The Altar of Burnt Offering and The Cross
Numbers 5:13-14 The altar was covered in purple cloth. Jesus was covered with a purple robe as he was taken to the cross.

Exodus 27: 1 - 8 At the altar, one could receive forgiveness of sins. The Cross of Jesus is salvation and forgiveness.

Leviticus 6: 12 - 13, 9:24 & 2 Chronicles 7:1 The source of the fire is from God and never goes out. Where did Jesus’ passion come from? What held him on the cross? No one could have placed Jesus on that altar against His will. The One who initiated the first sacrificial flame was again the Initiator at the sacrificial altar of the Cross.

Exodus 29: 38-43 & Ephesians 3:11-12 God wanted to meet with and talk to His people. The altar gave people access to God. The Cross of Jesus gives us access to God.

“The Cross is where the eternal Lamb made the ultimate sacrifice of grace and mercy on our behalf. And it is at the foot of that altar where a person must meet God. It is the only place. When we draw near, accepting the Sacrifice made on our behalf we come face-to-face with the Almighty. And, just like the Israelites who touched the altar, when we take up that sacrificial Cross, we take on the holiness and righteousness of the One who hung upon it.” (Exodus 29:37)
Tammy Priest

Somedays my precious quiet minutes seem to vanish into thin air. Oh, how I miss my Savior when days go by. . .
My family sucks everything out of me,
My ministry becomes a hassle,
My body is tired and my mind is weak.
Renew me, Father. Refresh my soul this morning. I’m drawing near to You. Teach me Your wisdom.

Praise the Lord, for he is my bread! He nourishes me and sustains me. Thank you, Father, for your verses about the Bread of Presence in Exodus 25: 23 - 30 and Lev. 24: 5 - 8. The Hebrew name given to the Bread of Presence points to Your Trinity and each of the 12 loaves was sprinkled with the image of Your Son. Jesus lived the perfect sinless life and poured Himself out as a fragrant sacrifice. 1 Cor. 5:8 I want to eat the bread of sincerity and truth. I want to be filled with Your love and wisdom. Thank you blessed Redeemer for nourishing my soul today!

Had a neat study this morning about the Holy of Holies and the Ark of the covenant. It amazes me how every little detail points to Jesus. What a mighty God I serve! He cares about the smallest of details.

“If we remove the mercy from God’s Throne we are left looking only at the stone tablets- the Law. And the Law, without God’s mercy, can only convict us of our sinfulness without providing a remedy. Graciously, the Lord did provide a remedy. In the Tabernacle, God’s Law was literally covered with His seat of mercy. And centuries later, the perfect embodiment of the Law walked the earth wrapped in the flesh of grace. With His death on the cross, Jesus assured us that, despite our inability to fulfill the Law, His grace was sufficient and He offered it freely.”

1 Chronicles 16:25 “For the Lord is great and is highly praised. He is feared above all gods.

(Ps 33:3-5) I’ll sing joyfully to You, for Your word is right and true. You’re faithful in all You do. You love righteousness and justice, and the whole earth is full of Your unfailing love. (Ps 77:12 - 13) I will mediate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. No god is as great as You.

God’ character woos me to worship Him. Some days I have the sweetest worship times, but other days this just isn’t possible. Life’s like that. “Routine responsibilities rob us of the luxury of lengthy solitude with God, but we don’t have to be defeated. We can walk in worship in the midst of our activities.”

I believe this statement because I know of moms with more kids than me, who are in the midst of homeschooling and nursing newborns who say this is how they do it. It takes practice, but I know I need this. I need to train my mind to focus on the Lord at all times: while cooking, cleaning, driving, showering. . .

Lord, help me discipline my mind to focus on Your character. I want to talk with You throughout each day. Remind me to turn mundane chores into opportunities for praise and worship. This is “practice the presence of God” Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things Phil 4: 8.

Feeling much better this morning. No fever, no stomach cramps. Aleah is at school. Emily is napping. Just me, God, and my Bible!

Which lead me to an interesting study of the Sabbath Day.

This is a long article so I understand if you don’t want to read it.
According to Exodus 20:8-11, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, in which we are to rest, in remembrance that God created the universe in six days and then “rested” on the seventh day. Although God's rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:3) did foreshadow a future Sabbath law, there is no biblical record of the Sabbath before the children of Israel left the land of Egypt. Nowhere in Scripture is there any hint that Sabbath-keeping was practiced from Adam to Moses.

