by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The one word that comes to mind when I read the story of Ahaz, king of Israel, is “compromise.”
And not the good kind, either.
Ahaz not only allowed pagan worship to go on in Israel; he took part in it himself. He led by example, even to the point of sacrificing his own son in the fire. Compromise.
Ahaz compromised went under attack as well, paying for Assyria’s help by taking silver and gold from the Lord’s temple. I’m pretty sure that wasn’t what that treasure was intended for. Ahaz also, in deference to the king of Assyria, “renovated” the temple, even though it had been originally built according to God’s design. Compromise.
What Ahaz compromised I’m sure he reasoned was in Israel’s or his own best interests. But the things he compromised were dishonoring to God. Thus, they weren’t his or Israel’s best either.
Jesus calls us a life of no compromise. Leaving everything to follow Him. Making Jesus our Lord, and not giving the world or the devil even a small area of control. Easier said than done, I’m afraid. But nothing is impossible with God.
by Whitey | Jul 25, 2011 | Uncategorized
A beach in Shizuoka. I’m here doing a two-day kids’ day camp with the Immanuel Numazu Church. It’s a small group, but it’s been great so far. I shared the Gospel through drawing yesterday. Praying for sunshine, a good turn-out, and open hearts today.
(posted July 26, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Uncategorized
Just finished the group class I was taking at the YWCA. Here’s what I’m planning to use for studying Japanese on my own for a while, before taking private lessons in the fall. 1. Japanese for All Occasions (book with CD — pictured above) by Taeko Kamiya 2. Remembering the Kanji (big book for learning the meaning/writing of kanji) by Heisig 3. Japanese Flash iPhone app (for vocabulary) 4. Study Aid iPhone app (in which you make you own flashcards — for kanji)
(posted July 16, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In verses 7-15, Elisah predicts, to his face, that Hazael would kill the king. Actually Elisha only hints at it, but Hazael, knowing what he’s talking, about “felt ashamed.” (v. 11) Sadly, this shame was meaningless, because he went ahead with his plan and murdered the king anyway (v. 15).
Feeling ashamed about our sin is not enough. If it doesn’t lead to repentance, shame is meaningless.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In 2 Kings 7:1-2, Elisha conveys a message of hope during a desperately hopeless situation. But the response he gets is one of skepticism. Elisha warns that, yes, the miracle will indeed happen, but that the skeptic would not get to enjoy it.
I wonder how often God wants to do something amazing for us, but we miss it for lack of faith. I wonder how often He is actually doing something amazing right in front of us, but we miss it for lack of faith. God is at work in our world, all around us, and we can either be a part of it or miss out completely, depending on our openness, faith and response.
Lord, please give me eyes to see, as You did for the young man in 1 Kings 6:17. Don’t let me miss out on Your best for my life. Don’t let me miss out on being a part of the amazing thing You’re doing here, right in front of me and all around me. Help me see, believe, and act accordingly.
by Whitey | Jul 13, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.'” (2 Kings 6*16)
There is so much about the spiritual realm that you and I don’t understand. But I am thankful for the truth of this verse. No matter what we are facing — temptations, discouragements, challenges, fears — we are not alone. God’s got an army on His side, and as followers of Christ, we have Him on our side.
Lord, help me to remember this truth. Help me to be in touch with Your Spirit, aware of Your presence, and filled with Your power. Thank you, Jesus, that victory and freedom are mine in Christ.
