background will only bring out in bolder and more gorgeous relief the figures in the picture, in the center of which will be His lovely face..."
- M.R. Deltann

"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than man." - 1st Corinthinas 1:25

Who are we to question God?

I Forgot - But He was Holding Out His Hand

2011-05-17T14:24:00.001-07:00

Oh Lord God,

How dimly now the path is lit before me.
How darkly now the trees and shadows loom.
How quickly now I try to find my own way
By groping down a path that leads to doom.

But then my ears pick up Your still small whisper
When finally in defeat I humbly lay.
"Get up, My Child." And gently I am lifted.
Shamefacedly, I turn to You and say:

"I forgot that You were walking right beside me.
I forgot that You had offered me Your hand.
I forgot You never took from me Your goodness.
I forgot - until I fell in shifting sand."

Oh God, how often I forget Your tender mercies.
How often I refuse Your daily care.
Until brought low by toil and by trouble,
How often I foget that You are there.

Lord, please pick me up and I will humbly follow.
I will follow, Lord, wherever You will lead.
I will hold Your hand and trust Your gentle whisper.
I will love You, and Your charges I will heed.

"I forgot that You were walking right beside me.
I forgot that You have offered me Your hand.
I fogot You never take from me Your goodness.
I forgot - but now in Your grace I'll stand."

2010-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Make a joyful noise, O lands. Rejoice!

With joy and gladness lift your voice.

Come to the Lord with love and song.

Lift up His name for He is strong.

The Lord alone is God of all.

He made all things, both great and small;

And yet He gently leads His sheep

To rest and safety in His keep.

His court room doors stand open wide.

He bids us in Him to confide.

With praise and thanks approach his throne.

With thanksgiving let His name be known.

The Lord is good, His mercy long,

His truth is faithful, ever strong.

I will not fear, but will rejoice.

To Him I'll make a joyful noise.

Oh! The Matchless Grace of Jesus!

2010-11-19T15:14:00.001-08:00

Who am I that God Should look upon me?
Who am I that He would care and meet my needs?
After Everything I’ve done
To God’s most precious Son,
Who am I that God should look on me?

(Chorus)
Oh how matchless is the grace of Jesus,
Who would say that I am precious in His sight!
Oh how great is the mercy of the Master,
Who would come to where I was
And give me life!

I was wretched, I was lost, and all alone.
I had no grace or goodness of my own.
But He chose me and He changed me,
And claimed me as His own!
Now I know I have a Heavenly home.

Why have I found grace in Your eyes?
Why have You every need supplied?
I stand amazed where grace has found me.
I’m overwhelmed by Your great love.
I rest secure since Your grace my soul restored.

Religion versus Relationship

2010-07-28T00:59:00.000-07:00

Here it is. No questions asked. No exceptions given.

James 1:27
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."

Pure religion defined:
To visit the fatherless
To visit the widows
and
To keep himself unspotted from the world

Our church has given us so man opportunities to serve. If you're not in any of these ministries it is a loss to the church and a loss to your personal growth.
However,even iv you have taken advantage of these opportunities to serve, if you have not guarded yourself against the world, than your religion, or your service, is in vain.. Religion is not to be put in the place of relationship. Religion is your loving service, because of your relationship.
Making breakfast in the morning is not a wife's relationship is not her relationship, but rather, it is a service of love she performs because of her relationship. Your service to God is not your relationship with him, but rather, it is an active account of love for Him.
Pure religion must be both service and separation. If a wife were to go out an have an affair every Saturday, it might just put a damper on her relationship with her husband. It is the same with God. If I serve Him everyday during the week, but then give my Saturdays to the world and the pleasures it offers, it will hinder my relationship with God.
My pastor has often said, "The degree of your service is directly related to the degree of your separation." As I search my own life, I would encourage you to do likewise. Is your service for the sake of your religion or is it because of your relationship with a loving God?

The Fruits and Filling of the Spirit

2010-07-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

Lord God,
Fill me with Your Spirit this day. Move me and use me at Your will. Make me a fruitful tree. May I love all that You love and find joy in all that You find joy in. Give to me Your peace that passes all earthly understanding. Help me to suffer long for your sake. May I be gentle to others as You are gentle to me. Make me to see Your goodness and likewise live. Give me faith to trust that You know best for me and help me to live every moment with the firm belief and realization that You will never fail me. God, give me strength that is controlled by You, and give me temperance that I may be a picture of who You are. You are perfect; I am sinful. Lord God, I need Your Spirit. Please fill me today.
Signed,
Your Servant

AGAINST SUCH, THERE IS NO LAW

None Beside Thee

2010-06-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Psalm 73:1-3,21,26,28

"Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
But as for me, my feet were almost gone: my steps had well-nigh slipped.
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Whom have I in Heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

How Much Is Too Much?

2010-06-14T05:38:00.001-07:00

How much is too much to give to the Savior?
How much is too much to lay at His feet?
How much is too much to offer before Him?
He who has carried my cross through the streets.

Well…

How much was too much for Jesus to offer?
How high was too high to buy back His sheep?
What did the Savior hold back from my ransom?
How much of His love from me does He keep?

The Answer:

No greater gift has ever been offered.
No Higher price has ever been paid.
No greater love is found but in Jesus.
I'll hold back nothing. For Him I was made.

Feeling Heavy?

2010-06-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Matt 23:11-12
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

STAY SMALL!

If a servant places himself high upon the king’s thrown, it is likely that he will be displaced to the lowest dungeon.

If a man thinks himself so important that he no longer carries any load, he will eventually find that his followers have turned from him, and he is unable to carry the smallest load, though he carries a heavy title.

If a man proclaims his own goodness, others will proclaim his pride.

If a man believes that a title is all it takes to gain authority, he will be sorely disappointed when a man of weaker title, but stronger character rises above him and takes charge.

If a man seeks recognition for himself, he will turn others away from him. If a Christian seeks recognition for himself, he will turn others away from God.

