by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
I’ll never forget my first encounter with diaper changing. Our brand new baby girl had just been home from the hospital for a couple of days and Cindy thought I was ready to take care of her all by myself. Since I had taken the time to carefully study a number of baby books, I was filled with confidence in my baby managing skills. And, considering the fact that Cindy was only going to be away for about an hour, I anticipated a delightful, special moment between father and daughter.
About ten seconds after the door closed behind Cindy as she left, the baby began to cry. Utilizing my vast, recently gained knowledge from all those baby books, I knew to check the diaper before anything else. Sure enough, a diaper change was in order. Without going into great detail, let me just say that this simple, little task turned into quite a messy ordeal. Who could have anticipated those kicking legs, which in short order kind of transformed an isolated problem into a room-sized environmental catastrophe? And back in those days, the cloth diapers we used required pins. I think I only stabbed myself about half a dozen times.
Diaper changing is not what I would classify as a fun kind of thing. It’s dirty, smelly, and messy. I suppose if we only changed diapers when we felt like it, then a whole lot of babies would be in a world of hurt. But we do it because of love. And that’s how love is. When it’s real, it means more than just the fun stuff and the things we feel like doing. It takes endurance.
Mother’s day is coming up, and the greatest thing about mothers is that they are willing to suck it up and do the hard work of love. I’m sure that my mom never once thought to herself, “Gee, I wish little Tommy needed a diaper change. I’m really in the mood for one!” I know that when we had a dessert shortage, she really wanted some when she said she didn’t for fear that we wouldn’t have enough. I bet that if the truth be known, she would have much rather had a new dress than to buy a Cub Scout uniform for me. I imagine that on many a night, she really could have used some relaxation time for herself, instead of reading bedtime stories to us.
Love can be a very confusing thing to some folks. Love can even be completely missed, when the “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things” part of it is left out.
I’m thankful that my mom got it right. And I’m thankful for God’s great love. Jesus didn’t die on the cross for our sins because he wanted to die that way. He did it because of a love that takes guts, sacrifice and endurance. To all the moms who have risen to the high calling of this kind of love, I wish a Happy Mother’s Day!
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Friday, May 05, 2006
Rob and the Rock of Ages!
Inscription on the plaque:
ROCK OF AGES
This rock derives its name
from the well known hymn
written about 1762 by the
Rev AM Toplady
who was inspired whilst sheltered
in this cleft during a storm
inscribed 1951
ROCK OF AGES
This rock derives its name
from the well known hymn
written about 1762 by the
Rev AM Toplady
who was inspired whilst sheltered
in this cleft during a storm
inscribed 1951
We are Hiding in the Cleft of the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages is Rob's favorite hymn. What a blessing to be able to visit the actual rock that inspired this great hymn. The words to the hymn are below.
Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
We recently visited the great cleft in the Rock that inspired Rev. Toplady to write this hymn in 1762.
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy wounded side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure;
Save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,[originally When my eye-strings break in death]
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
We recently visited the great cleft in the Rock that inspired Rev. Toplady to write this hymn in 1762.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Read the instructions
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“As [Jesus] spoke, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that fed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!”
Most of us are not inclined to read the manual. We purchase appliances and electronic equipment and skip right over that thick booklet of instructions that came along with the product. Because that’s so true, there are now toll-free technical assistance hot-lines for consumers to call when they can’t get that new device to work.
The majority of problems received by help hot-lines aren’t really problems at all. For the most part, the calls are a result of the fact that the consumers never bothered to read the manual. The number one reason owners of new washing machines can’t get them to start is simply because they have the lid open, and those darned things just won’t run with the lid open. It’s automatic for washing machine help-line operators to first suggest that they close the lid. That normally does the trick.
Computer tech lines receive thousands of calls a day from new computer owners. In the majority of cases, the failure of a new computer to work is directly related to the failure of the consumer to plug something in. When printers fail, the number one cause is that they never removed the protective plastic tape from the ink cartridge, in spite of the bold faced type instructing them to do so that can easily be found in the manual. But, consumers don’t generally read the manual. By the way, the second most common cause for printer failure is that the printer has not been loaded with paper.
We all get to pay more for products so that the employees hired to tell consumers what they already should have known can be paid. We also pay higher costs due to the large number of perfectly good products that are returned because the people who bought them never took the time to read the instructions.
When we don’t read the manual, we pay the price. That’s particularly true when we don’t read God’s manual for living, the Bible. We just want to jerk life right out of the box and skip the instructions. Small wonder life is not working well for quite a few people. When it goes bad, we get the feeling we’ve been dealt a faulty product. Truth is, the life God gave us is just fine, but we never bothered to read the instructions.
Are you wondering about the why, when, where and how of your life? Do you think you have the gumption to plow through the manual so that you can get it right? It will take a little time and effort. God’s manual is pretty thick, and you’ll never get it all in just one read. But reading it won’t cost you near us much as not reading it. -Tom
“As [Jesus] spoke, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that fed you!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!”
Most of us are not inclined to read the manual. We purchase appliances and electronic equipment and skip right over that thick booklet of instructions that came along with the product. Because that’s so true, there are now toll-free technical assistance hot-lines for consumers to call when they can’t get that new device to work.
