Friday Night’s English Cafe
Psalm 127
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1)
This verse is a good reminder as I start 2012 to not live or minister in my own efforts or according to my own plans, but to let God guide and empower me instead. May God build my life and ministry this year. If I build by myself, they will not be what they could be. I want His best instead.
Psalm 126
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)
What about those who don't sow in tears? I wonder if the reason we don't see more fruit in our ministries sometimes is because we don't let our hearts break for those we're trying to reach. As we work for the Lord, do we keep in the real purpose in mind? Do we actually care?
How is prayer life? How much time do I spend praying for others rather than just myself? How often and how much does my heart break for others?
May my heart be broken by the things that break God's heart.
Where I’m spending Christmas
Walking in a winter wonderland…
Japan 2011 (video)
[vimeo 34063916 w=500 h=281]
A look back at my life and ministry in Japan this past year.
Psalm 119:17-32
“My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.” (vs. 20)
It would be awesome if this described me. Sure, I have my moments. But how often am a consumed by other things, distracted from the Word and ways of God? And yet in God’s Word freedom is found. “I run in the paths of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” Freedom. We don’t usually think of following commands as bringing freedom, do we? We think of freedom as doing our own thing. But God loves us, and His commands are for our good. And so, with His Word and Spirit and grace, we can follow His commands to freedom. Today I choose to follow. Please teach me Your ways, Lord, and lead me.