Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
I’ve been pondering this passage since last night. Perhaps it’s an odd passage to reflect upon during our days of orientation prior to going to the field. But you need to know that we received an offer on our house yesterday afternoon! “Was it a good offer?” you ask. Any offer is a good offer at this point! It was substantially lower (85% of our asking price) but it was an offer nonetheless!! We are happy and thankful to have an offer to prayerfully consider.
We told our realtor we would like to sleep on it. We will most likely counter the offer this morning. Please pray for the Lord’s wisdom and favor.
But we’ve been asking ourselves, if the potential buyers don’t budge an inch, can we live with it? I think that’s why this Scripture in Hebrews has been speaking to me. It teaches us to look higher and ask a much different question: “If we had nothing else but the Lord Himself, would that be enough?”
Our tendency is to zero in on the warm, fuzzy part of Hebrews 13:5, “I will never desert you or forsake you.” It is certainly a promise that provides comfort and strength as we journey this sod. But the purpose of this promise, it seems to me, is to make the command to “be free from the love of money” and to “be content” so much easier and obvious to obey. It’s as if the Lord is saying to us, “If you have me, what else do you really need?” This is consistent with our Lord’s words, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Regardless of the outcome, we would ask that you pray that our character will be free from the love of money and that we will be content and generous with whatever He gives us. We don’t want “the cares of the world” and the “deceitfulness of wealth” to choke out our fruitfulness. Matthew 13:22
Thank you for lifting us up! Your prayers are not in vain! Since our last writing two weeks ago, orientation has not let up in its intensity. We’ve experienced moments of brokenness – coming to the end of ourselves. But it has been invaluable. The goal is to learn to live there – in a state of brokenness and humility, that is.
On the Potter's wheel...
Friday, June 30, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Preparation "H"
"Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest." John 4:35
Preparation "H" - the Harvest, that is!
We appreciate your prayers for our family as we try to get ready to go to the harvest field. We know that many have prayed for laborers to go to this region of the world and we have even pleaded, "Lord, here we are send us", but it's the preparation part that is not so easy. Nevertheless, it is a privilege to be here and to be learning the things we are learning.
The first two weeks of FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) have been intense but oh, so good. Hours upon hours of class time during the day, numerous reading and homework assignments at night, team responsibilities, and not to mention just keeping our family focused have all kept the time moving right along!
Overall, on a scale from 1-10, our time here has been an "8" even with some sickness being spread around the camp. Our family has not been immune but those in our clan who have picked up the community stomach bug all seem to be on the mend.
We also survived our first round of shots! Round 2 of 3 is this Friday.
The weather has been exceptionally cool as we have experienced a couple of thundershowers rolling through. All the kids seem to really be enjoying their time here.
On the equipping side, probably the most challenging talk that we've heard so far came from the president of our organization. We received 10 hours of instruction from him over a two day period on the subject of spiritual warfare. It was by far the best I've heard on this subject. We were reminded that Satan's ultimate purpose is to rob God of the glory that is due His Name from the nations. He is committed to keeping his strongholds in place as long as possible.
It was a sober reminder that we are moving into the enemy's camp but we should not fear. The victory has already been secured through Christ Jesus. Adversity will come – of that we can be sure. But we can mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepare ourselves for this so that when the hardships and attacks come, we will stand firm in our faith. The point was driven home that we need to think on Truth. Satan's biggest scheme is to attack us in the area of our thoughts. We must be on guard and not let him use "his craftiness to lead our minds astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." 2 Cor. 11:3
I mentioned team responsibilities above. Everyone here is required to sign up on a team (Cross-cultural worship team, recreation team, facilities team, library team, computer (IT) team, etc.) I sensed the Lord drawing me to be on the Prayer Team. I have so much to learn about intercessory prayer, yet, I was selected the team leader. Although this responsibility feels weighty and is time consuming, God has given me a wonderful team of 10 men and women who are really committed to mobilizing the FPO community to pray for each other and for the people groups we are going to.
