Prayer

Everyone seems concerned with protection today . . . masks, gloves, sanitizers, vaccinations, no-touch deliveries, elbow bumps . . . yet nothing is for certain. Only God knows what is safe, who is carrying the illness, and even if the vaccine works! He is the only omniscient One!

So what can I put on that will protect me? PRAYER!

Finally, let the Lord make you strong. Depend on his mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor. Then you can remain strong against the devil’s evil plans. Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world. So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing. So remain strong in the faith. Put the belt of truth around your waist. Put the armor of godliness on your chest. Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the good news of peace. Also, pick up the shield of faith. With it you can put out all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Put on the helmet of salvation. And take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s word.
At all times, pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray. Always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me. Pray that whenever I speak, the right words will be given to me. Then I can be bold as I tell the mystery of the good news. (Ephesians 6: 10-19)

During these challenging times, we need PRAYER more than ever! Our personal time with God is crucial for sure. However, daily and constant prayer, communications with God throughout the day, is vital as well. God is not a one-a-day pill, but a constant and consistent source of strength and protection.

We also need to know others are praying for us. The prayers of fellow believers also bend God's ear. The more we doubt, the more we are attacked, knowing others have us in prayer as well indeed fortifies us. 

Little prayer . . .little power . . . much prayer . . . much power!

But the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you. He will guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

Agradicido!

 Agradicido . . . so thankful!

    I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1)

As I relax here at my adopted family reunion, I can only be thankful . . . agradicido Señor  . . . grateful Lord indeed! Grateful for not only added family here on earth but an eternal family from every color and culture as a result of God placing us in the mission field!

He has shown me the beauty of shared music, food, and HIS-tory. I now see the beauty of the Body and understand that in Christ there is no color or race, just CHRIST-followers or not. 

So as I bask in agradicido, I pray, for everywhere He sends and everyone He leads to me, that I represent Him well in hopes of winning some for Him!  

May we all be ONE . . . (John 17)

We move on by faith and trust the Comforter . . . the Healer . . . the Provider . . . our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

 

Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who gives tender love. All comfort comes from him. He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God. We share very much in the sufferings of Christ. So we also share very much in his comfort. If we are having trouble, it is so that you will be comforted and renewed. If we are comforted, it is so that you will be comforted. Then you will be able to put up with the same suffering we have gone through. Our hope for you remains firm. We know that you suffer just as we do. In the same way, God comforts you just as he comforts us. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

One thing I have learned as a result of a life of sports . . . pain follows you the rest of your life: arthritic knees, worn down and fraying shoulder joints, painful feet, broken blood vessels from numerous pulls, strains, and torn muscles. Shall I go on?

But what I have learned from both sports and the last thirty years as a Christ-follower is that pain keeps me humble. Nothing compares to the pain Jesus endured for me! I cannot go back to my teen years when I cold run, lift, and play forever. Yet I can move forward and live the best and most active life for Christ despite the daily pain.

Like the lessons we have learned from nearly twenty short term mission trips and

even in our ministry with teens and families . . . pain is part of life but Jesus overcomes it all! Not Tylenol, not Advil, not even Motrin or Tyenol-3 . . . not Oxycodone or Hydrocodone . . . not even anesthetics can wipe out the pain sin causes . . . only Jesus!

Yet as we serve other people groups we share their pain and their struggles from hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and economic blight. Yes, we offer items to meet physical needs. We have painted, cleaned, taught, rebuilt, torn down, and even played. We hurt many times when we return because we could not fix everything. In fact, their lives would go on as the dealt with tragedy, poverty, homelessness and illnesses. We could only offer hope.  . . . the hope that is in Jesus! Our lives have been changed and we can never go back to our old ways. 

Every mission trip has changed us. Every person we minister to impacts our lives. despite the pain, the strain, even the bleeding, we move on by faith and trust the Comforter . . . the Healer . . . the Provider . . . our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Sin causes severe illness!

 I must admit, on my first mission trips, we worried about things like illnesses, local food allergies, insects/animals, and even some local customs that we may be a bit adverse to encountering. Let's be real, we were travelling to Caribbean islands, New Orleans, New York City, among other areas. We were informed of different cultures, local practices, and even a wide variety of food. While we were not harmed by any of these things in out twenty four years of ministry, we have had to back away from some, avoid others, and adapt to many as well, especially the variety of foods! While we enjoyed digging in to various cultures while serving and sharing Christ, our digestive systems did not always agree. Nonetheless, we are better for the experiences!

