Another snip-it from the book "True Grit" by Deborah Meroff.
Mara has discovered that the more she lets herself be used as a channel of God's love, the less likely she is to be anxious about her own personal concerns. She can lose herself because she is secure in her identity. What did it matter that she was born to a Brazilian medium, married to a South African, the mother of children born in Turkey and now living in Britain? 'Home' lies in the epicenter of God's will.
Mara urges other women who question their identity to find it through the one who made them. She would also challenge them to open their eyes to the world at their doorstep. And to discover that missions is not crossing the seas but seeing the cross.
Awesomeness. I've also had many 'homes.' I am always home as long as I am in God's will. This is so well said.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
True Grit - Into India
I've been reading a book called "True Grit" by Deborah Meroff. Here's a little excerpt about a woman named Janice working in India that was encouraging to me.
"God has been working my whole life to get this together," she reflects. Even the 'wasted years' of traveling have given me a certain credibility with those I meet. I've shed a few tears of frustration, I can tell you, but just when I feel really fed up with myself, God does something great." A smile lights her face, and she adds, "These people are too precious to God to let me screw it up. They've lived through so much and they're dying out there. So he is going to do it!"
I love, love, love this! I have totally seen the handprints of God in my life moving me to this point. I have definitely seen him keep me from screwing up His plan. He is so awesome and it shows how much He loves those who need Him!
"God has been working my whole life to get this together," she reflects. Even the 'wasted years' of traveling have given me a certain credibility with those I meet. I've shed a few tears of frustration, I can tell you, but just when I feel really fed up with myself, God does something great." A smile lights her face, and she adds, "These people are too precious to God to let me screw it up. They've lived through so much and they're dying out there. So he is going to do it!"
I love, love, love this! I have totally seen the handprints of God in my life moving me to this point. I have definitely seen him keep me from screwing up His plan. He is so awesome and it shows how much He loves those who need Him!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Forgiveness. 2.17.11
This morning I was reading Matthew 18: 21-35
Forgiveness. Sometimes I am just so slow. How many times have I heard/read the parable of the unforgiving debtor...I just feel like I got it this morning. Its not about money, or even general forgiveness. Its about forgiving others because we're forgiven by God. If we believe that Jesus is our forgiver and leader, then we are the servant in the story. We have been forgiven of this incredible debt (our sin) that would be impossible to pay back ourselves. We are commanded to forgive others (vs. 21-22). Jesus is speaking to believers here, not unbelievers. This parable describes what happens to us if we don't forgive others. There is a reason this is a commandment, not a suggestion. The fact that this is a commandment could be a very heavy burden to carry. However, I also am reminded that Jesus said His burden is light. So I also need to remember that His Spirit lives in me and changes my heart. So, this is not a burdensome commandment, but an easy commandment, if I'm allowing Him to lead this area of my life. Great stuff.
Forgiveness. Sometimes I am just so slow. How many times have I heard/read the parable of the unforgiving debtor...I just feel like I got it this morning. Its not about money, or even general forgiveness. Its about forgiving others because we're forgiven by God. If we believe that Jesus is our forgiver and leader, then we are the servant in the story. We have been forgiven of this incredible debt (our sin) that would be impossible to pay back ourselves. We are commanded to forgive others (vs. 21-22). Jesus is speaking to believers here, not unbelievers. This parable describes what happens to us if we don't forgive others. There is a reason this is a commandment, not a suggestion. The fact that this is a commandment could be a very heavy burden to carry. However, I also am reminded that Jesus said His burden is light. So I also need to remember that His Spirit lives in me and changes my heart. So, this is not a burdensome commandment, but an easy commandment, if I'm allowing Him to lead this area of my life. Great stuff.
Lessons from the News 2.3.11
I was cruising the BBC news this morning and I saw these two headlines.
"MPs query £1.85m overseas aid spent of Pope visit."
"World Food Prices reach new high."
As I read the Pope article I was just sick to read that the money set aside to help suffering people around the world was spent on a dignitary's visit. But I quickly realized, don't we all do this? Don't most of us splurge (round up) on ourselves and our guests? Then the money that we could have given to someone who really needs it is gone. I realized that I can't quickly judge the UK government because many of us do the same appalling thing in our smaller budgets. How God's heart must break over our lack of priority for the poor. Whether a large or small budget, the neglect in our action is the same. Intention is great but it is our actions that matter.
God Time thoughts from 1.21.11
It is now time to catch up on some random thoughts from my God time that I journaled about but haven't posted yet. It's posting time!
Matthew 8:23-28 The story of Jesus calming the storm.
The disciples wake Jesus up because they are afraid a fierce storm is going to sink the boat and cause them to drown. After Jesus calms the storm He says to them: "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith."
As soon as I read this I was thinking how that relates to people and planes. There was a time in my life that I was afraid to fly. It just clicked this morning that when we worry about stuff like this we have little faith. It was true then of my fear of flying and all of the other little fears that creep in. Fear is not fear. Fear is lack of faith. So let me ask you... what are you afraid of?
Matthew 8:23-28 The story of Jesus calming the storm.
The disciples wake Jesus up because they are afraid a fierce storm is going to sink the boat and cause them to drown. After Jesus calms the storm He says to them: "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith."
As soon as I read this I was thinking how that relates to people and planes. There was a time in my life that I was afraid to fly. It just clicked this morning that when we worry about stuff like this we have little faith. It was true then of my fear of flying and all of the other little fears that creep in. Fear is not fear. Fear is lack of faith. So let me ask you... what are you afraid of?
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