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.
by Whitey | May 8, 2012 | Uncategorized
This photo commemorates that was reunited with a fellow missionary today after his being away a couple years. Welcome back to Japan, Zach!
by Whitey | May 7, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
All Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, even while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'” (1 Chronicles 11:1, 2 NIV)
David had to wait a long time for God’s promise to come true. He had to go through many hard times while he waited. But his patience, trust and faithfulness paid off when he was finally crowned king of Israel.
What a great reminder to trust in the Lord, wait patiently, and follow faithfully as I wait for prayers to be answered, dreams to come true and ministry to bear fruit.
by Whitey | Apr 10, 2012 | Uncategorized
Here’s a pic from Friday night’s English Cafe, including one first-timer.
by Whitey | Apr 2, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” (v. 46)
We all face temptation every day, some days more than others. But the Bible promises that God always provides a way out. And I wonder if sometimes it’s as simple as Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in this passage…
“Get up and pray.”
Jesus’ temptation was to flee from or resist the coming storm, His crucifixion. It was a trial He did not want to go through. But it was part of the Father’s plan. Jesus sets an example for us here when He faces the temptation to disobey. He prays.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (v. 42)
He prays. He’s honest about how He feels, but He submits to the Father’s will. He chooses to obey. And when the time comes for His arrest, Jesus does not resist, because He’s already settled the issue with His Father in prayer. He does the right thing, for us.
Meanwhile, the disciples — who slept instead of praying — are overcome by fear when the storm arrives. When temptation comes, they flee, betray and deny.
Whose example do we follow? How often does something as simple as fatigue or laziness win out over prayer in our lives? How often is defeating temptation as simple as getting up and praying?
Get up and pray!
