by Whitey | Jan 5, 2012 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
"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.
by Whitey | Dec 26, 2011 | Uncategorized
Walking in a winter wonderland…
by Whitey | Dec 22, 2011 | Uncategorized, Videos
[vimeo 34063916 w=500 h=281]
A look back at my life and ministry in Japan this past year.
by Whitey | Dec 22, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“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.
by Whitey | Dec 19, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
I love the imagery in this Psalm, especially the part about “cutting down” enemies in the name or authority of the Lord. Our battle is not a physical one, but a spiritual one. I think we sometimes forget that, and that the battle is won in prayer and worship. We forget the power we have in Christ. We forget that with fath we can move mountains.
Lord, keep moving mountains in my life. I claim the victory and freedom You’ve already won for me. And I submit to You, my commanding officer. Lead me this week, I pray.
by Whitey | Dec 18, 2011 | Uncategorized
Also shot yesterday at the youth thing.
by Whitey | Dec 17, 2011 | Uncategorized
by Whitey | Dec 16, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2 NLT)
“目をさまして、感謝のうちに祈り、ひたすら祈り続けなさい。” (コロサイ人への手紙 4:2 JA1955)
Here I’m reminded of the importance of prayer. It’s not just another task to be done each day, it’s powerful and worthy of my time.
祈りの大切さを思い出された。普通のやらなければならない用意だけじゃない。力強くて時間を使う価値がある。
by Whitey | Dec 16, 2011 | Uncategorized
If you’re the praying kind, here are 3 things I’d appreciate your prayers about:
1. The youth Christmas party I’m speaking at tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at the Nagoya-Higashi church. It’ll be mostly non-Christian kids and a very Jesus-centric message. Pray for my interpreter too.
2. The Christmas outreach event here at the Nagoya church on Sunday. I’ll be doing some music.
3. My trip to Canada Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. It’s mostly vacation, but live also been asked to speak at my parents’ church, Brown’s Flat Wesleyan on Jan. 1. If you’re near the Beulah Camp grounds, feel free to stop by and hear about what’s been going on in Japan.
Thanks, and happy holidays, everyone.
by Whitey | Dec 12, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.” (Colossians 2:9 NLT)
「キリストにこそ、満ちみちているいっさいの神の徳が、かたちをとって宿っており」 (コロサイ人への手紙 2:9 JA1955)
As we approach Christmas, this verse comes as a great reminder of what the real gift of Christmas is. God’s greatest gift was Himself. That’s who Jesus is.
これは、クリスマスの本当の意味ですね。神様のプレゼントは自分でした。それは、イエス様です。感謝。
