Spiritual Up and Running

Of late I am having a great time in my personal devotions as we read through the Bible. We do it every year but it is not boring.  This year I am seeing how I often get great concepts from my reading.  Things I need to implement in my daily life.  AND there is  the problem.  How can I consistently get what I know in my head to be in my heart, and working.  How to get it up and running.  With a computer, you push a button and if you push the right set of buttons, you are up and running.  Spiritual life is different.  There are no buttons.  It takes much thought and energy to keep the focus where it needs to be.  No sliding by!  I cannot do this! God is steadfast, and keeps pulling me into account. So implementation requires me to go deeper into God, and know him.  More God, less Jeffrey works well.

That Big Bag of Expectations

This week I got to go to my sister’s house for the day.  We had some work to do for her so we went.  I always get excited about seeing her and go with a whole sac of expectations about the time.  I know in my head my expectations are unreasonable, but each time I go I pack up those expectations and drag them along with me.  Then, rather than enjoying my time, I am frustrated because my expectations are not being met.  So, I get to pack up my disappointment for the trip home.

This time I tried to focus on what we were doing, and enjoying that.  I tried to be more flexible.  So when a disaster in the kitchen delayed and changed the breakfast plan, I prayed, and waited without being obnoxious.  When the dog tried to sit on me, I was patient, and nudged her in a different direction.  When Mom and Abi went shopping for clothes Abi needed, I did not get mad, but prayed they would find what was needed.  When lunch was not to my time schedule, I waited and prayed for no disasters. 

At the end of the day the work was accomplished, and I was happy.  I had a pleasant day with my sister, and I experienced little frustration.  It was a good time.  I could thank the Lord for a good time.  Next time I do not have to carry the heavy bag of expectations when I go.  Thus the heavier bag of disappointment also is not on my back. 

Now, to remember this and do it!

Learning Obedience

A few years ago after the huge triple disaster in Japan, a team of Brazilian soccer players came to Japan to help recovery efforts.  These team members came for a bigger purpose, however.  They came to deliver the love of Jesus.  Yes, they were Christians intent on doing an act of obedience to the Lord.  They were men and women of faith.  They came at great cost to themselves.  Some were poor; others had wealth.  They all had Jesus. 

One day I got to ride the bus with them.  It is an experience I will always remember and cherish.  I was able to sit in the midst of these mighty men of God, and share in their passion for the Gospel.  Most were young and still finding their path in life.  They were a large team and it took much work to facilitate this event here in Japan.  Many contacts were made as a result of this team.  However, they could not point to any definite decisions or salvations from this trip. I think they were disappointed a bit. 

Six years later what do we see?  There have been decisions in people who attended the events involved in this team.  My family and I have made two trips to minister in Brazil.  We have friends in Brazil.  But what about the team?  Life has gone on with them. Some got married, some had babies.  Some became less passionate in faith.  To me, however, it is exciting to see some involved in ministry, and best of all some becoming missionaries.  It reminds me that the biggest work accomplished in that team was in their own hearts.  Learning obedience to the Master.  I view them as mighty men of God.  I pray we will always strive to be mighty men of God for His glory!

Windy Day Faith

Today is a windy, windy day.  Things are blowing around outside.  Shudders and windows clatter in the assault.  I see dust in the air and who knows what else.  Then Dad says time to run.  I think, “I am sure the noise of the wind made it sound like he wants to run now.  It must be a mistake.”  But, alas, it is no mistake.  We are getting ready for a run or is it a fly?  We get all put together and open the door to a blast of cold air and off we go.  I am not sure about this.  Will I survive?  I have no idea, but Dad says let’s go so I go. 

Hmm ... kind of like walking by faith with Jesus day by day.  Danger is everywhere.  I can imagine such terrible things that could happen to me.  But Jesus says, “Come now and walk with me,” so I go.  That is the walk of faith.  Leave it to Jesus.  He knows best, so trust Him and obey!

I have lived in the same house for 31 years.  For the most part my neighbors are the same ones who were here when I came.  They have helped me and been good neighbors to me.  They are so special.  They care about me, and I care about them.  Now they are getting older and having health issues. It hurts my heart to see this because they have not taken the time to know Jesus.  They somehow think they can manage on their own.

Of course they cannot manage on their own.  Like me, their own resources are not enough.  They will never be enough.  I know Jesus who is more than enough. The problem is how to tell them about Jesus in a winsome way they can understand.  I feel compelled to share with them. I am here for the purpose of telling them.  How do I do that when I cannot speak?

God calls me to obedience.  He calls me to love them.  He calls me to believe He is enough even in this situation.  So I will trust God.  I will love them as God calls me to do.  I will trust God with the results.  I will expect to spend eternity with them!

Joy Overflowing Pain

I have been reflecting on our past short home assignment.  We were in many churches and found joy in worshiping with them.  This time, however one stands out to me in particular.  That is Grace Church, Salida Co.  We were not scheduled to be in this church because our time was so short.  But then, God had a different plan. Our last Sunday was in Salida because my dear Aunt Sheri moved to her heavenly home.  As you can imagine it was a difficult and emotional time.  I loved Aunt Sheri so much. 

Grace church set the tone for her Celebration of life on a Friday evening with truly    celebration worship music, reminding us about our hope and joy in Jesus.  On Sunday, however, I was tired and morose.  I did not want to face another service.  We arrived while the worship team was rehearsing.  My Mom wisely suggested we slip in and listen.  It was lifting my spirits.  Then Mom said I could stand and worship as they practiced, and I did.  I felt such joy as I let the music wash over me and carry away my moroseness.  I danced with all I had to that music.  It refreshed me and I felt I was able to let go and just focus on the Savior.  I was truly prepared for the worship service. The worship leaders thanked me for participating, but I should have been thanking them.  A difficult, sad day was turned to a joyous offering of praise for me that day.  I found that even in the bleakness of painful loss joy can flood my soul as I focus on worshiping Jesus.  Thank you Grace Church, Salida for allowing me to join my heart with you in joy amidst the pain.  It made Heaven seem more near and precious.

Psalm 30:11

You have turned my mourning into dancing…

Holiday Reflections

The Hills of Japan hope you all had a Merry Christmas.  We are thankful for each of you, our friends and family.

This year our Christmas also carried a portion of sadness as we missed our loved one, my cherished Aunt Sheri.  She went to reside in heaven in November, and the hurt has healed very little for us.  But this year I thought of a baby born and celebrated, but I see beyond that baby to a cross and then an empty tomb.  It is empty because a risen Savior needs no tomb any longer.  His coming, death and resurrection are the foundation of our hope and salvation.  He destroyed the power of death, so I can remember the separation from dear ones is only temporary.  We will rejoice together with them soon in eternity.  I can have joy and peace even in loss, for this is temporal.  Christmas gave us Emmanuel, God with us, even in loss and pain.  So we you hope you had a merry Christmas and a new year full of joy and peace because God is with us every step of the journey!