Thoughts from a Sunday Afternoon

This past Sunday was a busy one! First, there was church and preaching. My topic was, "We live by faith, not by sight," taken from 2 Corinthians 5:7. It was nice because I felt I really did have the words God wanted me to say. Then, several church members and myself went to visit "Saakum." (Grandfather) He is the husband of one of the church members. (He is the one covered in a white cloth with his head hanging down.) He had been to the Lawra hospital and was referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. His condition was not good. So, we went to his house to pray for him. I took one look at him and thought, "He is going to die." Oh, he looked to be about 110 years old. He was too weak to hold his head up. He was all skin and bones. Samuel took the lead, speaking with Saakum's wife, to Saakum and leading in prayer. Atone point, Samuel asked for water, because, especially here, water is life. He gave some to Saakum on a spoon. Saakum could barely sip it. He mainly spilled it. AS I was watching events of the visit unfold, I was arguing with myself. "I just preached on living by faith, not by sight. And, I see the reality of this man's condition and think that he is going to die. Where is my faith? Aren't I supposed to believe in what I can't see? But, what is God's will for this man?" And on and on it went. I spoke with his wife before we left the house, encouraging her. As we left the house, I told Samuel, "We will be going to a funeral this week." Then, I told him about my struggles - what I see with my eyes vs. faith. Tough call! 

Tuesday I received word that Saakum had died. Was it lack of faith? Lack of medical care? Or was it the will of God...to give Saakum the ultimate healing? I doubt that Saakum was a believer. He was most likely a Traditionalist. Only God knows for sure. I pray that God would use this to draw Saakum's family to Himself. That God would comfort the mourning and give them peace. And that He would provide for the family.

Please pray for people like Saakum, who do not have access to proper medical care, who may not know the Lord. Pray that God would provide someone locally to minister to the people that He is calling to be His own.

A Cry for Mercy

O Lord, who else or what else can I desire but You? You are my Lord, Lord of my heart, mind and soul. You know me through and through. In and through You everything that is finds its origin and goal. You embrace all that exists and care for it with divine love and compassion. Why then, do I keep expecting happiness and satisfaction outside of You? Why do I keep relating to You as one of my many relationships, instead of my only relationship, in which all other ones are grounded? Why do I keep looking for popularity, respect from others, success, acclaim, and sensual pleasures? Why, Lord, is it so hard for me to make You the only one? Why do I keep hesitating to surrender myself totally to You?

 

Help me, O Lord, to let my old self die, to let die the big and small ways in which I am still building up my false self and trying to cling to my false desires. Let me be reborn in You and see through You the world in the right way, so that all my actions, words and thought can become a hymn of praise to You.

 

I need Your loving grace to travel this hard road that leads to the death of my old selfand to a new life in and for You. I know and trust this is the road to freedom.

 

Lord, dispel my mistrust and help me become a trusting friend. Amen

 

 

From A Cry for Mercy by Henri J. M. Nouwen

The Story - My Story

 

The epilogue of The Story ends with this sentence, "The chapter with your name is about to be written." Hmmm....a chapter in The Story is pretty close to a book of the Bible. How would my chapter read? Would it be all "fluff", good reading when one is so tired that eyes are almost closed? Would it be a comedy? A love story? (I doubt it.) Or, would it be a chapter of heartache and broken dreams? Would there be adventure? Will it be a mystery? Or just history? How will it end?

 

I think the chapter would include all of the above. Most of all, I pray it would be a story of redemption, a story of someone who, in their own way, searched for something. A story of searching for Someone and found Him. A love story, yes, but not your typical love story. I pray it will be a chapter of grace - grace received and grace given. I pray that my chapter will be a source of help, and quite possibly, inspiration, to others. When others read about the good, bad and ugly of my life and read how God has used it to glorify the Father, maybe they won't give up, but, press on towards the goal.

 

So, my friends, since my chapter is not in this book, or any other, feel free to ask me about how God has made a beautiful stained glass window out of the broken glass shards of my life. Let's talk! I know that my God can do the same for you! 

God Be with You 'Til We Meet Again

The day was Sunday, 17 August 2014. It was around noontime. Worship service was just about over. Announcements were being made. All was well...until I made the final announcement of the day. "I love Kalsagri. You have become my family...You have noticed that I have been sitting more frequently..." It was the beginning of a very difficult announcement. I was traveling back to America for surgery, for a knee replacement. I would be gone for 5 1/2 months...

As I spoke, I watched the faces of the congregation. The surprise. The shock. The love. The concern. And, something stirred within me. It was the same thing I experienced in August 1996, when I was leaving a camp in Russia. An 8 year old girl, an orphan was sobbing on my shoulder...and I on hers. I didn't intend to "get involved" with anyone then, just like I didn't realize how interwoven my life was with the lives of the people of Kalsagri. I was in pain (still am). I knew I needed surgery. But, oh, how hard it was to let people know I was leaving.

I was able to worship with the Kalsagri church one more time before I left Ghana. The congregation prayed for me with such faith and such love and such passion...how could God not answer their prayers? I miss them. And, my prayer is, "God be with you until we meet again."



Undisciplined

Undisciplined...that about sums up the struggles in my life. I know I am not the only one who struggles with this. Monday, I had a dental implant. So, I basically didn't schedule much this week because I didn't know how I would feel. I had all day yesterday and today so far to do as I want. Did I take optimum time with God? No, but I did take some time. Did I eat properly. No...I found out that even after oral surgery, it didn't hurt to eat! Did I exercise? Hmm...do I even remember what that word means. Did I just rest and enjoy the day since my schedule has been so hectic? No, I did a little bit of everything. (Of course today, I regret it.) And so goes my story of woe...

