When A Little Child Leads the Way

"There's a little boy out front who wants to meet a real missionary. Will you come talk to him?"

Ryan had just turned seven years old. As he's done before, instead of birthday presents, he had asked the guests at his birthday party to donate money to help a missionary in the field. 

He and his family are acquainted with former missionaries to Mexico. They'd heard the stories of missionaries with an urgent need for a specific amount and the surprise arrival of a miraculous gift from someone who provided the exact amount. 

Ryan wants to be the one who provides the miraculous gift for which the missionaries are praying.

He and his family love being a part of the work of God.

Ryan gathered his birthday money and brought it to the Global Outreach office to donate. Marla, his family told me, always decides which missionary needs it most. 

Ryan wanted his gift to go to the missionary who needs the exact amount of his birthday money.

One day, he hopes to be a missionary, too.

Since I'd already set up for the brunch today, I invited him to the conference room to see pictures, find Jordan on the big map, and hear a few stories. We sat and talked about things God had done on my recent trip.  He marveled in the way only a child can do.

I was stunned by his depth of Biblical knowledge and understanding of the Scripture he'd learned. His questions revealed a level of insight seen in few adults. 

This is a child who will be able to do many things. What's he's chosen to do, at his young age, is serve Christ with his life. 

Ryan's an example of discipleship to us all. He's made following Jesus and generosity his priorities and everything else in his life revolves around that. Exactly as it should. 

Today, let's learn from the heart of a child, who understands that the "stuff" of birthday presents pales in importance beside the opportunity to invest in the kingdom of God.  

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me.Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." 

Matthew 19:14 nlt

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: The Rosemary Reminder and the Precious Memories

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch today (Saturday, April 1). It's interactive with multiple "stations" to check out. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. Today at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS. You're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus 

The Rosemary Reminder and the Precious Memories

Rosemary always makes me think of the Middle East. 

In Israel and in Jordan, rosemary's used as a border plant, in the same way boxwoods are used here. When I was there recently, it was in full, extravagant bloom. As I walked back and forth from my building at the conference center, the fragrance of the bushes filled the air. 

Traditionally, rosemary is considered the herb of memory. The leaves are believed to quicken the mind and prevent forgetfulness. If you google the health benefits of rosemary, you'll find an extensive list, most of which is probably not true. Still, I like to cook and make tea with it.

In the rambling way that my mind works, pulling the leaves off the rosemary branches makes me think of memory, which makes me think of remembering things... You know how it goes.

I'm harvesting rosemary to make tea, so my sink is full of fragrant branches. This morning, I had to move the rosemary to get to my coffee pot. Cup in hand, I opened the Psalms and the flood of memories stopped me in my tracks. 

There was a date and "Ryan" in the margin by Psalm 31:14-15. "Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me." I'd prayed those verses for Ryan when kids at school bullied him. Remembering how God delivered him made me smile.

There's a date and the name of a friend by Psalm 34:5. "They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed." We prayed these verses when her husband made a very public moral error that caused equally public condemnation. Remembering how God brought them both through their disaster, stronger than they were at the start, also made me smile.

There are several dates by Psalm 35:1. "Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me..." My friend and I have prayed this verse many times during the fifteen years we've been prayer partners... for our children, for ourselves. The verse is a precious reminder that, every single time, God has contended with the ones who were contending with us.

This morning, my quiet time has been filled with precious memories of the faithfulness of God and with thanksgiving for all the prayers He's answered, all the ways He's moved.

What about you? How has God answered your prayers? What Scripture promise has He fulfilled in your life?

If you're like me, you have an abundance of "gimme prayers" you could pray. Today, though, let's take some time to remember all God has done and celebrate the goodness of our King. He neither slumbers nor sleeps but always sees, always knows, always loves.

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me." Psalm 103:2 nlt
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Church Breaks Out and Intercession Begins

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch on Saturday. It's interactive with multiple "stations" to check out. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS. You're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus 

When Church Breaks Out and Intercession Begins

We had church last night. 

I don't mean the scheduled meeting in the building. I'm referring to that wonderful moment when the assembled body of Christ is so linked by the Spirit of God that they're in one accord.

Pastor Scooter taught about Abraham and his three visitors. While he was pouring out hospitality in a big way, the visitors (AKA Jesus and two angels) told him about soon-to-be-born baby Issac. (Genesis 18)

After the feast at Abraham's tent, The Lord and His angels headed to Sodom and Gomorrah to destroy both towns. He decided to tell Abraham about it first.

Since his nephew, Lot, lived there, Abraham became a serious intercessor on the spot.

