Opportunity awaits you...today

This week I have been looking at The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and verse 11 stood out to me, “Give us this day our daily bread” (NKJV).  It is a simple line for a simpler way of life; praying for the things of today.  I thought to myself of how many times I have not prayed about today.  How many times have I thrown today away because I have it all planned out so I cannot possibly fit any changes.  How many times have I been more interested in the future that I have missed the opportunities for God to work in me today.

Now, it isn’t that God doesn’t want to hear us ask about tomorrow or next week, nor does God dislike planning, it just shouldn’t supplant our vision for the present.  I know I have been guilty of looking to events happening next week or on the upcoming weekend.  Not only have looked towards them, I have worried about them.  So now, I have borrowed worry/trouble from tomorrow.  Which incidentally Jesus warns us about in the last verse of Matthew 6, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (NKJV)

Now that I am aware of praying for today I am good, right?  More like, better.  We also have our ability to act.  Just like we have the ability to choose right and wrong, we have the ability to choose to act or not.  Have you ever had something or someone slip into your vision and you look at them.  Maybe it is a mom trying to open a door and push stroller through, or piece of trash on the ground.  Do you just watch or do you do something about it?  I know I have watched a lot in my life and God has been working on me to do more. 

I think one of the reasons why we don’t do anything is that we tend to think that the action needs to be grandiose.  Is it a burning building?  Is there dire need at church?  But if we tell people that following Jesus is different because it is about a relationship and yet avoid people or are not available for them, how then are we striving to be more Christ like?

I believe John commented on this behavior best in First John 3:18, “Dear children, let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”  (NLT)

Blessings,

Andrew

Knowing and Yet Not Believing

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.  So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you shall come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”   Matthew 2:4-7

I am challenged by this portion of scripture because Herod went to the people who would have the knowledge about what the prophets had said about this coming King.  The chief priests and scribes knew that the King would be coming from Bethlehem and even told Herod so.  Let’s scoot forward 30 years or so.  As Jesus began His ministry and touching people’s lives with His tremendous love, these chief priests “forgot” where the Messiah would be coming from.  The God who created the universe was here in flesh and blood and they took their eyes off of what He had told the people to look for.

I am challenged because how many times in a day do I take my eyes off of what He has shown me in the Word, the promises He has spoken over me, or the truths He has revealed?  I don’t want to be like the chief priests who forgot what the King of kings would look like.  I don’t want to let my worries, anxieties, or fears erase what He has promised me.. that He will never leave me nor forsake (give up on) me (Deut 31:6).  I don’t want to let my lack of faith steal from me the amazing things that God has asked me to do and just trust Him.

As we embark on this journey to New Zealand, the exploratory trip is one filled with prayer and obedience.  We are not sure which location He is asking us to move to, but we want to make sure that we don’t deny what He has already shown us.  We are called to go.  We know that for sure!  We feel strongly that this is what He wants us to do.  Are we willing?  Yes!  Are we ready?  Getting there!  It is more of taking care of the loose ends here and knowing where the next step is and then we go.  Are we sure, for sure?  Yes, we do not doubt this is what He wants us to do.  Now we get to trust what He has upon our hearts and walk in obedience.  Yes, there are unknowns, but we know the Living God and trust Him.

Has He shown you something and you are walking in fear or disbelief?  He loves you with an everlasting love and nothing can change that… even your disbelief!  Whether you believe it or not does not change the fact that God loves you!

Pardon me for the ramblings...

Wow, has it really been that long since I posted?  It is amazing how quickly time flies and life gets busy.  I must also admit that I get analysis paralysis.  You know, you start to over think things and you end up not acting on anything.

I have been working multiple topics for this blog but each one seems to be longer than the next.  I haven’t finished any of them as I get stuck in the middle and feel they are too long so I start on another topic.  Mentally I put pressure on myself based on my flesh.  I think that I have to be some sort-of super spiritual person; after all, I am going on the mission field.  Pride rears its ugly head again.  Pride comes veiled as so much in our lives.  Try to be a better musician; you can start thinking you are better than you really are.  Become a teacher; you can start thinking you know more than you really do.

The reality in this for me, besides pride, is that we are to keep things simple.  We have a way of making things more difficult than they should.  When I look at Christianity it is easy.  Acknowledge you are a sinner, believe Jesus is God, that He die and He rose again to pay for your sins.  Live for God.  It is almost unbelievably simple, but my flesh makes things harder. 

Simplicity is part of the reason why Jesus used parables, so that all could understand.  When we speak with people, break the Gospel down into the simplest of terms.  God can use anyone He wants.  There is no prerequisite of education.  Could you imagine the rejection letter Jesus would have gotten from some of today’s churches or schools: “Thanks for your application but you do not have the required title of MD or PhD.”  I know that they are protecting themselves from wolves in sheep’s clothing, but sometime we hide behind it because that is what the world does.  It can also be a reason why we don’t feel like we are called to do certain tasks.  I’m not qualified; I’m not as smart as…  The simple truth is, if the Spirit is prompting you, listen, meditate, pray, and act. 