Only Christ can say, “”And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

James 4:10
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

Uganda Update

2010-06-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't written in forever, so I thought I'd better buckle down and do it. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. We have been busier than usual but we have enjoyed every moment. It would take me a very long time to write everything that has happened, and you a long time to read it, so I will abbreviate. The day before Katie and Andrea flew into Uganda, our container arrived at 5:00 in the morning. We waited for the sun to come out before we unloaded it,and it was a lot of work, but we are all enjoying sleeping on real beds and sitting on real couches! Praise God nothing seems to be missing!
Katie and Andrea arrived in two pieces, and although we were a bit late picking Katie up due to a couple traffic incidences, they both are alive and well. We had the privilege of working with ORH and their medical missions team when they came out three weeks ago. They rested little and served a lot. Many doors were opened up to share the gospel and many people accepted Christ because of their love and efforts. Andrea Nelson got to work with them as well before heading back up to Masaka where she is now settling in and teaching the young people there. Soon after the medical team left we went to Queen Elizabeth national park for the first time as a family and spent some time communing with the elephants.
The last two weeks have been spent with Pastor Craig Houston and his daughter Anna. Pastor Houston preached the "Fathering God's Way" conference at our church and encouraged so many of our people here, Mzungu and African alike. We just sent them off on Monday, and although we will miss them, we were so grateful to have them come and serve with us. We are secretly praying that they will feel the call to Uganda, but we are keeping this quiet, lest they feel that we are trying to manipulate them.
Katie is teaching at a new school in Kyahi. It has not been without it's bumps, but things seem to be falling into place, and she has claimed it as her own. Today we will be going to Western College to preach the word of God and tomorrow we will be going to Ruti Technical Institute. So many doors have been opened by God and we are excited to serve Him and see what He will do next.
Thank you so much for your prayers!

A Poem For My Mother

2010-05-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

My Mother, on this special day
That's set aside for you,
I wish that I had so much more
To offer back to you.

I wish my hands were big enough
To take from you your care.
I wish my shoulders wider that
Your burdens I might bare.

I wish that you could see my heart
And how it swells with pride
That I can stand and tell the world,
"This Mother: She is mine!"

What great gifts our God has given!
But Mom, there are so few
That come near to comparing to
The gift I have in you.

Psalm 127:3

2010-04-28T23:05:00.000-07:00

Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”
Coming from a family of eleven children, I can testify that ten children is enough to fill ones quiver, and keep you busy for many, many years. According to the Bible, Job’s quiver was full. Later on in this chapter we see how seriously Job took his job of High Priest of his family. The Bible does not say that Job’s children loved or served God, but we do see that they liked to spend time together.
We are from a culture that values quality of life above life itself. And quality of life does not speak of the actual quality of one’s “life”, but the ease of one’s life, how much he owns, and what he will retire with. Family “planning” is huge! We’ve had several people ask us, “Haven’t your parents heard of family planning?!” And of course we say, “Yes. And they planned to have eleven kids.” Family planning…
I cannot speak from experience on this matter, since I have never had children, but if children are an heritage of the Lord, than why do we think we should choose how large or small this heritage is? Is not God in control? Every child that you are able to have is part of God’s family plan for you.
Before you get mad at me, let me assure you I have heard the arguments to the contrary. “A family shouldn’t have more kids than they can afford to take care of.” I don’t believe it is a matter of money. The One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills can surely take care of you. However, I have known people who were not committed to raising their children. They simply were committed to having them. This is sick, and can be the cause of broken homes, ruined testimonies, and harmed children. If you are not mature enough to raise children than don’t have them! But if you are able, why would you hold back on God? Why would you hinder your own heritage? You want to face the horde of the enemy with two arrows? Good luck! However, little is much when God is in it. If he desires to give you only two children, he can defeat the enemy with those two. Think of Samson!
I would encourage you to let God do your family planning. And while he is planning your family, you can focus on growing and serving him. Do not put yourself in the place of God. You will find yourself sorely lacking.
I beg you not to be angry with me. I am not presenting an ultimatum. I simply wish to plant a thought. Is not God stronger and wiser than we? Every area of our lives should be fully and completely given to God. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes…”

To Sit or Stand: That Is the Question!

2010-04-14T02:23:00.000-07:00

I beg you to let me share with you what God has shown to me. This is not meant to condemn or judge anyone. This is simply a compilation of verses and the string of logic with which it is tied together.

It seems to me that Christians today would rather pet each other’s sin than stand up against it as we are commanded to. I have watched it happen many times and even done it. Why are we afraid to do what is right? I believe there are several reasons. One, we are so full of unconfessed and unrepented sin that to say anything in response to another’s sin would be like trying to pull the splinter out of his eye, while beating him with the pole sticking out of our own. I agree that if we are not walking in the spirit, than we need to get right with God before we try to get our brother or sister right. However, one of the biggest reasons I believe we don’t stand up against sin is for the fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” If we fear man, we cannot fear God. The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Most of us don’t fear that we’ll be physically harmed if we stand up against sin. Instead we fear what man will say about us. “He’s a hypocrite, a Pharisee.” “She thinks she’s better than everyone else.”
Recently I saw several friends who claim to be Christians, acting nothing like Christians. My first reaction was to be angry at their sin. However, instead of confronting them I told myself, “Their sin may be more open than my own, but it is no worse in the eyes of God.” And truly, Christ would still have had to die for me, if the biggest sin I had ever committed was being born into this world. I began searching myself, and I was never more thankful for the forgiveness of God. I began to ask God whether it was better to ignore the glorified sin of others or stand up against it in His name.
Isnt’ it interesting how God will always reveal himself to us when we seek Him? I believe that this is one of the most exciting experiences in the life of a Christian: to get a glimpse of the face of God and to watch His hand at work in our lives.
I was reading Psalms 50 when verse 22 and 23 jumped out at me. “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver. Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright I will show the salvation of God.” The consequence for turning away from God is a horrible thing. If you are not willing to warn the person who has turned away from God, it is likely that you do not love that person. I found several other passages that clearly point out what God would have us do when we witness sin:

Leviticus 5:1
“And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.”

2nd Timothy 2:24
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient;
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

Proverbs 24:24-26
“He that saith unto the wicked, Thou art righteous; him shall the people curse, nations shall abhor him:
But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.”

Ezekiel 3:17
“Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Now I am not saying that you should take these verses, and blast every sinner you know out of the water. Remember you are a sinner. If you are not right with God, don’t you dare try to pull any splinters!
God will not bless you for being a Pharisee or a hypocrite. There are several verses in the Bible that give us direction as to how we are to give rebuke, but I believe that Proverbs 15:1 says it best. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Another thing to consider is the spiritual condition of the person you are speaking to. Proverbs 9:8 tells us, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.” Proverbs 15:5, “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.”
You cannot change the heart of man. You cannot even move his thinking. The Bible clearly states that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord. The only one who can change the mind of a man is God almighty. If you believe that God would have you confront sin, be sure that you have done the following: 1) Confess your sin before God and make sure you are right. 2) Ask God for wisdom in how to confront the person. 3) Season your words with salt and the word of God. 4) Stand up for others who stand for right. It’s hard to stand alone.

We cannot change the heart of man, but that is no excuse for standing up for sin. Do what is right.