The Word of God makes it quite clear that Sabbath observance was a special sign between God and Israel: “The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested” (Exodus 31:16–17).In Deuteronomy 5, Moses restates the Ten Commandments to the next generation of Israelites. Here, after commanding Sabbath observance in verses 12–14, Moses gives the reason the Sabbath was given to the nation Israel: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day” (Deuteronomy 5:15).God's intent for giving the Sabbath to Israel was not that they would remember creation, but that they would remember their Egyptian slavery and the Lord's deliverance. Note the requirements for Sabbath-keeping: A person placed under that Sabbath law could not leave his home on the Sabbath (Exodus 16:29), he could not build a fire (Exodus 35:3), and he could not cause anyone else to work (Deuteronomy 5:14). A person breaking the Sabbath law was to be put to death (Exodus 31:15; Numbers 15:32–35).Some Christian groups, such as the Seventh Day Adventists, view the Sabbath as the day of worship, the day on which Christians should attend church / worship services. While these groups typically also teach that no work is to be done on the Sabbath, the concept of the “day of worship” is sometimes more emphasized than the “day of rest.” The problem with this is that the Bible nowhere commands that the Sabbath be the day of worship. In Exodus 20:8-11, “keeping the Sabbath holy” is defined as not working on the Sabbath. Nowhere in this passage is the Sabbath described as a day especially set aside for worship. Similarly, other Scriptures command against working on the Sabbath, but say nothing of the Sabbath being the ordained day for worship (Exodus 16:23-29; 31:14-16; 35:2-3; Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Nehemiah 13:15-22; Jeremiah 17:21-27). In the Old Covenant, there was not one day set aside for worship. Sacrifices were made daily at the tabernacle / temple. The “worship” was continual. The idea that the Sabbath day is the God-ordained day of corporate worship is not biblical.Now that is not to say the Sabbath was not set apart for worship. The New Testament records Jews and converts to Judaism meeting in the synagogues on the Sabbath (Mark 6:2; Luke 4:31; Luke 13:10-16; Acts 13:14,27,42-44; 15:21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4). Obviously, with no work being done on the Sabbath day, that would make the Sabbath day the ideal day to have organized worship services. However, again, the Bible does not command that the Sabbath day be the day of worship. The Bible describes worship on the Sabbath, but does not prescribe organized corporate worship on the Sabbath.Further, once the New Covenant was established by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the New Testament nowhere describes Christians setting aside the Sabbath day as the day of worship. The only Scriptures that describe Christians in any sense meeting on the Sabbath are in fact pointing to evangelistic efforts at Jewish synagogues, which met on the Sabbath day. Acts 3:2 records the early Christians meeting every day. The Bereans studied the Scriptures every day (Acts 17:11). Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2 both mention Christians meeting on the first day of the week. There is no evidence in the New Testament that the Apostles or the early Christians in any sense observed the Sabbath day as the prescribed day of worship.

In the early chapters of the book of Acts, the first Christians were predominantly Jews. When Gentiles began to receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Jewish Christians had a dilemma. What aspects of the Mosaic Law and Jewish tradition should Gentile Christians be instructed to obey? The apostles met and discussed the issue in the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). The decision was, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (Acts 15:19-20). Sabbath-keeping was not one of the commands the apostles felt was necessary to force on Gentile believers. It is inconceivable that the apostles would neglect to include Sabbath-keeping if it was God’s command for Christians to observe the Sabbath day.
An examination of New Testament passages shows us four important points: 1) Whenever Christ appears in His resurrected form and the day is mentioned, it is always the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1, 9, 10; Mark 16:9; Luke 24:1, 13, 15; John 20:19, 26). 2) The only time the Sabbath is mentioned from Acts through Revelation it is for evangelistic purposes to the Jews and the setting is usually in a synagogue (Acts chapters 13–18). Paul wrote, “to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews” (1 Corinthians 9:20). Paul did not go to the synagogue to fellowship with and edify the saints, but to convict and save the lost. 3) Once Paul states “from now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6), the Sabbath is never again mentioned. And 4) instead of suggesting adherence to the Sabbath day, the remainder of the New Testament implies the opposite (including the one exception to point 3 above, found in Colossians 2:16).

Looking more closely at point 4 above will reveal that there is no obligation for the New Testament believer to keep the Sabbath, and will also show that the idea of a Sunday “Christian Sabbath” is also unscriptural. As discussed above, there is one time the Sabbath is mentioned after Paul began to focus on the Gentiles, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Colossians 2:16–17). The Jewish Sabbath was abolished at the cross where Christ “canceled the written code, with its regulations” (Colossians 2:14).This idea is repeated more than once in the New Testament: “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord” (Romans 14:5–6a). “But now that you know God — or rather are known by God — how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years” (Galatians 4:9–10).

