John 3:22-36

by | Jan 15, 2013 | Thoughts

“あの方はますます偉大になり、私はますます力を失う。” (ヨハネによる福音書 3:30 JLB)

このヨハネは、いいお手本だ思います。でも、

ものすごく大きいチャレンジですね。本当に自分のためではなくて、イエス様の栄光のために活動していました。イエス様中心の生活でしたね。しかも、喜んでそのように生きていました。

私もイエス様中心の生活にしたいのです。そんな一日がありますように。そんな今年がありますように。そんな人生がありますように。

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”
(John 3:30 NLT)

Here John the Baptist provides a great example of the attitude a follower
of Jesus should have. But what a huge challenge to actually live that way!
John was content to let the attention and credit he had been receiving pass
on to Jesus. In fact, he was happy about it!

I want my ministry, my words, my actions — my very life — to point people
to Jesus. And I want to be excited about that, rather than the stuff that
brings attention to me.

May that be my intention and prayer as I begin a new year of missionary
work here in Japan — a nation that really needs to know this Jesus that I
follow.

Happy New Year

by | Dec 31, 2012 | Thoughts

“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalms 150:6 NLT)

What a great way to end one year and begin the new one.

I’m thankful for the new opportunities, experiences and friends the past year has brought. I’m grateful for the support and prayers of my family, friends and churches. I’m thankful for my ministry partners here in Japan.

I’m thankful for God’s grace and strength in my times of weakness. I’m thankful God loves me as I am, but that He’s not finished working on me yet.

I want to praise the Lord for who He is and what He’s done; I want to praise Him for what’s to come. I want to give this new year to Him.

Happy New Year, and praise the Lord!