Colossians 4:6
“Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Wise Men Still Seek Him... Even At Easter

2010-04-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have always held a secret grudge against the wise men from the Christmas story. What kind of idiots find the King of all creation, and then leave, and seemingly forget about Him. The Bible never records them returning to worship Jesus. The Bible never records them spreading the news of Christ’s birth. I suppose I viewed them much like we view the nine lepers who were healed by Jesus but never returned to thank him. Interesting how we condemn people who are probably more like us than we’d like to admit. We condemn the children of Israel for their murmuring, we condemn Lot’s wife for turning back, and I had subtly condemned the wise men for being what I considered fickle followers.
However, as I was reading the first chapter of Matthew this morning, in my mind's eye I watched as the wise men entered into Mary and Joseph’s humble home in Bethlehem. What faith these men must have had, to believe that the Messiah, whose coming had been prophesied for hundreds of years, was finally born, and believing that following a star would bring them to their long awaited Messiah.
Upon seeing the child, the wise men fell on their faces in awe, not because Jesus was a comely child, but because their faith had finally become sight. The Messiah had arrived!
Before him they laid gifts of great worth; their gifts honoring both his life and his sacrificial death. I can picture the child reaching to play with the gifts, and Mary taking them from him and placing them safely out of his grasp. The child, disappointed, did not cry or pout, but moved close to one of the wise men and stared in child like awe at his decorative robes.
When night fell Joseph begged the men to stay. They accepted the humble hospitality of their host, and that night they slept on mats in the small single roomed house. But their sleep was not sweet.
Each dreamed a vivid dream, and upon waking in a cold sweat and finding each other in the same state, they began to quietly confer with each other on what the dreams could mean. The consensus: Herod must not learn where the child was. The safest thing to do was to leave as quietly and soon as possible and follow another road home.
So that explains why they didn’t publish the birth of the Savior. But why didn’t they return when the danger was over? Well, it might have been the night after, when Joseph woke suddenly from a vivid and frightening dream. The message of the dream was clear. The family got up, packed their things, and quietly left Bethlehem for the country of Egypt, barely escaping the massacre of babies ordered by Herod, in an attempt to rid himself of the true King of the Jews. Any attempt the wise men may have made to visit the Savior in the next few years would have let to nothing. All Joseph and Mary’s neighbors knew was that they had disappeared.
When Herod finally graced the world with his death, the wise men may have again searched Bethlehem for Jesus, but their search was in vain. Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus had returned from Egypt, but were now safely hidden in the small, unimportant city of Nazareth.
The bottom line is this: God willed it that way. The wise men could have helped publish that the King of kings had finally come, but just as when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on what we now know as Palm Sunday, his Kingdom had not yet come.
Do you question the will and ways of God? I know I do. What we so often forget is that although God’s ways and thoughts are not like our own, God’s ways are always perfect. God had a purpose for the visit of the wise men, and God has a purpose for you. Will you question it, and despise His ways as He tries to mold you, or will you comply and let Him make you fit for His service. Will you look at the vessel beside you and wonder why the potter made him bigger than you, or more pleasing to the eye than you? Just as God had a particular purpose for the wise men, He has a purpose for you. Let Him fill you as He wills.

Trenton's Mites

2010-03-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

My mom was tucking my little brother, Trenton in, when he asked a very serious question that had been troubling his little mind. “Mom, you know the story dad told about the witch who gave everything she had?”
My mom started to wrack her brain for an answer. “What kind of stories is Tom telling the kids?” she wondered. It was then that she remembered the story Trenton was talking about. The Widow who gave everything – the Witch who gave everything… What’s the difference?
She couldn’t hide her mirth and she began to laugh, unknowingly offending the little boy who had courageously brought up this question that had been bothering him.
Exasperated, Trenton said, “Don’t laugh mom. She really did. Jesus said she gave the most!”
I’m not certain if Trenton pictured Jesus watching a green faced lady with a black robe, and a tall crooked black hat give her offering in church, but whatever the picture, he knew that she had pleased Jesus, and he wanted to do the same thing.
In his little hands he held a couple of Ugandan shillings – probably comparable in worth to the widows mites, but it was all he had.
“Mom, how will I ever get money if I give it all to God?”
How many of us have asked ourselves the same question? The answer is clearly given in the Bible, but it is an answer that requires faith. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it shall be given you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal shall it be measured to you again.”
There is no question in my mind as to whether this verse is true or not. God said it and that settles it. However, that does not mean that there are not times that I don’t look at the meager amount in my hand, and question the wisdom of giving it away.
In the end all that we have, belongs not to us, but to God. Who do you think will take better care of God’s possessions - you or Him? Just like we will not force Trenton to give God his few mites, God will not force you. He is waiting patiently for you to surrender all you hold in your hands to Him, so that He can fill your arms so full that you cannot hold it all.

The Gifts of God!

2010-03-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

We have found that nothing is quite as predictable over here in Uganda as it was in Washington. Let me give you some examples: Some times we turn on the faucet to our drinking water, and get nothing more than a trickle; tonight as we were eating dinner, the lights went out and it was so dark that we couldn't see what we were eating (of course that did not stop me!); we had 4 tiles that were lifting up off the living room floor, so the man who came to fix them took out almost all the tiles in the living room, broke some, and then put them back in (although he did add some new colors to the floor... for special effect, I'm sure.)
However, the most exciting thing happened the other day! Most of us have started to dread taking showers or baths because one shower doesn't have any warm water at all, and the water heater on the other doesn't work unless it wants to.
This water heater has something against me in particular though. Up until a few days ago, I seriously doubted that it was even able to produce warm water. I wondered if my family members were just trying to make me jealous when they said they got to use warm water.
For these reasons, I was surprised and thrilled when warm water did come from the tap. I looked up at the water heater that used to seem so menacing and evil, and thought about hugging it! However, as we know, every good and perfect gift comes from God.
What has God given to you that you've forgotten to thank him for? Even the cold water flowing from the faucet is a gift from God. We have so much to be thankful for! It is our selfishness that assumes we deserve warm water, and all the other luxuries that we whine about. I challenge you to remember that we are deserving of nothing more than death and hell. And yet, it is the mercy and the love of God that provides life and peace. What have you forgotten to thank God for?

Though He Slay Me

2010-03-17T02:03:00.000-07:00

Abram was a man of God.
He walked before the Lord.
God promised this great man a son.
He trusted in God’s Word.

And truly when the time was ripe,
And Abram old in years,
God gave to him his promised son.
Abram praised with joyful tears.

Many years from that time passed
And Isaac grew to be
A man of God much like his dad;
Abram thanked God joyfully.

But then God asked the strangest thing:
“Give your son to Me.”
Abram wept and yet he said,
“Yes, Lord. I will trust thee.”

Though You take and wring from me
The very breath of life,
Though you kill my only son
And offspring of my wife,

Still I’ll lift thy name in song.
Still I’ll hope in thee.
Though Thou slay and break me, Lord,
Still I will trust in Thee.

