about lottie...

Since Christmas is fast approaching, I’ve thought about Lottie Moon. She gave her life to serve God in China.  She was an encouragement to others, a brave servant for God, and was passionate about leading others to Christ.

She served 39 years as a missionary, mostly in China’s Shantung province.  Lottie frequently wrote letters to the United States, detailing Chinese culture, missionary life and the great physical and spiritual needs of the Chinese people. Additionally, she challenged Southern Baptists to go to China or give so that others could go. By 1888, Southern Baptist women had organized and helped collect $3,315 to send workers needed in China.

"When the gospel is allowed to grow naturally in China, without forcing processes of development, the 'church in the house' is usually its first form of organization. God grant us faith and courage to keep 'hands off' and allow this new garden of the Lord's planting to ripen in the rays of the Divine Love, free from human interference!"

- Lottie Moon, Pingtu, China Sept. 10, 1890

In 1918, the Woman's Missionary Union named the annual Christmas offering for international missions after the woman who had urged them to start it - the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®

quick quotes

and speaking about communion. . .

Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not so tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning, and there is filth even in our tears.

Charles Spurgeon

Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.

Hudson Taylor

All Christian power springs from communion with God and from the indwelling of divine grace.

James H. Aughey

Thus may we abide in union; with each other and the Lord, and possess in sweet communion joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton

a thursday morning drive

It was a bit chilly this morning when I left the house.  After getting on the intersate, I noticed a misty fog slowly rising from the ground.  As the morning sun began to rise, I saw a wonder unfolding before me.  I began to see sunbeams reflecting off the fog.  There were some areas thick with trees blocking the sunbeams from view.  There were other places that the sunbeams peeked thru small openings.  And, in cleared land, the sunbeams were bright and beautiful.  I love nature, and was grateful to witness this awesome unveiling.

I was listening to a CD of contempary Christian music, but my thoughts were reflecting over sunbeams.  There have been difficult times in my life that I felt all alone.  Times that I felt discouraged and hopeless.  Even thou I couldn't look over or thru the trees to see Jesus, He was always there.  Sometimes, I have wavered back and forth. between blessings and frustations. When I see Him right before me, I can bask in His love and His grace.

I love sunbeams. . .

pause 'n ponder

and speaking about communion. . .

Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not so tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning, and there is filth even in our tears.

Charles Spurgeon

 

Whatever is your best time in the day, give that to communion with God.

Hudson Taylor

All Christian power springs from communion with God and from the indwelling of divine grace.

James H. Aughey

Thus may we abide in union; with each other and the Lord, and possess in sweet communion joys which earth cannot afford.
John Newton

worthy words

do i count?

In 2000, my Dad walked thru the gates of pearl.  Mark read the poem below at the grave side service.  My other Dad (affectionately called Padre), took the same path in 2003.  This poem exemplifies the men they were.  We’ll never know how many lives they touched. . .

THE LIFE THAT COUNTS

The life that counts must toil and fight;

Must hate the wrong and love the right;

Must stand for truth, by day, by night…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must hopeful be;

In darkest night make melody;

Must wait the dawn on bended knee…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must aim to rise

Above the earth to sunlit skies;

Must fix its gaze on Paradise…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must helpful be,

The care and needs of others see;

Must seek the slaves of sin to free…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts is linked with God;

And turns not from the cross…the rod;

But walk with joy where Jesus trod…

This is the life that counts.

Anonymous

amazing grace – a legacy of faithfulness

John Newton (1725-1807) was the author of “Amazing Grace”, I read somewhere that it’s America’s most famous and favorite hymn.

He wrote this hymn as a prayer of deep gratitude poured from his heart to God for having saved his life and his soul. Before he died, he wrote a short statement to some friends that could perhaps sum up his life. “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

He wrote his epitaph, and it’s engraved on a marble plaque in St Mary, Woolnoth, UK.:

JOHN NEWTON, Clerk [preacher]
Once an infidel and libertine
A servant of slaves in Africa,
Was, by the rich mercy
of our Lord and Saviour
JESUS CHRIST,
restored, pardoned and
appointed to preach
the Gospel which he had
long laboured to destroy.
He ministered,
Near sixteen years in Olney, in Bucks,
And twenty eight years in this Church.