But some claim that a mandate by Constantine in A.D. 321 “changed” the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. On what day did the early church meet for worship? Scripture never mentions any Sabbath (Saturday) gatherings by believers for fellowship or worship. However, there are clear passages that mention the first day of the week. For instance, Acts 20:7 states that “on the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” In 1 Corinthians 16:2 Paul urges the Corinthian believers “on the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income.” Since Paul designates this offering as “service” in 2 Corinthians 9:12, this collection must have been linked with the Sunday worship service of the Christian assembly. Historically Sunday, not Saturday, was the normal meeting day for Christians in the church, and its practice dates back to the first century.Traditionally, Christians have held their primary corporate worship services on Sundays, the first day of the week, in celebration of Christ’s resurrection, which occurred on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1; John 20:1). It is important to understand, though, that Sunday is not the commanded day of corporate worship either. There is no explicit biblical command that either Saturday or Sunday be the day of worship. Scriptures such as Romans 14:5-6 and Colossians 2:16 give Christians freedom to observe a special day, or to observe every day as special. God’s desire is that we worship and serve Him continually, every day, not just on Saturday or Sunday.

The Sabbath was given to Israel, not the church. The Sabbath is still Saturday, not Sunday, and has never been changed. But the Sabbath is part of the Old Testament Law, and Christians are free from the bondage of the Law (Galatians 4:1-26; Romans 6:14). Sabbath keeping is not required of the Christian—be it Saturday or Sunday. The first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10) celebrates the New Creation, with Christ as our resurrected Head. We are not obligated to follow the Mosaic Sabbath—resting, but are now free to follow the risen Christ—serving. The Apostle Paul said that each individual Christian should decide whether to observe a Sabbath rest, “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). We are to worship God every day, not just on Saturday or Sunday.
Is there anything wrong with worshipping on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath? Absolutely not! We should worship God every day, not just on Saturday or Sunday! Many churches today have both Saturday and Sunday services. There is freedom in Christ (Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1). Should a Christian practice Sabbath-keeping, that is, not working on Saturdays? If a Christian feels led to do so, absolutely, yes (Romans 14:5). However, those who choose to practice Sabbath-keeping should not judge those who do not keep the Sabbath (Colossians 2:16). Further, those who do not keep the Sabbath should avoid being a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 8:9) to those who do keep the Sabbath. Galatians 5:13-15 sums up the whole issue: “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Today has started out extremely discouraging. Lord, I need a fresh wind from You!

Emily was wide awake until after 1 am. She went to sleep sometime before 2:30 in her play pen (which I placed at the foot of the bed). I woke up at this time and she was asleep, so I moved her back to her crib. 6:30 came much too early. Lord, I need an extra dose of understanding and self control from You!

I explained to Aleah for the hundredth time not to put dirt on the porch. After giving it a good sweep, I returned minutes later to find gobs of dirt everywhere. My heart completely sank at her out-right disobedience. I could barely thing straight. She swept most of it up, then I made her sit down while I finished up the job. I just can’t seem to shake the disappointment, I guess it’s fair to say that I’m not being quick to forgive. Lord, give me Your heart as a parent. I need You to guide me with wisdom and forgiveness.

My heart has been softened and I feel the renewal taking place as I’ve studied the five offerings in Lev. 1 - 5. The question was raised, if the Israelites daily did these offerings to cleanse them from sin, then why was a yearly sacrifice required on Yom Kippur?
John 13:6 - 10 shed much light on this. The Israelites were bathed in God’s forgiveness through the blood of the perfect Yom Kippur lamb. Then, throughout the year, their personal sin offerings washed away the sins of daily life. As a Christian, I am cleansed by the blood of the perfect Lamb when I first receive Him. Then, my daily confessions continue to wash away the spiritual and emotional grime that I accumulate walking through this world each day. Thank you, Father, for forgiving me of my grime and helping me to forgive Aleah. Amen.

I have started a study entitled “Rending the Curtain: The Cross as Completion of the Old Testament Day of Atonement” by Tammy Priest. It was given to me by my wonderful mother-in-love.

Today’s study focuses on two well know Bible stories: The Golden Calf and Abraham and Isaac. The first event is in Exodus 32 when the Israelites built the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain with God. Exodus 32:14-19 was most significant for me because God “changed His mind” before the people even knew that had done anything to anger God. God forgave them before they ever repented.

