Being quiet before the battle...

 How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. July is here before it’s August. My goodness how the time has flown. How did it get so late so soon?   
~ Dr. Seuss

I do believe this has been the longest stretch of time I have went without posting.  With so much going on in the world and in our personal lives I have felt the need to just listen and read what others are saying and writing.  Silence is not sticking ones head in the sand and ignoring issues, personal or world wide such as, same sex marriage, racism, war in the middle east or the political problems.  Silence is best used to gain insight into what God has to say about anything and everything. 

In fact I have to agree with the wise men of the Bible, "even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise, when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent. (Proverbs 17:28).  This period of time has given me a chance to really think about what my mouth says, is it wisdom that comes from the Lord or my opinion?    Is the words coming out of my mouth ones that would draw someone closer to the Lord, or drive them away.  Am I using my mouth to promote Godly values, and His view, not mine?  

I could easily get caught up in moral and injustice issues and spend my time fighting to bring about change in any area.  And I applaud others who do that but this silence time has helped me to confirm some things God has taught me and re-teaching.   

I am also a firm believer in this scripture, which covers for me all the hurtful, evil, sad, painful and terrible things happening in the world.   Matthew 15:18-23 ‘‘What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,  greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.  All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” 

Our heart ultimately governs our behavior. So when we say or do something that "surprises" us, if we will get really honest with ourselves (and with God) and think about it, we will discover the root of that action.

God is more interested in our motives – the why behind the what. Matthew 5:8 says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (NIV). He is not looking at our outer actions as closely as He is looking at what motivates them. Because what's inside us is the root of what comes out of us. God is much more concerned that the things we do come from a pure, Holy Spirit-led heart.

So instead of joining one of the good causes out there and battling that injustice I am going to join the battle of the ages again.  It the same battle that's been going on since creation.  It cannot be won with guns, laws, protest, marches, and even  votes.   The battle was fought and won at Calvary.  

I chose this day to fight the good fight, to give out the gospel which is the only thing that will clean a heart and make it pure.   With God's help I am going to share John 3:16 anytime, anywhere while I have the freedom to do so.  It is my weapon of choice. 

 "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love.  Billy Graham                    

Footsteps

 There are days when I just want to settle down in a nice little house, lead a normal all American life and enjoy the fruits of living in a free country.  To stop traveling the roads for ministry sake but maybe travel for pleasure a few times a year.  To focus on my family, my dreams, my wishes, yeah, a ministry devoted to me.  Then I watch a two and half minute video and I re-focus again into being all God wants me to be for His sake.  
  
 I hope this video encourages your heart,   not to give, not to go but to be where ever God has you.  For Lisa, it's the jungles of Papua New Guinea. For Ace and I it's in southern California being Member Care reps for New Tribes Missions. 

I also hope you noticed the contentment in Lisa voice, and in her face.  It comes from "being" a child of God first, second from being obedient to Him, third from enjoying all God has for her and others, even in the sweaty jungles.  

With the passing of Elizabeth Elliot one has to wonder if there will be women to take her place, I say yes, I know a few, Lisa is one of them.   Women who give their all  ministering to other, for the sake of the gospel.  Women who believe and actually live out the commandments, to love God with all their hearts and love others.  Women who don't spent their time judging others or comparing themselves but women who take courage and say, here am I, God use me, Your way, in Your timing, and with Your power.  

 
                        

“The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.” 
― Elisabeth Elliot

Surfing the Web

Recently I went  surfing on  a few facebook posts written by people I had never read.   Usually I don't get into trouble because I normally just read to gleam with out leaving a comment.   So when I decided to leave a comment on a certain post about the wrong in USA Christianity concerning abuse I had no idea how others response would affect me.  It was a brutal eye opener how my comment could be misunderstood,  tore apart  and  leave me with such a desire to defend myself. 

Here are some some things I learned and pray I will remember in the future. 

First, I should have read more then one post of this writer before I commented.  I would have had a better understanding  of the core of their blog.  

Second, I should have read all the comments, and the  replies by the blog writer, it  might have  stopped me from commenting.  Usually I do not use my commenting freedom to put other belief down but can be bold about my beliefs and opinions.    And  because this one was something close to my heart, abuse of children, I wrote with freedom.

Third, after reading the replies to my comment and even though I felt attacked,  I should have stop right there, let it go.  But my pride got involved and I wanted to clear up the misunderstanding and have the last word that would bring it to an end.  Another round of comments and replies took place leaving me even more frustrated.   It seems the more words I shared explaining what I felt was a misunderstanding the worst the replies were coming back to me.  Not sure how long this back and forth would have went on had I not stopped but those replying back  to me got the last word and it was not nice. 

