by Whitey | Aug 12, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
Josiah’s reforms lead the people back to worshiping the Lord. But God did not prevent them from experiencing the consequences of their generations of sin.
God is gracious. God forgives. And in Christ we can be certain of our salvation. But we need to be careful not to take that grace for granted. Even though God forgives, sin often still has consequences.
If I lie to a friend, God will forgive me; that friend may forgive me too. But I will have a hard time re-gaining that person’s trust. And if we sin, repent, sin, repent, repeatedly, God can still forgive; but we may be hardening our hearts and making it that much easier to sin and that much harder to repent.
We need to be careful not to take sin lightly. Fortunately, God not only can forgive us for our sins; He can also help us to overcome temptation and avoid sin.
Thank You, Lord, for Your grace. May I not take it for granted.
by Whitey | Aug 9, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
The first thing that stands out to me about this passage is that it seems like they found the Book of the Law completely by accident. They were cleaning up the temple and just happened to stumble upon it. They’d neglected God’s Word for so long that they’d forgotten about it! No wonder Judah had drifted so far from the Lord! Even the priests didn’t know His Word!
The second thing that stands out is the king’s immediate response: humble repentance. When God points out a sin in our lives, that should be our response as well, even though our instinct may tell us to run and hide.
But God is gracious. And, as He heard King Josiah’s repentant prayer, He hears ours as well.
Father God, thank You for Your grace. Thanks for forgiveness. And thank You for Your Word. May I not neglect it, but live according to it.
by Whitey | Aug 5, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
“…Therefore pray for the remnant that still survives.” (v. 5)
When I see some of the things some of my Japanese Christian friends have to deal with, and when I see how slow and seemingly unfruitful ministry in Japan can be, I’m reminded of the reality of spiritual warfare. It’s not something I think a lot about or really understand, but our enemy is powerful, and sometimes seems to have the upper hand.
In today’s passage, Israel’s enemies had the upper hand. This made them realize their need for prayer. And as Hezikiah pointed out in his prayer, Israel’s God is the true God, the maker of heaven and earth. He sees our suffering, He hears our cries. Most of us don’t recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, or the power of our enemy. But most of us don’t realize the power of prayer, either. Most of us could use more of God’s power in our lives. I know I certainly need it.
Prayer. It seems like too simplistic a solution to be true. But it’s one of the main weapons God has given us. And it is powerful and effective. Therefore pray.
by Whitey | Aug 4, 2011 | Uncategorized
Rice Field, Osaka-Sayama-shi. 2011/08/03
by Whitey | Aug 3, 2011 | Ministry News
Prayer Letter, August 2011
Last night as I took in a Japanese festival and fireworks in nearby Toyota city, I was reminded of how much I love summer in Japan. In spite of the sometime-unbearable heat, I love the sights, sounds and events that summer brings. It’s also one of the busiest times of year for ministry.
The past month has definitely been pretty busy. Last Sunday we held our monthly English Club outreach event, where we enjoyed some outdoor fun, including a huge water fight and some “Suikawari”. Suikawarah is Japanese game that’s a lot like pinata-smashing but played with watermelons. The watermelons were delicious, by the way.
More imporantly, we had a few guests come out to the event, including a non-Christian who’s been coming to my English class since November, but never connected with the church outside of class until now. As part of the event, I shared a short devotional message about knowing God. Over all, a great event.
In addtion to English Club and my usual English classes, I also took part in two different kids’ day camps, one in Numazu, Shizuoka, and the other in Toyota. This was a small milestone for me, as it was my first time doing kids’ ministry in Japanese. As part of my ministry, I gave a short message, aiding by some drawing and discussion. About half of the kids were from un-churched backgrounds, so it was a great opportunity to share the Gospel, and I’m thankful the Lord helped me communicate His love.
Yes, I love summer; it’s a great time to share God’s love.
This month, please pray for:
1. My week off in Osaka (Aug. 2-8)
2. Tonican — our denomination’s annual youth camp (Aug. 16-19), where I’ll be playing on the worship team and helping out however else I can.
3. August’s English Club (Aug. 28) & my English students.
4. My monthly worship leading gig (Aug. 24).
5. God’s direction for the second year of my current term with GP.
As always, thanks for partnering with me in prayer!
Hugs,
– Robin (Aug. 1, 2011)
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Thoughts, Uncategorized
In this passage we see Israel suffering the consequences of their sins, as they are defeated by Assyria and taken into exile. Sometimes when we read the Old Testament, God’s judgements seem really harsh. However, this passage makes it clear that He had warned Israel again and again. This judgement should not have come as a surprise. Although it’s not always as explicitly stated as it is here, every time God judged a nation in the OT, they had already been warned but not repented. It’s also clear that if when a nation — Israel or any other — did repent, He forgave and withheld judgement.
We live in a different time. But each of us, like OT nations, has an opportunity to follow Jesus or disobey; to believe or run away. And God has given us His Word and Spirit to guide us. He’s given us each other as well. His commands are for our own good. Will we hear His warnings today?
Father God, please fill me with Your Spirit again today. Tune my ears to hear Your voice. Help me to listen and obey. Guide me as I live and minister for You this day. Thank You that Your commands are for our good as well as Your glory. Thank You for Your grace. I give this day to You. May I honor You. Amen.
by Whitey | Jul 31, 2011 | Uncategorized
Yukata Couple
I spotted this cute couple on the way to see the fireworks in Toyota this evening.
Shot, edited and uploaded from my iPhone, 7/31/2011.
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)
