His Work in You

His Work in You

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6

The day I read this verse and realized its significance is indelibly etched in my mind. The sense of joy and freedom that washed over me and filled my soul still turns the light of hope on in my spirit. God began a good work in me when I first believed in Jesus. He will continue working out good in me until I am safely with him. That promise is written with the blood of my Savior.

The other day I heard an interview about “bullying.” The authors* spoke about the Christian being bullied by four states of mind we battle. I’ve battled them in different ways over the years, but never thought about them as bullying. Then I realized each one of them produced guilt in my life. The kind of guilt that wreaks havoc on my insides. The guilt that I’m not good enough…and never will be.

I wonder…does it do that to you, too? Have you ever thought that you were being bullied? The Bible exhorts us to be alert because our battle isn’t against what we can see.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12

The enemy is a bully. He deceives us through standards of the four “P’s:” Perfectionism, performancism, people-pleasing, and procrastination. What we do must be perfect or it’s not worth doing. We need to be the best at whatever we do or it’s not worth doing. We need approval—validation—or it’s not worth doing. We can’t do any of those three so it’s not worth trying—procrastination.

“Good” in the Greek is “agathos (ag-ath-os). It means good in character, honorable, pleasing to God. Jesus, in Matthew 19:17, says there is none good but God. And God has imparted the good nature of ‘God the Son’ to all who have believed. We’re a work in progress. As we turn our backs on the desires and emotions of our self-natures and embrace the gift of Christ’s nature, good grows in us.

“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

We have exceeding great and precious promises we can stand on. We don’t have to be perfect. We don’t have to perform for others. We don’t have to please people. And, when it becomes our goal to glorify and please God, procrastination has no hold over us. He will continue his work in us until the day when Jesus Christ returns for his bride.

by Marilyn Allison

*”You Don’t Have to Try So Hard”
by Kathi Lipp and Cheri Gregory

Is it Worth it?

Is it Worth it?

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." Colossians 3:23

We women know about serving, don’t we?  We do a lot of thankless, non-glamorous jobs that others grow to depend on.  

Recently, I read about Dorcas, a disciple of Christ, in Acts 9:36-40.  She was deeply loved and inconsolably grieved when she died, and I wondered, “Why?” What did Dorcas do that so profoundly affected others? Was it just making garments and tunics?  I imagine that she, too, might have wondered at times if sewing countless pieces of cloth really made any difference in the world.  Did she ever wish she could do something else, or wonder if she should do something else?   

I don’t know what you think of when you hear the word, “Missionary.”  I’ve had many people tell me, “I couldn’t do what you do.”  

Really?  What do I do? To be honest, a lot of regular, mundane things. 

Like you, I show up and love those God has put in my life and brought across my path.  I do life and serve in many “no big deal” ways. And sometimes I do wonder, “Lord, how does any of this make a difference? Isn’t there something else you’d like me to do?”  

After we joined MAF in 1991, there was such glorious expectation of what serving God in full time ministry meant.  Then after we arrived in Suriname in 1992 and started our “ministry” it didn’t take long to realize that there was a lot of uninteresting, everyday life involved, especially for me as a young wife and mother. 

God has spent many years working on my heart to shift my focus from “what I can do for Him” to “doing all as unto Him,” and then let Him work through me how, when, and where He wished. And when He does, I am always so amazed.  The results are so much better than anything I could have imagined.  And when God works through me, He gets the glory, not me!   

After our kids were grown, we lived in a communist country where our activities were limited and becoming a Christian could be dangerous. I taught English and developed relationships, but ached to be able to do something more significant. And then one day, God graciously allowed me a glimpse into His work behind the scenes.  

High in the northern mountains of that Southeast Asian country was a group of people to whom God began revealing Himself through healing and visions.  Despite persecution, this small group grew.  One man decided to teach his village to read so they could read the Bible. He needed to find elusive Bibles in their language; so, he began to pray.  

Sometime later, a woman from his village had a “chance” meeting in the capital with our friend, a long-time literacy worker.  In their brief encounter, the village woman found out that our friend was a believer and knew that some Bibles existed in their language.  

