Well...we've been here for 275 days now. Life on the mission field has not really been what I thought it would be. So many expectations that have fallen through and so many surprises that have opened my eyes even wider.
This first year my family and I are in language training. We go to language classes every day for 4 hours a day. By the time our classes end each day, our brains are fried. Blah! We can't think in English or Spanish. We just feel kind of numb.
I feel like I needed to write some today because of the way I've been feeling. Since we've been here I've felt like I've been on an emotional roller coaster. I fight days where I feel like I absolutely HATE it here and want to move back home. And then other days where I'm so thankful and blessed that the Lord is using us here. What a chaotic battle of the mind!! Some say, "just go back home, you've lasted longer than I would have." Other say, "stick it out, you can do it." But in reality, it's not so much about finishing or leaving, it's ALL about being obedient to our King, our Lord and Savior. It's about honoring Him and furthering His Kingdom. If it were up to us, we probably wouldn't have even came. But the fact is that He placed a calling on our life and we want to be obedient.
If you are reading this and facing problems and rough and tough situations in life...stick it out for the reason that He called you to do it. Know that He will walk with you through it. If He's called you to do it, He will be with you through ALL of it. Stand strong and fight the good fight.
I have to always remind myself...this small little time is NOTHING compared to eternity. Remember that some are headed for an eternity apart from Christ and apart from ALL that's good and great. It's worth it!! Jesus...it's all for you!!!!
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
TRYING TO STAY ABOVE THE WATER
Swimming has always been a favorite activity for my family every since I was a child. I can remember going to the lake for the day, going to some friend's and family's homes that have pools, and playing in the creek.
I love to stay under the water for a long time and search for things and try to find hidden treasures. Several times, I have found items that others have lost. Goggles, a ring, $5 bill, paddles to boats, and many other things. I like to dive deep and catch crawfish too. However, I have a fear of drowning. I am afraid that one day I will not be able to make it back up to the top. I'm afraid that something will grab my leg or hold me under.
Life can be like this at times too. Since my family and I have recently moved to Ecuador, I have many days where I feel like something is pulling me under. It is my heart's desire to serve the Lord as faithfully as I can. But I have to admit...coming to live in this culture has been challenging to say the least.
I have great days when I'm so thankful the Lord called us to serve here. What an experience for us all right? I mean, we are getting to learn a new language, getting to see the sights and beautiful mountains, and meeting some very nice people. You would think I wouldn't have a thing in the world to complain about or be ungrateful about. But to be brutally honest...there are days when I'm ready to give up and throw in the towel. I want OUT of the water. I want out of this game. I want out of this place. There are days when I literally hate being here. I hate the fact that I am constantly on alert, making sure my children are safe, my belongings are not getting stolen, that I a safe while walking down this crazy city sidewalk. This culture is SO different from the culture that I grew up in.
I am an old, country boy from Big Cabin, Oklahoma. Many of you probably have never even heard of it. But I think several of you might have passed through it on the turnpike heading north toward Missouri or Illinois or somewhere while going through Oklahoma. But I grew up in a small community. I grew up living in the country where we had a huge back yard, horses to ride, dogs and cats, cows across the street, deer to hunt when we needed food, etc. I loved my childhood. Going from that to living in a huge city with like 3 million people, hardly any places with grass, the trees are scarce, horns always honking, concrete everywhere, and smog from all the buses. That gets old really fast.
I know, without a doubt, that the Lord has called us here. I know that many have experience the same types of issues that I am facing. We were even warned and trained for how to handle these things before we came. But I have to say, it is so much harder than I ever thought it would be.
So...how to I stay above the water day in and day out? How do I keep on fighting when I feel like there is nothing left to fight with. The Lord is still my Savior, but I feel like even my relationship with Him is kind of stale right now. I think this time of year with all the holidays are not helping the situation either. We've been approved to go home for the holidays, but I'm not sure that's the best thing. Maybe it would be good for us to visit family. It might make things worse. Plus, we don't have the money to go anyway. The Lord would have to provide that if we are to go. Who knows? Only He knows what's best.
I'm writing this today as an attempt to get out some of my feelings and try to get some understanding. Maybe someone out there that reads this will have some words of wisdom. Maybe someone out there will know what I'm feeling and how to help me. Maybe the Lord will send some encouragement or answers that I feel like we need.
Until then...I'll keep treading and trying to catch my breath when I can.
I love to stay under the water for a long time and search for things and try to find hidden treasures. Several times, I have found items that others have lost. Goggles, a ring, $5 bill, paddles to boats, and many other things. I like to dive deep and catch crawfish too. However, I have a fear of drowning. I am afraid that one day I will not be able to make it back up to the top. I'm afraid that something will grab my leg or hold me under.