The second event is in Genesis 22 when Abraham offers his son, Isaac, as a burnt offering to the Lord. God sees Abraham’s obedient heart, stops the sacrifice and offers Abraham a ram instead of his son.

These two events not only engrave in our minds God’s mercy and acceptance of a substitute in place of our own blood, but points us to what God did through the life and death of Jesus. The perfect sacrifice through which all of mankind was extended unconditional forgiveness, even before we knew we needed it.

To God be the Glory!

Proverbs 14:26 - “In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge.”

Sometimes I think (“think” being the key word here) that the greatest sacrifice we make by being “M’s” is our kids. The enemy would have my mind wonder down this wide road often, thinking about the life that Aleah and Emily have now and what it might look like if we were still back in the states, especially on those bumpy days. I am constantly fighting these ungodly thoughts it seems.

Thank goodness, my heavenly Father always provides me with the weapons I need for the battle.

“Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the confidence - the fearlessness - that comes from knowing God as their fortress. We must possess it ourselves before we can pass it on to them. By filling our minds with thoughts of God as our fortress, we’ll experience victory when worry or fear stomp into our territory and threaten to conquer.” Grace Fox

If this is the greatest gift I can give my kids, and I believe it is, then it doesn’t matter where in the world we are. Them knowing Christ is not determined by location or even access to a church.

Thinking about “access to a church” not being part of the equation used to make my head spin, but today God has brought me so far in my walk in motherhood that I know it is mine (and Blake’s) sole responsibility to raise our girls to know and fear God. (Well, that’s a different sermon all together.)

God is my fortress!!
And tho this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thro. us;
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for Him;
His rage we can endure, For lo his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow’rs, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours thro’ Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill, God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Martin Luther

I’ve been quiet for a while when it comes to this site because I’ve needed to take every spare moment to re-focus. It’s been an awesome journey and from it has come a sweet closeness to my Heavenly Father. I’ve read and internalized a few books: “Damsels in Distress” by Martha Peace, “Victory over the Darkness” by Neil Anderson; and a DVD “1-2-3- Magic” by Thomas Phelan (on managing difficult behavior in children).

I know it doesn’t sound like much but I usually get about 1.5 to 2 hours a day to do something like reading and thinking so it takes a while to read books and process info. These books and my time with the Lord have helped get me off the plateau i was sitting on.

Every believer goes through seasons of plateaus. For me it happens when I put more attention on my schedule and the things I have to “do” than on God. I forget how to be still and know Him. I get in a rut and eventually lose sight of what is important.

One day I wrote in my journal: God, what are you thinking!! (Not so much as a question, but as a plea for help.)

Amos 4:13 - You reveal Your thoughts your thoughts to man
Ps 92:5 - . . .how profound are Your thoughts
Isa 55 - Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Your ways are not my ways.

I don’t always respond positively to unexpected surprises or unexpected responsibilities. But, God, You are wise. You are in control. You have a purpose in mind. I want to relax and enjoy the life you have given me. I want to watch in wonder at the things You do. I don’t want to miss Your blessings! I want to trust You!

Psalm 37: 3- 6

God has a way of giving us just what we need, just when we need it! My devotionals have been out of the book of Psalms. David sure does have a way with words. He definitely had some problems! But instead of dwelling on those troubles, he counted his blessings. "We, Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank you forever; we will declare Your praise to generation after generation" (Psalm 79:13). There are many times that David CHOSE to express gratitude to God even though his circumstances were daunting.

I've been choosing worry, depression, and defeat over gratitude for all that God has given me. When I began to praise God, recite His promises, and express gratitude to Him, I began to gain perspective over my circumstances. I no longer felt overwhelmed.

Father, You have been so good to me. Help me to keep an attitude of gratitude regardless of what the day may bring.

Blake has the awesome privilege of teaching English in a village that was previously very opposed to any outsiders working among them. About 1 year ago, Shawna and some of the team decided to make a visit to this village and see if anything had changed. Although they were not thrilled to see us or talk to us, they were excited about the opportunity of offering their children a better education. So, they decided to tolerate us.

Two of our team members took to teaching the children how to cultivate soil & plants and avoid erosion. They set up a huge garden and the kids would take care of it during the week and when the vegetables were ripe they enjoyed them for lunch. Our team masseuse took to giving the elderly a visit and massaging their aches and pains. Blake took on the task of keeping 40 first through third graders interested in English.

