Change: Love it or Fight it

Posted on August 21, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Therefore we do not lost heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV, my emphasis)

The older I get the more I have to work at being flexible and accept change. Change is a daily occurrence. Just as the stoplights change at every street corner so there are situations that come that require me to make a course correction. Is God behind them? Would God have me switch directions? Absolutely.

God took a shepherd called David and made him a king. He took persecutor named Paul and made him a disciple. He took a prostitute named Mary and made her an evangelist. He took a CPA I know named John and made him a pastor. He took a nurse named Jody and made her a teacher and author. Go figure!

The words that brought Paul to say “Therefore” at the beginning of our Scripture tell us about the treasure that we have in Jesus and that we are to testify/witness to His love and mercy. The treasure did not come to us without a price. Jesus paid that price in full. Our salvation is sealed. However, the path that takes us to that ultimate prize is a path through this world and it will include pain and suffering, just as Jesus suffered on His path to the cross. Our pain is momentary and if we follow Jesus’ example we will keep our eyes on the eternal and choose not to allow ourselves be distracted or discouraged by what is temporary.

Fifteen years ago I had a dream and plan for my life. It involved many successes from this world. God wanted more for me. My mother said I was a “somewhat stubborn child”. She was right. And the changes that have come in my life have come despite my efforts to try to jerk the ‘steering wheel’ from Jesus’ hands. But Jesus’ love is stronger and deeper than my will. He did not give up on me and now I find myself rich in so many ways that I could not have asked or imagined.

Change is still not an easy concept. There are only two options: Love it or fight it! I could not be described as embracing but I am looking with expectation on what is next! When I pray, I am learning not to be so narrow in listening for God’s answer. My heart is becoming tender like Samuel as I whisper, “Speak, Father, your child is listening!”

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 (NIV)

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Missionaries

Posted on August 20, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established; that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far… Romans 1:8-13 (WEB)

Do you know any missionaries? In my personal dictionary, a ‘missionary’ is someone who leaves their home and goes to live, work, and witness in another location. A missionary could be in the Appalachian Mountains or the inner city of Phoenix, AZ or in the Middle East, Africa, or Central America to name a few. God calls and people go. I hope you know some missionaries. They are a blessing in your life! Yes, the missionaries I know are a blessing to me.

I have been on six missionary trips. I was a team member on four and led two trips. It is an opportunity to go away from my home and be a servant and learn so much those who are full-time missionaries, giving of themselves as they build relationships and bear witness to the Good News of Jesus in a very practical, day-to-day ways.

My in-laws are missionaries. Even though (technically) retired, and Dad has gone on to meet Jesus, they are still missionaries. I do not believe you retire from your call. The most important life principle I have learned from missionaries is – you do not get to “pick” where you go, even where you live. God opens doors; puts a love in your heart to serve a group of people and you go! Those who are willing have received amazing blessings by going … many times without knowing!

Paul said that he had a longing to see these people and yet he “was hindered so far”. Why would God prevent Paul (or me) from going to share His words with someone? Timing! The message may not be ready to speak to the heart. There may be more for the messenger to learn! The heart(s) may not be ready for the message. When revival came to Pensacola, I did not even know how hungry I was for God to speak so personally to me. Once I tasted His word, I did not let anything hinder me from going every night. I slept less – ate less– but felt better and was better because I made God my #1 priority!

I am grateful that I am still learning about sacrifice and obedience. God has continued to send missionaries in my life to help me grow. I am in a season now where I am not going in the mission field. But I can still support missionaries with my prayers and offerings. I am humbled to be able to serve them in this way.

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Death, You Lose!

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”              Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV)

God has blessed me by taking me through many “deaths” in my life. Yes, I do mean blessed. As a hospice nurse, I was honored to be in attendance as many people achieved victory over the disease that caused suffering. I saw the peace and joy come to their faces as they saw their Savior.

Looking Death in the face and knowing that you do so with the assurance of Jesus Christ is a glorious place to be. I do not fear flying in airplanes. I do not dread medical tests. I can only do it all because of the One who holds my hand – Jesus.

