The Impact of a Willing Heart

The Ukrainian portion of the Carpathian mountain range is rich with wooded slopes, wild beauty and green upland pastures.  When you venture deep into the Carpathians, you feel as if you have gone back in time to a simpler era with embossed tin-roofed farmhouses, horse-drawn carts carrying bails of hay, and babushkas herding goats and geese.

In January I visited the poorest villages in the Carpathian mountains with some of my favorite people: Nadia Remizova and her daughter and family, Elina, Igor, Sophia and Solomia. A team from London came to minister to the families in these villages, so we met with the children for a time of games and teaching, then distributed Christmas gifts to the families in their homes, sometimes carrying packages across narrow plank bridges in order to reach a small cluster of homes. It is not uncommon in these villages for a family to have eight or more children.  The children ran out to greet us, which they do every time Nadia comes to their villages. As we froze in sub-zero temperatures, we had the time of our lives with the people in the villages, enjoying the beauty of the snow-covered mountains in a place that seems to be forgotten and frozen in time. Many of us remarked how much we were amazed by what God can do through one person who is humble and willing to serve.

Nadia started the work in the Carpathians ten years ago when a teenage boy came to her city of Lviv to receive medical treatment. The boy, Peter, was severely burned when he rescued his three-year-old brother from a fire in their home. Months after Peter returned to his village, Nadia had recurring thoughts that she should visit the village where they live. Convinced that God was leading her to go there, she went by train early one morning in November. On that trip, she was invited into several homes by families who were glad to welcome a guest in their remote village. Their hospitality touched her, especially when she saw the poor conditions in which they lived.  Many were without shoes, adequate warm clothing and basic necessities.  When they needed medical care, they suffered and did without.  After seeing their poverty, Nadia determined to return to help them.

Since that time, she has visited every month to teach the children about God and provide them with food, clothing and medical care. She also organizes summer camps for them every year. In 2002, an Orthodox priest in the village tried to incite the families to stone Nadia and her husband, Boris, because she was baptizing the children. He spread rumors that she wanted to kidnap their children. But Nadia kept going to the village, undeterred, and eventually won over the priest.

As we went from house to house delivering gifts, Nadia told the story of each family, lovingly describing how each one had been helped. She told me about the time she walked 12 kilometers from one village to the next at night with no flashlight (or torch, for you Brits). There are many wolves in the woods, but she did not want to disappoint the people in the next village who were waiting for her. Nadia is one of my best friends and even though she is old enough to be my mother, she is a perpetual teenager, more vibrant and vigorous than most people half her age. I enjoyed our time together, talking and laughing. We bonded even closer as I grew to love her more through seeing her in her element, caring for the families in the Carpathians.

The team from London was also impressive. They were very well-organized, humble, and caring towards one another and the Ukrainian people. For one team member, Gavin, it was his first mission trip. He works for an investment bank in London. He said it was definitely his best experience. After the church service in Lviv, he was in tears as he prayed for Boris and Nadia. That evening, Nadia and I talked about the trip over herbal tea she gathered from the mountains at her bohemian home on a hill overlooking Lviv, her paintings and those of her daughter beautify the walls.  They are both professional artists.

I had just received the news that a fellow missionary in Lviv passed away the day before of a heart attack, leaving a wife and four children. He was only 37. We talked about the need to value each moment because we don’t know what the next day or year will bring.  I told Nadia how glad I was that God brought us back to Ukraine after three years away to be with the people we love. I still feel privileged days later to have had such a rich experience this past week. It was a week fully lived. And I thank God for Nadia, whose life is fully lived for God.

Magnify

As I look at today’s headlines, I turn aside to be quiet and think. I turn aside to pray and allow everything inside of me, everything around me and the troubles and concerns worldwide to pause and fade into the background before the holy, loving and mighty God I serve.

I magnify Him as I stand in awe of the beauty and wonder of His creation.

I magnify Him because of the unending, perfect love that He lavishes on us despite ourselves.

I magnify Him because He can shed light on any problem, difficult situation or seemingly insurmountable mountain that we face.

I magnify Him because His understanding of our souls, our desires and needs is complete and only He can assuage the appetites of our souls.

I magnify Him because He does.

I magnify Him because He is.

I magnify Him because He continually stretches out His arms to us in love, inviting us to come home, to know Him, to experience His love and life for all eternity.

I magnify Him because we cannot go anywhere that He will not pursue our hearts.

I magnify Him because to know Him is to be truly alive.

I magnify Him because His truth sets us free from fear, darkness and bondage.

I magnify Him because in His presence there is joy that does not make sense at times, considering the circumstances in which we live.

I magnify Him because He is just.

I magnify Him because He is our Father who never leaves us.

I magnify Him because He sent His Son to save us, bringing us into loving fellowship with God.

I magnify Him because His Spirit guides us and works in our lives to transform us so we no longer remain in the miserable state of being lost and alone, but become fruitful in every aspect of our lives.

I magnify Him because He empowers us to reach others.

"Would you lose your sorrow? Would you drown your cares? Then go, plunge yourself in the Godhead's deepest sea; be lost in His immensity; and you shall come forth as from a couch of rest, refreshed and invigorated." C.H. Spurgeon

Nothing is more refreshing than God Himself, but it is important to have an accurate view of God that is not distorted by bad experiences or false teachings. So go read the Bible for yourself. Embark on a study that will not disappoint, because it leads to walking closely with the God who created you and wants you to know Him.

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice. Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:1-8)

A tribute: Thank you for writing something that gave me greater reason to magnify Him. Thank you for your time and your hibiscus tea. Thank you for offering a world of books for my quest. And thank you for your friendship, much love to you.

Happenstance or More than Chance?

Have you ever wondered why you find yourself in unusual circumstances? Or wondered why you are living in a certain time and place instead of some other? Many people feel that way at times, except for maybe Alexander the Great, but his self-image was scary, delusional. He was definitely not a role model. Let’s look at the life of Esther, who came from the insignificant background of an orphan living in exile to a place of royalty and influence. She was reminded that she may have attained her position “for such a time as this”, to speak out and make a difference. And she did.

A beautiful, orphaned Jewess was thrust into the king’s harem and chosen to become his next queen. I don’t think it was a romantic, glamorous dream come true. He was probably much older and he was a man who was feared by many, including Esther. If she dreamed of being in love, her hopes were most likely shattered. Except for the fatherly love of Mordecai, her uncle, who raised her as his own daughter. Besides her beauty, Esther possessed a strength and wisdom that probably were, in part, attributed to the attentive care, godly upbringing and advice of Mordecai. I can imagine the contrast between her former way of life and her life as queen. It must have been extreme in every conceivable way.

Were the events of her life merely determined by the whims of a king sitting in his opulent palace or was there a higher plan at work? By virtue of her position, she had the favor of the king at a time when she could intervene to prevent the annihilation of the Jews. And she did so, even at the risk of her own life.

“Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” Mordecai to Esther (Esther 4:13-14)

Anyone who entered the inner court of the king without being summoned would be put to death unless the king extended his gold scepter. Esther took the risk, and was received. Esther did not arrogantly and defiantly come before the king with her request. After a period of prayer and fasting, she went before the king to invite him along with his highest official, who was the enemy of the Jews, to a banquet for two days before she made her request known. She realized the importance of timing. The outcome was great, but she was willing to take the risk even if it cost her.

There are no insignificant places or people, but there are endless opportunities to make a difference on a small or large scale if we will open our hearts and see needs around us.

There is a need for modern-day Esthers.
And there is also a need for modern-day Mordecais.

Will you be an Esther?
Speak out in the face of injustice, even if it may cost you.
Take the lead when something needs to be done, but with wisdom.
See the significance of the time and circumstances in which you live.
Don’t allow a difficult or seemingly insignificant background to hold you back in life.

Will you be a Mordecai?
Be a man or woman who cares for the next generation.
Give love, wisdom and encouragement to a young person when it is needed.

Simpl-if-(I)

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” -Hans Hofmann, artist
(painting, left)

Simplicity seems to be an oasis in a desert of increasing complexity. Simple ideas abound. Simple design. Simple holidays. Simple meals. Simple church. Merriam-Webster defines simplify as: to reduce to basic essentials; to diminish in scope or complexity; to make more intelligible: clarify. To simplify is not a matter of adding a simple concept to an already demanding, stressful lifestyle, but of streamlining life to match an overarching framework.

In the maddening rush, sit down and contemplate whether or not you need to simplify your life. It takes a conscious decision, a deliberate effort until new habits are formed.

Find your treasure
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
What brings joy to your life? What do you love? What do you worship? What is the reason behind why you do what you do? In this parable, the man was joyful about selling all that he had because he knew there was a treasure not readily apparent to any person who may pass by the seemingly unimpressive field. In this world, the things that dazzle and delight on the surface do not always deliver when people try to find life in them. The true treasure of knowing God and His love, salvation, forgiveness, joy, peace and life are sometimes stumbled upon and sometimes sought out, but are not readily apparent. When you treasure something, life orbits around that thing. So be careful what you treasure.

Streamline accordingly
Once you know why you do what you do, decisions are easier to make. You can prioritize accordingly. For example, if you want to walk with God, love people, and serve others in the areas of your abilities, your calendar should match those priorities. Your financial decisions should also reflect your priorities. Conversely, it is easier to decide what NOT to do.

Do what you do best
Usually our greatest talents lie in doing what we love to do, so it makes sense to develop those areas to the fullest. The greatest contributions are made when we focus on our strengths and serve in those areas. We can be grateful for the contributions of people who have excelled in their fields, leaving a legacy of inspiring works of art, literature, music, discoveries, medical breakthroughs, changed lives, etc. Back to the overarching framework: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col 3:17)

How to Encourage Yourself 101 (Part 2)

1) Redefine failure
Mistakes can be valuable learning experiences. There is a well-known definition of insanity attributed to Albert Einstein: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If you take yourself too seriously, you may want to give up when you make mistakes instead of learning from them and moving on. The real difference between success and failure is a matter of character. It helps to have a clear understanding of the grace of God and how He works in our lives. If we continue to grow in our walk with God and our relationships, while staying on course in the purpose for our lives, we are successful.

2) View stress as a challenge, not a threat
People tend to run or hide from a threat, but rise to a challenge. In his book “Adversity Quotient: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities”, Paul Stoltz teaches individuals and organizations how to boost their “AQ” and help the people they lead to do the same by isolating stressful events and responding in a positive way to bring resolution. One of my favorite empowering verses is: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13)

3) See beyond difficult times
This, too, will pass. Can you endure your trial for one more day? Ask God for the strength, peace and joy for today, just taking it one day at a time. And one day, you will be looking back on that trial as a thing of the past. The lessons you learned during that time will be helpful for someone else who is going through similar difficulties. 2 Cor 1:3,4

4) Read and listen to encouraging materials
I am always reading the Bible and some other book. It is a habit I began more than twenty years ago, having learned it from my father. But I am always amazed by the study habits of great men and women a century or so ago. I suppose they had fewer distractions than we do in the modern age, but we have a benefit they never had. We have immediate access to information, music and videos online, which can serve as a source of study, inspiration and encouragement. I am also greatly inspired by music. I am always encouraged when I listen to my favorite artists.

5) Encourage others
When I take time to encourage someone else, I often come away with a better perspective of my own situation. My trials usually seem smaller. God refreshes us when we minister to others. “He who waters will himself be watered.” Prov 11:25

6) Pray
I can’t think of anyone better to talk to on any given day about any concern than God. Enough said!

How to Encourage Yourself 101 (Part 1)

Life has seasons which include times of difficulty and isolation, but these times can serve to stretch us in a positive way and not crush us with discouragement when we make the most of them. I am sure you can come up with a list of your own, but here are the ways I find encouragement time and time again, like warm slippers and a mug of hot chocolate on a cold, wintry day.

1) Gratitude
This is usually the quickest, sure fix when I am in a quagmire. Once when I was growing up we invited an atheist over for our Thanksgiving celebration (an American holiday). We had a family tradition of going around the table for everyone to say what they were thankful for over the past year. Our guest said she had nothing to be thankful for. She not only lacked a “for what”, but a “to whom”. It was sad because her life was consumed with bitterness.

2) Don’t dwell on the past
Learn from it, but don’t live there. Albert Schweitzer said “Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.” Today requires our attention; tomorrow our planning and foresight. Which season is the best in your life? The one you are in, or at least it can be. God does not waste a life fully surrendered to him in love.

3) Find encouraging people
I don’t like to be around people who have the “spirit of rebuke,” meaning that they feel it is their duty to constantly correct others. You probably don’t either. Everyone is in the battle of their lives, so they need encouragement. Everyone needs at least someone who is their biggest fan and who has a heart to stand with them even when they need to be challenged or corrected.

4) Find encouraging places
I already have a favorite region in the city where we moved to recently. It is “Podol” in Kiev. When I walk up St. Andrews Descent where artists sell their works in the cool, autumn air and look out over the river, the trees covered in colorful fall leaves and the beautiful, ancient architecture, I feel so refreshed.

5) Rehearse truth
Feelings are transient; truth is not. Truth encourages because it has the power to lift us above our circumstances and transform us. For example, Martin Luther was profoundly liberated by the truth that we are saved by grace on the basis of faith, delivering him from the dungeon of trying to earn his salvation through meaningless religious practices that had no power to change him on the inside. Also, the truth that God is simultaneously perfect in love and perfect in justice is greatly encouraging. Then there are the truths about our lives personally, such as knowing our unique value, purpose and potential in the areas of our talents. And the list goes on.

Six more ways soon to come . . .
Next post: How to Encourage Yourself 101 (Part 2)

Is the Unexamined Life Worth Living?