One day the team discovered a crippled young boy (day 24 of the February Prayer Guide). If you receive the prayer guide you will be praying for him in a few days. A special friendship was formed and he became very open to Bible stories. Eventually he asked for his own Bible and every week would have questions as God began to open his heart. Last week the angels celebrated as he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in a near by stream. His mother came to watch him be baptized. This village is now no longer completely closed off from the Gospel. There is a flame burning brightly!!

The office we work out of was once a clinic. So, despite a christian presence for about 10 years, the village that our office is located in has remained very closed to the Gospel. Many of our staff, and myself included, have reached out to many of the villagers and have spent countless hours praying for them as well. But we have only been met with polite smiles. One staff member went to school to learn massage as a tool for reaching people for the Lord. She has been working in the village for 2 years with many of the elderly people who are home during the day. At time she voices her frustration when years of work yield no fruit. And I become equally upset when I began to build meaningful relationships with young women only to have them move away.

Well, this morning at church we celebrated with our staff member. A lady she has been visiting and witnessing to for almost 2 years professed Christ as her Savior. I'm not sure exactly how old this little fragile lady is, but old enough that there was no way we could dunk her in a frigid pool of water and have her survive to tell about it. The wheel chair she was in swallowed her up and made her look like a little child. Her foot was also wrapped from a recent trip to the doctor for an infection. So, we did the best we could and she just got water kind of sprinkled over her head. But we rejoiced and sang songs afterwards over our first convert in this very closed village. Pray that her light will burn brightly as she shares with her friends about her new found Love.

I was reading Luke 15: 11 - 32 and I had to pray for God to give me fresh eyes. The "prodigal son" is such a familiar story to me that I wanted to make sure to really read it and not just scan over the words.

Father, thank you for reminding me this morning that you will always welcome me back with open arms. Even when I squander my inheritance on worthless living. Even when I am no longer worthy to be called your daughter. Your truth and love bring me to life!! Your love never fails.

How often do I react like the older son when God celebrates the return of one of His children? I react with jealousy, anger, wondering why God would take them back, judging. . .

Change my heart, O God, make it ever new. Change my heart, O God, may I be like You. . .Slow to anger, quick to forgive.

Blake has been leading our team every Tuesday morning in an Inductive Bible Study of the book of James. We started this study 3 months ago and wow, have I learned a lot!! I think everyone on our team is just amazed at how much God is teaching us through picking apart the book of James. We have almost memorized all of chapter one and today we did a very fun and rewarding activity called cross referencing. In the states, we are blessed to have so many books, studies, and mature christian brothers and sisters to help us understand the scripture. Here we have to rely on scripture to interpret scripture. Maybe that's how it's supposed to be, but to be honest, I am lost with out my resource books.

Today we learned how to take a verse from James and use other verses in the Bible to help make that verse more clear. My first thought was, "I can't do this without my concordance." Thank goodness God proved me wrong.

If you'd like to do this fun activity, here's some verses that will get you started:
For James 1: 2 - 4 = God lead our team to Romans 5: 3-5, 1 Peter 1: 6 - 9, 1 Peter 4: 12 - 13
For James 1: 5 - 8 = God lead our team to James 1: 2 - 4, Romans 11:33-36, Daniel 2: 20 - 23, Job 12: 13, 16, Isaiah 9:6, Hebrews 11: 1, 6

The group discussion lasted way into our lunch time. Praise God that he is working in the hearts and lives of our community development team!!

R.E.S.T. is the name of a ladies retreat I was so blessed in attending Friday - Sunday. It has been the first time in 8 months that I have experienced worship and teaching in English like I grew up with in the states. I can't even begin to explain or describe the impact that had on me.

I wanted to share just a very small word with you about what God taught me. Judges 6 - 7 talks about Gideon's incredible victory against all odds. It's worth reading! The victory that took place with only 300 men, was a sign of God's greatness! And the fact that he chose to call Gideon out for the task is a sign of God's greatness. In my life, I'm currently in a place where I need to know God's greatness! And I found it in Isaiah 9: 2 - 7. "The day of Midian" was in my life when I accepted Jesus as my saviour. He is my "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace." He is BIG and he is GREAT and more than anything else in the world I needed to know that!

I was asked 2 questions: What is the overwhelming challenge that faces me in my current assignment? Soon after Gideon accepted his assignment, the Lord "sifted" him. How is God "sifting" me?

