You Need Feet Of A Mountain Goat

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

<Journal Entry 25 July 2011> About to land in Port au Prince for the 4^th time this year. I thought that all had fallen into place, but things seem to be falling apart instead. Major problems with Haitian coordinator – meeting the realities of a culture that does not value the same things we do – or maybe they do and they are just more transparent – maybe they are just like us. Romans 3:23. <later that day> Arrived in Jacmel – met Joelle – a person of peace and one of the directors of the His Hands and Feet orphanage.  Taking Martie through the Port au Prince airport was an experience they will not soon forget. [inside the airport is much like any airport – but when you step outside you step into chaos] <End of Entry>

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” – James 1:2-3

We were confident that Haiti was the place that the Lord had led us to. So why were we facing challenges as soon as we arrived? If God is with us. If He is sovereign, why does He not make the path He sets our feet on easy?  Instead of walking in bare feet on a sandy beach, we find that we need the feet of a mountain goat to climb what is steep and rocky. I think that many Christians have the vision of smooth sailing in life only to discover that we must face great difficulty in this new life.  We are not spared disappointment, loss, failure, broken hearts.  As James wrote – it is all a test like steel in a forge – building faith through the fire. Galatians spells out what we can expect from the world.

“Now the works of the flesh are revealed, which are these: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, indecency or obscenity; vulgar sexual character or behavior, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, rage, selfishness, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” – Galatians 5:19-21

That is the world we were saved from and the world in which we are called to be a witness. And what is our response to be?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control; against such there is no law. Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:22-25

Our testing will result in the fruit of the Spirit being revealed in us. A stark contrast to the world’s response to trouble. Our old nature has been crucified with its passions and lust – but it remains waiting for the time when we will yield to it – take preference to it – seek it out. The point of this new life is not the promise of an easy, care-free life on earth – but the strength to endure whatever life might come our way as we navigate the steep and treacherous path our feet are on.  Trusting in God and not ourselves for wisdom and strength. The only way we can be sure-footed in this life.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your body, and strength to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Amazing Grace How Sweet The Sound

 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.’” – 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

 <Journal Entry 16 January 2011> While I was at the [new church we were building] in Callitore – the local people were meeting under a make-shift tent [tarps draped ever bushes and supported with poles cut from trees] The people were singing Amazing Grace in Creole.  I thought what a paradox – these people whose heritage is bound to slavery were singing a song written by a man who brought slaves from Africa – perhaps to this very island – before he repented and accepted Christ as Savior. I also heard a cook singing Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano.  Sitting here [in Port au Prince (PAP)] at the airport on our way home. I am watching so many people who have come to help – Port au Prince is a mess! I don’t know how it can be restored- but I do see how people outside of PAP can be – one village at a time. <End of Entry>

Hearing the Haitian Christians sing Amazing Grace was something that clarified what I already knew. God is in the business of redeeming that which was lost through His Son. John Newton was a slave ship captain who came to faith. In his words, “How industrious is Satan served. I was formerly one of his active under-temptors and had my influence been equal to my wishes I would have carried all the human race with me. A common drunkard or profligate is a petty sinner to what I was.” John Newton, 1778

It was a reminder of the miracle of salvation and how it changes those who are born again.  When I preached in a Haitian church, on the first occasion, I would share the story of John Newton’s conversion. The people had never heard of it and I wanted them to marvel at the power, grace and mercy of God. People who have done harm to others in one way or another have been redeemed and restored to God’s family. One who was an enemy is now a Brother or Sister. God’s Amazing Grace.

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Godly Compassion Is An Action Not An Attitude

“So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.’ For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” – Nehemiah 8:8-10

<Journal Entry 14 January 2011> As I spend time here [in Leogane, Haiti] I am reminded that God is – the Source of life, hope, joy, my salvation. Do I understand what that means? Perhaps not – not if I allow pettiness, pride and personal ambition to gain a foothold in my life.  It is possible to have the appearance of spirituality all the while my flesh is on the throne – Lord I want to serve You and You only! I see the unique ministry of New Missions. With the exception of the churches it builds and supports, what is done could be accomplished by the government were it solvent. It is easy to say “Let the government” But we must listen to the Lord and not men. God’s wisdom is foolishness to men. Lord – speak and I will listen!

Taking pictures is a way to capture what I see – but I must be careful that my motivation can be merely tourist curiosity and not compassion – no longer about our hearts going out to the people – but seeing them as something to be marveled at and then perhaps forgotten. Lord that we would not forget! Each person on this trip has their own motivation and understanding. Lord give us eyes to see – understanding and a heart to obey your revelation.  By himself – nothing will last – with the Lord, there is not limit. <End of Journal Entry>

As I watch the goings on in this country and around the world, it can be much like watching a movie. Like a voyeur – I can remain disconnected while I watch what other people do or suffer.  And then, not being personally involved, I move on to the next thing – forgetting what I just saw. The difference is that a movie is a fabrication – an illusion – meant to entertain. What is happening in this world is real – people struggling – suffering – and yet like a movie we may feel a pang of emotion but it does not motivate us to act – or even to care.

“Then He [Jesus] will also say to those on the left hand [the Goats], ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’” – Matthew 25:41-45

I am not suggesting that as a Christian you will be cursed into everlasting fire – like the Goats – we are saved by grace through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2) – but faith without works is dead (James 2). If I lack compassion and the actions birthed from that compassion (Galatians 6) for those less fortunate then there is not practical difference between me and someone who is bound for hell.  In Nehemiah 8, the people were told to share with those less fortunate – to care about someone other than themselves. They were brought to tears over the hearing of God’s Word. It pierced their hearts. Lord that Your Word would have the same effect on us!

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Surrendering Your Will To God

“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” – Luke 1:38

And another Christmas has passed us by.  Our focus at Christmas is on the manger – and the arrival of Jesus – the Christ.  But I want back up about 9 months before that event. Taking a moment to consider Mary’s faith and commitment to surrendering to the will of God. Offering herself as a living sacrifice, if you will.   Her decision was life changing for her – when she yielded her will to God’s plan she took a risk of being rejected by those who did not understand why she did what she did. But recall that God intervened in Joseph’s life as well requiring him to exercise faith as well.

“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” – Luke 22:41-43

Jesus was facing the Cross, the very reason that He was conceived in Mary’s womb. He had to choose the Father’s will to do what He was to do. Clearly a greater act of faith than Mary’s but still an act of faith in the same God. In the same way, we are called to live by faith.  That means that it should be the will of God that guides us in what we do, how we live.  Adam and Eve challenged the will of God – questioning the wisdom of God. Questioning if God “really” said it or meant it. Matching our reasoning with the revealed will of God. Rather than allowing the Word of God to shape our understanding of the culture and world we live in – we allow the culture and world to shape our understanding of God. I know that I quote these verses often, but they bear repeating.

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

So many Christians have compromised their faith and willingness to yield to God because they preferred or feared their culture and its values more. Like I said, it is not a new problem – it started in the Garden. We are faced everyday with faith challenges.  We must be careful to not use the idea of what seems reasonable as a measure for it being right before God – being conformed by the wisdom of this world. It is that very world that the Father sent the Son to save us from. I can tell you but it is the Spirit that must convict you of truth. My hope is that my words will prompt you to think and then to seek the Truth from the Spirit of Truth.

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Obedience To God Will Bring Adversity

“When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.” – Nehemiah 6:16

 <Entry>  13 Jan 2011.  Another day working in the [new] church. It was the 1 year anniversary if the earthquake in Haiti. [Leogane was at the epicenter] The temporary church was using tarps for a roof. It was full of people praising God – for 4 hours or more. They used a generator to run a sound system. As we built – they worshipped – It was a good picture of the provision of God. He sent His Spirit to connect the hearts of the people – in worship and work. It is good for me to be here – it is sharpening my focus  on what it is that God wants me to do.

The men on the team are not well organized for the work. Not many can wield hammers well – so the work is slow – but as I told John the foreman – there is more to it than construction – the experience is changing lives – the work will get done – but more importantly God will be glorified in it.  Nehemiah put Hananiah in charge because “because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do” (Nehemiah 7:2) Lord that I would be counted among the likes of Hananiah – known for my integrity and more love and dedication to You, Lord. After Nehemiah established security, he turned his focus to rebuilding homes – first example of disaster relief work.