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” - William Wallace

Socrates made the claim that “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Many people go through the motions of life without really considering what it is all about, giving little thought to why they do what they do.

I remember having lunch with a Japanese friend in Manila. She is an accomplished pianist who speaks English with a posh French accent, owing to her years of study in France. During the course of our conversation, I asked if she had ever given thought to the purpose of her life, and if there was a God who created her, giving her the beautiful gift of music she enjoyed. Her answer was no, she had never thought about it and she considered that quite common in her culture.

The next few times we met, it was clear that she was giving it some thought and as we said our good-byes, she confessed that one of her struggles with faith was the behavior of some people who claim to believe in God. I have been reading a book by a journalist who is an atheist (his book is a current US bestseller), and many of the arguments he brings up have to do with strange practices, ridiculous statements, and even evil acts perpetrated by some people who believe in God. I can’t help but think that God cringes, yes, is even heart-broken over these same things. Still, He says we are without excuse.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

Some who claim that belief in God is a “leap of faith” are ice skating on the edge of reason in their disbelief. They fall off into nothing. According to Ravi Zacharias, “If there’s such a thing as evil, you assume there’s such a thing as good. If you assume there’s such a thing as good, you assume there’s such a thing as a moral law on the basis of which to differentiate between good and evil. If you assume there’s such a thing as a moral law, you must posit a moral law giver, but that’s whom they are trying to disprove and not prove.”

There is a difference, a huge chasm, between God and humanity. We are responsible and accountable before God for our own lives. I enjoy being around children who take in the wonder of everything around them with a steady stream of “wow!”s and “why?”s. Even though I grew up in a Christian home, my own faith has been challenged and examined. I am a believer in Jesus Christ because I believe His claims are true and answer the major questions of my existence. We were never meant to live a life lulled to sleep in the “comfort” of unchallenged tradition or belief systems encouraged by the cultures in which we live. Some time between the inquisitiveness of childhood and adulthood, a kind of alarming stultification can set in. Sometimes the events of our lives can bring us to a place of confusion and cynicism.

Where is the curiosity? Where is the wonder? Where is the passion for life and knowing who we are and to whom we owe this wonderful existence? It is not just an intellectual pursuit; it is a matter of the heart – God’s pursuit of our hearts.

Take some time to examine your life and what you believe:

What do I believe?
Why am I here?
What am I living for?
How did I arrive at my belief/disbelief in God?
How much of my belief is shaped by my culture or by disappointments and bad experiences?
Have I seriously considered the claims of Jesus Christ?

How do I live my life?
Does my life follow what I believe?
How do I treat the people closest to me?
Do I help others with my abilities and resources?
Do I take positive risks to live life to its fullest and fulfill my dreams?
Is my heart filled with love and compassion?

Related posts: Life Has Been Answered; What is a Christian?
Next post: How to Encourage Yourself 101 (a lighter topic)

Reformission and Hope for Life

Some of the leading universal causes of stress are related to health, finances and work. In English, there is an expression “trying to keep your head above water”, which aptly describes the struggle of many to make it in life. How would you feel if you were on the Titanic, knowing what the outcome would be? People often try to find formulas for success or security in government, religion, or self-help programs. But hope has to reach beyond the vicissitudes of life for it to have meaning. It has to be founded on truth.

Ukraine is nearing parliamentary elections, so political billboards are everywhere. One candidate promises stability and prosperity, which speaks to a common need. Another slogan says: “One law for all”, which speaks to the need for justice in a nation where corruption is rampant. However, Russia and Ukraine did not make the list of "Forbes" most corrupt nations. That is reassuring. One candidate is shown slamming his fist in anger with a lightning bolt behind him. I am not sure what he is promising, but it does not look appealing.

Karl Marx, the father of communism, called religion “the opium of the masses, the impotence of the human mind to deal with occurrences it cannot understand.” But we all know where his philosophy led. This part of the world is still overcoming the repercussions of his philosophy.

When it comes to placing hope in religion, there are enough religions out there to fill the "Yellow Pages". God, the One who created us, gives us truth on which we can base our lives, bringing hope for this life as well as for eternity.

Here are a few thoughts contrasting the “head above water” mentality and “life on the Rock” (founded on truth):

Trying to keep your head above water:

1. makes you exhausted.

2. is self-centered. How can you help others when you need all of your energy to survive?

3. will only work for awhile, until you are rescued or drown (assuming there is no tropical island within swimming distance). That’s where people think they are going when they are lured into seductive lifestyles that end up empty and hopeless. Nothing but sand.

Life on the Rock:
1. You can rest on the finished work of Christ, which is how you get on the Rock in the first place.

2. You can help others, because you have answers outside of yourself that are for everyone.

3. You do not have to depend on your own strength, but have the wisdom and strength from God to do what is right.

4. Your hope will not be disappointed, because God has the power to back up His promises.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27)

Reformission and Unconditional Love

What are your favorite films? According to David Bruce, host of HollywoodJesus.com, the top 100 films of all time have one thing in common. They are about relationship. It is what people seek most. I don’t know how many men they surveyed, but even top action films that are the most successful have relational themes beyond grunts and fists connecting with bodies. I like action films, when the plot is interesting.

The same is true of music. The top songs are all about relationship. These words from Kelly Clarkson’s “You Found Me” show the kind of relationship people are searching for in the hurting, lonely cultures in which we live.

You found me when no one else was lookin’
How did you know just where I would be
You broke through all of my confusion
The ups and the downs and you still didn’t leave
I guess that you saw what nobody could see
You found me

This is a picture of God’s kind of love, the unconditional love He showed when He came to seek and save that which was lost, dying for us while we were still sinners. We are called to demonstrate this kind of love to the people in the cultures in which we live. Here in Kiev a few days ago I saw a young woman among the passers by dressed in a skimpy top and black underwear. Yes, underwear, not shorts. She looked as if she was asking to be invited to a bathroom stall, not to be loved as a multi-faceted, beautiful creation of God. Warped value systems. Broken families and relationships. These are some of the areas we need to minister to in this culture. In every culture if people attempt to draw life from something besides God, their souls will become bankrupt sooner or later.

In his book The Radical Reformission, Mark Driscoll challenges believers in Jesus Christ to make a commitment to love what God loves: people, not traditions, and to stay true to the text of scripture within the context of culture. This requires us to go into the cultures in which we live to demonstrate and minister the gospel.

“Reformission requires that God’s people understand their mission with razor-sharp clarity. The mission is to be close to Jesus. This transforms our hearts to love what he loves, hate what he hates, and to pursue relationships with lost people in hopes of connecting with them and, subsequently, connecting them with him. This actually protects us from sin, because the way to avoid sin is not to avoid sinners, but to stick close to Jesus.”
Mark Driscoll, “The Radical Reformission”

I want to thank VCF in the Philippines for their heart and example in understanding and walking out this mission in their culture.

next post: Reformission and Hope for Life

Dante’s Inferno and Charlie Brown

There is always . . . a mountain to move, a conundrum to solve, something to overcome, an unforeseen storm.

