Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Just a glance....
Sunday, October 13, 2013
The Samaritan Road
My experience over the last couple years working with Samaritan's Purse has taught me many things and has helped me to find the direction God is leading me for future ministry.
I learned some new skills:
Made some new friends, and even led a team:
But this last trip to Greeley, CO did not turn out like I expected. In fact, it was FAR from it! So, why not? Did I miss God? I went there expecting everything to go as planned. I would go out into the field and work with the other volunteers doing mud-outs and cleanups for the people whose homes were damaged in the floods - period - end of story! But that is not what happened! Instead I ended up with an eye condition that totally incapacitated me and I spent half my time there seeing Doctors and laying in a dark room with excruciating pain. It was a very humbling experience as I had to allow others to take care of me instead of me helping others.
When things don't go as we expect them to, we are tempted to second-guess ourselves and God. I certainly had opportunity to feel sorry for myself, or feel that I wasted my time and money doing something that maybe God hadn't really called me to do. But, as I kept looking to God for His purpose in this, I began to see His hand at every turn. I found myself getting direction from God for future ministry and assurance from Him that He will take care of me no matter where or what situation I find myself in! I was still able to be part of the team in yet another facet of the ministry by helping in the kitchen to cook the meals for the other volunteers, and I received the love and prayers from many of them along the way.
" The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." (Prov. 16:9 - NASB)
In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul apart to "do the work for which He called them..." They were commissioned and sent on their way to Seleucia, Cyprus and Salamas and began to spread God's word, but not everything went smoothly. They came up against opposition, were deserted by John Mark, and were persecuted. Yet, God still called them and equipped them, and was with them throughout their journeys.
Paul was blinded on his way to Damascus, but his time in darkness allowed his mind to be restored to light (truth).
Therefore, as I find myself in good company, I am grateful for every moment of my experience, and look forward to greater things to come!
I learned some new skills:
Made some new friends, and even led a team:
But this last trip to Greeley, CO did not turn out like I expected. In fact, it was FAR from it! So, why not? Did I miss God? I went there expecting everything to go as planned. I would go out into the field and work with the other volunteers doing mud-outs and cleanups for the people whose homes were damaged in the floods - period - end of story! But that is not what happened! Instead I ended up with an eye condition that totally incapacitated me and I spent half my time there seeing Doctors and laying in a dark room with excruciating pain. It was a very humbling experience as I had to allow others to take care of me instead of me helping others.
When things don't go as we expect them to, we are tempted to second-guess ourselves and God. I certainly had opportunity to feel sorry for myself, or feel that I wasted my time and money doing something that maybe God hadn't really called me to do. But, as I kept looking to God for His purpose in this, I began to see His hand at every turn. I found myself getting direction from God for future ministry and assurance from Him that He will take care of me no matter where or what situation I find myself in! I was still able to be part of the team in yet another facet of the ministry by helping in the kitchen to cook the meals for the other volunteers, and I received the love and prayers from many of them along the way.
" The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." (Prov. 16:9 - NASB)
In Acts 13 the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul apart to "do the work for which He called them..." They were commissioned and sent on their way to Seleucia, Cyprus and Salamas and began to spread God's word, but not everything went smoothly. They came up against opposition, were deserted by John Mark, and were persecuted. Yet, God still called them and equipped them, and was with them throughout their journeys.
Paul was blinded on his way to Damascus, but his time in darkness allowed his mind to be restored to light (truth).
Therefore, as I find myself in good company, I am grateful for every moment of my experience, and look forward to greater things to come!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Materialism
More, More, More
July 22, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher
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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Luke 12:13-21
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15
Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35Some people love to shop. They have a perpetual desire to buy, buy, buy. The craze to find the latest deal is worldwide. There are huge shopping malls in China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and around the world. A rise in store purchases and online buying show that buying is a global phenomenon.
Shopping can be fun. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with trying to find a real deal and to enjoy the things God has given to us. But when we become preoccupied with obtaining material goods, we lose focus.
Jesus challenged His listeners with these words: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). He went on to tell a parable about a man “who lays up treasure for himself,” but is not concerned about his relationship with God (v.21).
How can we learn to be content with what we have and not be consumed with amassing more? Here are some ways: View material goods as given by God to be used wisely (Matt. 25:14-30). Work hard to earn and save money (Prov. 6:6-11). Give to the Lord’s work and those in need (2 Cor. 9:7; Prov. 19:17). And always remember to be thankful and to enjoy what God gives (1 Tim. 6:17).
Lord, our hearts often run after “stuff.”Teach us not to be obsessed with collectingmore and more material goods. May we insteadlearn what it means to be “rich” toward You.To be rich in God is far better than to be rich in goods.
(.....And, if our economy crashes and you are no longer able to buy more stuff or lose what you already have, will you curse God, or run to Him? Just a thought........)
July 22, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher
Subscribe on iTunes
Play MP3 (Mobile)
Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Luke 12:13-21
Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. —Luke 12:15
Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35Some people love to shop. They have a perpetual desire to buy, buy, buy. The craze to find the latest deal is worldwide. There are huge shopping malls in China, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and around the world. A rise in store purchases and online buying show that buying is a global phenomenon.
Shopping can be fun. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with trying to find a real deal and to enjoy the things God has given to us. But when we become preoccupied with obtaining material goods, we lose focus.
Jesus challenged His listeners with these words: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). He went on to tell a parable about a man “who lays up treasure for himself,” but is not concerned about his relationship with God (v.21).
How can we learn to be content with what we have and not be consumed with amassing more? Here are some ways: View material goods as given by God to be used wisely (Matt. 25:14-30). Work hard to earn and save money (Prov. 6:6-11). Give to the Lord’s work and those in need (2 Cor. 9:7; Prov. 19:17). And always remember to be thankful and to enjoy what God gives (1 Tim. 6:17).
Lord, our hearts often run after “stuff.”Teach us not to be obsessed with collectingmore and more material goods. May we insteadlearn what it means to be “rich” toward You.To be rich in God is far better than to be rich in goods.
(.....And, if our economy crashes and you are no longer able to buy more stuff or lose what you already have, will you curse God, or run to Him? Just a thought........)
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