There was one thing we had in common with every person in every area we have served however: sin causes severe illness! Even when serving in areas of challenging economic conditions, language barriers, and other cultural differences, we have discovered that sin impacts us all in the same way; separation from God!

    

We know that all that God created has been groaning. It is in pain as if it were giving birth to a child. The created world continues to groan even now. And that’s not all. We have the Holy Spirit as the promise of future blessing. But we also groan inside ourselves. We do this as we look forward to the time when God adopts us as full members of his family. Then he will give us everything he has for us. He will raise our bodies and give glory to them. That’s the hope we had when we were saved. But hope that can be seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? We hope for what we don’t have yet. So we are patient as we wait for it. (Romans 8:22-25)

So no matter where we find ourselves, at home or abroad, comfortable or uncomfortable, strange or familiar, we must represent Christ and share His message of reconciliation. Jesus would visit the rich, the poor, the old, the young, the sick and the healthy, and yes . . . even the different!

Everywhere we go we are on a mission . . .  the Great Co-Mission! (Matthew 28:18-20)    

Reach folks where they need it!

 In my preparation for our mission trip to Puerto Rico July 31, today I was reminded of a daily multi-vitamin. While it may be one pill, it contains a variety of nutrients and needs for the body. Like the Gospel message, it can reach folks where they need it!

I am free and don’t belong to anyone. But I have made myself a slave to everyone. I do it to win as many as I can to Christ. To the Jews I became like a Jew. That was to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one who was under the law. I did this even though I myself am not under the law. That was to win those under the law. To those who don’t have the law I became like one who doesn’t have the law. I did this even though I am not free from God’s law. I am under Christ’s law. Now I can win those who don’t have the law. To those who are weak I became weak. That was to win the weak. I have become all things to all people. I have done this so that in all possible ways I might save some. I do all this because of the good news. And I want to share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9: 19-23)

Like the multi vitamin, we must be ready to serve in any way called.  Will it be B-12, Iron, Niacin, Vitamin C or D? Some may need a hug. Some may just need a smile. Others may need us to sit and listen. Perhaps some may actually need a scripture or two. Lord willing, one (or many) will ask Jesus into their lives as Lord and Savior. 

Please pray as we prepare . . . and take our vitamins so we are strong and ready! 💊

Packing to Serve . . . at home on the mission field

As we are preparing to serve in Villa Hugo, Puerto Rico, there are some needed things to place in our bags . . . However, the most vital item we need is His Word!

The word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any sword that has two edges. It cuts deep enough to separate soul from spirit. It can separate bones from joints. It judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart. Nothing God created is hidden from him. His eyes see everything. He will hold us responsible for everything we do. (Hebrews 4:12-13)

As we go through life, many of keep an emergency box or bag in our vehicles and some even at home. It contains the essentials . . . just in case an emergency arises. We have the first aid kit, portable phone charger, blanket, jumper cables, perhaps even some non-perishable snacks. But what about the most vital item we need to pack everyday . . . His Word?

Are we prepared for anything thrown our way? Are we ready to respond to a need in a way that pleases God? As we "hide His word in our hearts" (Psalm 119:11) we are prepared to react in a much more Godly way to unexpected occurrences . .. whether on the mission field or at home. 

Yet is our home not our first mission field?

 

You can be SURE!

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us]. For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39 AMP)

You know you can be SURE of your relation ship with Jesus Christ . . . right?  Oh yes . . . the one who places genuine trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior . . . honestly and whole-heartedly confesses their sinful nature and repents from a sinful lifestyle . . .  truly acknowledges their dependence upon Him alone for their eternal salvation . . . yes we can be sure! 

The bible leaves no doubt that a person is saved by faith in Jesus Christ . . . the eternal and perfect sacrifice for mankind's sinful nature. It is by His grace we are saved . . . His unmerited favor for each of us who will accept it . . . and nothing we can do about it but embrace it! However, we must admit our sin, believe Jesus at His word, and  confess our sin. It is a heart issue: Jesus' heart for us and our heart for Him!

Do not allow Satan and his tricks cause you to doubt. I know, it is difficult to trust nowadays. However, we can trust Jesus! He cannot lie and has always come through. It is written throughout HIStory! 

Here's the best part . . . it gets better! In fact, it gets perfect one day! Just trust Him . . . you can be sure!

You will not fear !