As Isaac placed himself upon
The altar he had made,
His face he raised and through his tears
This prayer of praise he said:

“Lord, I will lift Thy name in song.
Lord I will hope in Thee.
Though the fires round me rage,
Still I will trust in Thee!”

As God looked down upon these men,
A smile graced his face.
A tear drop trickled from His eye
At their sacrificial faith.

“My child, you need not kill your son.
For I’ll provide the lamb.
Your love and faith in Me you’ve proved.
I have the perfect plan.”

And so our Lord and Heav’nly King,
Turned to His perfect son.
“I need a perfect, spotless lamb.
You are the only one.”

As Jesus hung upon a tree,
He turned His eyes above,
And to His father’s tear stained face,
He sang this song of love:

“My father, though you slay me;
Though you turn your face from me,
Still I will love and praise your name;
Still I will trust in thee.”

Oh God, Dear Heav’nly Father,
You gave Your son for me.
May I with trust and simple faith,
Love and trust in thee.

Job 13:14
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

He Is Faithful Who Has Promised

2010-03-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

In my Bible reading and daily living, it seems as if God is pointing me to Himself. When I try to look down at myself, as often I do, God seems to lift my chin and draw me back to Him.
Do we own anything that does not belong to God? Do we eat anything that was not made by God? Do we Breathe any breath that is not ordained by God? The answer is no. Proverbs 16:4 clearly states that "The Lord hath made all things for himself: year, even the wicked for the day of evil." Every thing that is, or was, or will be, was made by and for God.
And yet, we spend so much of our time trying to see how much of God's possessions we can hold in our arms and call our own. We consume the Almighty God's creation upon our own lusts. We attempt to draw praise for ourselves from the lips of men whose mouths and minds were made by and for God. Indeed, all our efforts to do so are nothing more than vanity.
I would like to illustrate the previous paragraphs with an example from my own life. I don't like to eat. I love to eat! If I could, I would probably eat all day long, and then wake up in the middle of the night to eat some more. Because of this, I worry where my next meal is going to come from and what it will be. I'm not alone in this. A certain, unnamed sister of mine, feels this fear so strongly that she packs food when she goes to other people's houses, in case they forget to feed her. I find it incredibly humorous when I realize how concerned I am that I might starve, when I could go several days without food, and be perfectly fine. In fact, it might be advantageous to my health if I did skip a few meals. Others may not struggle with trusting God in this area, but I believe that most people have forgotten that God is the great Provider and that He promises that even the seen of the righteous shall not beg for bread.
In my Bible reading several verses have stood out to me as to what we should turn our mind to when we worry about our physical bodies.

Proverbs 15:16-17
"Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith.
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith."
Proverbs 16:8,19
"Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right."
"Better is it to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."
Mattew 6:25-34 really arrows in on this subject. "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Do you doubt the very Word's of God? Do you doubt that He who has promised is able also to perform. I would say, "No, I don't doubt." But my life says otherwise.
Lord God, teach me to trust you to provide. Teach me to live each day to fufill your purpose and plan for me and not my own. Teach me to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humply before my God.

"Just Start With One"

2010-03-11T00:27:00.000-08:00

Today as I worked with Trenton on writing his numbers, he optimistically wrote a whole line of one’s and a whole line of two’s. Of course after each two he had me look. “I did it, Bekah!” He was so pleased with himself, as was I, since we had struggled with the number two for several hours the precious two days. He seemed so pleased with himself. However, he wasn’t quite so confident with his three’s Before he had even finished his two’s he asked me, “Do I have to do a whole line of three’s? Can I just do three? I told him, “Just start with one.”
I found it interesting though, because just this morning I had been asking God similar questions. “Are You going to have me stay here, or are You going to let me go to college?” “Where will I be in five months?”
However, God was probably looking at me as I did Trenton and saying, “Just start with today.” Just this morning I read Psalm 55:17, which says, “Evening, and morning, and at noon,, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Why am I crying for tomorrow before I have lived today. In Lamentations 3:22 and 23 the Bible says, “It is of the Lord’s merices that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
God is not with us only in the big decisions. He wants us to rely on Him every step of the way. I let go of His hand so often and try to find the right way by myself. It is truly of the Lord’s mercy that I am not consumed. There is little that I like better than walking to new places and discovering something, and like most single woman, I look forward to the day when I will have someone to hold my hand during these adventures. But if I was to look at my life through the eyes of God, I would see that I already have that. God promises that He will never leave me, forsake me, or leave me comfortless. I have the best travelling companion one could ask for. He is the Most High God.

Long Life Insurance

2010-03-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

It is a well known fact that children are not only invincible, they are immortal. To the child anything is possible. My brother Jacob wanted to be a missionary baseball player when he was younger. My sister Victoria is a princess. I wanted to have 100 children! However, with years comes a dampening of our creativity. Adults realize that there are boundaries.
As a child, I remember thinking, “I know that most people die, but I just don’t think I know how to die. I might be the first person to live forever.” I wasn’t being cocky. My young mind just couldn’t imagine that my body, so full of life and the ability to eat anything, climb anything, dream anything… could ever lose that spark that we call life.
As I have grown, I have recognized life for what it is. It is a gift from God. However, unlike eternal life, our life here on earth is fleeting. As the Bible says it is like a vapor, it appeareth for a little while and then vanishes away. No man will live forever. No man has a guarantee that he will be able to take another breath.
Are you worried about how long you have left? Would you like to know that you are going to live a long and prosperous life? Are looking for the recipe for peace in this fleeting and changing world? Look no further! The Bible has the guaranteed solution for all your fears, frustrations, and failures. Let’s take a look!
Exodus 20:12
“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may be well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee:”

Proverbs 3:1-2
“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

Proverbs 4:10
“Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.”

Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

Like anything else, long life does not come without some cost. The cost: right living. It may not be easy, but I can guarantee it will be worth it. Evaluate your life today. Do you qualify for length of days, peace, and a well life? God commands that you should.

That Which We Cannot Hold

2010-03-08T01:50:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 23:4-5
"Labor not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven."

Psalm 39:4-5
"Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah."

Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight sayeth the Lord."