You probably know this story. Abraham asked if God would relent if there were fifty righteous people there. Yes, He would. On and on Abraham went. Finally, he said, "What if there are ten righteous people?" The Lord said He'd relent on destruction for ten righteous people. (Genesis 18:32)

That brought us to a discussion of the importance of praying big. 

Pastor Scooter invited us to stand up and tell what we were asking God to do. The one standing was to say, "I'm asking God to.." and the rest of us were to say, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (That comes straight from Genesis 18:14, in case you were wondering why we said it.) Then, we'd all pray the biggest prayer possible for the need.

It was a little slow at first. One person stood up with their need. We prayed. Long pause. Then another. Suddenly, people were standing up as fast as could be. 

We were gathered in the name of Jesus and His Spirit was present with us, so we didn't waste the opportunity. (Matthew 18:20) 

We prayed as big as we could pray. Healing from cancer. Deliverance from alcoholism. Salvation. Restoration and healing of marriages. We gathered around. Laid on hands. Prayed as big as we could. 

It was the church being the church, and it was beautiful.

The prayers were prayed in His will, because we prayed according to Scripture. 

God's not willing for any to perish, so we know He wants all those people we prayed about to be saved. (2 Peter 3:9)

He hates divorce, so we know He wants those marriages to be healed. (Malachi 2:16)

It was for freedom that Christ set us free, so we know He wants those struggling with addiction to be set free. (Galatians 5:1)

Perfect love casts out fear and He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, so we know He wants those going through cancer or other challenges to be fearless and peaceful. (1 John 4:18, 2 Timothy 1:7)

God responded to every prayer. We haven't seen all the answers yet, but we will.

When we, the church, do what God says in the way He says to do it, with the right attitude and motive, He will do what He has said. 

Last night, we did things God's way. 

I'm asking God to save someone dear to me, to move in Jordan and bring a fire of revival, to bring the right people to the brunch on Saturday and help me prepare appropriately... 

Is anything to difficult for the Lord?

What are you asking God to do?

In case you've wondered, it's not too difficult for Him.

"For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20 nlt

"You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father." John 14:13 nlt
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n case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When Pure Religion Isn't Quite

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch on Saturday. It's interactive with multiple "stations" to check out. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS. You're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus 

When Pure Religion Isn't Quite

The picture (above) is from Ruthie Howard, who works with children in the Lake Victoria region of Uganda. The sparkling eyes and happy smiles spreading across their faces are beautiful, aren't they? 

When I think of "religious work," I think of doing it with beautiful children like these.

The topic today is "pure and undefiled religion." (James 1:27)

According to James, religion is not merely a list of rules to follow, a litany to chant, or a ritual to perform. 

Pure and undefiled religion is so much more. It's "visiting widows and orphans in their distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27)

This verse is chock-full of challenge. The visiting we're to do is not simply stopping by to say hi or drop off a cake. 

The visiting we're to do is in the midst of circumstances so difficult we don't want to go, but we go anyway, and we do it with the intent of assessing the situation to see how we can help. 

The "orphan" is not only the fatherless child. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, the word for orphan also means the friendless, the desolate, the one who lacks a guide, teacher, or guardian. 

That expands our area of responsibility, doesn't it?

The longer I've pondered this verse, the more I'm convinced that, though pure and undefiled religion includes doing repairs for elderly widows, buying school supplies for orphaned children, taking a basket of food to a family in distress, it is so much more. 

"Pure religion" also involves finding the worst possible situation, the most hopeless person, evaluating the need, and taking action to correct the problems.

We, the body of Christ, are responsible for the widows and orphans, the friendless and the fatherless, the ones in distress, and the ones in the midst of trials so difficult they seem like tribulation. 

We are to see them, to love them, to help them. No matter how difficult. No matter how hopeless it seems. 

We're not helping because we're good people. We're helping because we have a good Father who cares about all His children and longs to see them whole and in right relationship with Him. 

If we're to be His hands and feet in this dark world, we must want wholeness and relationship with God for people in need, as well. 

If our religion is pure when we keep our hearts unstained and we reach out to the ones in distress, what is our religion if we don't?

What if we don't keep our hearts unstained? What if we nurture a bit of the world, but we do good deeds? 

What if we keep our heart unstained by the world but we don't involve ourselves with those in need?

This is not an either/or verse. It's both/and. We're to keep ourselves unstained by the sin of the world AND we're to find people in need and try to help. 

If we do nothing except sit on a pew once or twice a week, our "religion" is neither pure nor undefiled. 

If we follow Christ, we'll do what Christ did, beginning with loving people as we love ourselves, in their need, in their distress, in their distasteful situations. 

We'll step in, share love, spread light, speak truth. We will be involved.

Let's take a close look at our lives. Do we have a form of religion or the "pure and undefiled" religion of James 1:27? Are we a Christ-follower or merely a Christ-talker?

It's not too late to make a change. Let's start today.

"Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you." James 1:27 nlt

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Sending an Encouraging Word

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch on Saturday. It's interactive with multiple "stations" to check out. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS. You're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus 

Sending an Encouraging Word

I opened an email this morning that changed something important in me. It was intended as encouragement, which I received gratefully. There was some unintended truth, though, that's left me convicted and determined to do better. 

It was from one of our missionaries in an undisclosed country. 

"We can't tell you how much it means to us to see that Father has and still is answering prayers. We prayed over two years more than once that He would send someone to send an encouraging word from time to time..."

Imagine their situation for a moment. Two missionaries. Thousands of miles from home. Separated from all those they love by a wall of secrecy intended to protect them from hostile governments. Lonely. Uncertain. Probably afraid. 

Praying that someone would reach out with a word of encouragement. 

The email I sent was little more than one sentence. 

"We spoke with Dad and asked Him to direct every step, provide all that's needed, and fill you with peace and joy."

Those simple words filled a missionary with hope. 

They weren't forgotten. 

Someone cared. 

Someone took the time to send an email...

After we have morning prayer time at Home Office, I take the list of missionaries for whom we've prayed and email them with an encouraging word about our prayers. We have hundreds of missionaries in more than 40 countries, so most missionaries hear from me no more often than once a month. 

Today's email reminded me that 

Global Outreach isn't the only mission-sending organization. There are literally thousands of missionaries serving far from their friends and families, and they're all eager for a word of encouragement. A reminder of love from home.

We can help by becoming a "prayer-sponsor." Why not join the work of Global's prayer ministry by sponsoring a missionary with an ongoing "prayer-donation?" Your gift of time and prayer support would mean so much to them. (comment or message me if you'd like to help)

Missionaries, however, are not the only ones in need of an encouraging word from time to time. People everywhere need to know that someone cares, so let's reach out to those around us. Offer a hug. A smile. A kind word. 

Why not give a bit of encouragement today? It won't cost a thing, but it could mean the world to someone who's lonely or discouraged.

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!'" Matthew 25:40 nlt

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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Sold Out From the Start

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch on Saturday. We'll sample Jordanian food and hear stories from my trip. April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS, and you're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus 

Sold Out From the Start

I hate to admit how slow I've been in finishing the James study, but it's taken me several days to do the first day of week 5 (Doing and Being). 

My topic today was James 1:25. "But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." nlt

The one who "looks carefully" is like someone who leans over to inspect something intently and continues to inspect until all is understood.

Studying Scripture the way God intended is supposed to be deliberate and in-depth, but it's much more than attending a class or filling in blanks to answer questions. 

Looking carefully into God's Word requires that we "see" the Scripture with such clarity that we also understand how it applies to our lives. We must take what we've learned and allow God's Word to change us. 

I read something today that slashed me with conviction: 

"The early disciples took what they'd learned in three years with Jesus and applied it to take the gospel literally around the world. We have these truths we're studying because of their efforts. 

"I've had many more than three years of teaching, but I haven't used what I've learned to make the kind of impact they made. Why not? 

"The biggest difference in them and me is that they were sold out from the start. They literally laid everything down for Christ and He blessed their sacrifice in ways too big to fully comprehend." (from James: Living a Life Worth Living)

"Sold out from the start."

The first disciples were so changed by the teachings of Christ that they spent the rest of their lives doing what He'd said. Teaching. Making disciples. Following. 

They suffered terribly for it, but they pressed on. Why? Because they allowed the Word of God to change them so completely that obedience was the only thing that mattered.

We're supposed to be so changed by God's Word that obedience is the only thing that matters to us, too. But are we?

Today, let's embrace God's Word with transformation as our first priority. Let's invite our Lord to change us into the obedient disciples He intended us to be, the kind of disciples that turn the world right-side-up for Him.

________

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Proving Our Repentance by Our Actions

*** I'm sharing about my Jordan Journey at a brunch (and Jordanian food sampling) April 1 at 10:30-12 at Global Outreach home office, 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc MS, and you're all invited. Comment or message me if you'd like to come.***

If God has called you to help with this ministry of digital and in-person outreach (both in the US and around the world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 or you can mail your check or money order to:

Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#Jesus