And I realized that God was sifting me by taking away everything I've ever thought I needed in order to be able to grow as a Christian. Close girlfriends, other mom's, everyday comforts, language and the ability to communicate my needs to any one but God, worship in a church setting in a language that communicates to my heart, Bible studies in a language that helps me grow, etc. Not that these things in themselves are ever wrong or bad, but I can see how I used them in order to be spoon feed instead of relying only on God and His word. So, I came to a point of crisis in my life. I realized that I didn't know how to grow with just me and a Bible. I didn't trust God enough to work in my life without some type of Bible study or one of my girlfriends to talk things over with or community praise and worship to set the mood and get my heart prepared. So, I began to sink in unbelief.

So, I saw myself in the life of Gideon. As God slowly called away more and more of the men, Gideon began to question God's Sovereignty and Sanity : ) I find myself asking God "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" But even with all the questions, Gideon was obedient to follow God's plan.

I know my "Day of Midian" is coming when I will come through victorious and all though all is stripped away, I have made a commitment to obey Him and come to Him with praise and worship! Glory to His name. He is GREAT!

Today was a special day as everyone on the team woke up this morning in great expectation to meet with the Lord. We spent the whole morning not talking to anyone but the Lord. For the singles on the team, this was a little easier, but with some work, us married folks were able to do it too. Blake and I went back to the waterfall we visited a few weeks ago and wondered around for hours without even seeing each other. Then we met back up and hiked a ways up the river and yes all the time without talking : )

This was such a special morning for me because moms don't get much alone time and sometime when I wake up in the morning I'm just not awake enough to really go into a deep Bible study nor do I have that much time. So today I was ready for this!!

I was doing a 12 week Bible study that kind of got extended into 7 months, but today I was going to finish the last lesson. And having what seemed to me to be unlimited time before me (all morning alone) I had great expectations!

God was so gracious and encouraging. He filled my soul and spoke to me from Psalms 63 in a very personal way. First we got sin out of the way. I've wanted to have times like this (once a month) every since we moved here, but I got caught up in life and forgot about this very important commitment I had made. So, I won't be forgetting that again!

Here's a quick overview of my time with the Lord and the lessons He taught me. Everyday can be a victorious day!
Verse 1 - Seek God first thing in the morning. A prayer acknowledging His as Lord in my life. Choosing this day to serve Him! Because when I don't choose Him, my will automatically takes over.

Verse 2 - Ask that my spiritual eyes will be open so that I will see His strength and glory throughout the day, even in the small things.

Verse 3 - 4 - Use my lips to praise Him. But how? Then it came to me that I don't listen to music as often as I used to and I don't even hear worship music (that I understand) on Sundays. So I need to be more proactive in making sure there is Christian music playing around me as much as possible. I miss the presence of music in my life and it has had an affect on my thoughts and praise level.

Verse 5 - Be satisfied!! Simple to say yet difficult to put into practice and I need to reminded a lot!!

Verse 6 - End my day by remembering all God has done for me throughout the day. Journal and Thank Him! I know some days I just fall exhausted into bed and don't even offer up a short prayer of thanks or acknowledge what good things He has done for me.

Verses 7 - 11 - Live a life without fear or worry. God will take care of any wrong that is done against me. He is my help! His right hand holds on to me. LIve a life of peace and rest: I can rejoice in the shadow of your wings!

One of the things we love about working with the company we do is our godly leadership! Here is what was shared with us this month and we thought it was very powerful:

 As a lover of history, I was excited. . . first time to set foot on the continent of Europe and the first time to walk a biblical site.    
 
Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that I have long wanted to see.  Before it fell to Turkish Muslims around 600 years ago, it had been the greatest city in Christendom for 1000 years.   The Aya Sofya, or Church of Divine Wisdom, was probably the largest and most beautiful building in the world.  It is still breathtaking after 1500 years.   We went below ground to see an amazing marvel of engineering - one of the cisterns that are 1500 years old that can hold millions of gallons of water to supply the city during drought or siege.  Anne loved walking through the Grand Bazaar with its 4600 shops, probably the inspiration for indoor malls.  She did not buy a single thing, perhaps due to prices rather than lack of interest.   Our hotel was just a few hundred yards from the old church where the Council of Chalcedon met about 1600 years ago to confirm that Jesus was fully human and fully divine.  
 
Ephesus is the best preserved city in the eastern Mediterranean.  We walked around a city where Paul planted churches for 3 years.  We stood in the theater where Paul wanted to address the crowd, but his friends prevented it.   The theater is still in good shape and seats 25,000 people.   One can imagine Paul’s desire to proclaim Jesus to that throng, but the crowd was too frenzied to hear him.  The city is generally recognized as the home and resting place of the Apostle John.   The city dried up in later centuries due to the harbor silting up; it now sits 6 miles from the sea.   What a reminder that time marches on and things change…but the good news of Jesus continues to spread and change lives.  
 