I used to have notes in envelopes addressed to each of my children and my husband. I would update them as milestones came in their lives and in my life. Now, embracing modern technology, I have notes on the hard drive of my computer. Jesus left notes for me that have spoken to me on good days and on my worse days. He is faithful to speak to my heart, day or night.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. Where I go, you know, and you know the way…

Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”         John 14:1-4, 16:32-33 (WEB)

Death comes with many faces. It can be the end of life here on this earth. It can be the end of a relationship. It can be the end of a ‘season’ in my life in which I will have to make some changes. It may be the death of an attitude or life style where I know I will (and must) make a change and never look back. The psalmist said that I would “walk through the valley of the shadow of death”. (Psalm 23) I will walk through. I will not be setting up housekeeping and living in the valley. And I will not be walking through the valley alone! God is with me! No matter what name is on the death that I must walk through – God is with me.

Let us take a deep breath today and consider how death has been a part of our lives. And then let us read again Jesus’ words in John’s gospel and in Revelation. Dispel any lingering fears and walk forward with our hands clasped firmly and warmly in Jesus’ hand. Live this life in joy and with the assurance of where we are going. Live this life with our focus on Kingdom work with the final celebration including all who will come!

Posted in John, Revelation | Comments Off on Death, You Lose!

Living the Armor of God

Posted on August 18, 2009 by Henry Neufeld

11Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places, 13Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: 19on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. – Ephesians 6:10-20 (WEB)

I have encountered quite a few people who pray-on the whole armor of God each and every morning. I have even taught people that this is a good idea. I’m not taking that suggestion back, either.

But there is a ritual way of praying on the armor that just goes over the words but doesn’t get to the meaning. Praying on the armor is only going to be of value if you believe what you’re praying and that means to think it as well. I suggest that as you mention each part of this passage that you not only say the words, but you stop to listen to what God might have to tell you about that subject for your day.

But today I want to talk about living God’s armor. Each of these items takes something very important from the gospel Paul teaches and tells you to make it part of what you think and believe, but also of how you act. I’m not trying to emphasize action over prayer, but I do think we all need to emphasize both action and prayer.

Think about these things:

  1. Belt of truth
    Is being truthful with others and with yourself your paramount consideration? It is so easy for us to get into self-deception. It is even easier to be careless with the truth. Do you live truthfully?
  2. Breastplate of righteousness
    Are you trusting in Christ’s righteousness? There is something else that happens when you truly put your trust in Christ—he begins to change you, to make you new. Christ’s righteousness needs to be something that you don’t just think of during your morning devotions. You need to think of it all day long.
  3. Shoes of the proclamation of peace
    Sometimes we misread this as “shoes of us being peaceful.” But these those are to take us out proclaiming the gospel of peace to the whole world. Do you see your mission each day as one of evangelism—proclaiming good news?
  4. Shield of faith
    When trouble assails you is your first thought how you must deal with everything, or is your first thought about what you can do? Now I’m not saying you don’t have to do things—you do! But if prayer came first, and you put the problem in God’s hands, it will work much better. This is one I especially need to work on!
  5. Helmet of salvation
    Salvation is something God does. Do you ever verbally “put on” the helmet of salvation and then wonder about your relationship to God during the day? Do you think he did a lousy job of saving you? Do you think he’s going to let you slip accidentally? This is one of the enemy’s greatest forms of attack. The enemy must first separate you from God before he can do the rest of his work.
  6. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God
    This is near and dear to my heart. I think we frequently decide we’re taking up the sword of the Spirit when we are really just holding bits and pieces of metal. Why? Because we haven’t spent time taking in God’s Word. Don’t announce that you’re taking up the Sword of the Spirit when you haven’t even opened the book that day or meditated on something God has said.

Each of these things is very important and all go back to the gospel. Paul wants you to put your trust in Jesus as your savior and then to trust his leading. Jesus Christ is the armor of God in a sense. Put on Christ (Romans 13:14).

Posted in Bible Books, Ephesians, Lectionary | Comments Off on Living the Armor of God

Political Words

Posted on August 17, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Then [Jesus] said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”                              Matthew 22:21 (WEB)

Politics has become an increasingly dirty business. Is it possible for a Christian to be in any way related to the methods or tactics of managing local, state, or national government without becoming soiled? If my email inbox is any indication, I would say “No”! Offering an opinion on a policy is “giving to Caesar”. To attack a person personally, is “giving to me” instead of God.

[Jesus said,]“For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings out good things, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings out evil things. I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”           Matthew 12:34-37 (WEB, my emphasis)

How can I, as a disciple of Jesus, justify name-calling and snide jokes? How can I publicly call into question someone’s relationship with God? Is Jesus not the Judge? I once heard a teacher suggest that on Judgment Day every word I had ever said or written would scroll across God’s marquee for everyone in the cloud of witnesses to see. Just having those words illuminated and Jesus’ eyes meet mine makes me hang my head and beg forgiveness today! What am I doing when I forward emails with a “This is good! Read this!” but speaking my agreement to everything that is written! Would I not be better time spent and operating with Holy Fear if I prayed for God’s wisdom for us all? Do I trust the power of the Holy Spirit? I am not part of the silent majority! I am declaring my allegiance and belief in true power through Jesus Christ!

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (WEB, my emphasis)

Let us pray today with renewed fervor and confidence in the power of our Lord and Savior. Let us pray first for ourselves that we would be directed in our prayers in a way that pleases God. May we stand on His promises and believe in His power. And then let us pray for ALL in authority on both sides of the so-called political aisles that they may ask and receive the wisdom of God, speaking and acting in Holy Fear of the Only One to whom they must answer an account of their lives. To God be the Glory!

Posted in 1 Timothy, Matthew | Comments Off on Political Words

Building My Faith Muscles

Posted on August 14, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

“…if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”           Matthew 17:20 (WEB)

Have you ever seen a mustard seed. I have a small bottle of them in my cupboard. I used it in some recipe so long ago that if I needed mustard seeds again – I would go buy some fresh ones! The next time you go to the grocery store check out mustard seeds on the spice aisle. A mustard seed is about the size of the letter “o” in the current font print that I am using for the writing. Now consider that this is Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, saying that all I need is faith the size of this tiny seed. The seed is made more tiny when I think of its size in comparison to God’s idea of size, being the Universe Maker that He is! Faith, tiny faith, in God and mountains will move. Just like that!

I met a man, Lou David Allen, this week through his blog, “What’s a Snake doing in Paradise?”.  Mr. Allen said,

“We should have faith, enough to move a mountain, as Jesus said, but this faith is not for physical mountains, but spiritual ones.”

Mr. Allen nailed the difficulty in my faith. It is the mountain in my mind that seems too large for me to believe that it can possibly be moved. Jesus says that nothing will be impossible. Jesus speaks only the truth so where is the problem in my faith? In my head! How do you build a muscle? Exercise it! And so it is with faith. I must exercise my faith. Flex my faith all day and every day. There is no part of my day, no person that I meet, no situation that comes in my path that can not benefit from a flex of my faith. Think it! Speak it! Believe it!

A practical point to note: Journal or prayer notebook are exercise equipment in my walk of faith. When my faith seems small or weak, jot down notes of what is on my heart. And watch God work! See how He molds me. See how He answers.

He set another parable before them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field; which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.”     Matthew 13:31-32 (WEB)

And as faith grows it is great and big! Others may see the testimony of growing faith and find their own ‘home’ and place of refuge as they put their faith (even a mustard seed) in Jesus Christ.


Posted in Matthew | 1 Comment

Shine Your Light, Lord, Where You Will

Posted on August 13, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them,…                       Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)

When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.        Matthew 8:1 (WEB)

At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields.        Matthew 12:1 (WEB)

Crowds followed Jesus. Most of us attend churches who barely have enough people to fill half the chairs. Why?

Jesus spoke as one who had authority. He brought the Good News. Jesus’ authority came from the Father. It did not come from a Board of men. It did not come from the hierarchy of the established church. He wanted to magnify and glorify the Father. His messages were also relevant to the people who were listening. His parables brought the people to a point of reference they understood and then blazed a path to where God wanted them to be. What are you being taught?

Jesus taught in the synagogues. Sometimes. Most of the time He was not in a church building. He met with the people wherever they were! On mountains. At the seashore. Where they work. In their homes. Jesus did not expect the people to wait on Him. Jesus came as servant and friend. He was approachable. He was touchable. Where do you minister? Who do you serve?

Jesus hung out with sinners. Jesus spent most of His time and invested Himself in 12 men who were – sinners! The men and women who spread the Good News of Jesus were not perfect! Jesus touched lepers. He comforted widows and orphans. He spoke and did not judge prostitutes! Is everyone welcome in your church? And if welcome initially are they encouraged and disciple’d – or just judged?

Jesus said He did not come to “abolish the law – but to fulfill it”. Jesus did not come to throw out traditions but to clarify (?) what they were really all about. An author in our publishing company, Bob Makar, wrote a book this year, The Messiah and His Kingdom to Come: A Biblical Road Map, that is based on the principle that everything from the beginning has pointed to Jesus and the Cross. Traditions in and of themselves are nothing but dogma if they are not a Living and Active testimony to God’s unending Love. Are your traditions inflexible and stale or flexible and fresh, meeting the needs of the people you serve?

The questions I have raised today are not easy but I hope I allow God to be God and that I have no other god before Him. I pray that if I am calling myself His ambassador – I am not misrepresenting Him!

Posted in Matthew | 1 Comment

My Prayer List

Posted on August 12, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.        Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)
I have a long list of prayer concerns these days. Those who are acutely ill, going through very difficult cancer treatment, having surgery, are awaiting test results, or hurting in relationships seem almost too numerous to count! I was just telling God that I feel “overwhelmed”. And that is where I stopped. I was speaking to God. He does not get overwhelmed!
The first word of this very familiar Proverb passage is TRUST. To put my confidence in God is not an ‘iffy’ decision. Either I trust God or I do not. It is not a half-step measure. It is one side of the line or the other. If I say I trust God for these people that I lift in prayer and then worry – I am not trusting God for them! I am offering this person to God – and then I am taking them back again to carry on my own.
“What if God doesn’t answer my prayer the way I expect? The way I ask?” Ah-ha! There is the real question. Do I trust God for whatever His plan may be? And if God is not going to do things the way I ask – then why ask in the beginning?
Prayer is conversation with God. It is speaking and listening. Someone that I love has a need. I ask God to meet that need. I ask God to heal that person. I believe and know that God can heal. That is what I ask and that is what I believe. I trust God with everything that I am! I do not understand all that God does and what it means. I just don’t! However, I do believe that however the answer comes, God is the One who gives the answer. I know that how ever much I love that person that God loves them more so God’s answer to my prayer will be the best answer for that person. The answer will be perfect because it came from God. It can be no other way.
My path is straight today because I am laying each burden down and put all my prayers, my hope, my confidence in my Lord and my God. There is no other that I would entrust with these very special people. I will not turn to the right or left but trust God for all!
Thank You, Lord! Thank you.
Posted in Proverbs | Comments Off on My Prayer List

Patience IS A Virtue – from God!

Posted on August 11, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.        2 Peter 3:9 (WEB, my emphasis)

Too often I speak with someone (or look in my own mirror) and find that we are beating ourselves up because we are “not where we are supposed to be in our spiritual walk”. When we make a decision to live as a disciple of Jesus, we become a “new creation”, don’t we? Does that mean the old person will never rear its ugly head? Does it mean I am always able to instantly resist any temptation?

When I brought home my children from the hospital after they were born they could not walk; they could not feed themselves. They could not read or speak in complete sentences. Someday they would be able to do that. It takes time to grow. I was not ashamed of them because they could not give a three-point speech on this, the occasion of their birth!

God is more patient with me than I am with myself. I allow frustration when I stumble to question my life with Christ and my ability to work in His Kingdom! If my old desires rear their nasty heads then I must not be His new creation! Ridiculous! Remember:

…he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.        Philippians 1:6 (WEB)

In many ways, my growth as a child of God is like the growth I experienced in my early chronological years. In my new birth, God provides what I need to grow and “older” Christians do His work with me as they give the example, mentor, and pray for me. Just as I was patient with my newborn children and my teenagers, so God is patient with me.

There is one major difference in my two births. The first – I had no choice in being born. This time, I do. The power is God’s. He puts forth all the effort. He provided the perfect atoning sacrifice; enduring all the pain. But the choice to again be born into a new growing creation – is mine.

So – I trust God. The more I stumble…the more I lean on Jesus. The more I press into His classroom of love and learning.

Posted in 2 Peter, Philippians | 1 Comment

To Go On LIving Is Christ

Posted on August 10, 2009 by Jody Neufeld

Dear Devotion Readers,

Today I want to share an excerpt of a communication  from a friend I have yet to meet.  She is BeckyLynn Black, wife of David Alan Black.  You can find her note in its entirety online.  May her testimony of hope bless you as it has blessed me today.  — Jody

To Go On Living Is Christ

“Because of my boldness, Christ will be exalted in my body, now as always, whether I live or die. For to me, to go on living is Christ, and to die is gain. Now if I go on living in this body, that will produce more results, yet I do not know which I would prefer. Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. But for your sake it is better that I remain in this body” (Phil. 1:20-24).