There was order and standards. Nehemiah struggled with opposition, opposing agendas, jealousy – but he kept his focus on his calling – I need to do the same – I am not to turn my head to the left or right by keep my eyes fixed on the prize – the goal of my upward calling. (Philippians 3:14)

My Utmost for His Highest – January 11 – “I can disobey God and it might bring relief – but it will grieve God – but if I obey – He will care for those affected by my obedience – so obey and leave the consequences to Him.” < End of Entry>

As I read the words I wrote nearly 10 years ago, I can see how God used that trip to shape my thinking – my understanding – my vision.  I have often said that “ministry would be easy if only people were not involved!” God did not say that we would not face adversity and that what He calls us to do would not be impossible for men. Today we live in difficult – spiritually perilous times – every day there are challenges to our very faith and beliefs.  We must keep our eyes fixed on Him. We must resist taking the easy path because it seems less stressful and does not require much faith, if any. That should be a clue about the rightness of our choices!

Shine Bright my friend and glorify God with your life.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Called To Declare The Word Of Reconciliation

“Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

 <Entry>  12 Jan 2011.  As I listen to everyone [the volunteer team] I wonder – Lord – Do I have a role in this [work]? For most it is a break from their routine – for me? – It is a life commitment. Bill [Pastor Bill Mitchell] said that I had made a decision to go from being successful – to being significant in making a difference that is bigger than me – or my family, I see these people [Haitians] living lives that all previous generations have lived before them. They are no different – they are content – living their simple lives. What is their need? Physical – Spiritual – they were born here. Why? Did God know them before they were formed? Yes! It is not about living conditions or cuisine – it is about relationship – not about the house or the car we own. As we ride through the villages – the volunteers are taking pictures – of the buildings – of the people – like we are on a safari – taking pictures of the surroundings and the wildlife. I know that it is new to them – but it feels invasive and impersonal. John chapter 1, I remember that mom loved that chapter. We are all called to be like John the Baptist – declaring Jesus to the world. Lord help me today – give me eyes to see and ears to listen. No to longer live for myself but for Him who died for me. < End of Entry>

That first trip to Haiti awakened me to spiritual truths that were lying in the shadows of my mind. Like a fog clearing as the sun rises to reveal what had been there all along. God has called us to be engaged in this world – demonstrating the love of God to a lost world.  It is far too easy to “go on safari” and stay in the confines of a safe vehicle.  To see the struggle of others without compassion. Like watching the world through our television set. 

“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” – Matthew 25:37-40

Dr. John Maxwell said, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” The truth of our words is proven by what we do. Do people see Jesus in you?

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without [a]your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!  But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? – James 2:14-20

I was told that Martin Luther struggled with the Book of James because of his stand that we are justified – saved by faith and not works – which the Bible plainly teaches. But good works are a natural result of our faith or should be and if not – our faith does not yield the fruit that God intended – it is essentially dead to the world.  Something to consider over this Christmas season, celebrating the time when God gave His Son to a world that did not deserve it. He did it as an act of love- mercy and grace.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Going And Doing Without Knowing

“The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell.” – Acts 7:3-4

 <Entry>  11 Jan 2011.  As I talk with people on the (volunteer) team and recount the story of how we came to be where we are in our walk – I wonder – Lord where are we going? But then I think – does it really matter?  Like Abraham – is the Lord saying – I’ll show you when you get there – I find myself offering advice when it is not asked for – who am I to tell these people anything? Lord that I would keep silent – let the Lord speak to them. I do feel like the odd man out – I am here to observe – that is my purpose – the younger and skilled should be allowed to do what they came here to do. Watching my friend struggling physically – I see myself – we are not young men but we have young hearts – we want to serve – to disciple – there are things we can no longer do – but there are those we can – Lord strengthen us for the journey you have set our feet on. < End of Entry>

I had no idea what the journey God had laid out for Martie and me would be like – but He used nearly every experience, ability and gifting to accomplish it. And we are still not finished.  And neither are you my friend. Be careful that you don’t become satisfied with your past service and consider it to be enough.

“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a secret place or under a basket, but on a lampstand, that those who come in may see the light.” – Luke 11:33

Abraham was an old man when God sent Him off. As we grow older, the temptation is for us to withdraw – to yield to the younger Christians to do the work.  There are things that we are not physically able to do – but that does not mean we should put our lamp under a basket. People I serve with tell me about my wisdom – which frankly I don’t see – but apparently they do.  Wisdom is knowledge plus experience. Godly wisdom is meant to be shared. In my journal entry, I expressed concern about giving my opinion to the volunteer team when it was not asked for. There are times when the Spirit of God will prompt us to speak – and we should with the motive of building up the ones we are speaking to and glorifying God with our words, attitudes and actions which is good and then …… there are times when we don’t wait for the Spirit’s prompting – and that is never good – even though we might be convinced that we were justified.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone