A Little Inconvenience

A Little Inconvenience

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

I love order. I love plans. I love controlling both. So God brought me to Romania to teach me lessons on “being inconvenienced for Him”.

It began with teaching me how to handle inconveniences in a God-honoring way. Here are just some of the lessons that come to mind.

In Romania, water can be shut off at any time of day for any length of time. We have to forego all water-related activities—cooking, laundry, mopping Ranger’s muddy paw-prints, showering or flushing the toilet--until the water company decides to turn the water back on.

When this happens, God often reminds me, “Do you want to see your children handling these inconveniences in a God-honoring way? Then teach them by your example”.

He reminds me to be flexible--to ‘go with the flow’ (pun intended).

“Every unplanned event is an opportunity for you to display me and allow your children to learn how to handle the unexpected things in life in a God-honoring way.”

Another lesson involved my daily schedule (remember my love for order). I need to be places at specified times. Preparing--and serving--family meals is squeezed between morning and afternoon appointments. On one particular day, I didn’t think I had time for a conversation with a man who is lost and desperately needs Jesus. He busily argued science and why he was a good person. I couldn’t get a word in edge-wise and I thought in my spirit, “Ok, Lord, I gotta go--this is a waste of my precious time. This guy isn’t willing to receive and I need to be somewhere by 1:00pm.”

God replied, “It’s 11:30am and look outside.”.

Reinforcements were coming. Jeje walked in to see what was taking me so long. I explained the situation (in English). He smiled and took over the conversation. The man listened attentively. JeJe used a different approach (I can’t tell you how much Jesus sending His Disciples “two by two” has played out in our lives).

God said, “Can you be inconvenienced for Me? Can you sit here and pray in your Spirit as Jeje shares the Gospel? This man’s soul is at stake. Can you call your kids and tell them what they can find in the fridge for lunch?”

Yes, Lord I can, and I will.

That day the Lord reminded me that my being flexible, and allowing Him to intervene in my daily plans, allows Him to prepare me for the next thing, which often takes the form of unexpected visits and food. A few of our tests:

A relative arrived and proudly gave me a dead, skinned rabbit--yes, some people really enjoy eating them here. The Lord reminded me to smile and graciously accept the gift, as it is honoring to Him and a witness for Him. I was already in the “be prepared for anything” mode. No, I didn’t eat the rabbit – but I thanked the family member and smiled. He left feeling good about his gift, and that’s what is important.

Another time, in the middle of cooking a fantastic meal for out of town relatives, they arrived with a pot of food already made. Yes, they carried those cabbage rolls on the bus, along with a fully de-feathered, intact, chicken carcass (head and feet included). The wife, who is reputed to be a terrible cook and isn’t known for cleanliness, expected us to eat her food and cook that chicken. I smiled and thanked them for their gift. They felt great and honored, and that’s what is important.

On a different occasion, we were ready to begin dinner when a neighbor brought slices of her freshly baked rum cake for dessert. I know from experience that I don’t tolerate even the smell of rum and, honestly, that cake didn’t fit my idea of healthy food. However, Romanian etiquette demands a sample taste and gratitude for the gift. I must decline the taste, but express my gratitude (with profuse superlatives) for her delicious gift. “How incredibly kind and gracious of you, to think of us and share your cake with us.” My neighbor left feeling great about her cake, but convinced I’m an American who can’t handle her rum.

Finally, there is the dear neighbor who likes to bring us his homemade cow cheese. I love fresh cow cheese—when it’s made with clean hands. Unfortunately, his are filthy, but he will expect a full report on how much I enjoyed this cheese. God always reminds me to consider the huge financial sacrifice our neighbor makes in giving us this big block of cheese. I’m overcome with thanksgiving for his gift and let him know. He left feeling so great about his being able to bless our family with that cow cheese. I will take one tiny taste to ensure my honest response when asked. “It tasted great.”

It has taken hard-core training for me to learn to handle these situations in God-honoring ways. I don’t like re-taking tests. I want to nail them on the first go around. Unfortunately, this was a lesson that needed to be re-taught over and over and over.

You see, I grew up an only child, where I controlled my environment. I didn’t have to share. I didn’t have to consider anyone else’s feelings. My toys were my toys. My dollhouse was arranged perfectly. I was “the captain of my ship”. If I didn’t like something, I told you and that was the end of it.

As I grew older, I carried these personal preferences into my adulthood. I made plans—my way, on my terms and in the way I deemed fit. If people wanted to join in, great. If not, no worries. I didn’t need to be inconvenienced or bothered.

But, the heart of God is not for us to be alone or control our environment in a way that shuts others out. God patiently waited for me to surrender my plans for the future, and the way it would be worked out for me and my family.

More importantly, it began in surrendering my heart in exchange for his--asking him to give me his heart for others. After all, as God’s disciple, I want to be obedient to him. In doing this, the two greatest commandments are fulfilled:

“Jesus said to him, You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

When we love God and love others as ourselves, we are obedient. His commands are not burdensome; they bring peace and balance to life and home, and so much more--including seeing people being exposed to the Gospel.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to have plans which bring order to our sometime chaotic lives; but there must always be a submission to God’s authority over them. He’s interested in every remote detail and corner of our lives.

God doesn’t measure big or small. He wants us to surrender all the circumstances to His authority—his Lordship. When we handle the unexpected curve balls and inconveniences of life with the grace and wisdom of God, Jesus is greatly magnified. Our example proclaims the Gospel to a watching world and demonstrates his love and power to the most important disciples entrusted to us, our children.

by Coleen Jejeran, Missionary to Romania



Consent Needed

Consent Needed

“Let your attitude to life be that of Jesus Christ himself. For he, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his privileges as God’s equal, but stripped himself of every advantage by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born a man. And, plainly seen as a human being, he humbled himself by living a life of utter obedience, to the point of death, and the death he died was the death of a common criminal.” Philippians 2:5-9 (J.B.Phillips)

A little review about Philippi. It was a prosperous, large city, heavily inhabited by retirees from the Roman army. They were enjoying the perks of the good life (think Palm Springs), including the services of their slaves. Possibly one person in every five was owned by someone else, an accepted practice in ancient times.

In Philippians 1:1 Paul introduced himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ. In the Greek manuscript that word is doulos. one who is devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interests. As described in the Old Testament,

“But, suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you. In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life.”
Deuteronomy 15:16-17

This is the picture of a bondservant. He or she willingly takes the lower position to serve another for the rest of their life. They then receive a mark—perhaps an earring—that identifies them as belonging to the master. Wherever they go—whatever they do—they represent the interests of their master.

Jesus gives us the ultimate example. The one who stripped himself of his glory, and willingly put on the limitations of man. And he did it for Joy, the joy of paying our sin debt, the joy of presenting you and me without flaw to God the Father.

Paul exhorts, “Let this mind be in you” (KJV). Consent is needed. We don’t get the mind of Christ unless we are willing to receive it. In Jon Courson’s commentary on Philippians he writes

“One of the most important components in understanding joyful, successful Christianity is this: You cannot change your heart—but you can change your mind. Conversely, God can change your heart, but he won’t change your mind. Therefore, if I choose to change the way I think about a given situation, God will change my heart to follow suit. But if I do not choose to change my thoughts, God will not change my heart.”

Let this mind be in me…have the same attitude that Christ had. My choice. It’s the attitude with which I need to live. It’s how I need to view my purpose for taking up space on planet earth.

Jesus came as a man for one purpose: to provide salvation from sin. Every moment leading to Calvary was in service toward that end. He revealed the truth of God in what he said and did. He came as a servant. He considered others as worth the cost of self.

It’s human nature to please ourselves. That’s why we’re so vulnerable to Satan’s game plan—testing us in the big three: lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life. The battle is in our thoughts. They determine our choices.

“As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

Let this mind be in you… It takes our consent for God to change us. Will we submit…obey this direction? Will we live out our relationships and responsibilities by thinking of the needs of others first—without thinking
what’s in it for me?
when is it my turn?
What about my needs?

God has told us he has purpose and it’s way better than we think (Isaiah 55:9). The apostles James and Peter both exhorted believers to exercise humility—to willingly take a lower status.

“Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up in honor.”
James 4:10
”So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.”
1 Peter 5:6

There is a “down” and there is an “up.” We take the lower position to serve and God lifts us up to a place of honor. That’s what’s in it for us. That’s when it’s our turn. That’s the promise that our needs will be met. There is joy in serving a purpose, in agreeing to the destiny God has for us. It takes our consent.

“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2: 9-11

by Marilyn Allison



Lost But Found

Lost But Found

"Indeed, the Son of Man has come to seek and to save people who are lost.”
Luke 19:10 (God’s Word translation)

This is my testimony and the reason I Know the beautiful promises of God are true, life changing, and everlasting.

I am guilty of having a shameful, and sinful past.

In my younger years I made the selfish, and terrible, decision to leave my husband for another man.

The consequences of my sin caused unmentionable pain to myself, my family, and others. The “honeymoon phase” of my new marriage was extremely short lived. Our relationship turned into turmoil within weeks of saying “I Do” at the justice of the peace. Almost immediately, “the thrill” was gone, and my new marriage turned into a living nightmare. Guilt, self-loathing, and regret drove me into a hopeless pit of mental and spiritual despair. When I finally reached rock bottom, and my life had become completely unmanageable, Jesus came to my rescue and saved me…and my marriage.

During this time, a pastor had put a hand-written invitation on my door to attend service at a local church. Before I knew it, I found myself walking into that small church—all alone—not knowing what to expect. I was instantly overcome by the beautiful worship, sung heartily by the congregation. The obvious joy in their voices was a clear indication of their love for the Lord. I was captivated.

The topic of the sermon escapes me, but—thirty years later—I still remember the lovely feeling of peace. Even in my sinful state, it was clear to me that God meant for me to be at that church, at that time, and for that service.

In that small church I learned the truth about the love of Jesus. He came to earth—not to shame, or condemn—but to forgive and to save. He loved me just as I was. Because of his grace and mercy, his blood—shed on the cross at Calvary—washed clean my sinful soul.

Sadly, I had to learn the hard way that Jesus wants only what is best for me—his laws are for my own good and protection. I learned there is no better feeling than knowing I am loved by my creator.  That having a personal relationship with Jesus, surpasses any other relationship on this earth. I have discovered that reading and studying the Bible is life changing—exciting—and that there is nothing more fulfilling in life than serving the Lord.

The more I strive to please and obey Jesus, the more aware I become of my sinful nature. I know that I will always struggle to live a life that glorifies the Lord, and that I continue to fail him repeatedly. However, I will never again believe the enemy’s lies that I am unworthy to seek— and accept—forgiveness from my heavenly father. I never want to slip back into the empty, meaningless life I once led, and pray that I will never take for granted the cost of my salvation.

I recently heard a pastor say that God can use even our greatest sin to bring about good if we are willing to share our experience to help others. My prayer is that somehow, my past can spare someone else the misery I suffered and inflicted. May it offer encouragement to trust that God will forgive any sin from a soul who earnestly seeks forgiveness, and repents. 

I feel incredibly blessed that the Lord has given me a new heart, a Christ centered life, a loving marriage, amazing church, and a pastor who loves the Lord, and humbly teaches God’s truth with passion, and integrity.

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (GW)

by Julie Hill

Therefore

Therefore

There’s a phrase in Philippians 2:12 that stops me everytime. The verse starts out like this:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence,”

Therefore. Let’s stop for a moment. This word “therefore” (Greek: hostein) is really important. In context, Paul uses it to direct us back to the imperative—which is most often a firm command of vital importance. In a sense, Paul is taking a yellow highlighter, underlining, emboldening, and maybe even drawing arrows to connect the previous verses in chapter two to what he writes next in verse 12. And this is where I halt.

“. . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling;” (v.12b)

Work out (I love working out). . . your salvation (Thank you, Jesus!). . . with fear and trembling. Stop!

When I think of working out, I automatically think of my physical body. To stay healthy I believe it’s important to exercise. Working out strengthens our muscles, heart, and mind.

I understand there are those who don’t enjoy working out. Exercise takes time, effort (lots of effort) and commitment for it to be beneficial. Putting in time and effort won’t be enjoyable to someone who’s never experienced the benefits of a committed exercise routine.

Then there are people who just don’t have time to go to the gym. Long workdays and family take priority—good, healthy habits easily slide into empty intentions. Soon, traction is lost and focus grows fuzzy as to what is beneficial for us to be on our game (I.e.: physically, mentally and emotionally).

Those jeans don’t fit quite as well…clarity of mind grows dim…and the ugly things we tell ourselves about how lazy, fat, or weak we’ve become…are just a few negative results of neglecting our bodies.

Through this example I see great insight into Paul’s intention for believers to “work out your salvation…” He is exhorting us to exercise our salvation. As if to say, Put lots of your time into knowing what your salvation is about. Oh, and lots of effort. And be committed. Until the end. Paul is a prime coach.

Just like God formed us in our mother’s womb and gave us earthly bodies to live in, our bodies require us to participate in its health.

As an adult, it’s my responsibility to feed myself or I starve. It is my obligation to get enough rest or I crash. It’s my duty to learn and understand what’s good for my mind and avoid that which is not. And it is my privilege to engage in relationships that build me up, challenge me to grow, and comfort me. With a lack of food, sleep, focus and friendships, it’s impossible to thrive. And, if what I habitually take in through my mouth, mind, or heart is unhealthy and damaging, the consequences are a gradual rotting away.

Do you see the connection?

Working out my salvation—though initiated by God through the perfect, sinless life, death and resurrection of his Son—requires my participation. Always.

If I neglect what God requires of me how will I have the confidence to know God’s gift of grace is for me? How will I have courage to stand firm?

Without confidence we are resistant to stand.

The word for "work out" is katergazomai. It comes from the same word used for the phrase “having done” in Ephesians 6:13:

"Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm"

I like what the early English minister, Joseph Benson, wrote about “having done everything”:

“Having exerted yourselves to the utmost, and used the grace conferred upon (granted to) you, and the means and advantages vouchsafed (permitted) you, according to the will of God, which indeed it will be absolutely necessary for you to do; or having gone through all your conflicts, and accomplished your warfare” (emphasis added).

God’s will is that we exert ourselves in taking hold of his grace and every advantage he’s given us to work out our salvation, and remain fit to stand firm.

As we read God’s Word, the advantages are more than plenty. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3) But we must take hold of everything.

Do we take advantage of all things God has graciously bestowed upon us . . . or just some?

Which one(s) do we typically tend to avoid? How many have we not yet even realized?

I pray with all my heart that today will be the day we commit to exercising our freedom and privilege in Christ by learning to apply all he’s granted to us.

We can confidently trust and thank God we aren’t required to do this in our own strength. To be honest, we can’t. But by the power of his Spirit, God is working in us who believe, and giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

May we commit to working out our salvation with profound reverence (that’s fear) and a wakeful conscience (that’s trembling) because the day is coming when every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, and of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

And that’s what “therefore” is there for.

Therefore, my beloved . . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling . . . to fulfill his good purpose.”

by Dana Lange

Purchased For Eternity

Purchased For Eternity

"You were bought with a price, do not become slaves to men (the world)."
1 Corinthians 7:23

Don’t believe the lies that try to enslave you into thinking you're inadequate. Social media makes it look like everyone has a fantastic life. Magazine ads give an unrealistic view of what we should look like. There is a cream to take away the lines on your face or a new procedure to take away baldness. These things make us doubt our worth. And once you buy into it, you’re trapped into thinking you can’t go without checking Facebook or Twitter—spending money on things you can’t afford.

But God...

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God." Hebrews 12:2

Chains broken, strongholds torn down and captivity’s doors ripped apart. The veil to God’s presence was torn from top to bottom, giving access where there was none before. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price to free us. He did it knowingly, willingly and—hear this my friends—with great joy!

AND he did it for us!!

Joy? In us? Father God saw us at our worst and said “she is valuable...he is worth everything to me”. The unexplainable, indescribable love of God set you free!

"He did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things." Romans 8:32

You are loved beyond measure. You can’t lose God's gift, because it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

One thing we need to remember about the love of God--it is not based on feelings. Our feelings are based on human emotion, on external circumstances. God’s love for us is Fact. It doesn’t matter how things are going, whether you feel happy or any other emotion.

God’s love just Is.

"Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever." Psalm 136:26

by Eve Montano