Love is an action.  My paralysis is a form of non-action, a selfish look at me instead of simply letting others knows how God is working in my life.  Lord, forgive me for my lack of action. Forgive me for my lack of simplicity.

In Christ,

Andrew 

A Word from The Word

As we journey closer and closer to the date of our exploratory trip, we have been encouraged to ask God for a word of confirmation from The Word.  Having received confirmations outside of The Word, we were already excited and confident of what God is calling us to do.  With further guidance we have been challenged to step out on the water in a different way.

The word that I received came at an unexpected time and location.  I was at the church offices helping out with something and a framed scripture on a friend’s wall made my heart beat faster.  Really, Lord?  That scripture.. is it for me?  Yet, as I read it and read it again, my eyes hung on seven words: distributing to the needs of the saints.  We aren’t sending funds, Lord.  We are feeling the call to go. 

Funny as He is, as I was sharing with Andrew that evening about the word I had received, I had the inkling to look it up on BlueLetterBible.com and get to the root meaning of the words.  I actually laughed out loud as I read what this portion of Romans 12 meant.  The Greek meaning for the word “distributing” in this particular scripture means to partner with and to be in communion with.  The reason why I laughed, this is our heart, to go to New Zealand and partner with an established ministry, to help them.

Andrew has received a word from The Word too, but he will share that at a later date.  I am once again encouraged to ask God for more words from The Word, for further confirmation.  The great thing is, this is not something I need to conjure up or make happen.  As we have seen, God will make it known when and how He wants to.  We just need to stay open and aware as we read His Word.

God is awesome and most worthy to be praised and adored.  We long to live our lives as living sacrifices unto Him, walking in obedience to what He has called us to do.  Won’t you join us and see where He might lead you?  Who knows, that person’s situation that you just can’t stop thinking about may be your next opportunity to be Jesus with skin on.  Be open to whatever He calls you to do.  It could be as simple as buying lunch for the person behind you in the line or reaching out to a friend that has been on your mind.  

Let go and let God!

Change isn't always bad

I find as we get closer to taking our exploratory trip, I think differently than before.  I know I shouldn't be shocked that God is working in my life but sometimes it just isn't how you expected.  Just like the clay in the potter’s hands, if we truly are surrendered and pliable, we do not fully know how God will mold us.

As an example, I find myself wanting to be in New Zealand right now.  I have had these types of feelings before but they were for selfish reasons like I don’t want to be at work or I am having a bad day in general, it was a reason for escape.  Now, it is about the people; learning about the people that I will come along side in ministry.  Who are those people that I will meet daily and talk with about Jesus?  What are the things that God wants to teach me through them.  How can I serve them in the spirit of love and Christ?

Too many times I have seen evangelism to be about numbers and not the people.  How many people did you talk to?  How many accepted?  As if people’s salvation is like a selling technique and it is all a numbers game.  When you look at the ministry of Jesus it is built upon the relationships he had with people.  He poured into the apostles; even the one He knew would betray him.  It is the difference that we have in Christ.  Christianity is about a relationship and not a religion. 

I continue to pray for a heart molded by God.  I pray that I would see people through His eyes and not my own.  I pray for the people I do not know yet but desire to see.  I pray The Lord’s will be done in my life; less of me, more of Him.

He must increase, but I must decrease – John 3:30 (NKJV)

God Bless

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God Bless!!

Andrew

Dawn's Thoughts . . .

Hi all!  We are just under 82 days out and I have to admit, I am both excited and nervous about this wondrous trip ahead.  There is so much to be thankful for and we both can see the hand of God in all of this.  I admit one of the challenges that I have encountered as we prepare our hearts and minds for going overseas long term is the emptying of our home.  I find myself attached to strange things, oh those silly sentimental strings!  

I love this tea set that I bought many moons ago and have only used once.  Why???  I think because there is a mental value for it and the simple beauty of the set, something that I am not sure I would easily have again.  So, I place that pretty little tea set into the storage unit box in my mind and continue on.

We have already started to offload some of things through the exciting world of ebay.  We have sold over 60 DVDs and a few pairs of shoes.  Just today I listed a fabulous coat that I have only worn once.  I know that little beauty will find its way into hands that will love it even more and enjoy it more often.  Let the metamorphosis begin!

I often think about the visa process and what that entails.  I understand that it is a good one inch stack of paperwork.  Goodness me, they are thorough on their review of who they let stay in that wonderful country for more than three months.  I am not daunted by the task, but truly wonder how long that process will take.  There are physicals to have done, bank reviews to provide, police history to render (not that it will take but a moment to provide that.. no .. really!), and a plethora of other items they need to make a well educated decision.

As August approaches, please pray for us!  It will be a crazy beautiful month for us.  Our five year anniversary is August 1, my 40th birthday is August 16 - with a party to be thrown, and our trip over the great blue sea to New Zealand to commence on August 28.  With all of these precious things going on, it will be easy to lose track of time.  

So many things on my mind and I just wanted to give you a glimpse of whats going on for me.  Thanks for taking a moment out of your busy day!  Blessings to you and yours!  

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6:24-26