Life can be like this at times too. Since my family and I have recently moved to Ecuador, I have many days where I feel like something is pulling me under. It is my heart's desire to serve the Lord as faithfully as I can. But I have to admit...coming to live in this culture has been challenging to say the least.
I have great days when I'm so thankful the Lord called us to serve here. What an experience for us all right? I mean, we are getting to learn a new language, getting to see the sights and beautiful mountains, and meeting some very nice people. You would think I wouldn't have a thing in the world to complain about or be ungrateful about. But to be brutally honest...there are days when I'm ready to give up and throw in the towel. I want OUT of the water. I want out of this game. I want out of this place. There are days when I literally hate being here. I hate the fact that I am constantly on alert, making sure my children are safe, my belongings are not getting stolen, that I a safe while walking down this crazy city sidewalk. This culture is SO different from the culture that I grew up in.
I am an old, country boy from Big Cabin, Oklahoma. Many of you probably have never even heard of it. But I think several of you might have passed through it on the turnpike heading north toward Missouri or Illinois or somewhere while going through Oklahoma. But I grew up in a small community. I grew up living in the country where we had a huge back yard, horses to ride, dogs and cats, cows across the street, deer to hunt when we needed food, etc. I loved my childhood. Going from that to living in a huge city with like 3 million people, hardly any places with grass, the trees are scarce, horns always honking, concrete everywhere, and smog from all the buses. That gets old really fast.
I know, without a doubt, that the Lord has called us here. I know that many have experience the same types of issues that I am facing. We were even warned and trained for how to handle these things before we came. But I have to say, it is so much harder than I ever thought it would be.
So...how to I stay above the water day in and day out? How do I keep on fighting when I feel like there is nothing left to fight with. The Lord is still my Savior, but I feel like even my relationship with Him is kind of stale right now. I think this time of year with all the holidays are not helping the situation either. We've been approved to go home for the holidays, but I'm not sure that's the best thing. Maybe it would be good for us to visit family. It might make things worse. Plus, we don't have the money to go anyway. The Lord would have to provide that if we are to go. Who knows? Only He knows what's best.
I'm writing this today as an attempt to get out some of my feelings and try to get some understanding. Maybe someone out there that reads this will have some words of wisdom. Maybe someone out there will know what I'm feeling and how to help me. Maybe the Lord will send some encouragement or answers that I feel like we need.
Until then...I'll keep treading and trying to catch my breath when I can.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Answering the Call
Well, that was a rough day yesterday. Yesterday, Sunday morning, we shared with our students and the congregation about the Lord calling us to serve on the mission field. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do. When the ministry and things are going so well, we love our church family and community, and not wanting to leave our family and friends...it's rough to announce you're leaving it. Selfishly we don't want to leave. We love it here. We love everything about our ministry, our church, our community. But...we must be obedient to the call that the Lord has placed on our lives.
What do you do when the Lord begins to speak to your heart about something? When you open your Bibles and spend time in prayer with Him, as He begins to soften your heart or pull your heart into a certain direction, what do you do?
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
There have been many plans and desires in my life that I hoped for and wanted. Many of those plans have came true and many have not. I've learned to TRUST in my Lord and Savior. I've learned to listen to His gently whisper and hear when He speaks. I am a work in progress though. Not perfect, but doing my best.
I've learned that His ways and plans for my life are FAR beyond what I could ever imagine or dream up. My hope and prayer is that each day of life He gives to me that I make the most of it and not live it for myself, but for His name sake.
My encouragement to those that might read this some day is to answer the call He puts on your life. He will call you to do amazing and wonderful things. Trust Him. Listen for His voice in every and all circumstances of life. He already knows what you might go through, He already knows the possible outcomes, He already knows how you might feel or think about whatever it is, so just say Yes Lord, I'm listening and I will say or do whatever you call me to do.
What do you do when the Lord begins to speak to your heart about something? When you open your Bibles and spend time in prayer with Him, as He begins to soften your heart or pull your heart into a certain direction, what do you do?
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
There have been many plans and desires in my life that I hoped for and wanted. Many of those plans have came true and many have not. I've learned to TRUST in my Lord and Savior. I've learned to listen to His gently whisper and hear when He speaks. I am a work in progress though. Not perfect, but doing my best.
I've learned that His ways and plans for my life are FAR beyond what I could ever imagine or dream up. My hope and prayer is that each day of life He gives to me that I make the most of it and not live it for myself, but for His name sake.