Such a visit causes some reflection since this once great Christian area is now decidedly Muslim.   Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire were partially overrun, then weakened, and finally overcome by Muslim armies over 700 years.  When you read the history, however, you see a picture of moral decadence, political intrigue, and nominal faith that led to an internal meltdown.   The Eastern Orthodox church tied its mission to its political influence.   Their approach to evangelism is still largely based on attracting people to participate in worship, which they believe results in a mystical union with God.  This approach did result in Christianity spreading among the Russians and even the Vikings.  These more primitive peoples were awed by the beauty of worship in great churches like the Aya Sofya.   However, in much of the Byzantine Empire the common people who lived far from the great cathedrals had little understanding of the gospel and looked upon the Christian elite as oppressors.  It is sad that the gospel had such little impact on the common people where Christianity was tied to such political, military, and cultural power.  Perhaps it was too closely tied to the politics and economics of the urban elite who were inadequately changed by the grace proclaimed in their midst.   If only Byzantine Christianity had been more closely associated with the spiritual power to transform lives rather than the political power of an empire!
 
My reflection about power and Christianity is not just relevant to the world 500 or 1500 years ago.  We are in an era of history that is post-colonial.  From 1492-1942 much of the world was colonized by Western “Christian” powers.  In Catholic lands, like the Philippines, colonialism and conversion went hand in hand.  In Protestant colonies, colonialism and Christian witness were often antagonistic, such as in Indonesia and Malaysia.  It appears that Protestants were more motivated by trade than faith.   In the end, missionaries followed the trade routes and brought the gospel.  Many assumed they had to make Englishmen or Dutchmen of the locals before they came to Christ.  Whether intentional or not, Christianity did follow colonial power.   The positive side is that the church was established around the globe, but the negative side is that in some parts of the world, the church is still considered a left-over of colonial control.
 
Today we are facing a time of continued decline of Western power.   “M” visas, common in the colonial era, are becoming more and more rare.   The West, including America, is no longer the overwhelming power in the world.   Even the “soft” power of American culture is identified with MTV instead of Christian values such as honesty, humility, and justice.   The dollar has lost buying power that it may never recover.  To be American may become even more problematic or at least less advantageous in the years ahead.  
 
Although it may make our personal lives less comfortable, is this loss of power necessarily detrimental to God’s purpose of redeeming a people from every nation?  
- Not if it means we come in humility and meekness, instead of pride and prejudice. 
 
- Not if it means our lifestyles and relationships are closer to the people we come to reach. 
 
- Not if it means a separation of the message of Christ from Western cultural baggage. 
 
- Not if our willingness to sacrifice and even suffer draw attention to our gospel.
 
- Not if it means we plant churches that are biblically sound and culturally appropriate rather than just poor replicas of a Western denomination. 
 
- Not if it means we live more dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than any earthly power. 
 
In Zechariah 4, God warned that men often miss what He is up to.   We should look for his hand to work in ways that are different from the ways of men.  “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” declares the Lord of Hosts.   We should not despise the days of small beginnings that the world likely overlooks.   Across PacRim small beginnings are happening among people groups that have never had them before.   Let us be people who trust God and walk in his power.
 

I've been doing a study on the Greek word praotes. It means "gentleness." Gentleness is definitely an area God has been working on in my life. So I was a little scared to go too deep with at first. I was thinking it was going to be the same thing as praying for patience - we all know better than to do that : ) So, what I've started to lean is that this little 6 letter word is not so simple. Just listen to this definition: " Primarily it doesn't denote outward expression of feeling, but an inward grace of the soul, calmness toward God in particular. It is the acceptance of God's dealings with us considering them as good in that they enhance the closeness of our relationship with Him."

And then if that's not mind blowing enough, the definition goes on to say: "Praotes encompasses expressing wrath toward the sin of man as demonstrated by the Lord Jesus. . .This meekness does not blame God for the persecutions and evil doings of man. It is not the result of weakness. . .but the activity of the blessedness that exists in one's heart from being actively angry at evil. . .That virtue that stands between two extremes, uncontrollable and unjustified anger, and not becoming angry at all no matter what takes place around you."

So, basically it means stop fighting God. And how do I stop fighting God. Well, submit (Jeremiah 26:14, Acts 14:22, John 16:33) even when I know in advance it will cause suffering , humble myself (Titus 3:1-2, Phillppians 2:3) not only before Him but others as well , have a teachable spirit (James 1:21, Psalms 119: 71-72) to whatever He wants to teach me and then teach others (2 Timothy 2:24 - 26). "It's just impossible," I thought. But I can't just give up on it. To think of not having gentleness. . .well that's just plain ugly. So, after some serious one on one time with the Lord I decided I had no other choice but to seek after gentleness and boy has my life been filled with opportunities to practice it!!. .. so it IS like praying for patience : )

I've been on this one word all month so to say it all would take a looong time and I know that only my mom would want to read all that : ) I want to be like Jesus, I want to be a gentle giant, the calmness in the storm.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? I choose to put my hope in You, O God, for I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I remember You! (Ps. 42: 5-6) In all my distress, You too are distressed, and the angel of Your presence saves me. In Your love and mercy You redeem me. You lift me up and carry me as You have done for Your children through all the days of old. (Isa 45:3) Lord, help me not to fear, for You are with me; I need not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)

I love the way God meets us right where we are!! When I was a journeyman, my motto was "fear not." That motto got me places. It got me out of the bed and out of my room when I wanted to hide and not face another person that didn't speak English. it got me on the plane over and over again and into a country torn apart by war and oppression. It got food into my stomach. It flooded my head and heart with scripture verses, promises, and comfort. Well, He's reminding me of that again. Except this time, it's not just about me. It's about a family.

I can get so uptight about stuff and boy does Satan know it!! My "Fear Not" verses remind me to let go and let God. So what Aleah just ate out of the trash can. So what as soon as I dust and mop the house, it's dusty and needs mopping again. So what Aleah just threw my tennis shoes into the mop water. So what everyone is staring at me. So what I can see through the walls and ceiling of my house. So what. .. So what. . .So what. . .You've got your list too. It takes the joy out of us. Pretty soon we go days without laughing. We only see the negative in everything and Satan begins to get a foothold.

And so, I reminded once again, to Fear Not. . . let go .. let God. . .and live.



Aleah has a sneaky little habit of getting out of the house and running straight for the dirt and rocks. . .

We've been our new home for about 2 weeks now. It has been wonderful and hard at the same time. I've been exhausted and tired and irritable. I've been happy and delighted and awed. I know it's my body, mind, and soul trying to wrap it's self around a new culture. Sometimes I feel so defeated. Then I settle down for a quick night scripture reading and God tells me: Merciful and faithful Lord, because of Your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait on him." Lord, You are good to those whose hope is in You, to the one who seeks You (Lam. 3:22-25). Surely You, Jesus, took up my infirmities and carried my sorrows, yet we considered You stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But You were pierced for my transgressions; You were crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was upon You, and by Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I am healed (Isa. 53:4-5).

These are verses that I have grown up hearing, but never until know have they been packed with so much healing!! Now I have to say that I don't want to merely listen to the Word and so deceive myself, but I want to claim it and believe it and live it. Help me, Father, to do what it says (James 1:22).

I needed to share this with you. It's not always fun admitting weakness and emotional breakdowns, but I want you to know that I'm human and God can still use me : ) He can use you too!! I hope you are encouraged.

God is to be praised because His Word is true and His Word changes lives. Here is a picture of 5 Mien villagers who were recently baptized. Lek and his son are standing with them. Lek and others have been ministering in this village for over 7 years. Now we are seeing a harvest!! Rejoice in the Lord!

Well, last week we attended a retreat with our team in Chiang Rai. It was great to get to spend so much time with the people that we are going to . . .spend so much time with the next few years. The nationals here are very reserved and take a while to get to know, so I think the almost week that we spent at the retreat will go a long way towards furthering our relationships with them. It gave us all a chance to see each other in action, with our families, and in worship and prayer. . .etc. The Father is so good, and we are so excited to get to work with these nationals, and see what the Father is going to do through them, among His people.

It is interesting, the more I think about how we are supposed to be working ourselves out of a job here. I have begun feeling a little insufficient for the task. I feel as though I am not the most efficient tool that God could use here to reach these people of a different language and a different culture. That is why I am thinking we are so blessed to have a small base of people here who are already believers. This small group of nationals are the best tools the God can use to spread His word among the unreached peoples here.

Just for fun I thought I would include some note that I took at the retreat. You will have to forgive the sporadic nature of them. You see, the whole retreat was carried out in Thai. Us white folks are the minority on our team, and rightly so. So take a look at the notes if you have a second and you can get a glimpse of some nuggets I picked up during some of the translation. Here they are: