by Whitey | Jun 20, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“It was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by the arms;
but they did not realize
it was I who healed them.”
(Hosea 11:3 NIV)
Sometimes God is at work in our lives but we don’t see it. We’re either too busy to see it at all, or we think we did it ourselves. So we fail to fully embrace what God is doing; and we miss out on His best. Or we enjoy some of the benefits of His grace but don’t give Him thanks. We don’t worship. In that case, too we miss out.
God, please forgive my ingratitude. Forgive me for allowing distractions into my life. Give me the grace to fully embrace what You’re doing in my life. Give me eyes to see, a heart to praise and the will to follow wherever You’re leading.
by Whitey | May 29, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord.” Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly. The various divisions of priests and Levites will serve in the Temple of God. Others with skills of every kind will volunteer, and the officials and the entire nation are at your command.” (1 Chronicles 28:19-21 NLT)
David’s charge to Solomon contains a lot of encouragement. God had a plan. Solomon had only to trust and obey. He should not be afraid or discouraged, for God would not leave him alone.
Sometimes doing full-time missions work can be hard. There are language and cultural and spiritual barriers. There are disappointments, and eternal results don’t come quickly or clearly. Japan is a hard mission field, so much that it’s been called a “missionary graveyard.”
But God is reminding me today to be faithful to the call He’s given me, to do the work, to not be discouraged or to give up. He has a plan. And He has not left me alone. He’s given me His Church, and He’s given me Himself. He will not fail or foresake me. He’ll be with me ’till the work is done.
by Whitey | May 17, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage, we read David’s response to God’s promises. In this response we see a great example of prayer. David approached God in an attitude of…
– humility (vs 16)
– gratitude and praise (vs 18-22)
– trust and courage (vs 23-27)
We would do well to follow his example.
by Whitey | May 16, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
David had good intentions; to build a house for God. But God’s plans were different. Nathan had good intentions too; but he spoke too soon on God’s behalf. God said no. And He promised something greater.
In the same way, we need to be careful to seek God’s will before speaking or planning too quickly. Sometimes even good ideas can be contrary to God’s will.
It’s been almost ten years since my first time in Japan. Before that opportunity came my way, I’d had completely different plans and ideas about where my life was going. If I wasn’t open to God’s interruptions, if I’d been too set on accomplishing my own goals, I’d never have come even for one year. And I probably wouldn’t be here today.
I’m thankful that in that case I was listening and open to God changing my plans. I pray that as I continue my ministry in Japan now, I’ll not forget to listen and seek His best. His plans are always better than mine.
by Whitey | May 12, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“God did it!” This was David’s simple statement of praise. He sought God’s guidance and brought victory. And in the end, David did not forget to give credit where it was due. “God did it.” May this be my testimony as well.
by Whitey | May 9, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said:
“We are yours, David!
We are with you, son of Jesse!
Success, success to you,
and success to those who help you,
for your God will help you.”
So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands. (1 Chronicles 12:18 NIV)
David’s success came from God. God provided the army. God provided the victory.
This is a good reminder for me as I think about ministry and the future. Whatever resources or partnerships I need, God already knows. He will provide. Whatever successes or victories I experience will come from God. I can’t do it alone; but thankfully I don’t have to.
Lord, I trust You. Please provide me what I need to move forward personally and in ministry today. And help me to trust You with my future needs as well. Jesus, lead me. Bring the victory. My life and ministry are in Your hands. Amen.