My encouragement to those that might read this some day is to answer the call He puts on your life. He will call you to do amazing and wonderful things. Trust Him. Listen for His voice in every and all circumstances of life. He already knows what you might go through, He already knows the possible outcomes, He already knows how you might feel or think about whatever it is, so just say Yes Lord, I'm listening and I will say or do whatever you call me to do.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Growing Spiritually
If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, do you desire to grow as a Christian?
To achieve success in a race, we must work out and practice and prepare. Much like in life, if we want to win and have the strength and preparedness to overcome our temptations and struggles, we must practice and grow as a believer.
This was from a devotional I recently read.
In Philippians 2:13-14, Paul says that the Christian life is a partnership involving God and you. God works in you to motivate you to desire to fulfill His purposes. Spiritual growth begins with God. God works in you before He can work through you.
The English word “energy” comes from the word translated “work” in verse 13. God’s divine energy is at work in you and through you. When you gave your life to Jesus, your eternal destiny was altered, a radical reorientation of priorities occurred, life took on a new purpose, and the Holy Spirit took up residence. But rather than providing instant liberation from every bad habit or character flaw you have ever possessed, what took place was more like the landing of an army on an island to establish a beachhead. It would take time for the army to root out the enemy. Likewise, it will take time for God to conquer your old, bad habits and flawed character traits.
Once God works in you, then you grow spiritually as you “work out” or “work to full completion” the traits God has instilled in you. When Paul writes, “work out your salvation” (verse 12), he is talking about a spiritual workout. What God has put in you requires time and training to work out. Spiritual growth necessitates ordering your life around the disciplines of prayer, solitude, Bible reading, worship, giving and serving. Allow God to work in you as you practice these disciplines, and you will see spiritual growth take place in your life.
Lord…help us to practice the disciplines that lead us to spiritual growth!!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
The Power Is Within Us
For I can do NOTHING on my own. All that I do and accomplish for the Kingdom is because of the power of the Holy Spirit living in me. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness." We cannot live this Christian life on our own. It is impossible! Sometimes I've fallen into the trap of believe that if I only read more of His Word, pray harder, do more for Him that I can do great things for the Kingdom. But in all reality...I can do NOTHING without him.
The RELATIONSHIP that I have with Him is where the power is found. And how I treat that relationship is what determines how I grow or stay where I'm at. When we spend time with Him in prayer and bible study and obedience, that's where the power is found. That is where we become more like Christ. And the coolest part about that, it's also where we get to experience true living. We see fruits of the spirit being lived out in our lives. We see God do great things that we cannot even explain. He doesn't call us to be more Christ-like and then leave us out in the middle of the desert. He gives us His Spirit to fight against evil and to follow in obedience.
"Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes--all the time! It must be that way, for God's glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world." ~Henry Blackaby
Let the Lord be revealed in our lives today!!
The RELATIONSHIP that I have with Him is where the power is found. And how I treat that relationship is what determines how I grow or stay where I'm at. When we spend time with Him in prayer and bible study and obedience, that's where the power is found. That is where we become more like Christ. And the coolest part about that, it's also where we get to experience true living. We see fruits of the spirit being lived out in our lives. We see God do great things that we cannot even explain. He doesn't call us to be more Christ-like and then leave us out in the middle of the desert. He gives us His Spirit to fight against evil and to follow in obedience.
"Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes--all the time! It must be that way, for God's glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world." ~Henry Blackaby
Let the Lord be revealed in our lives today!!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Does your LIFE sing?
What consumes your mind from the time you wake up until the time you lay your head down on the pillow? Have you ever really stopped to think about all the things that cross your mind in a day?
Think about it for just a minute...
...Am I awake on time? ...What clothes should I wear? ...What time do I need to leave? ...What do I feel like eating for breakfast? Should I do my Bible Study now or later? ...Did I grab everything I need before I walk out of this door? ...Do I have my keys? All the thoughts of seeings as you drive to work. What are my priorities for this day? ...What comes first and what needs to be done before I leave today? ...What's for lunch? All the thoughts of business and work related tasks. People you talk to and their stories. ...Did I finish everything that MUST be done today? ...Do I have everything I need to take home with me? ...What's for dinner? ...What's on our schedule for tonight? ...Ballgames? ...Work around the house? ...Event or function? ...Did I spend time with my family? ...Did I show them and tell them that I love them today? ...Did I finish all my things around the house that needed to be done? ...Did I return all my phone calls and texts I was suppose to respond to today? ON and ON and ON!
Our minds can be FULL of thoughts in just one day. But the big question is... Who are we letting control our thoughts?
The Bible says in Psalm 119:9-11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Our purpose on this earth is NOT to simply live day to day just to get by. Our God, Our Creator has designed us for bigger things. He wants to use us EACH day to further His Kingdom. In my own life, each morning, I am trying to wake up and the very first thing I am trying to think on is, "LORD, thank your for the rest you gave me. Thanks for this brand new day. How do you want to use me today? What on YOUR agenda for me today."
When we find ourselves just going through day after day just to survive...that's not the life God intended for us. He wants our life to sing.
For those that have began a relationship with Jesus Christ and you have trust Him to be the ruler and guide of your life...realize that our old self and old ways are gone. Live each day with a fresh lease on life. Realizing that your Creator purposed you to great things EACH day. When you wake up let your attitude sing a song of praise to our King. Let your attitude at work and around your family sing a song of love and thanksgiving. Let your life sing today!! :)
Think about it for just a minute...
...Am I awake on time? ...What clothes should I wear? ...What time do I need to leave? ...What do I feel like eating for breakfast? Should I do my Bible Study now or later? ...Did I grab everything I need before I walk out of this door? ...Do I have my keys? All the thoughts of seeings as you drive to work. What are my priorities for this day? ...What comes first and what needs to be done before I leave today? ...What's for lunch? All the thoughts of business and work related tasks. People you talk to and their stories. ...Did I finish everything that MUST be done today? ...Do I have everything I need to take home with me? ...What's for dinner? ...What's on our schedule for tonight? ...Ballgames? ...Work around the house? ...Event or function? ...Did I spend time with my family? ...Did I show them and tell them that I love them today? ...Did I finish all my things around the house that needed to be done? ...Did I return all my phone calls and texts I was suppose to respond to today? ON and ON and ON!
Our minds can be FULL of thoughts in just one day. But the big question is... Who are we letting control our thoughts?
The Bible says in Psalm 119:9-11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
Our purpose on this earth is NOT to simply live day to day just to get by. Our God, Our Creator has designed us for bigger things. He wants to use us EACH day to further His Kingdom. In my own life, each morning, I am trying to wake up and the very first thing I am trying to think on is, "LORD, thank your for the rest you gave me. Thanks for this brand new day. How do you want to use me today? What on YOUR agenda for me today."
When we find ourselves just going through day after day just to survive...that's not the life God intended for us. He wants our life to sing.
For those that have began a relationship with Jesus Christ and you have trust Him to be the ruler and guide of your life...realize that our old self and old ways are gone. Live each day with a fresh lease on life. Realizing that your Creator purposed you to great things EACH day. When you wake up let your attitude sing a song of praise to our King. Let your attitude at work and around your family sing a song of love and thanksgiving. Let your life sing today!! :)
Monday, May 13, 2013
Let's Be Real
There
many people in this world that claim to be a Christian. They claim to
have prayed a prayer or walked down to the front of a church and they
have caused many people to be confused on what
it truly means to be a Christian/Follower of Jesus Christ. Now this is
by no means pointing fingers at just you. If you
take offense to this, that's between you and the Lord. Don't shoot the
messenger.
I am by no means perfect. I make my fair share of mistakes. God knows them all. But each new day, I'm growing closer and closer to the Lord and I'm discovering more about Him and about following Him. My heart is heavy today because I believe there are so many people out there that honestly believe they are going to heaven because they "prayed the prayer". Yet their life is FAR from following and pursuing God. This is not a one time deal. Daily we are to make the choice...Yes, I am trusting in you Lord. There is NOTHING in this world that will fill that God shape void in your life. The world will throw so many flashy things at you and try to get you to choose it to feel that need you have. Many of us over time have settled for casual Christianity. It's safe there. The world doesn't bother us if we are doing the same thing they are. (Drugs, alcohol, pornography, gossip, lusting, cheating, homosexuality, lying, hating, using the Lord's name as a curse word, laziness, selfishness, placing things [people, sports/hobbies, places, etc.] before the Lord. We little bits here and there enter our lives and before we know it, people cannot tell who are truly following the Lord and who are living just like this world.
Some people don't believe there is a God. Well ok. If they are right, then when I die, I will just be dead. Haven't lost anything.
But because I know there is, when we face death, there is going to be judgement. And who and how we follow while on this earth will determine where and how we spend eternity.
God will ask us...what did with do with my Son Jesus?
What will be your gift to God when we face Him?
A life well lived for His glory OR a collection of all your favorite things (pics from vacations? seashells? sports trophy? pile of movies?). All those things aren't bad, but they are if they come before your relationship with the Lord.
Each new day is a blessing. This day is not about you or me. It's about our Heavenly Father. About God. If every day you only wake up to go to school or go to work or seek pleasure...then what? We make money, we buy things, we travel...then what? we grow old, we settle down, we retire, we die...then what? Eternity. That's what.
When we began to look at our lives through an eternal perspective, things change. How we treat others, care for others, influence others. Our whole thought process changes.
This country is falling apart. And it needs people to stop living a casual Christian life. If you choose not to trust and follow the Lord, then don't claim to be a Christian. I pray you come to know Him! But If you are going to place the name Christian on your life...then please, seek after the Lord daily. Communicate with Him. He's calling all of us to rise up and stand firm on what we believe in. THE TRUTH HAS ALREADY BEEN SET. What's right and what's wrong has already been defined. What the Lord said was a sin, it's still a sin. The Lord does not change. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just because society changes, doesn't mean the truth does. This is not a debate between Methodist, Baptist, Catholics, etc. Scripture is scripture. When you seek the Lord you will KNOW and understand what it says. He's not trying to hide anything from us. But when we take a scripture and try to twist it to make our current way of doing things correct, that's wrong. There is a reason why we feel guilty for doing certain things. The Lord is trying to tell us something.
My prayer is that those who read this needed to hear from the Lord today. Again, I am sharing what the Lord has laid on my heart with you today. If you are angry and want to talk to me about it, please personal message me. There is no need to start a war about this if you agree or disagree.
God bless each one of you. This is the day the Lord has made for you. :)
I am by no means perfect. I make my fair share of mistakes. God knows them all. But each new day, I'm growing closer and closer to the Lord and I'm discovering more about Him and about following Him. My heart is heavy today because I believe there are so many people out there that honestly believe they are going to heaven because they "prayed the prayer". Yet their life is FAR from following and pursuing God. This is not a one time deal. Daily we are to make the choice...Yes, I am trusting in you Lord. There is NOTHING in this world that will fill that God shape void in your life. The world will throw so many flashy things at you and try to get you to choose it to feel that need you have. Many of us over time have settled for casual Christianity. It's safe there. The world doesn't bother us if we are doing the same thing they are. (Drugs, alcohol, pornography, gossip, lusting, cheating, homosexuality, lying, hating, using the Lord's name as a curse word, laziness, selfishness, placing things [people, sports/hobbies, places, etc.] before the Lord. We little bits here and there enter our lives and before we know it, people cannot tell who are truly following the Lord and who are living just like this world.
Some people don't believe there is a God. Well ok. If they are right, then when I die, I will just be dead. Haven't lost anything.
But because I know there is, when we face death, there is going to be judgement. And who and how we follow while on this earth will determine where and how we spend eternity.
God will ask us...what did with do with my Son Jesus?
What will be your gift to God when we face Him?
A life well lived for His glory OR a collection of all your favorite things (pics from vacations? seashells? sports trophy? pile of movies?). All those things aren't bad, but they are if they come before your relationship with the Lord.
Each new day is a blessing. This day is not about you or me. It's about our Heavenly Father. About God. If every day you only wake up to go to school or go to work or seek pleasure...then what? We make money, we buy things, we travel...then what? we grow old, we settle down, we retire, we die...then what? Eternity. That's what.
When we began to look at our lives through an eternal perspective, things change. How we treat others, care for others, influence others. Our whole thought process changes.
This country is falling apart. And it needs people to stop living a casual Christian life. If you choose not to trust and follow the Lord, then don't claim to be a Christian. I pray you come to know Him! But If you are going to place the name Christian on your life...then please, seek after the Lord daily. Communicate with Him. He's calling all of us to rise up and stand firm on what we believe in. THE TRUTH HAS ALREADY BEEN SET. What's right and what's wrong has already been defined. What the Lord said was a sin, it's still a sin. The Lord does not change. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just because society changes, doesn't mean the truth does. This is not a debate between Methodist, Baptist, Catholics, etc. Scripture is scripture. When you seek the Lord you will KNOW and understand what it says. He's not trying to hide anything from us. But when we take a scripture and try to twist it to make our current way of doing things correct, that's wrong. There is a reason why we feel guilty for doing certain things. The Lord is trying to tell us something.
My prayer is that those who read this needed to hear from the Lord today. Again, I am sharing what the Lord has laid on my heart with you today. If you are angry and want to talk to me about it, please personal message me. There is no need to start a war about this if you agree or disagree.
God bless each one of you. This is the day the Lord has made for you. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)