Fourth, had I done this there would have been no need for 1-3. I should have listened to my husband after he read the post.  I think he read between the lines and knew what I was getting myself into.   Pride  struck again,  I mean I am the one who travels the blog world not him, I surely could handle a few disagreements or different opinions.  Something I read recently in a novel fits perfectly here,    "It weakens you to feel proud of yourself".

This took place about five days ago and I am still running it over in my mind.  What could I have said to lesson the misunderstanding?   Was I being offensive by my comments?  Should I have used more scripture to back up my comments? And, of course,  in my frustration the thought did come to me...I just need to get out of this blogging.  Thanks God I knew that last thought came from the enemy of my soul. 

  Since the little phrase, "make it count" has been an on going theme for me in the past six months I took courage by the fingers and went back to only read all  the comments and replies, and  found I was not the only one being "put in their place".    I have to confess I am still a little emotionally bruised but no longer feel the need to continue reading what this person writes.  and I am not shutting down my blog or my blog reading.  But I will be more careful in the future.  

Even at 68 the need to be a people pleaser came back with a rush as I struggle to explain myself so I could get a good word from those replying to my comment.   The best reply is the one I got when I went to the Lord.   “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness.” Psalm 145:8-9  

Stress comes when we allow the many voices in life to drown out the only voice that really matters, the voice of God.  

Anyone else experience something like this?  

Used Up

  

I use to say if I lived to be a hundred I might smoke again since there was a time I enjoyed a smoke after a meal.   Foolishness is not only bound up in the heart of a child but a few of us adults also. God has so changed my desires, took some away totally, like cigarettes but mostly replaced them with His desire to be a Holy vessel for  His use.  

A short study of the life of Joshua brings encouragement today:

 As a young man, Joshua was sent to spy out the promised land. Only he and Caleb believed the Israelite could conquer the enemies living there. So the people wandered 40 years until the exodus generation perished—save the two spies. Then, succeeding Moses, Joshua led Israel into the promised land. Though he was about 80, Joshua captained Israel to victory over six nations and 31 kings.

Fast-forward 20 years. Joshua 13:1 somewhat understates, “Joshua had grown old.” It is estimated he was around 100 years old. Joshua might have expected God to send him on vacation: go float atop the Dead Sea or fish in the Lake of Galilee. But God didn't offer Joshua a retirement plan. Instead he said, “There are still very large areas of land to be taken over.” Joshua’s next task was to divide the land.  

Sometimes I wonder just how much time I have left on this earth. I've looked for an expiration date but I can’t find it. One thing I do know is that I want to leave this earth having “used up” every gift, every resource…everything that He’s entrusted to my account. And that thought makes me want to love more, give more, laugh more…living every day and making it count!! I’d rather leave this earth “on fire” with nothing in my hands than just “fizzle” out holding onto what God meant for me to give away! How about you?   "Safe Haven Bible Study"

Ace and I  were just ask last week when we were going to retire.  Like Joshua, God has not offered us a retirement plan.   In this dispensation people do not live to be as old as they did back in Joshua day so we may not see 100.  But no matter my age I too want to be used up for the Lord, making every day count.  I want God to give me large areas of land to be taken over. 

          You got any plans for your "old age"?

Simple Testimony

                                  How To Share Your Testimony.

1. Memorize your testimony and practice it until it becomes natural.
2. Share your testimony with loving enthusiasm in the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:3-5).
3. Smile often! Ask the Lord to give you a happy, radiant countenance. Use a natural speaking voice.
4. Avoid exhibiting nervous habits (especially with your hands) and other mannerisms, such as rubbing your nose, jingling coins in your pocket, swaying, clearing your throat, and using uh's and ah's. Exhibit good posture. 
5. Avoid arguing and using other high pressure methods to obtain a decision for Christ. Remember, men are born of the Spirit, not through persuasiveness or logic of men, though God can use both. 

                                 

                                How did she do?

Early Bird Worm or Night Crawler

• The Night crawler  worm eats soil, a red wiggler eats decaying matter. like manure, vegetable matter, rotten fruit, etc. Red wiggler worms will actually eat your kitchen waste.

• Night crawlers  go deeper in the soil but must come up to the surface when there is lots of water making them easy to find.  
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• The Night crawler  also remain alive for approximately five minutes while under water. This means their movements can attract fish.