I think there’s a lot more to learn from John Newton..

there's power

When I close my eyes and shut out all distractions, I can release all my tension and stress.  This time is one of worship and praise and prayer, this time is to bow down before my God.  I pray each day that I will trust God to use me to make a difference and that my life will honor Him. 

It’s a journey, it's a journey on my knees, until I meet Him face to face. . .  

There's a song I like named 'On My Knees' by Jaci Velasquez

This portion has great meaning to me:

I get on my knees!

I get on my knees!

There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how
But there's power
When I'm on my knees

quick quotes

Step by step, prayer by prayer, the Lord will always get you there.
~Unknown

Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith unlocks the door.

~Unknown

Calmness is the way we show that we are trusting in God.

~Unknown

how long?

Every now and then, I come across a song that ‘strikes a chord’ with me. The latest is ‘How Long Has It Been’ by Mosie Lister. Here's the first verse:

How long has it been
Since you talked with the Lord
And told Him your heart's hidden secrets?
How long since you prayed?
How long since you stayed
On your knees till the light shone through?
How long has it been
Since you knew that He cared for you?

When was the last time? When I talked with God? How long did I pray? Actually stayed and prayed? Listened to Him? Felt the warmth of His love and care? When and for how long?

How long has it been?

it's all about HIM

Sometimes I sit around and wonder, ‘well, what’s going to happen next?’  Will tomorrow be better than today?  Maybe it will, and maybe it won’t.  I don’t know, and won’t know, until it happens.  Of course, I can sit around wondering and stressing, but wondering and stressing won’t change a thing.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll probably say it a million times more, but here it is: ‘IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT ME!’  This isn’t how I should be thinking or feeling, and I know that all to well.  Things happen for a reason.

It’s God who’s teaching me, and I’d better be paying attention.  I can learn from the good and I can learn from the bad.  My faith may grow stronger and prepare me for what’s around the corner.  I may become closer by studying His word and may learn what He wants me to do.  I can follow His will for my life.  So, how can I complain?  Really, now!

Jesus became a man -  He felt pain, He was persecuted, He suffered, He was condemed...and, He died for me.  How can I complain?  Really, now!   For, ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS!’      

For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, Phil 1:29 NAS

“Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.  John 15:20 NAS

reprise: cobwebs and dust by mrs liz (condensed version)

i am liz
i am liz
liz i am

that liz-i-am!
that liz-i-am!
i do not like
that liz-i-am!


do you like
cobwebs and dust?

i do not like them,
Liz-i-am.
i do not like
cobwebs and dust.

would you like them
here or there?

i would not like them
here or there.
i would not like them
anywhere.
i do not like
cobwebs and dust.
I do not like them,
liz-i-am.

would you like them
in a house?
would you like them
with a mouse?

i do not like them
in a house.
i do not like them
with a mouse.
i do not like them
here or there.
i do not like them
anywhere.
i do not like cobwebs and dust.
i do not like them, liz-i-am

moving on up

It won’t be too much longer until I move into my brand new home!  The driveway doesn’t have cracks and the windows never need cleaning and the siding doesn’t need washing and the grass never has to be cut and all the flowers stay in bloom and nothing about the home ever has to be repaired or cleaned or updated.  Sounds awesome, doesn’t it!?

But, seriously...My new home has jasper walls and foundations of precious stones and stones like sapphire and emerald and chrysolite and topaz and amethyst. It has gates of pearls and streets of pure gold like clear glass and there’s a river of life and a tree of life and the throne of God.  There isn’t any pain or grief or sorrow or death.  Sounds awesome, doesn’t it!?  It is!!  Jesus will welcome me there!

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  John 14:2-3 ESV

do i have faith this amazing?

In today’s sermon, our preacher told a little about a man named George Muller.  He was born in 1805, saved at age six, and in 1834, founded the Scriptural Knowledge Institution, whose prime objective was to provide orphanages in Great Britain.  

He had no money, he had no intention of asking for any – he believed that God would provide everything that was needed.  He prayed and God provided!  Muller never asked for support!  For 64 years, that’s how he operated.  Just think about it, he never, ever asked for money, he only prayed and God supplied! 

Over the years, he cared for and educated over 18,000 kids, educated over 100,000 more in other schools, distributed hundreds of thousands of  Bibles, tens of millions of tracts, supported about 150 missionaries, travelled over 200,000 miles as a missionary himself, and shared the gospel to over 3 million around the world.

And in all that time, he never asked for one penny from anyone, his children never missed a meal, and he never had a debt. That is the remarkable record of George Mueller.

and He loves me anyway

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 9:10 NAS

Considering how vast and infinite this universe is, I’m just a minuscule speck on planet Earth.  In this world’s population of nearly seven billion, I’m a tiny little speck that God knows very well, and He loves me anyway!  I trust in God, I’m forever His, I’m His child, and I’ll live forever!

Yes, I’m a sinner, and yet...

God knows my name

He created me

He loves me

He knows my heart

He died for me

He has saved me

He is with me always

He gave me faith

He cares about me

He blesses me

He is my strength

He gave me grace

He has redeemed me

He understands me

Wow!  God knows everything about me, my past, my present, and my future, and yet He saved anyway!

pause 'n ponder

God says to leave the church building and go and tell His message to ALL, yet laymen are asked to “befriend” people in order to EVENTUALLY invite them to come and hear at church. How do we justify passing the buck and pushing the burden of evangelism on the professional?  What about the billions who will never attend church? Do they miss the chance to go to heaven because YOU are lazy? Are lost people viewed as potential tithers (church “customers”) OR people who need Jesus Christ, wherever the Spirit leads them to attend?

(unknown)

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,

Eph. 4:12 ESV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Cor. 9:24-27 ESV

worthy words

rest in Your holiness

‘Word of God Speak’ by MercyMe is one of my favorite songs.  The chorus particulary speaks to me.  It’s such a comfort to study His Word and experience a warm feeling surrounding me.  Sometimes, I can actually visualize the love of God covering me.  I’m able to rest in His holiness and listen to God speak.  It’s an amazing place to be!

Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak 

When I fail to commune with God in daily Bible study and prayer, I’m the one who suffers.  I miss out on an awesome experience with Him.  And, it’s an awful place to be.

eagle's wings

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Isaiah 40:31 NAS

This is one of my most treasured Bible verses.  I return to it again and again. 

 

I understand what God is saying, I understand that He alone gives me strength, I understand that strength is divine, I understand that strength is unshakable.  I admit, there are times when I feel totally alone, times that I’m extremely tired, times that I want to crawl under the covers, times that I shake my head and deeply sigh.  

But, I also understand that He is always here.  Always with me.  Always.  It doesn’t matter what it is, devastating or minuscule, I can always and only depend on Him.  I have a note in my Bible that reads:  Let’s call upon, let’s wait upon, let’s depend upon the Lord.  That’s it!

I just need reminding.  And, once again, I return to Isaiah 40:31.

it’s never too late to have a happy childhood

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Walk in the rain, jump in mud puddles,

collect rocks, rainbows and roses, 

smell flowers, blow bubbles, stop along the way, 

build sandcastles, say hello to everyone,  go barefoot, go on adventures, act silly, fly kites,

have a merry heart, talk with animals, 

sing in the shower,  read children’s books, take bubble baths, get new sneakers, hold hands and hug and kiss, dance,

laugh and cry for the health of it, 

wonder and wander around, 

feel happy  and precious  and innocent, 

feel scared, feel sad, feel mad, 

give up worry and guilt and shame, 

say yes, say no, say the magic words, 

ask lots of questions, 

ride bicycles, draw and paint,  see things differently,

fall down and get up again, 

look at the sky,     watch the sunrise and sunset, 

watch clouds and name their shapes, 

watch the moon and stars come out, 

trust the universe,  stay up late,    climb trees, daydream, 

do nothing and do it very well,  learn new stuff, 

be excited about everything, be a clown, 

enjoy having a body, listen to music, 

find out how things work,  make up new rules, 

tell stories, save the world, 

make friends with the other kids on the block,and do anything else 

that brings more happiness,  celebration, health, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, grace, self-esteem, courage, balance, spontaneity, passion, beauty, peace, relaxation,communication and life energy to ... all living beings on this planet.    

~ Bruce Williamson, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood (1987).

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