These words were written by the Apostle Paul when he was on “death row” in a Roman prison. He did not know the appointed day of his death, nor even for certain that it would happen. But all evidence pointed in that direction. Statistically, his days were ending.

The implication of Scripture is that from eternity past the days of our lives are set….a time to be born and a time to die. Although there have been instances in Scripture when God altered His calendar for individuals, generally-speaking He has a plan for all of His creation. He is a God of order, and His orderliness flows to even small details.

Sometimes He allows us to have some indication of when we are approaching the last of our days; sometimes He takes us suddenly, without warning. But although we as humans might struggle with the situation, He never is taken by surprise. He remains faithful to His character throughout all the days of our existence; He cannot change.

In the providence of God, 5 days ago I was given a diagnosis of “uterine papillary serous carcinoma.” Statistically, only 1 percent of women with my symptoms have this diagnosis. It is classified as an aggressive cancer that spreads quickly. And it has the worst prognosis of all the uterine cancers, especially if it has already spread. At this point we do not know the “stage” (spreading) of the cancer. This type of papillary serous is automatically given a Stage III (second worst spreading) until proven otherwise. I am scheduled to see the gynecologic oncologist on Monday afternoon (August 10), and surgery is expected soon thereafter. After surgery we will know better the stage of the cancer in my body.

All of this information is from the human side of things; we delight to wallow in statistics, don’t we? But the Truth is that the loving Father to whom I have committed my soul is still in control, and He will continue to perfect that which concerns me.

Let me be very clear: I do not long to live. What I long for is that I be useful for the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus. I’m in the same position as the Apostle Paul….I am ready for Heaven, to see His face…but if I can be useful for the Kingdom, to help believers (including my own family) grow strong, to influence others for Jesus, then I am willing and happy to remain on earth a while longer.

This does not mean that tears are not shed. Tears have been shed, and will be shed again. When Paul met with the Ephesian elders and said “good-bye” to them, tears were shed; he knew he would not see them again on earth. When the Lord Jesus was living, He cried; although only one instance of His tears is recorded in detail, the Scriptures call Him “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” When we cry, it is not a demonstration of lack of faith; we do not cry in despair. In the midst of our tears is a certain calm, an undercurrent of rest in His character, a sweetness of spirit that is founded upon His love.

It is our desire that as we walk through this “shadow of death” the Lord Jesus be lifted up and glorified. He will be glorified as we affirm Truth in the midst of difficulty. In the coming weeks/months we expect many days of physical and emotional pain, times of spiritual assault as the Evil One bombards us with falsehoods, hurting comments by spiritually-distracted people, periods of feeling abandoned and alone. But it is our resolve to lay hold on the Truth of the Scriptures, to discipline our minds, to affirm His character – and in that exercise to bring glory to His Name.

Scripture is clear that our lives are not to be lived “under a bushel.” We are to live honest, sincere, open lives of faith. This means vulnerability. We expose ourselves to misunderstanding, to ridicule, to lovelessness, to mockery. But there is no other way to live and still bring glory to the Lord Jesus.

In our culture, high-profile people often “go public” with their medical issues in an attempt to increase awareness and cultural discussion of the medical issue. We are “going public” with my situation in an attempt to increase awareness, not of the medical condition, but of the wonderful Lord Jesus, and to increase discussion of Him and His wonderful salvation.

There is power in prayer. I still do not understand why it is that the Creator of the Universe will bend His will to ours through our prayers, but I do know that He invites us to pray and He delights to hear our heart desires. We have seen Him do marvelous things in Ethiopia because of our prayers. If His Spirit urges you to pray for me and our family, then we welcome your prayers on our behalf. He will guide you in how to pray for us. For ourselves, we are praying 1) that His will be done, for His own glory, 2) that if I can be of more use to the Kingdom, He would allow me to be healed, and 3) that He would fill me with courage to trust Him and His character. In addition to praying for me, please pray for my family (Dave, Nathan/Jessie, Liz/Matthew/boys, parents, siblings), that God will fill them also with courage to trust Him completely with whatever the future brings.

Posted in Philippians | Comments Off on To Go On LIving Is Christ