One day while we were living in Brooklyn, NY I was walking with our daughter, Rebecca, in the park. Out of the blue, she asked “Do tornadoes ever happen in Brooklyn?” I told her not to worry, tornadoes do not EVER happen in Brooklyn. While watching the evening news recently, we saw footage of a tornado hitting the area near where we were walking that day. “Mom,” Rebecca said, “tornadoes do happen there.” Funkification of the weather patterns.

One evening in Brooklyn that year I was resting with a virus. Rebecca, who was eight at the time, likes to be helpful so she brought me a snack on a tray along with two books for my reading pleasure: Dante’s “Inferno” and Charlie Brown. Tragedy and comedy. I thanked her for her thoughtfulness and had a long laugh that evening.

Life can take difficult turns and storms can hit in unexpected places or at unforeseen times. As long as we are alive and pursuing God’s purpose, we will meet with difficulty. But there is no storm that can keep us from the joy, life and adventure that comes with being fully alive through knowing God. As Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, said: “I have found there are three stages to every great work of God: first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.” That applies to going into a new city or country as a missionary, but a “work of God” can be in progress right in your office, living room or wherever you may be. When the storms hit, we can have peace, joy and even a sense of humor as we trust Him.

Here are a few ways we can do this:

1. Be decisive - If you are in that stage when your senses are telling you it is impossible, make a decision to persevere and see it through. It can help to write down what you have decided to accomplish and why before the trials hit.

2. Maintain margin - A few years ago I read Margin by Richard Swenson. I recommended it to my husband and it really helped. It is about restoring emotional, physical, financial, and time reserves to overloaded lives.

3. Keep passion alive– The heart and reason behind what we do should be kept at the forefront. From start to finish and everywhere in between, it is about love – love for God and people.

4. Laugh, and then laugh some more. Laugh hilariously and frequently.

Unwritten

Yesterday I talked to a woman who had been waiting in line for the new iPhone since 5 am. The anticipation in the line was huge. Nice gadget, I am sure, but it made me think about what I wake up for. Do I wake up in anticipation? What for?

Gadgets serve to connect us to the world in which we live and make life easier, but our daily connection with God is a matter of the heart, setting the course for our lives. Many of the things I am waiting for take time, perseverance and hard work. But it is worth it.

What about you? Maybe it's morning, maybe it's late at night. Maybe something is weighing heavily on your soul - a problem or relationship that is so tangled in knots you cannot see how to begin to untie it, a financial need so great that it seems impossible to meet, a dream you have given up on, a deep need you have pressed down so many times that it ceases to surface - yet it remains.

Maybe you want to make a difference in the world around you, but you don't know where to begin or you feel that your single contribution is too insignificant to count. Your life is a story, read by everyone you know. Your life influences, whether you know it or not.

And today is yet to be written. Tomorrow, next week and next year are yet to be written.

What an opportunity.

See it as an opportunity rather than an impossible challenge. Let faith drive away doubt. Let encouragement flood your soul in that area. Take one step today towards repairing that relationship, pursuing that dream or facing whatever the challenge may be. Then take another step tomorrow, and the next day.

You can do this. You and God.

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

His Perspective

As I looked at the beautiful young woman in front of me, I saw the uniqueness of her character, her brilliance and vivaciousness, the quirky sense of humor that is all her own and the creativity that is always ready to burst forth. Her future is bright, but her vision dim. As her beautiful eyes filled with tears, I touched her curly brown hair. She finds it hard to see that when she leaves something behind, there will be great opportunities awaiting her. It hurts, and I feel it too.

Wouldn't it be great if we could always see from God's perspective? His view of us is filled with love and purpose. Wouldn't it be encouraging if we could always anticipate God's goodness for our lives? Not in a storybook, fairy tale kind of way, but a kind of faith that is realistic about the world in which we live.

Hope and faith have to be attached to something real. They are not abstract ideas floating in the breeze. People and circumstances can change, but a strong faith in God will not fail because He is faithful. Because of God, encouragement has substance. His purpose in our lives will prevail, even if we go through times when we struggle to see that the outcome is not only for His good, but for ours as well.

I encouraged her with the thought that God is with her and will meet her needs down to the depths of her heart and that she is greatly loved. Then I shared with her this verse about the purpose of God that He will fulfill in her life.

"To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:11-12)

I can see the brightness of the future that she has in God and can't wait to see what He will do in the next phase of her life.

I am going to walk on the beach this morning, pray for her and let God's perspective fill me with faith, hope and love.

Can you see God's perspective of your life today? Ask Him.

The Power of We

I am glad to have people in my life.

Going it alone, besides being lonely, is not the intention of God. He places us in families and churches. It is within relationship that we experience love and learn to exemplify it to the world, find our place and role in serving Him and accomplish greater things together than we can accomplish by ourselves. Synergy.

But, I have to admit that I also get frustrated with people. I am sure that there is an inevitable vice versa in the equation as well.

My guess is that most of you need relationships, all of you have relationships and, at times, experience frustration with people. It is a relief to know that God loves us despite our imperfections and He shows us how to love others in this way so we can have the time of our lives in this mixed salad of humanity in which we find ourselves.

Just as a steady diet of healthy food can lead to a healthy body, a steady habit of following the right principles can lead to healthy, vibrant relationships. Here are a few “let uses” to show us the way.

1. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

Discouragement can lead to other negative things, making relationships difficult. We have to keep hope alive and focus on the faithfulness of God so we can have a joyful outlook that helps others.

2. “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

Encouragement is not generic. We can actually consider how to uniquely encourage people. Specific, heartfelt encouragement energizes and motivates.

3. “Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Sin, including bitterness and unforgiveness towards others, is a tangly mess. When we leave it behind we can run swift and unfettered with our eyes on the only One who is perfect in love.

4. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9)

It can be hard to persevere in our endeavors with a heavy heart. But when love is put into action, good results will follow. It all comes back to watching our hearts and attitudes, doesn't it?

The Steward and the King

Since we are preparing to journey, I decided to visit Middle Earth through reading “The Lord of the Rings” again. I enjoy the sense of mission, the adventures and the honor and respect within the fellowship. It is rich with beautiful imagery and encouragement. But in this reading, I came away with a fresh perspective on stewardship.

The Steward of Gondor was supposed to lead until the king returned, but that had not happened for generations. The realm of Gondor and all of Middle Earth stood on the brink of war and their defeat seemed imminent. The Steward, Lord Denethor, had become obsessed with power and paranoid of anyone usurping his rulership. Gandalf came on the scene to help, but was met with suspicion.

This is what Gandalf said concerning his intentions:

“The rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task , though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward, did you not know?”

Tolkien presents a continual contrast between those who seek power for rulership and then are corrupted by it and those who have power to bring healing, wisdom and restoration. When the king does return to Gondor, he comes as a healer and one who is mighty in battle. The rulership is rightfully his, yet he waits to be invited in.