Kernels (Prayer Requests)
Healing and wholeness for our bodies and minds
Discipline and perseverance
Grace to trust God and wait on Him to provide a buyer for our house (it was shown 3 times last week but no offers)
Location of our villa where we are moving – we would love for it to be relatively close to the school
School selection
For the Lord to pour out His Spirit on this campus so that the 100 "sent out ones" (total units including families and journeymen) will go out in His power
Preparation "H" - the Harvest, that is!
We appreciate your prayers for our family as we try to get ready to go to the harvest field. We know that many have prayed for laborers to go to this region of the world and we have even pleaded, "Lord, here we are send us", but it's the preparation part that is not so easy. Nevertheless, it is a privilege to be here and to be learning the things we are learning.
The first two weeks of FPO (Field Personnel Orientation) have been intense but oh, so good. Hours upon hours of class time during the day, numerous reading and homework assignments at night, team responsibilities, and not to mention just keeping our family focused have all kept the time moving right along!
Overall, on a scale from 1-10, our time here has been an "8" even with some sickness being spread around the camp. Our family has not been immune but those in our clan who have picked up the community stomach bug all seem to be on the mend.
We also survived our first round of shots! Round 2 of 3 is this Friday.
The weather has been exceptionally cool as we have experienced a couple of thundershowers rolling through. All the kids seem to really be enjoying their time here.
On the equipping side, probably the most challenging talk that we've heard so far came from the president of our organization. We received 10 hours of instruction from him over a two day period on the subject of spiritual warfare. It was by far the best I've heard on this subject. We were reminded that Satan's ultimate purpose is to rob God of the glory that is due His Name from the nations. He is committed to keeping his strongholds in place as long as possible.
It was a sober reminder that we are moving into the enemy's camp but we should not fear. The victory has already been secured through Christ Jesus. Adversity will come – of that we can be sure. But we can mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepare ourselves for this so that when the hardships and attacks come, we will stand firm in our faith. The point was driven home that we need to think on Truth. Satan's biggest scheme is to attack us in the area of our thoughts. We must be on guard and not let him use "his craftiness to lead our minds astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." 2 Cor. 11:3
I mentioned team responsibilities above. Everyone here is required to sign up on a team (Cross-cultural worship team, recreation team, facilities team, library team, computer (IT) team, etc.) I sensed the Lord drawing me to be on the Prayer Team. I have so much to learn about intercessory prayer, yet, I was selected the team leader. Although this responsibility feels weighty and is time consuming, God has given me a wonderful team of 10 men and women who are really committed to mobilizing the FPO community to pray for each other and for the people groups we are going to.
Kernels (Prayer Requests)
Healing and wholeness for our bodies and minds
Discipline and perseverance
Grace to trust God and wait on Him to provide a buyer for our house (it was shown 3 times last week but no offers)
Location of our villa where we are moving – we would love for it to be relatively close to the school
School selection
For the Lord to pour out His Spirit on this campus so that the 100 "sent out ones" (total units including families and journeymen) will go out in His power
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Boot Camp?
Well...here goes our first launch out into blog land...
I can remember sitting at candidate conference and hearing a quote from a former marine likening the field personnel orientation to spiritual boot camp. He went on to share how the purpose of boot camp is to strip away all pride to prepare you to be a team player.
I can honestly say that has been true in our lives as well. We are now finishing up week 2 but it only took a few days to realize this orientation and training was going to be anything but a walk in the park.
One of our requests coming into the orientation is that each member of the family would experience God in a unique and special way. We would appreciate your continued prayers toward that end.
The house is still for sale but there has been some increased activity in the last week. Keep praying that God will be glorified in the sell of the house and land we called "home".
I can remember sitting at candidate conference and hearing a quote from a former marine likening the field personnel orientation to spiritual boot camp. He went on to share how the purpose of boot camp is to strip away all pride to prepare you to be a team player.
I can honestly say that has been true in our lives as well. We are now finishing up week 2 but it only took a few days to realize this orientation and training was going to be anything but a walk in the park.
One of our requests coming into the orientation is that each member of the family would experience God in a unique and special way. We would appreciate your continued prayers toward that end.
The house is still for sale but there has been some increased activity in the last week. Keep praying that God will be glorified in the sell of the house and land we called "home".
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