  

  My husband   

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• Environmental Impact 

• While some areas consider night crawlers to be an agricultural pest, they provide a valuable service to gardeners, farmers and the earth. Their tunnels introduce air to the ground and allow the soil to breathe. Aerating gets oxygen to roots to aid growth, helps fertilizer and water reach roots and loosens up compacted soil which helps roots grow. Plus, their waste transports important nutrients and minerals from the underground to the surface.
• Bet you can tell where I am going with this?
• For years I have berated myself for not being an early riser, by early I mean somewhere between 4 and 5 in the morning.  In fact the only time I rise this early is when we are traveling and we have to catch a flight.  Sometimes I am just getting to sleep at that time.  I mean, isn't those who rise early to meet with the Lord going to get the best He has?  The early bird gets the best worms, doesn't he?

Thank God He is not a respected of time or person or worms.   I am just as highly favored when I crawl upon His lap at midnight as one who get there in the wee hours of the morning.  

Coming early to Him does not always mean time according to the clock.  He wants us to come early, at the beginning of our struggles.   

I do my best praying when I am suffering insomnia which is more chronic with me then just an occasional spurt of it.   Could I be so bold to say, it's my thorn in the flesh?   Except I don't want to waste this thorn and God does not either so He always meets with me at any time,  He is always awake and fresh and passionate about me.  He doesn't care what kind of worm I am, He created both and uses each one to catch fish.  

This night crawler is looking forward to a new body that will not suffer with insomnia.  While here I will offer my body up to be a fisher of men and women.  

Which worm are you,  the early bird worm or a night crawler? 

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Battle Worn Boots

They say the front line in a war is where the battle is the bloodiest.  If that is true, when was Jesus battle the bloodiest?  The cross, the garden where He sweated drops of blood, when He wrote words in the sand or at the temple driving out the money changers?   Where was the front for our Lord?  I believe every time Jesus declared who He was, God in the flesh come to save the souls of mankind a battle front was forged. 

Many have used that term, "front line" referring to those of us  who are foreign missionaries.   But I must tell you, it has never set well with me because I believe the front line is anywhere, anytime we give the gospel out.  The enemy of our soul will not fight  against us being religious anywhere in the world, but try giving out the gospel.  Fear will cause our hearts to race, our minds will tell us we will suffer rejection if we speak about Him, excuses will come quickly on why we should be silent.   We'll find a way to leave the front lines if it makes us feel uncomfortable.   

  Little did I know a battle was raging for my soul the day a Sunday school teacher from a near by church sit in our family room and presenting me with the choice of accepting God love for me or rejecting it. 

Little did I know the battle would continue even after I accepted God's free gift and open a bible to learn more about this amazing God who loved me enough to send His Son to die in my place so I could have a relationship with Him. 

Little did I know a battle would rise up when I sit down with my family and shared why there was such a radical change in my life.  

Little did I know how much of a battle would occur when we submitted to enter into full time ministry and later head over seas to serve the Lord.  God was enlarging our battle field. 

A few years have passed since  all those battles and a new one has risen.  We're back to stateside living where it easy to get to church, sit in a comfortable room, hear great music, shake a few familiar hands, eat at a good restaurant then drive home to our comfortable apartment.    We have been boots on the ground in two foreign countries yet it's this battle that is the hardest, the battle of ease.   We have taken off our battle worn boots and replace them with comfortable shoes that don't like to get bloody.  Our easy chairs call us to come relax, you've done your part, enjoy the abundance of ease.  And all around us people are dying without Christ, in America of all places where there is freedom still to speak our faith.  

My heart is convicted as I read post after post of those standing in the gap for God all over the world.  Time to put on the those  bloody worn boots, lace up and get back in the battle  on what ever ground God has placed me.  It's not the location of my  bodies but the location of my  hearts that equips me to fight the good fight.  Like me, if you are His you are a soldier of the cross...lets wear our uniform with boldness and humility.  

This post is a part of a series of stories shared over at The High Calling. This week you will find a community of wordsmiths sharing stories of living out faith in the line of fire.  Grab a cup of coffee and an open heart, settle into your favorite chair and join us as we share thoughts and encouragement to lift you up.

Spiritual Discipline/Boot Camp/Boot Straps

Part of the missionary training we had for living overseas in a remote location was called, Boot Camp.   Our mission no longer uses that term since it offends or gives the wrong impression.

  Our day started with classes on practical life dealing with relationship with family, friends, saved, and unsaved.  Culture classes consisted of studying a group of American Indians  to learn the process of learning how others view the world. These classes required tons of reading which meant we had discipline ourselves to meet the requirements.

Jungle camp house built during Boot Camp,  made by small poles cut from the woods,
draped in plastics,  homemade mud oven for cooking.   Home made table and benches,
for eating the food we canned to last 6 weeks. 

Jungle house in the jungle.  Amazing how the training paid off.  

Afternoons were taken up with work detail  to help maintain  the training center.  In doing that we learned to work along side  someone with a different back ground and views on work among other issues.  

 Everyone looked forward to volleyball after supper.  Nothing like playing sports of any kind to bring out a lack of spiritual discipline. Even the most talented player could get in the flesh.  Pride knows no boundaries and all of us fell into it at one time or another.  It was a great time to put into  practice the spiritual disciplines we had been learning

 During that time we moved out in the woods for six weeks,  lived in tents while we built a jungle camp house, cook on a mud oven, learn to live without electricity, running water and indoor bathrooms.  The missions goal was to prepare the best they could for some rugged living.  Be flexible was the theme that went along with everything we learned.  

At times the training seemed hard and other times you had to wonder if there was any value in this.  Then you land on the shores of a country like Papua New Guinea where everyday you have the unexpecting happening.  Knowing how to order our day became an invaluable tool that kept us from completely falling apart when trials came our way.  

Some spiritual discipline come a little easier, because it involves our choices, like praying, reading our bible, giving, all doing disciplines. I am all for all the things I named and more but there is also a danger in these kinds of disciplines.  The Pharisee were very discipline in, memorizing scriptures, faithfully went to the synagogue, taught others, gave money, obeyed biblical rules, prayed, became leaders and they looked the part too.  Their faith was in their faithfulness not in God's.  

Then there is the discipline that comes with a trial,  the kind of spiritual discipline you have no choice in, James described it as trials of many kinds. They come in all shapes and sizes and knock us off balance in our walking faith.   If we could we would forgo that kind of discipline because  it's out of our hands.  Yet it is those trials that shows where are our faith is.  It brings out of us how much we love control, how much we love the "doing of discipline" better then a faith walk.  That old saying, "pull ourselves up by our boot straps" works well until the boot straps break under the load of trials.  

My boot straps have broke several times and no amount of doing the normal things a Christian should do, like read my Bible, go to church, etc, fixed them.  Only God in His perfect timing along with His perfects methods can fix those straps. Trust me I don't look forward to more of those broken boot straps but looking at the past ones I know beyond a shadow of a doubt I grew more from that kind of discipline then the ones I had a choice in.  


Great quote from Mary Demuth...Instead of obeying in the moment and experiencing powerful growth, we wander around in circles of chasing ease, trusting in ourselves to solve our problems living  a Godless life.  

      How's your boot straps?

Resurrection Talk

Hearing the resurrection story over and over never gets old.  It  has the power to reach through a difficult language groups buried deep in remote jungle locations and convict their hearts of their need of the Savior.  

As you listen to the Easter story in the Moi language watch his eyes shine with the light of the glorious gospel.  Hear the wonder in his voice, the assurance that God loved him enough to send someone to live in their primitive village, learn their culture and language, teach them to read and write their language, translate the bible in their language, teach the bible so they can hear the story of God's love for them.  

                              

There will be no Easter baskets filled with goodies, no frilly dresses and hats or fancy shoes as they celebrate the  Easter story in hundreds of small remote villages.  Believers will stand and give testimonies to when they heard the resurrection story and how it changed their lives.    

Let me tell you of my resurrection story.  As a lost woman of 35 God sent several people my way to boldly ask me what would happen to me when I died.  That question haunted me for I knew somehow deep inside me I would go to hell.  For a few weeks I wrestled with it as we attended a local church they invited us to.  Conviction was heavy on my soul till finally I gave in and admitted I could do nothing to get to heaven and believe I needed Jesus to save me from eternal separation from a Holy God.   His love  drew me to the cross where I found the ground level and Him waiting with open arms to receive me into His family.  Then my voice took on a new tone, a freedom tone, my eyes became bright with the love of God and the desires of my heart changed. No longer did I want to walk in my ways, I desired to be obedient to the one who loved me.   Like the man in the video I have to share the resurrection story, it begs to be told over and over and over.  

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL WHO READ THIS

now go tell your story. 

Jerusalem

Reading or watching the news on a daily bases can be discouraging if one think this is all there is.  Looking to God's Word keeps my perspective eternal.                                    
Revelation 21:1-27   verse 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes: and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying , or pain, the first things have passed away.  

  

         

How's the news affecting you lately?