I was reminded of the stewardship each one of us has during our lives to serve in the area of our abilities. It is important not to lose sight of the fact that all power and authority belongs to God, the King, who is entirely good and incorruptible. There is so much good that we can do when we know our place as stewards of the grace of God.

There was a recent election here in the Philippines and we are approaching a major election in the US. I am sure there are many people running for office who sincerely see public office as a stewardship to help people. There are many needs throughout the world and so much good that can be done, but government service is often sadly reduced to a game of power, rulership and wealth.

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1Peter 4:10)

With great Power comes great Responsibility

In Spiderman 3, Spiderman fights his greatest battle: the battle within. Will pride win out as he uses his power for his own selfish aims or will he continue to be the magnanimous Spiderman who uses his power for good?

My heroes growing up were not caped crusaders, but strong leaders throughout history, such as Winston Churchill. He was one of my father’s greatest heroes which meant that he often quoted Churchill at the dinner table. I am my father’s daughter, so the influence remains. Churchill said it like this: “the price of greatness is responsibility”. When I look at his life, I am inspired by how he unwaveringly held to his convictions even when his views were not heeded and cost him personally. He went through a wilderness for more than a decade, but he took refuge in his close relationship with his family. Churchill began to warn Parliament in the early 1930’s of the impending threat of Hitler’s rise to power. His warnings went unheeded until he was eventually called upon to lead Britain to victory against great odds.

He was a man of conviction, a man of character who sought the truth and was willing to accept the responsibility required to do what had to be done. Giving in was not a choice. He was a man of deep contemplation and a man of action, yet he had a sense of humor about himself. He was acutely aware of his own weaknesses, but had the resolve to do what was required.

We all make choices every day.
We all go through wilderness times of self-doubt.
We all have responsibilities that we have to bear for the good of others.

Seemingly insignificant choices add up to enormous impact.

Take a moment to think about the following responsibilities:

1. Responsibility to pray
Many great battles are won in prayer. Prayer shows our dependence on God, even when we breathe a short prayer such as: “Help, God, I need You. Give me wisdom.” When our children become mature, they call on us less often. When we become mature, we call on God more often. The life of faith brings us to places where we are way outside our comfort zones and need God to come through for ourselves and others.

2. Responsibility to unwaveringly hold to convictions
Convictions are truths we obey without heed to our emotions, personal comfort or public opinion. Our resolve grows stronger every time we make the right decision and refuse to compromise. Can you keep your convictions even when no one sees or knows? God sees and honors a life lived for Him. Ultimately, the impact affects others.

Who knows how far-reaching the impact will be for good?

The Power Source

Wouldn’t it be great to possess superhuman power? There seems to be a fascination with super heroes and shows about people who possess super powers. Spiderman 3 comes out tomorrow and people in Manila will flock to see it; young boys and possibly a few grown men will sport Spiderman t-shirts. I have never seen a super hero, but I have observed the super strange. A few days ago while visiting our local Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf I kept hearing strange sounds. As I looked around, I realized the sounds were coming from a man who was looking at his reflection in the window. He sounded like Dorie in “Finding Nemo” when she was trying to speak whale. Every few minutes he would stand up and start making odd sounds while barely moving his mouth. This reminded me of some of the strange people we encountered in NYC while taking the subways. There was the "green lady" - we often saw a woman who dressed in green from head to toe - green hair, make-up, accessories, etc. Last summer when we were visiting New York, we heard about a man who was mugging people using a chainsaw just one stop away from where we were staying.

As believers, we do have superhuman power. Whether we face concerns about the world around us, situations in our own lives or the future, we have a source of strength if our lives belong to God. The power to live free from worry and anxiety every day while making a difference in the world around us comes from God and not from ourselves. We may not know what the future holds, but we can know the God who holds the future and every aspect of our lives in His care. I have been reminding myself recently of how much I need the grace and strength of God every day. We can walk in His power in the following ways:

1. Power of knowing the greatness of God.
What looms large on the horizon of your life? Is it God or the difficulties you are afraid you might have to face? Think about the greatness, love and nearness of God and you can face whatever will come as you walk with Him, expecting great things.
“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 1:18-19)

2. Power of knowing who He is in our lives.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

3. Power of prayer.
Just pray, whenever or wherever. It works because God hears and cares.
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” (Mattew 7:7-8)

4. Power of joy.
Joy comes from knowing God and does not depend on circumstances.
“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)

5. Power to be a witness.
You can make a difference in the lives of others in a powerful way because of the presence of God in your life.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Next post: With great Power comes great Responsibility (Actually, Winston Churchill said something similar before Spiderman.)

Holy Cows and an Elephant-faced God

Have you ever seen someone become aware of something for the first time that you have treasured for most of your life? It is a wonderful experience. I have a friend in Manila who is from India and she is a Hindu. She came to a small group Bible study in our home. We valued her sweet, sensitive disposition, her love for her family and her delicious Indian food. She often shared interesting stories about life in India. On several occasions I asked her to read verses from the Bible.

One of her favorites was a passage about love in I Corinthians 13: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” I liked hearing her read the words in her beautiful accent as she was taking in the full meaning. We compared that to the different ways people define love and try to find love in different cultures. It often proved to be a lively discussion since four nation were represented in the group.

But my favorite moment was a few weeks later when she read this passage from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Then she asked, “I have never heard this before, will you explain it to me?” She had always believed in many impersonal gods who did good or evil and held a view that she would be reincarnated many times. It was strangely new for her to think of a God who would sacrifice in love, the kind of love she had read about weeks before, for her personally and for the whole world to experience forgiveness and eternal life.

There are so many diverse and interesting cutures, but truth is the same in every part of the world. Think about this today. Do you know life-changing truth that is worth telling others? If you do, you probably work, study or interact with people every day who have a desperate cry for answers, no matter what exterior they present to the world around them. Determine in your heart to get to know them better and look for an inroad to reach out to them. You may be the only one who will care enough to do so. It starts with a decision of the heart.

Wanting to Give Up

“Success is waking up in the morning, whoever you are, however old or young, and bounding out of bed because there’s something out there that you love to do, that you believe in, that you’re good at – something that’s bigger than you are, and you can hardly wait to get at it again today.” Whit Hobbs, columnist

That is all well and good, except when it’s not. What about the mornings when you wake up and don’t want to get up at all? What about the mornings when you feel like giving up because of disappointment, adversity or sheer boredom? Maybe this morning was one of those mornings. It is wonderful to be at a place in life where you can make a living doing what you love to do, but encountering adversity and challenges is a given. It is vital to learn how to respond with the right attitude so you don’t give up when difficulties arise.

Quitting
In any endeavor worthy of pursuit, challenges come. But sometimes blow after blow can cause the shock absorbers of your soul to wear out. When that happens, even a small thing can send you over the edge, making you want to give up. Quitting is not a good solution, because life goes on and you still need to get up in the morning, face another day and be there for the people in your life.