 

I know what I should do. I don't do it, though. I'm not the only one with this issue. Romans 7 tells us about Paul, "What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. (v. 15) I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. (vs. 18-19) It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. (vs.21-23)"

 

So, if Paul was undisciplined, what chance do I have? I have a pretty good chance of turning the tables, just like Paul had. Why? Because my God, and his, is bigger than anything else! I can turn the desires of my flesh, the way I spend my time, spend my money, even how I eat, exercise or what I think...God can change all of that. If I give my desires to Him, He will renew my life. I will once again live passionately for Him. How about you? How do you want to live?

 

Father God, I give to You my life, as undisciplined as it is, so that I can do all things through You. I know that with You I am able to overcome the areas of my life that do not glorify You. Change me, O God."

A Heart Warming Moment

Last Sunday I worshipped at the Bethel Methodist Society in Lawra. I sat near my friends Lydia and her 7 month old son, Albert. I wanted to hold Albert and, when I reached out for him, he reached out for me. The two of us spent most of the service together.

At one point in the service, worship songs were sung in Dagaare. And, when that happens, people begin to dance, praising God with their whole being. (After all, this is Africa!) Lydia was one of the women who went forward to dance. And, at that moment I was awe struck. Here is a woman who is HIV positive, a single mother, who chooses to praise God instead of cursing Him because of her life circumstance. This is what faith is all about. My heart was warmed at the sight and I was praising and thanking God.

Later in the service, the Pastor asked if anyone wanted more from God in their life  to come forward. He asked for people to come forward if they wanted to make a commitment to Jesus Christ. And, during this time, Lydia went forward. She prayed. And, she repeated the "Sinner's Prayer." Whether or not Lydia understood what was going on, I don't know. God does. And He will work in her as she makes herself open to His voice.

I am trusting that seeds have been planted and sown. I am grateful for what has taken place. And, I pray that God will use me to help Lydia grow in her faith. It is another opportunity for reaching out to expand the Kingdom of God. May He find me faithful.   

Roots

This is the dry season in Lawra. And as I look around Lawra and the surrounding area, all I see is dirty brown dirt, lots of it. Dust is in the air and everyplace else. Everything is tinted with brown. Even the leaves of my house plants! There is hardly any color - except the few trees and other plants that have deep roots. This is a harsh time for the people who live here, especially for those who make their living by farming. They have small house gardens right now so they will have food to eat.

Roots...deep roots...the trees and plants with deep roots can survive the "storms" of the season.

It makes me wonder; to ponder...today I heard about or talked with at least five people whose families are going through major storms of life...HIV positive, ICU, a death, etc. How do people cope? I know years ago when I went through a season of storms I barely got through it. It was my faith that kept me going, even though to me it seemed almost non-existent. Just like here, where only those plants with deep roots survive, it is those people who have deep roots of faith that will survive the crisis of life. I know I couldn't get through all the circumstances and pain in my life without Christ. And, I know others can't either. He will not leave you. He will not leave me. That comforts me. I hope it comforts you, too.

10 Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (TLB)

Wish List vs. Faith List

I have friend, a colleague, a "coach" who works at The Mission Society office. His name is Ron Beatty and he has been such a blessing and an encouragement to me. He keeps me focused on truth by a simple well placed word spoken here and there.

Several months ago we were talking on the phone about my upcoming move to Ghana. I was talking about a few things that I would like to have to take to Ghana with me. Since he is a "computer geek" and is the tech person for the office, we talked about my computer. He asked if I was planning on buying a new one before I left. I told him no, I didn't have the funds for a new one. Then, I said, "I'll put it on my wish list." He responded, "No, put it on your FAITH list. Believe God will provide for you." Every time the phrase "wish list" comes to mind, I think of that conversation. I do have to admit that in my mind, I dropped the idea of a new computer.

Well, (rhymes with Dell), on Sunday, my adapter chord died. It was the second one in less than three years. I've also replaced the mother board, hard drive & speakers on my present computer in less than three years. As I was talking on the phone with a friend (because I couldn't email - I couldn't recharge my battery) she said, "If someone were to donate money for a new computer, would you use it for that or for something else?" "I'd use it for a computer, if the funds were specified." "We'll donate to The Mission Society, to your account for a new computer for you, so you'll have a good one when you move." WOW! Praise God!

I had forgotten about the conversation with Ron from several months ago. God didn't forget. He knows what I need. And, He showed me what FAITH, not wishing can do. Do I still have a "Wish List?" No way! But, I do have a "Faith List" of stuff that I want to pack. When the time is right, God will provide!

Hope

hope verb to wish for something with the expectation of its fulfillment; to have confidence, trust

-The Free Online Dictionary

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and

certain of what we do not see.

-Hebrews 11:1

The Personal Touch

Did you know it takes seven to twelve significant contacts with another before they will put their trust in Christ? Are you a "significant contact" with anyone?

We Are Part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed

We are part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. We have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. We have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. We are disciples of His. We won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. Our past is redeemed; our present makes sense, our future secure. We're finished with colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

We no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. We don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. We now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, are lifted up by prayer, and labor with power.

Our face is set, our gait is fast, our goal is heaven, our road is narrow, our way rough, our companions are few, our Guide reliable, our mission clear. We cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed. We will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

We won't give up, shut up, let up, until we have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. We are disciples of Jesus. We must go till He comes, give till we drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops us. And, when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing us...our banner will be clear. For we are part of the Fellowship of the
Unashamed.

Letter found on Zimbabwe Pastor's Desk who was martyred for his faith.