Beyond the Gate

2010-03-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

As I sit on this 7th day of March, 2010, my senses are accosted from every direction. My immediate surroundings are pleasant ones.
I sit at the top of a cement stairway that leads to the lower garden. The ground I am sitting on has been warmed by the sun, but is now gently shaded by the trees. A light breeze ruffles my hair, but not my nerves. All that stands around me: the trees, our large white washed house, and the walls that run the perimeter of the grounds, remind me that I am safe, secure, and sheltered. A myriad of birds whistle, chirp, and crow around me. They herald that all is well, food is plenteous, and the weather is pleasant.
What if we moved beyond the confines of these walls? This is a feat easily accomplished, as I have a perfect view of the town from where I sit. I can see people walking from place to place. I hear the industry of the people: hammers pounding, metal clanking, busses honking, people calling to each other, and radios playing. This collage of sounds do not create a grating pallet of noises. It is more like an industrial orchestra, mixed with the sights and smells of everyday living.
Right before me runs a path. Not well worn. It leads to a gate with a small padlock on it. This is what separates my two worlds. One world is comfortable and comforting. The other is exciting and holds the unknown and unexplored. This gate does not hold me in. Even now, I could go find the key hanging in our kitchen. What keeps me from running to get that key? What causes me to remain locked within the confines of these walls? Could it be fear of the unknown? Perhaps distrust for my fellow man. Maybe even the prospect of facing the heat, the dusts, and the crowds.
Lord God, give me courage beyond myself. Give me excitement for the future, and an eye that can see people as you see them. May I not waste this opportunity, this chance to unlock my door to these people for whom you died. Teach me to love them as you have loved me.

A Willing Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

Verses Referring to Thanksgiving:

Leviticus 22:29
“And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.”
God commands many things, but a thanksgiving offering is not one of them.

Psalm 50:14
“Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.”

Psalm 116:17-19
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people,
In the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.”

There are 30 verses in the Bible that use the word THANKSGIVING in the singular, and although I could write them all down, I chose to focus on 4 specific verses found in the old testament. These verses refer to thanksgiving as a sacrifice or an offering unto God. I was struck immediately by the fact that Leviticus says that this is a free will offering. This passage in Leviticus is referring to what most of Leviticus addresses: the sacrifices that Israel was required to offer to God. And here where God could have said, “And you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, at the beginning of each year.” But instead he tells his people, “Offer it at your own will.” I can’t help but think that God may have been testing the hearts of his people. They weren’t required to offer an offering of thanksgiving, but God certainly deserved their love, praise, and thanks.
So how does this apply to you and me today? First of all my friend, just because we don’t offer burnt offerings to God does not mean that we should not be sacrificing to him even today. And how much more so should we, who have seen the work of the crucified and risen Savior, offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to the Lord! It has been said that there is no success without sacrifice. If you are not willing to sacrifice for the one who gave all for you, than I should not be surprised if you are not growing in your Christian life. We have been given so much! How much are we willing to give?

Psalm 107:21-22
“O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.”

Proverbs 30:8-9: Satisfied

2009-04-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

“Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord? Or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”

The author of this strong prayer is Agur. Nothing is truly known about him, but it is assumed that he was one of Solomon’s sages. Though this is not my reason for choosing these verses, I would like to point out that God uses little people. How many Christians have found treasures in this great Proverb? And it was written by someone who would be considered a nobody in the eyes of the world today. Agur? Who is Agur? God knows who Agur is. God knows who you are. You may be small, but He can still use you!
What a wise man Agur must have been! Perhaps it came from watching the wisest man who ever lived. Here was King Solomon. He had riches, honor, glory… everything one could ask for from life, and yet he was not satisfied, and he turned from God. I picture Agur as a man who saw both the richest and the poorest on a daily basis. There was joy and fulfillment in neither one. The man who had great riches was inclined to rely on his riches and deny God. His appetite was so satisfied and his glory so great that it affected his heart, and he forgot to turn to the giver of gifts. However, the poor man had nothing and was forced to steal simply for survivals sake. (Gotta love those S’s) In doing so, he was saying that god was not strong enough to provide for his needs, and his belief in God was vanity. It lasted only as long as he knew where his next meal was coming from.
Agur glanced from one side to the other, and then turned his eyes toward heaven. His prayer was, “Give me neither riches neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me.” Agur prayed a prayer for provision and contentment. It was the apostle Paul who said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.” The happiest people are not those who have the most. They get to stay up all night and worry about those possessions. They get to guard their early bubbles, lest they wake up in the morning and find that they’ve all been blown away. The happiest people are not those who have the least, but it is the man who has only what he needs who is the happiest. Does not God promise to provide our every need? It’s time to look at ourselves and see where we stand. Are we standing with the rich man, who has turned his eyes off God to watch his possessions? Are we standing with the poor man, who has turned his eyes off God to see how he can provide for himself? Or are we standing with Agur, saying, “God, feed me with food convenient for me.” The last part of Psalm 2:12 tells us, “Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.” Do you want the blessings of God? Then take your trust off of the supplies and put it on the supplier.

Proverbs 29:25: Free from the Snare of Fear

2009-04-30T03:32:00.000-07:00

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

When I was very young my family lived in a duplex in Washington State. There were 9 of us at that time, so we actually lived in both sides. A door was put in between the two houses, but you had to walk through two long hallways that opened to the outside and to the garages. I had so many nightmares about people trying to break into this house and having to run around and lock all the doors and windows. My parents and the boys stayed on one side of the house, and the girls on the other. There were only two rooms on both sides of the house, so my little sister and I slept in the living room. Eventually I grew tired of being afraid. One who lets his fear take over him becomes a coward and is useless in dangerous or even uneasy situations. I decided to give my fear to God. Whenever I was alone in a dark room, I would laugh at my fear and begin praying or singing. Yes, I was still afraid, but my fear was under control. I was telling God that if something happened to me than I knew it was part of His plan. He was in control, not my fear.
Fear is a snare. It grabs on to the person it controls and won’t let go, unless something greater can take hold of that person. In 1st John 4:18 the Bible says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” God is love. If we let our fear control us, we are telling God that He is not enough.
“Whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.” As Christians God has promised that no man can pluck us out of His hand. We are safe. Right now I am in Africa, but I know for a fact that I am just as safe here as I was in Washington! The God who protected me from harm in America is the same God who holds me safely in His arms in Africa!
Put your fear behind you. Give to God your sorrow and your trouble, and lean on His everlasting arms. He does promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Trust Him, and let Him keep you safe.

Mission: Incomplete

2009-04-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Africa! The Dark Continent, the land of jungles and savannahs. Christian! Do you hear God calling?

Some believe that the African’s were cursed to live in servitude to the descendants of Shem and Japheth, however, it was only Ham’s son Canaan who was cursed, and Canaan’s descendants inhabited the country of Palestine. They were partially destroyed by the Israelites and later entirely decimated by the Romans.
Before coming to Africa I had thought that perhaps this continent was cursed by God. However, having spent time here, I can tell you that the land of Africa is not cursed. What a beautiful land God has created. It is so full of His awesome creation and majestic handiwork! No other continent can boast of the flora and fauna of which Africa can. Her soil is rich and her people are skilled and driven.
Who are we to say that a country is cursed because she does not have the technological capabilities of other countries? God did not tell Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and see how quickly you can send man to the moon” or “Be fruitful and see how much you can build.” He said to be fruitful and multiply. The African people are multiplying rapidly, but they are also dying rapidly.
Jesus did not tell His disciples, “Go ye into all the world and make sure they all have computers” or “Go ye into all the world and give everybody mosquito nets.” Neither of these things are bad, but they should not be our primary goal. Jesus told His disciples, “God ye into all world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Africa is hungry for the gospel.
Why is Africa the Dark Continent? Is it a curse or a blessing? Not many months ago I would have told you that it was a curse, but is it? Is it such a bad thing to live a simple life and focus on feeding ones family and raising ones children? Is it such a bad thing to learn to work skillfully with ones hands? Simplicity is not a curse. The curse of Africa is not her poverty; the curse of Africa is her superstitions and lack of knowledge of what a loving God has done for them. But will Africa be the only continent affected by this curse? Or will we Christians be punished because we have failed to hear and obey God’s call. “Go ye into all the world.” I don’t believe it will take much convincing to get you to see that Africa is part of this commandment. Two thousand years ago we were given a call. For too many years we have ignored that call. Africa is now being reached. The Pentecostals have reached Africa. The Catholics have reached Africa. The Mormons are reaching out to Africa. The Muslims have a strong grasp on Africa. The world is certainly reaching out to Africa. It seems that daily I see more effects of the Western worlds hand on Africa. The women have begun to adopt the dress of the Western world. The people are becoming unsatisfied with who and what they are. And instead of being pointed to the Savior, they are pointed to all that the Western world can offer them. They begin to grope for the things of this world. After all, isn’t that how one determines success? How many vanity bubbles do you own? What they don’t realize is that these bubbles will not last. Christianity has seemed to forget that possessions and status are nothing in the scheme of eternity. Like bubbles are worldly possessions will disappear from our grasp. What will you be left holding?
Africa is a blessed continent. It is rich is resource and has not yet been entirely saturated with the wickedness of this world. Africa still has hope! Africa’s hope lies in the hands of God’s people! You hold the hope of Africa in your hands today. Whether it be money to send men or a Bible to bring, you hold her hope… but not for long. The African’s will be reached. The question is not “Will they be reached?” but “Who will reach them?”

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
You have been called.

An Easter Story

2009-04-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

Mary turned away from the two men who sat inside the tomb, her heart so hurt and her head so confused that it didn’t seem strange to her that they were there at all. What did it matter who these men were? The body of the Lord was gone. Not only had her hope been crucified and killed, but now His body had been stolen. They could not even mourn his death properly.
Her back now turned to the tomb, Mary saw a man standing not far away. Her heart leaped. He looked so familiar! He looked so very much like her Lord had before He had been brutalized and beaten. They had shredded His skin and pierced Him until He no longer looked human. Upon seeing this man, who so resembled her Savior, Mary’s heart cried out. Her breath caught in her throat and came out in a deep sob. In anguish, Mary fell to her knees and wept into her hands.
“Woman why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?”
Mary looked up at the man and tried to speak through her sobs. This must be the gardener. Perhaps he had taken the Master’s body or seen who had taken it.
“Sir, if thou hast borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him and I will take Him away.”
The man’s face shown with compassion, but he did not speak or give her any information. Mary was again hit by the hopelessness and cruelty of the situation and wept. But then a voice said, “Mary.” Mary quit weeping. She quit breathing. Her mind screamed, “I know that voice!” Slowly she raised her head.
There was no one there but the gardener. The gardener… whose eyes shown with the love and wisdom of all the ages. The gardener… whose feet and hands bore deep red scars where nails had held Him to a tree. The gardener… whose voice, so familiar, rang with such authority and yet such compassion. The gardener… who had ripped up the roots of sin and death, and had, in their place, planted a seed of hope for all mankind. The gardener… the Master… was alive!

Who Are You?

2009-02-16T00:13:00.001-08:00

I'm reading the book of Acts right now. I thought it was somewhat appropriate since I'm beginning my missionary journey. I do have to wonder though, who will I be?
Will I be Paul, whose zeal for Christ was immeasurable? Will I be like Barnabas, showing compassion and making a difference, or will I be like John Mark and leave when the situation gets to rough for comfort?
I believe that every man and every woman is faced with this same question. Just as I must answer, so must you. Who are you?

Finally!

2009-02-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

All that brilliant waiting and watching has paid off. We may not be on the airplane, but it is now in sight. I've enjoyed the flights, but next time I fly, I am going to carry a greatly reduced amount of luggage. I dread landing because each time we do, I'm afraid they're going to tell me that I can't take all of my stuff. I have a purse, a laptop, and a very, very heavy carry on. It's like a nightmare come true! However, God has been gracious and I haven't been stopped yet. Time to board!

Feb. 6th, 09
I have felt a myriad of emotions all throughout this trip. I've felt excitement, sorrow, peace, uneasiness... but never have I doubted whether I'm headed where Christ wants me. I do wonder what He'll be able to do through me. My prayer is that I will fulfill the purpose that Christ has for me. I don't want to come on my own strength, for truly I have nothing to give these children that anyone else could not give them. May I be here only to do the will of him that sent me!

Feb 7th, 09
We arrived in Uganda at about 3:00 in the afternoon. We waited at the airport for another man and then picked up the whole Keith Stensaas family. We ate at a very nice Chinese restaurant in Kampala city. It was beautiful, but I was so exhausted.
We dropped the Stensaas family back off at the Willis' house and drove to the hotel hat Bryan, Cheri, Dad, and I will be staying in for a few days. All I wanted to do was sleep, but both Dad and I hadn't bathed since we left home. So I laid down to wait as dad bathed... and fell asleep.

It is incredibly beautiful in this country. the people are incredibly poor. You can look at pictures and watch videos all you want, but you won't understand until you've been here. I'm not sure I even understand yet.

2009-02-15T23:02:00.000-08:00

Feb 4th, 09

And so, we're off! Actually we left home at 5:15 this morning. we flew out of Washington at 7:00. We are now at the airport in New Jersey. When we let Washington the sun was just rising. That was only 8 hours ago. It's dark in New Jersey and it does feel like we've been travelling all day!
It has been hard to sleep these past few days. It hurts to leave everyone I love, but I am excited to see what the days and weeks ahead of me have in store.