What you can do instead: Pace yourself, realizing that you need to be refreshed along the way to keep your perspective. When your perspective is right, then you are able to see that God is greater than any difficulty and He is with you mightily if you place your trust in Him. (See post: “How much of Your Life do you spend Waiting?”) Breakthrough can be just ahead. And think about it, what would life be like if Edison had given up before his invention of the lightbulb? He said, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” Someone has to persevere to accomplish anything worth accomplishing. It might as well be you.

Camping
Sometimes people respond to challenges by finding their comfort zone and staying there. At first glance, there is nothing wrong with that response. Everyone likes to be comfortable. But if you stop reaching out to others in need and try to make life revolve around your needs and comfort, stagnation and apathy can set in. Consider what God intends for you to do with your life.

Climbing
Have you ever had an idea that won’t go away? My friend, Nadia, had such an idea about visiting a boy she had helped receive burn treatment who had returned to his village in the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine. She went there and now has a ministry to the poorest villages in the Carpathians where she has seen many lives changed. She braves icy roads during the winter and opposition from local religious leaders to help the poor families living there because of her love for them.

Step out of your comfort zone and follow through on those ideas. Like Nadia, you will not regret it. Climbing doesn’t always have to look brave or monumental. It is often measured in small, seemingly insignificant decisions to persevere on a daily basis. The ability to move forward, no matter the obstacle, is possible through faith and love. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith motivated by love enables you to look adversity and apparent darkness in the face and move forward, knowing that breakthrough and victory is on the other side.

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13-14)

Is Your Ladder Leaning Against the Right Building?

I am referring to the proverbial ladder of success that we are all supposed to be climbing. For as long as I can remember, I have heard the analogy of climbing the ladder of success. My thoughts have been stirring in the area of success and purpose today, so I decided to write them down. People often visit my blog who are googling for encouragement, but one day someone was specifically googling for encouraging thoughts on success and failure. Here are a few thoughts, and I hope they are encouraging.

Don’t get me wrong, I love goals and endurance sports. I did a three-hour cycling (spinning) marathon at Fitness First last year and I wanted to keep going. The gym is located on the 35th floor, so there is a nice view of Manila on clear days. I enjoy pushing myself and I think I would enjoy mountain climbing as well, except heights make me nervous. But when it comes to life, I want my goals and dreams to benefit others through love.

When we were living in Lviv, Ukraine, we often visited the home of our friends Robert and Connie Poland. There was always so much joy and love in their home. One day I was telling Robert, a jolly man with a white beard and hair like Santa, that we greatly appreciated the love in their home. This was his response: “People will not remember you for how much you know or how successful you are, but for how much you have loved them.” I took that to heart, realizing that my desire to do everything with excellence would be missing the mark entirely if I did not make a difference in the lives of people.

We all have diverse talents and abilities, opportunities in life and a certain number of days to live. It makes sense to want to do the most with what we are given. If we try to go after a dream only for what we can get out of life for ourselves, then when life takes a turn, what we are building comes crashing down. If we are pursuing our dreams and goals with the purpose of loving and giving value to the lives of others, then no matter what happens in life, we can pursue our purpose. This is what I mean by having our ladder of success leaning against the right building. If we really believe there is a divine purpose in our mundane existence, then there is Someone who sees our hearts and what we do in secret – Someone who sees our motives and choices and is using a different value system for success than the one shouted all around us in society.

I admit, I watch very little television which is why I have time to read so many books, but I do watch “American Idol”, even though I preferred last season. And between the show, advertisements and billboards I realize how much of life is spent trying to follow what is valued in society and be successful at it. When it comes to something like singing, I believe you either have it or you don’t. Yes, talent can be sharpened and it can help to be at the right place at the right time for a big break, but you are born with certain talents and abilities. What if you are a person who feels like you aren’t good at anything? Who are you listening to for your sense of value and success? As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” God has a different value system from man. He looks at the heart. What lives on and carries weight is what we do that influences the lives of other people for good. Do we love people? Do our actions show it?

I like to read "The New York Times" online, but occasionally I read another news source which has become increasingly sensational with its headlines. There are so many evil, heartless acts committed against people on a daily basis. We have not been born into a neutral world. We need to affect lives for good, and ultimately, for God. If your goal is to be a successful lawyer, businessperson, politician, teacher, athlete, artist or whatever, make it your purpose to serve and help others through loving them. Live for an audience of One.

Next post: Wanting to Give Up

What is a Christian?

CNN is airing an Anderson Cooper special entitled “What is a Christian?”, and since it is the Easter holiday, it is a timely topic for consideration. There can be a great deal of confusion surrounding Jesus Christ and what it means to be a Christian. There is even supposed to be a controversial chocolate sculpture of Jesus on display at a Manhattan gallery on Monday.

I remember Donald Miller relating a story in his book “Searching For God Knows What” about something that happened when he was teaching a class of Bible college students in the US. He presented the class with a form of the gospel, but left out a key element while telling them in advance that he would do so. He went on to lecture about the sinful state of man without God, the need to change and live a moral life and about what heaven would be like. After he finished his eloquent presentation, not one in the class of 45 students who had studied the Bible and grown up in Christian homes realized that he had presented the gospel without any reference to Jesus Christ.

A Christian is not . . .

Someone who simply follows a moral code.
Christianity is not a list of do’s and don’ts. A person cannot make themselves good enough to please God, who is perfect. Martin Luther tried to please God by his own efforts until he read the Bible for himself and realized that his righteousness was based on faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." (Hebrews 10:14) When a person recognizes they are only right with God because of His grace, they can extend grace and compassion to others. The Bible states that “the just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)

Someone who chooses a convenient religion.
When a person accepts Jesus Christ, they are not choosing to become a Christian because Christianity is the predominate religion in their culture. They are choosing it because it is the truth. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

A Christian is . . .

I have never thought of Christianity in terms of simply going through religious motions. Once when I was growing up in the South, I was at a church event sitting on a pew. There was nothing wrong with the meeting, but I went out the back door and ran into a nearby field to pour out my heart to God. It wasn’t the only time I did something like that as a young Christian. I sensed that the passion and life found in really knowing and walking with Jesus Christ was something that made my heart want to soar, yet I had so many questions. And He has been gracious enough to answer my pursuit of truth and relationship with Him, leading me on adventures beyond my wildest dreams. The wonder of it all is still unfolding as I walk with Him.

Becoming a Christian means meeting the God of creation and realizing that all history is defined by the redemption of mankind through Jesus Christ, culminating in a pivotal decision to let Him in to bring about a spiritual rebirth - exchanging death, guilt and separation for eternal life, forgiveness and unconditional love. This is the beginning of life as a Christian. A Christian is someone who has a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and follows Him in every area of life.

When you follow Him, you will lead others into a relationship with Him because such a life-changing experience has to be shared. As a missionary in Ukraine and the Philippines, what it means to be a Christian is quite clear and profound, yet simple. It is especially simple in Manila where there is tremendous church growth through small group outreach. People reach out to others, help them come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, become established in their faith and begin reaching out to friends and family all within the context of community. It happens on a daily basis right where people live, work, have coffee or work out.

On Excellence and Kindness

When people want to get away from Manila, one of the favorite places to go is Tagaytay where the Taal volcano is located. The air is fresh, which you greatly appreciate after the thick soup of Manila air. Aaahhhh! Among the many beautiful places and wonderful restaurants in Tagaytay, one of the most refreshing is Sonya’s Garden, a Bed & Breakfast. I had been there once before when we were in a wedding, but yesterday the special quality of the place took on new meaning because of the kindness of Sonya, the owner.

We brought a Ukrainian couple, Valentin and Katya, there to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary. We planned it as a surprise for Katya, so she forgot to dress for the occasion. When we met Sonya, I asked her to show us a beautiful area in the garden where we could have a simple renewal of vows ceremony for the couple. We were expecting a small group of friends and Katya was suddenly embarrassed because she was dressed very casually. Sonya immediately offered for Katya to borrow her dress and asked us to follow her to her home. She directed us to a room there and brought in two white dresses and some beautiful jewelry. Katya laughed with joy as we transformed her for the special evening and brought her out to meet Valentin. The evening was memorable for all of us.

Before I met Sonya, it was apparent that every detail in the place was meticulously designed with the aim to please the senses and bring enjoyment and tranquility. Everything was arranged and decorated with excellence and the staff was hospitable and accommodating. But after having met the gracious and kind owner, I recognized her special touch in it all.

Everything we do, whether in a corporate or private setting, should be done with excellence and kindness. When someone walks into a place for the first time and everything is excellent, they are more likely to want to come again. But it is going out of the way to show kindness to people that really makes the difference. Excellence by itself can be sterile. But when you add the special touch of serving others in personal ways, it is like adding warmth to a cold room by lighting a fire in the fireplace. Even simple acts of kindness can have a tremendous impact. Sonya, thank you for your beautiful example of excellence and kindness.

On a personal level, I often find that when I make the step to get involved in the lives of others, I am greatly enriched by being a part of their lives. There have been times when I have wanted to give up on a person, but then God would speak something in my heart about how He does not give up on me. Going out of our way to show kindness demonstrates the love of God to people because it is contrary to the way in which the world usually works.

Reaching greater levels of excellence is for the sake of serving others better. Serving others better is for the sake of demonstrating the kindness and love of Jesus Christ.

The Bright Side

“If you find yourself in jail, write a book.”

- Kevin Conner, international Bible teacher, teaching a “Leader Lectures” seminar at VCF Fort

This is my favorite quote of the week - maybe I found it so humorous because I love to write, but there is a vital lesson behind it as well.

He was referring to the Apostle Paul, who was in jail several times and spent time in house arrest in Rome. Paul wrote some of his epistles or letters to the churches while he was in jail. Sometimes the way of escape from a bad situation led to a stint in prison. I am not sure of the conditions he experienced in jail, but his life mission was not deterred, maybe even enhanced during those times. In one instance, Paul and Silas were praising God while in prison when the chains fell off and the doors opened. The result was the salvation of the prison guard and his family. In other situations, Paul remained behind bars or in house arrest. During those times, he wrote portions of the Bible and testified about Jesus Christ.

This is what stands out to me when I consider the different outcomes of his experiences in jail: the result was that God was glorified whether he stayed longer or was released. This was a man who measured life by giving glory to God and revealing Jesus Christ. He had a serious epiphany, a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. He went from being a man who resolutely lived to persecute Christians, to becoming a man who passionately desired for others to know Jesus Christ.

In the western world especially, it is common for people to think that if they follow Jesus Christ they will get whatever they want in life and have abundant material blessings. One problem with this view is that when they encounter difficulties, they think God has abandoned them. God blesses our lives first of all with a life of walking with Him and He works in us for the purpose of revealing Himself through our lives. Yes, we are blessed in the process, but not always in the ways we expect. He promises to be with us during the difficult times, but we often have to walk through them and grow in our relationship with Him. The treasure is Jesus Christ Himself. Paul was a brilliant man who knew where his treasure was found.

In whatever circumstances you find yourself, look at the bright side. You can live for the glory of God and use whatever opportunities He has given you to reveal Jesus Christ to those around you.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Change is Constant, but so is God

There are two constants in life: Change and God. From the moment of conception, life is in flux, changing, moving from one stage to another, leaving you never quite certain of what will transpire. You may be making the transition from being a child at home to living on your own. Later in life, there are changes in jobs, going from life as a single person to marriage and family, facing the loss of health or facing the challenge of trying to age gracefully. Change is constant. The other constant is God Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. God is immutable, never changing in character, consistent within Himself, complete and eternal in His goodness, holiness, love and truth. I like that thought. That means that when life goes into chaos mode, I can find sanctuary in the storm at any time or place. When I turn to God, I find a Rock of stability.

Change for me means preparing for our sixth international move. We will move from Manila, Philippines to Kiev, Ukraine in June. I love the people and experiences we have had here, but I look forward to the opportunities that await us in Kiev. I am aware of the stages of transition by now. A few months before the move takes place, my emotions begin to experience the discomfort of the coming disconnect, goodbyes (which I never say, only until we meet again), packing and chaos stage until transition is complete in another part of the world. Fortunately, in the flat world of globalization, goodbyes are no longer necessary. It is possible to communicate through skype with a webcam, blogs, email, and jet off to revisit the places and people you have left. I am not envious of missionaries one hundred years ago who had to travel on long sea voyages and wait eons for cherished letters and packages from friends and family.

When you read books on transition, that period of holding your breath in mid-air like a trapeze artist who has let go of one ring, but has yet to grab hold of the next, is called the "chaos" stage. I would like to rename it or skip it entirely. Imagine for a moment, unless it has been all too real for you as it has been for me, in a matter of days arriving in a completely different part of the world knowing that you will stay, not only visit. Imagine the new sights and sounds, language in some cases, culture, home, people, everything changing so drastically and suddenly. Actually, it can be a wonderful experience and adventure when the constant, God, is with you.

Here are a few things that have helped me when I go through change or transition:

1. Find your sanctuary - Make a time and place to meet with God on a daily basis. I have made it a habit to read the Bible every day for twenty years, no matter what is going on all around me. I confess, some of my favorite sanctuaries are coffee shops. You can enter a Starbucks anywhere in the world and it is the same. It is an international zone, which makes me feel at home. In NYC, one of my favorite sanctuaries was the courtyard of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was near our girls' school. What a privilege it is to live in such wonderful places!

2. Stay focused - Remember that God has a purpose in the change that is taking place and keep up with your family and life responsibilities.

3. Value your relationships - Spend time with family members or important people in your life in non-stressful settings.

4. Let go of the past - If God is doing something new, then take time to assess the past, keep the good that you have learned and leave excess baggage or bad experiences behind.