Sometime later, we unexpectedly found ourselves heading over the boarder to a non-communist country for aviation school supplies.  As we were driving, I suddenly remembered that my friend was already there recovering from a recent cancer treatment.  I knew she didn’t have any transportation or way to bring back supplies and might appreciate some help; so I called her. 

Little did I know that when I called, she had just received a call from the village man saying he was in town to pick up the Bibles--the ones she knew existed, but didn’t say she had! Amazingly, she just “happened” to be near the only repository of Bibles in his language in the region when he called, but she had no idea how to get them over the border to him. As soon as she hung up with him, my call came through. “Hi,” I said, “We’re heading your way. Do you need a ride?”   

What miraculous provision that simple act of offering a friend a ride turned out to be.  Like clockwork, as if it had been carefully planned, we met our friend on the other side of the border, went to where the Bibles were located, filled the truck, took her shopping, dropped her back off at her hotel, and sailed through customs with our truck filled with school supplies, groceries, and what they called “ancient history books.”  

Later, when several villagers made their way out of the mountains to help bring the precious books back to their village, we had the privilege to sit among them and hear of God’s wonders amidst persecution.  What a humbling and amazing experience!  These materials were going to make a difference not only for them, but for surrounding villages that needed to hear God’s Word.

And what did I do? Nothing much; just loved and served my friend.  What a difference that one simple, mundane act of offering a friend a ride made. 

Has it been worth it?  Yes!  In more ways than I will ever know here on earth.

Do not grow weary! There is so much more going on behind the scenes.  It is God you are serving.  And He is the one that does the work. 

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23, 24

What does God want you to hear from Him today about serving Him with whatever He has placed before you?  

by Rebecca Emenaker,
CCEA Missionary to MAF
(Missionary Aviation Fellowship)

Editor's Note: Rebecca and her husband have been serving with MAF since 1991 in Suriname, Russia, Asia, and now in Idaho at MAF US headquarters. Rebecca has served in many roles including wife, mother, librarian, and English teacher.  She delights in pointing others to the hope and life we have in Christ and the wonders found in God’s Word and creation.  

Go Where I Send You

Go Where I Send You

"And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15

On June 8th, 2017, I got on a plane and flew ten hours to the beautiful country of Ireland.  I had no idea what the Lord had in store for me over the next three months, but I knew that I was where I was supposed to be.

The circumstances leading up to that day were saturated with the Lord’s guidance and providence.  There was nothing I had to do to try to make everything happen--nothing was ever forced--nothing ever imposed.  The Lord just aligned everything perfectly for me to be able to spend the Summer in Ireland.  By the time I was asked if I would like to go and serve there, everything was already in place.  God had opened all the doors, and I didn’t have to do a single thing but ask him.

Most of the time when someone is called to do ministry--whether that be in their home, their church, or on a mission trip--there is opposition.  For me, rather than facing circumstantial obstacles, mine was a battle of the mind. As soon as the Lord started opening doors, thoughts of doubt and discouragement made it feel like they were closing again.

I’ve come to realize that’s what the enemy does.  When God plants a desire in our hearts to serve him, the enemy will try to stomp it out by telling us we don’t know enough, or someone else would be better fit, or we don’t deserve it, or it’ll be too hard.  These thoughts can leave us feeling weak and disheartened.  But, as for most things, God gave us his word for that.

“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

When I went to Ireland on a two-week mission trip in 2016, this was the theme verse.  It was certainly prevalent on that mission trip, and equally so during the three months I spent in Ireland last year.  The Lord reminded me that his strength is enough.  He taught me that nothing can stop him from accomplishing his purpose--not the fact that I was only 17 years old, not the fact that I needed substantial finances, not the fact that Ireland was all the way in Europe, and not the fact that I’d have to leave my friends and family for three months. I never imagined having such an opportunity. I was shocked...and then so, so thankful.

With all that said, I really hope you are encouraged to start praying about where the Lord may send you, or what opportunities he may have in store.  It could be right in your hometown, or it could be on the other side of the world. Nothing is out of reach, not with the power of Christ living in us.  Don’t let your age, financial situation, knowledge, or any other doubt keep you from serving Jesus.  He has made you qualified because he promises to provide whatever you need when he calls you to something.  

I especially want to encourage my peers. I’ve had so many friends and acquaintances tell me they weren’t sure if they should do something (go on a mission trip, go witnessing, etc.) because they didn’t feel like they knew enough to try to share with other people.  I’ve felt that way, too.  But God always, always provides.  You’re not too young, too unknowledgeable, too inexperienced.  

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

It’s important to remember that he is the one who does the work. He will never fail you.  Remember, what may seem like a failure in your mind could very well be a victory in disguise. God can use you in ways you would never have imagined--or even thought--possible.  That gives us a reason to really get excited. God has so many great things in store for your life.  

My final encouragement would be to pray. Pray about how you can further God’s kingdom. If the Lord provides an opportunity, pray about going on a mission trip.  Mission trips are such a special experience.  I have learned so much and grown so much from the mission trips I’ve been on.

Maybe God has opened the door to serve in a new ministry, or help with an outreach. Pray about that.  It’s crazy to see how many doors begin to open, once we get on our knees and pray., God loves you, and has amazing things for you. There is nothing more fulfilling than living a life dedicated to glorifying him.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20.

by Kaylee Kissack

First Things First

First Things First

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

Grace. What a beautiful word, full of depth and meaning. There’s something about the way it flows from my heart and bubbles over with sweet joy from my lips. As I read Paul’s letter to the Philippians I have to believe he felt the same way. And just as some parents have chosen to name their newborn baby daughters after this lovely expression of gratitude and undeserved favor, I’d have to say the apostle is most well deserving to own it too.

In his salutation to the church at Philippi, Paul greets his readers with this most amazing blessing:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

Notice what’s first—grace. This word in the Greek is “charis”. It signifies favor, gift, benefit, even credit.

Paul knew it was the most important thing needed for the people he loved. Why? Because everything true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy flows from grace.

There have been times in my life where troubling circumstances have provoked fear and anxiety deep within me. Like a noose around my heart, worry threatened my sanity. I know I’m not alone in this. And I am ever grateful Paul was keenly aware of this battle for our minds. Not only was he inspired by the Spirit of Christ, who is all grace, but also by his own personal experience. Paul knew grace. He reveled in the glorious reality of grace more than he retreated into the raw reality of his problems.

On a good day, I’ve done this too. But not all days are good. And if God’s grace is abundant and abounding, why have I wrestled over what makes some hard days easy to endure and others painfully difficult?

I believe Paul has the answer.

There’s a word in the fourth chapter of Philippians that jumped out at me as I meditated on this most priceless word, “grace”— its “thanksgiving”.

Paul writes this:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)

The word “thanksgiving” is the word “eucharista”. In the Greek it is “eucharistos”, eu, meaning “good” and the rest being a derivative of the word “charis”. Eucharistos—grateful for good grace.

Could it be that in those moments when I’ve struggled just to keep my head above the fierce waves of despair, I’ve forgotten to practice eucharista?

Paul exhorts us to put into practice whatever we’ve learned or received or heard from him. And we must. The peace of God is waiting to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus if we only receive His good grace with great gratitude.

by Dana Lange

Bring Glory and Praise to God

Bring Glory and Praise to God

"May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation--the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:11

Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? Why you were born? Why you are in the circumstances you are experiencing? Paul has put our lifetime of questions and our life time of experience in this neat summary. It is, first, his prayer for the believers in Philippi, but it echoes the heart of God for all of us.

That we would be filled with the fruit of our salvation--transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Studying the Word of God, and our willingness to obey, produces the change that glorifies him.

"Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2

It's God's desire that our minds are changed--delivered from thinking like the world to thinking as Jesus thought. He said 

"I do always those things that please him (the father)." John 8:29

Is it our goal to daily please the Father? Is it our goal to bring praise and glory to his Name? Then let us allow the Word to dwell richly in us. God's word transforms...renews...sanctifies and cleanses our minds and--Praise God--changes our hearts.

This morning the Thursday Women's Bible study begins a three month in-depth journey through the book of Philippians, a book often called the epistle of joy. Paul, though in prison, rejoiced in the faith of the Philippian believers. They had joy in spite of their circumstances. 

Joy in the midst of need. Joy in the midst of persecution. Joy in every situation. Because of Jesus.

May the transforming power of the blood and words of Jesus be so evident in each one of us that we joyfully bring glory and praise to his Name.

by Marilyn Allison