 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day . . . (Psalm 91:1-5)

I watch the news and see of a storm edging up the East Coast of our United States, I cannot help but recall all the folks we have served over the years after storms and disaster have ravaged their homes . . . New Orleans, the Carolinas, and Caribbean Islands. We have witnessed streets swallowed up by flood, homes dangling from cliffs, roofs torn off homes, entire homes ripped apart, and families forced to live in shelters and even deal with the unexpected and horrible loss of loved ones. Sadly, many were improperly served or left uncared for entirely! 

Though the present storm is a minor one with simply some heavy rain, it causes me to recall the spirit of those we have served over the years. I am left with indelible marks of faith and courage from victims of these devastating event. So many have told stories of how God kept them and how they yet still trust and love Him! After all they have been through, their joy in the God they serve is even greater!

So no matter the struggle today, no matter how big or how small, find comfort in the God who never sleeps not slumbers! Do not fear . . .

Glorify His NAME!

Our God has chosen you. We pray that he will make you worthy of his choice. We pray he will make every good thing you want to do come true. We pray that he will do this by his power. We pray that he will make perfect all that you have done by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus will receive glory through what you have done. We also pray that you will receive glory through what he has done. We pray all these things in keeping with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)

Ahhhh, there IS something about that name . . . Jesus Christ . . . our Lord and Savior and our King and Ruler. We live to bring honor and glory to His name . . . that others may come to know Him and praise Him for Who He is and what He does. 

But do we . . .?

Do people see Jesus when they see us? Do they hear His words when they hear us speak? Do they wander why we react so differently when others mistreat us? Do they know us by His love ad grace?

Just as our parents desire for us to bring honor to our family name, we who are called by the name CHRISTian, are to bring honor and glory to that name . . .Jesus Christ! Our words, our actions, our thoughts and plans . . . all should be to the glory of God. 

Let's take a look at our life and be sure we are honoring our Lord and Savior daily! In the name of Jesus . . . we do all things and all things will be well  . . . at least with our souls!

As we honor God, He in turn one day will honor us as we stand before Him.

Yet there is still work to do.

So commit yourself to God completely. Reach out your hands to him for help.

Get rid of all the sin you have.
Don’t let anything that is evil stay in your tent.
Then, free of those things, you can face others.
You can stand firm without being afraid.
You can be sure you will forget your troubles.
They will be like water that has flowed on by. Life will be brighter than the sun at noon. And darkness will become like morning.
You will be secure, because there is hope.

You will look around you and find a safe place to rest. (Job 11:13-18)

Ok . . . so we are well into summer, society seems to be opening back up again, and we have holidays to celebrate. Yet there is still work to do. We cannot simply sit back and allow the summer to wander away. We cannot simply forget what we have recently experienced and why we are where we are as an individual, as a people, as a world!

After over a year of "virtual living", students have work to catch up on to be ready for the next school year. Parents are returning to jobs. Masks are coming off and we can "see" each other once again. 

So how do we do this restart? Let's take Job's advice: 

•     Get rid of past sins; confess our shortcoming s and plan to move on with life.
•     Commit to a fresh start and go forward by faith, not fear.
•     Be refreshed, knowing God is with you.
•     Face the new days full of hope.
•     Trust . . . or rest assured that God has you in a safe place!

So where ever you find yourself today . . . know God is with you and He has a plan for you. There is yet still work for you to do!

 

God still provides rest!

 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father. You are Lord of heaven and earth. You have hidden these things from wise and educated people. But you have shown them to little children. Yes, Father. This is what you wanted to do. “My Father has given all things to me. The Father is the only one who knows the Son. And the only ones who know the Father are the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to make him known. “Come to me, all you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls. Serving me is easy, and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:25-30)

We are just about half-way through our summer break as teachers and I am completing session one of my summer school bible classes. Yet though it is supposed to be a time of rest, we find ourselves eagerly planning to get back into the classroom in August as well as planning a 10-day missions trip  to Puerto Rico the end of July. So mush for rest . . .

Yet in the middle of it all, God still provides rest! You see, even as we stay busy this summer, He has provided those weekends . . . those days . . . those afternoons or evenings . . . even those brief hours of calm, rest, relaxation, recreation, family time and yes, even gym time! 🏃

We have learned to work hard and play hard as a family. As God provides the energy to push and plan, He also provides the play. Take advantage of every opportunity to work, labor, serve and to relax. God is able!