5. Keep a positive, thankful attitude - If you are like me, there is always a long list of things to be thankful for. Learn to have joy in the journey.

6. Give yourself and others room to adapt - Change is not easy, in most cases. Drink in the new experiences, but don't expect yourself to adapt instantly. There may be some unexpected emotions that come up or things to work through, but that is just part of the process.

"As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." (Psalm 18:30)

And now, I pause for a commercial break. Here are a few of my favorite books on issues related to missions, transition and life in a flat world:

"Hudson Taylor: Growth of a Soul and Growth of a Work of God" (2 volumes)
by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor. Not brief and amazing, but long and amazing. These books go into the hardships as well as the triumphs in how God prepared him and how the ministry grew in China. I read them twice, was challenged in my own walk with God and ministry to others, and cried often. I do not cry easily.

"The World is Flat"
by Thomas L. Friedman. On globalization, even the technical parts were interesting and fascinating because he is such a great author.

"The Third Culture Kid Experience"
by Dave Pollock and Ruth Van Reken. Essential if you are raising children in another culture. This book goes into the challenges and benefits of being a global nomad, giving practical advice for parents.

From Victim to Victor

God wants to take us from being a victim of our circumstances to being victorious in our walk with Him as we accomplish the great things He has called us to do. That is what happened in the life of Gideon. (Stay with me, women. Just think "warrior princess" like Eowyn in "The Lord of the Rings" - beautiful and strong.)

Seven years of living in fear in the mountains and caves. Seven years of seeing everything they worked for taken by the Midianites. When Israel stopped living according to God’s ways, they suffered from corruption within and oppression from without. Gideon was used to living in fear, used to living a meager existence. Even his own father, like many others, worshiped the pagan idols of the day. So when he received a message from God, he struggled to believe it. He was used to being a victim of circumstances. When God showed Gideon his true identity and that He had something for him to accomplish, that changed everything. He went from victim to victor. But first, there was a struggle to believe that God actually meant all that He said. It was like a chess game.

God’s perspective: “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” (Judges 6:12)

Gideon’s perspective due to circumstances:
Disappointment due to difficult circumstances
Wounded faith
Feeling abandoned by God

God’s response:
Go and deliver Israel because I am sending you.

Gideon’s argument because he felt inadequate:
But God, my family is the least and I am the youngest.

God’s reassurance:
“Surely I will be with you and you will defeat Midian as one man.”(Judges 6:16)

Gideon asked for confirmation and God confirmed His word to Gideon.

When Gideon obeyed, the results were just as God had promised. He may have still felt inadequate and afraid, but his faith was demonstrated by his obedience and God proved faithful. We can look at life through our past or our circumstances, but when God comes on the scene, everything changes. He wants to lift us up and reveal His truth to us in the following areas:

1. God is with you.
2. You are a man or woman of God.
3. He has great plans for you to accomplish in His strength.
4. Because of this, you can go from victim to victor.

Back to our warrior princess, Eowyn. When she admitted to King Aragorn that she was afraid of wasting her life away in a cage, he told her that she was a daughter of kings and he did not think that would be her fate. How much more so with the King of kings!

Manolo Blahnik, Nike or Flip Flops: the Need is the Same

All feet are created equal and if the proverbial shoe fits, wear it. People often look at the outward appearance and determine social status at a glance. We need to look past the external in order to see the heart. No matter how polished or disheveled a person may appear, the need for God is the same. (At the risk of losing male readers, Manolo Blahnik’s are coveted, expensive Italian shoes, often of the stiletto variety. I do not own a pair, nor is it likely that I will.)

I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life. Because I have lived in North America, Eastern Europe and Asia, it is a necessity and a way of life for me. I usually look for an inroad to connect with another person and encourage them. This sets the stage for developing a relationship. Once I get to know the person over time, the walls begin to come down and the story of their life emerges. The overwhelming reality is that every life is in need of God, whether they need to meet Him for the first time or grow in their relationship with Him. Everyone needs wisdom in dealing with life issues and relationships. Everyone needs someone to talk to.

When we lived in New York City for a year, I spoke with someone who insisted it was essential to wear the latest designer brands in order to reach New Yorkers. While I am not advocating looking like you just stepped out of a nineteenth century convent or monastery or are a candidate for the show “What Not to Wear”, people are relieved to meet a normal human being who is full of life and genuinely cares. You don’t have to be an expert in another person’s job or way of life in order to reach them and disciple them. You need to be someone who walks with God, knows the Bible and cares about people. Does that take the pressure off?

Learn to look at the heart.

Jesus is our example. He spoke to a despised Samaritan woman, tax gatherers, people of high position and low- people from all walks of life.

"For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:15-17)

Encouragement from the Life of David

Out on the hills with God, a canopy of stars by night, a flock of sheep by day – that is how the future king of Israel spent his time. It was not the first time or the last that God chose to shape a leader in a place of obscurity. He learned to love the God of all creation and touch His heart in worship and song. He learned to valiantly protect the flock in his care from dangerous predators. He seemed far from the throne, unaware of the plans that were awaiting him just over the horizon. His life was so obscure that no one even bothered to send for him when the prophet Samuel, revered in the city, arrived to see his seven brothers. Samuel was a man of God who looked at the heart so when David, the youngest, finally arrived he knew he was the one he was supposed to anoint as king.

David was about to face mighty challenges and enemies, but the presence of God, the encouragement of a trusted friend, and the guidance and correction of godly mentors saw him through. Maybe you will find some parallels in your own life.

The known enemy

“Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26)

Goliath was the giant, taunting, quintessential enemy. The goal was clear: the enemy had to be annihilated, not placated. Spiritually speaking, we have to confidently and decisively deal with the enemies that can distract us and get us off course. Unfortunately, our enemies are sometimes subtle and enticing. Our old sinful ways are not a warm blanket of comfort, but enemies that will hold us in invisible prisons if we do not ruthlessly deal with them. Like David, we can win because God is with us.

Unexpected opposition

“When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle. ‘Now what have I done?’ said David. ‘Can't I even speak?’” (1 Samuel 17:28-29)

David’s brother treated him with condescension and anger. He also had to flee from the wrath of King Saul, who tried to have him killed, while keeping a right heart. One of the greatest difficulties for Christians can be dealing with unexpected conflict from family or people of influence in our lives when we choose to serve God. Sometimes we can face opposition when we are doing the right thing, but the goal every time is to keep our hearts and attitudes right toward others.

The trusted friend

Jonathan, the son of Saul, loved David as much as his own life and protected him from the wrath of his father. His friendship was a source of encouragement and strength to David. Do you have friends like that in your life? If you do, value them like gold. Take time to tell them how much you appreciate them. We grow in relationship, not in isolation.

Mentors

Samuel anointed David as king and protected him from Saul. Later in David’s life, the prophet Nathan corrected David for his sin. Godly mentors are important in our lives because they help us walk into all of the plans that God has for us. They are also willing to correct us when necessary. We need these kinds of relationships, even if we sometimes have to seek them out.