Ah! We are now in London. We got here at 6:00am and it is now 6:30pm. They must really like us, because we got the longest layover we could possibly get without spending the night. Dad and I are both exhausted. We weren't able to check our bags in until 12:00, which meant we had two carts full of luggage and we couldn't go anywhere. Not only that, but London won the contest for fewest and most uncomfortable chairs. It must be a health program. I have heard that's it's better for you to stand than to sit. You burn more calories faster when standing.
We did manage to sleep for a few hours, checked our bags in, found a place to eat, and then slept for a few more hours in the restaurant. You can' imagine how embarrassing i is to wake up and find hat they've cleared your table without you noticing. They could have taken our bags and we would have slept right through it.
Not only was this a nice restaurant, but it was THE restaurant that pioneered natural food! And they've only been doing it since 1980-something. I was wondering how anyone survived before "Something A Manger" began pioneering natural food. Pretty ridiculous, but it was fun to joke about. I had sushi; Dad made fun of me. Dad ate a flavorless bacon sandwich (That's what happens when it's natural); I made fun of him! Then we fell back asleep.
We are now waiting for the screen to tell us which gate we'll be at, so I have to sign off.
Watching the screen,
Rebekah

Behind the Storm

2008-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Oh Lord my God, You are my guide.

When hope seems gone and storms arise

I'll turn to You and grasp Your hand.

I'll let You work Your master plan.

Though others turn their backs toward me,

Though heartaches come and friends may flee,

I've found Your grace to be enough,

Your loving hand, Your gentle touch.

My heart has hurt beyond all thought,

But You my God, for me have fought.

Through every storm You are my guide.

On You I'll lean, in You I'll hide.

I've found Your footprints in the storm.

You want my heart to Yours conformed.

These troubles come that I may see,

You hear my cry and broken plea.

There is a cause worth fighting for:

To know your heart - to love you more.
So when the storms obscure Your grace,

I'll see past it - into Your face.

Is Revival Possible in the 21st Century?

2008-11-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

2 Chronicles 7:14

This is a question that I have asked myself many times. I have heard scores of preachers preach from this text. And yet through it all Christians act as though revival is impossible in this dark period of our nation. If we decide it is impossible, than it is. Our country is not at the point it is today because of the lost and unsaved. Our nation is in the mess it is today because Christians have been apathetic for too long. We have been living with a video game mind set. If anything happens we’ll just start over. Friends, we do not have a reset button on our country. If we do not stand up now we will lose our country. I believe with all my heart that revival is possible in our day! But how? The word “revival” mean to be reawakened. To be reawakened or revived one must first have been alive. This lost world can not know a revival or reawakening because they have never been made alive. We should not be surprised at the wickedness of a nation that is dead spiritually! We should not be surprised at how lightly they view great wickedness. We should be astounded and disgusted at how lightly God’s people treat sin! We should be revolted at what Christians are condoning! If we want to know the cause of America’s problems we needn’t go any further than the mirror! Revival will never be possible unless every man decides that it will begin first in him. On his deathbed the great preacher and servant of Christ D.L. Moody is reported to have said, “The world has yet to see what God will do with and for and through a man who is fully and wholly committed to Him.” What is the problem with our country today? Christians have decided that revival is impossible. And yet it isn’t! It will take a person fully devoted to God. It will take a person that will give up the pleasures of this sinful world and boldly proclaim God. His identity will be found in God. He will be nothing on his own, and he will have no goal but to speak, and sing, and shout the story of his Savior and his salvation. Why have we not seen revival in our generation? Because we have not found that man. We have not found that woman.

Could it be that America is waiting for you to answer God’s call?

Mark 9:23
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Matthew 19:26
“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”
2 Chron. 7:14
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Tim. 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Isaiah 59:19
“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

Press Toward the Mark

2008-10-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

About a week and a half ago, due to a little bit of insanity and peer pressure, I decided to start running again. The last time I ran was about six months ago, so I knew it was not going to be easy. The first time I ran about 2 miles of a 3 mile loop. It wasn’t bad for someone who hadn’t run for quite some time. I was not going to guilt myself for it.
The next time I ran I was a little bit more prepared. However, as I hit the two mile mark, where I had started walking the previous time, my mind began to get weak. Beginning to walk again here would not make me a failure.
It then hit me…I had forgotten how to run! I was running based on feeling. I was not pressing toward a goal. I was running like so many Christians run their Christian race. Why are so many of us weak and anemic spiritually? Why are we not the Christian warriors that Paul and John were? Why are we not like the great men and women of the faith that we read about and hear stories about?
Perhaps we fail to view this race as it is. I know that I have looked ahead at the future as a long stretch that seems to go on endlessly. We are running. So what’s the sin in taking a couple of detours? Maybe stop by a neighbor’s house…buy some water at the gas station… inspect the wildlife…take a quick nap…
The Christian was not meant to be a drudgery, but any runner with a goal will find that running eventually becomes a pleasant task. The thing about having a goal is that you are far less likely to be snared by the shiny things this world presents to you. If you stopped every time you saw something shiny, you’d be amazed at the number of aluminum cans on the side of the road. The world’s treasures are a lot like these cans. Shiny…but utterly worthless.
In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul says, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” There is a goal and there is a high calling. As important as the things of this world are painted to be, they are rubbish and filth when compared to the prize that lies ahead. Hebrews 12:1-3 charges us, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” There is a goal!

2008-10-09T11:26:00.001-07:00

I refuse to be discouraged.

I refuse to mope and cry.

I'm a child of the King of Kings;

what worries now have I?

I'm covered by His precious blood.

My sins are washed away!

So many reasons to rejoice.

Why - I can even pray!

The clouds of doubt and jealousy

Have no place within my skies.
I gave my heart to Jesus Christ.

Great peace within me lies.

The world may flash its gems,

its jewels,Its artificial love.

but my hope comes from one who lives

And loves me from above.

Start Right

2008-10-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

My foundation was built upon unstable ground.

The floors and the roof made a terrible sound.

The foundation was shaky, the walls were best in:

My future was hurt by my life's early sin.

I made the decision to start building right.

But why fix the foundation? It wasn't in sight.

I would build the second floor sturdy and strong.

Surely my right could outweigh my wrong.

If only I'd decided to start out right.

If only my sin had not cluttered my sight.

For now I see that my earlier trouble

Caused even my right to crumble to rubble.

So how many floors are you planning to build?

To what point will your foundation be filled?

Your beginning choices compose your first floor.

What you do now will show what's in store.

So the key to success is not to grow up.

To start when you're older will not be enough.

The decisions you make in your earlier years

Will make you strong or bring you to tears.

Amazing Grace!

2008-10-06T08:06:00.000-07:00

Amazing grace! I have received!

Amazing grace! How can it be?

Amazing grace! A peace unknown!
I lay myself before God's throne.

Amazing grace! I have a song.

Amazing grace! Now I belong.

By grace I'm saved; by grace I'm free;

O Lord my God, who died for me!
Amazing grace, I'll ever sing.

Amazing grace, my Savior brings!

It satisfied a price so high,

And Draws me to my Savior's side.

Amazing grace, the sweetest sound,

This precious song that I have found.

No greater gift! No greater love!

Than that which comes from God above!

Move Up One More Pew

2008-09-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

Move yourself up just one row:
An act of conscious care.
The Lord is calling.
Make this move to show Him that you hear.

He's calling to you, "Follow me."
He wants to make you knew.
What better way to tell Him, "Yes"
Than move us just one pew?

Make that pew your resting place
From the battles that you fight.
Lay your troubles on the Lord
Who maketh burdens light.

Pick up your sword: lift up your head.
Christ's calling now to you:
And when you're ready to go on,
Well...move up again one pew!

An Empty Tomb

2008-09-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

If the story ended at the tomb
I curse the day I left the womb.
If on the cross my Savior died
And on the third day did not rise,
I wish the light I'd never seen;
I wish the air I'd never breathed.

For if Christ Jesus was but a man,
If His body lies in the sand;
Than hope is dead and peace a lie,
And every man will one day die.
Each soul is damned, forever lost -
If it ended at the cross.

My God did die upon the cross.
For you and me His life He lost.
But on the third day Christ arose,
And with Him joy and hope did grow.
For now man has a choice to make:
If God he'll choose or God forsake.

A Slave of the Savior

2008-08-21T16:23:00.000-07:00

I'm a slave of the Father,
Set free by His blood.

I am bound to His service,

Washed clean in the flood.

What hope for me blossoms!

What love for me flows!

I pray that my joys in

His great service shows!

There's hope for the future

And joy in the past,

Because in the present

I'm bound to Him fast.
His yoke is not heavy;

His burden is light.

And under His cross

I soon will take flight!

Purpose

2008-08-09T12:29:00.000-07:00

I am where I am for a reason,

Not merely by chance.
I am who I am for a purpose,
Not by happenstance

I am where I am for a reason,
Christ's Kingdom to enhance.
I am who I am for a purpose
A grain of hope to plant.

What I Cannot Lose!

2008-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

When wasted for Christ and emptied of self
No greater joy could be known!
For what glory is there in wordly wealth?
When all that I have Christ bestows!

"A man is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose."

-Jim Eliot

Where Ever You Lead I'll Go

2008-07-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

God,

Keep me tucked within your hand.

Hold me with your fingers.

Bring your loving presence nigh

And with me gently linger.

Where Thou goes't I will go.

Lead where thou will lead.

I seek not treasures, wealth, or fame;

Your presence only do I need.

Lead me up the mountain side

And through the valley low.

If thou will only hold my hand

Where e'er thou lead I'll go!

When through the darkest night we walk

The path I cannot see,

Speak and I your voice will hear.

Speak - the darkness flees!

Help Thou My Unbelief!

2008-07-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Oh God, I need your healing touch!
I want to see your love as such
That nothing in this world can shine
Above the fire of the refined!

Mark 9:23-24

"Jesus said unto him,

If thou canst believe,

All things are possible to him that believeth.

And straightway the father of the child cried out,

And said with tears,

Lord, I believe:

Help thou my unbelief."

God Still Speaks

2008-07-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Job 2:10
"But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips."

Have you ever suspected that God put a verse in the Bible just for you? Job 2:10 was for me. Have you ever wondered why Job's wife was so mean? She wasn't really. But God needed her to say what she said to Job, so that Job could respond, "Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh." God had Job say that so that a few thousand years down the road, a young woman name Rebekah would read it and think,"Oops!"
I have asked God for answers, been given them, and then been angry because it was not the answer that I had wanted. Thus Job's question becomes directed toward me. "What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" God help us to be more like Job and less like Job's wife. You see, Job's wife was one of those American Christians. She ate, drank, and slept the Health and Wealth Gospel. But the gospel of Christ is a story of love, hatred, death, and victory. Hard times will come. The winds will sweep over you. It is the winds that chisel and wear away the stones in the desert that make them beautiful masterpieces. "So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise. They won't worry me. For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God. He walks with me, and naught of earth shall harm me. For I'm sheltered in the arms of God."
I chose the picture above because it is the sunset over the Kalahari Desert. No, the Kalahari may not be your first choice for an leisurely afternoon stroll, but even in that empty deserted wasteland, God's handiwork can be seen. And when you find yourself in the desert, remember, God is in it. "What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?."

"In all this did not Job sin with his lips."

My Anchor Holds

2008-07-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when life seems gentle and blessings flood my way,

I turn my gaze away from You and soon forget to pray.

But when the sky grows darker and courage turns to fear,

My anxious voice cries upward with words you long to hear.

Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.
O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong.
Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees.
Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.

Lord, help me to remember I'm weak but You are strong.
I cannot sing apart from You, for Lord You are my song.
Although I'm prone to wander and boast in all I do;
Lord keep my eyes turned upward so I depend on You.

Lord, I need You when the sea of life is calm.

O Lord, I need You when the wind is blowing strong.
Whether trials come or cease, keep me always on my knees.
Lord, I need You. Lord I need You.

As much as I would like to claim this beautiful poem as mine, I can not. I did not write it, but Oh, how I needed its encouraging words. 2nd Chronicles 32:7-8 says,

"Be strong and courageous,

be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria,

nor for all the multitude that is with him:

for there be more with us than with him:

With him is an arm of flesh;

but with us is the LORD our God to help us,

and to fight our battles."

Recent circumstances have highlighted the fact that on my own I am incredibly weak. As much as I enjoy being in control, I truly have very little control over circumstances, and those that I do have control over, I usually mess up. As much as I would like to believe that I am alone in this, I know that I am not. Does not Christ say that He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. I may be tossed on the tumultuous sea, but my ship is not sunk. I may be battered by the harsh waves, but I have not drifted. My anchor holds inspite of the storm.

Death: The Final Passage

2008-07-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

The final chapter in a book is just that - the end. And very much like a book, we have a last chapter in life. In these last days, hours, minutes, and seconds we must rap up a life of momentous victories and many mistakes. Sometimes our moments of preparation are short; some people are caught by surprise and will stand before their maker without these last few moments to prepare.
How will you pass on? What will be your final passage? What will fill your last few pages? The Bible tells us that our life is like a vapor; it appears for a little while and then fadeth away. We really don't get to choose which of life's chapters will be our last. How than do we prepare?
The Bible tells us that God knew you when you were conceived. God knows the number of hairs on your head. God knows you. But more than that, God wants to have a personal walk and relationship with you. God wants you to know Him intimately.
For the born again believer, the Bible says that God is the Author and finisher of our faith. God wants to write your final chapter. God wants to write your every chapter. The Bible says that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Will you be prepared for the words "The End." They will undoubtedly come. Your story will undoubtedly come to an end. It may come slowly or it may come abruptly. But however it comes you can be prepared. There is only one way you can be prepared and that is to prepare yourself for the life to come, and that is to give Jesus Christ possession of your heart. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me." Give Christ your pen. Let Him create a beautiful masterpiece with your life.