by Whitey | Oct 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Sometimes I go through phases when I read the Bible but can’t seem to engage with it. I don’t “get anything out of it.” I guess that’s probably normal, to an extent. Everyone has their days.
But through today’s passage, and especially Paul’s Old Testament quote, I’m reminded that sometimes the reason we don’t hear God is simply because we’re not listening. And sometimes we don’t want to. Sometimes we allow our hearts to grow cold and hard, and we’re not open to His teaching and leading. Dear Lord, soften my heart today, so that I may be open to the changes You may want to make there. Open my spiritual eyes and ears, that I may hear and see and obey. Forgive me for the days I’m not open to Your teaching and leading. I know Your will is also my best. Change my heart, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
by Whitey | Oct 20, 2011 | Uncategorized
Wadaiko! Spotted while leaving Starbucks the other day…
And I just realized how apt a description of modern Japan that is. East meets west, ancient meets modern, all within a walk around the corner.
(2011/10/20)
by Whitey | Oct 15, 2011 | Uncategorized
Rev. Ozawa & Son.
I’m having a good time in Shizuoka, working with and getting to know the Ozawa family.
(2011/10/15)
by Whitey | Oct 7, 2011 | Uncategorized
Acoustic duo I saw at a charity cafe concert last night. Good times.
In other news, I had 8 students show up for my new English class on Tuesday, and it looks like there will be a good crowd out for tonight’s English Cafe debut. Prayers appreciated.
(posted Oct. 7 2011)
by Whitey | Oct 2, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil
spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their
incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, to come out!’ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were
doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied,
‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?'” (Acts 19:13-15 NLT)
There’s a problem with seeking God’s blessing, strength or power
outside of a relationship with Jesus. It just doesn’t work. Using
Jesus’ name is not some magical formula. God is not obligated to
answer our prayers because we say certain things in certain ways.
Sometimes when we ask God for wisdom or direction for life, victory
over sin, or power for witness or ministry, we don’t receive it.
Could it be that we are seeking God’s gifts instead of seeking God
Himself? I’m sure I’ve been guilty of this.
All these blessings are available for us, but they can’t be divorced
from a relationship with Him. Let’s seek the Giver, not just the
gifts.
by Whitey | Sep 28, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
主よ。私は弱いです。できないことが多いですが、神様はできます。私の強さになてください。今日、導いてください。一人ではなくて感謝しています。
“But when they opposed and insulted him, Paul shook the dust from his clothes and said, “Your blood is upon your own heads. I am innocent. From now on I will go preach to the Gentiles.” (Acts 18:6)
When Paul — or, more accurately, Paul’s message — was rejected, he simply moved on. And like Paul, we are not responsible for people’s responses. That is between them and God. We are responsible to be faithful to what God has called us to do.
“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision and told him, “Don’t be afraid! Speak out! Don’t be silent! For I am with you, and no one will attack and harm you, for many people in this city belong to me.” (Acts 18:10-11 NLT)
The good news is that we are not alone. We have each other. And, even more, God is with us. We don’t have to live or minister in our own strength.
Dear Lord, I am weak. Be my strength today. Help me to be faithful to do what You call me to do, and to trust You to do what no one else can. Thank You that I am not alone.