The majority of problems received by help hot-lines aren’t really problems at all. For the most part, the calls are a result of the fact that the consumers never bothered to read the manual. The number one reason owners of new washing machines can’t get them to start is simply because they have the lid open, and those darned things just won’t run with the lid open. It’s automatic for washing machine help-line operators to first suggest that they close the lid. That normally does the trick.
Computer tech lines receive thousands of calls a day from new computer owners. In the majority of cases, the failure of a new computer to work is directly related to the failure of the consumer to plug something in. When printers fail, the number one cause is that they never removed the protective plastic tape from the ink cartridge, in spite of the bold faced type instructing them to do so that can easily be found in the manual. But, consumers don’t generally read the manual. By the way, the second most common cause for printer failure is that the printer has not been loaded with paper.
We all get to pay more for products so that the employees hired to tell consumers what they already should have known can be paid. We also pay higher costs due to the large number of perfectly good products that are returned because the people who bought them never took the time to read the instructions.
When we don’t read the manual, we pay the price. That’s particularly true when we don’t read God’s manual for living, the Bible. We just want to jerk life right out of the box and skip the instructions. Small wonder life is not working well for quite a few people. When it goes bad, we get the feeling we’ve been dealt a faulty product. Truth is, the life God gave us is just fine, but we never bothered to read the instructions.
Are you wondering about the why, when, where and how of your life? Do you think you have the gumption to plow through the manual so that you can get it right? It will take a little time and effort. God’s manual is pretty thick, and you’ll never get it all in just one read. But reading it won’t cost you near us much as not reading it. -Tom
Monday, April 24, 2006
Hold On!
by Rev. Thomas R. Fuller
“Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.” -Psalm 91:14
This is a true story reported in the September 3rd, 1987 edition of The Boston Globe. On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine to Boston, the pilot, a man named Henry Dempsey, heard a strange rattling noise coming from the back of the plane. He turned the controls over to his co-pilot, and made his way through the plane to the rear for an investigation. As he entered the tail section, the plane was rocked by an air pocket, and he was thrown against the rear door, which had been the source of the strange noise because it hadn’t been latched properly. As Dempsey’s body collided with the door, it popped open and he was sucked out.
The co-pilot immediately noticed the open door light and soon became aware that Dempsey was no longer in the plane. He radioed for an emergency landing at the nearest airport, along with his coordinates and a plea for rescue aircraft to search the area of ocean over which they had been flying when the door came open.
Upon landing, the emergency crew dispatched to greet the plane on the runway made an amazing discovery. Somehow, as Dempsey was being sucked out of the open door, he had managed to grab on to the door ladder as he fell, and for ten full minutes, as the plane traveled at over 200 miles an hour at an altitude of four thousand feet, he held on for dear life.
Dempsey narrowly avoided a major head-but with the runway when the plane touched down. He was in fact alive and well. Dempsey was holding on to the aircraft with such force that it took several minutes for the rescue team to pry his fingers from the ladder.
Wow! There are times to let go, and there are times to hold on. Thankfully, this pilot was able to hold on when he needed to, and for that reason he lived to fly another day. I can only imagine his resolve in that moment. His determination not to let go was stronger than the fear and the wind and four thousand feet.
We should understand our connection to the Lord in those very same terms. It’s not always immediately clear to us just how dangerous letting go of the Lord really is. But he is our life. He is our deliverance and our protection. To let go means to take the big plunge. When we cleave to him in love, it means life, and even more. The psalmist goes on to use the words answer, be present, rescue, honor, satisfy and save (Psalm 91:14-16). So, hold on, tight! -Tom
“Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name.” -Psalm 91:14
This is a true story reported in the September 3rd, 1987 edition of The Boston Globe. On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine to Boston, the pilot, a man named Henry Dempsey, heard a strange rattling noise coming from the back of the plane. He turned the controls over to his co-pilot, and made his way through the plane to the rear for an investigation. As he entered the tail section, the plane was rocked by an air pocket, and he was thrown against the rear door, which had been the source of the strange noise because it hadn’t been latched properly. As Dempsey’s body collided with the door, it popped open and he was sucked out.
The co-pilot immediately noticed the open door light and soon became aware that Dempsey was no longer in the plane. He radioed for an emergency landing at the nearest airport, along with his coordinates and a plea for rescue aircraft to search the area of ocean over which they had been flying when the door came open.
Upon landing, the emergency crew dispatched to greet the plane on the runway made an amazing discovery. Somehow, as Dempsey was being sucked out of the open door, he had managed to grab on to the door ladder as he fell, and for ten full minutes, as the plane traveled at over 200 miles an hour at an altitude of four thousand feet, he held on for dear life.
Dempsey narrowly avoided a major head-but with the runway when the plane touched down. He was in fact alive and well. Dempsey was holding on to the aircraft with such force that it took several minutes for the rescue team to pry his fingers from the ladder.
Wow! There are times to let go, and there are times to hold on. Thankfully, this pilot was able to hold on when he needed to, and for that reason he lived to fly another day. I can only imagine his resolve in that moment. His determination not to let go was stronger than the fear and the wind and four thousand feet.
We should understand our connection to the Lord in those very same terms. It’s not always immediately clear to us just how dangerous letting go of the Lord really is. But he is our life. He is our deliverance and our protection. To let go means to take the big plunge. When we cleave to him in love, it means life, and even more. The psalmist goes on to use the words answer, be present, rescue, honor, satisfy and save (Psalm 91:14-16). So, hold on, tight! -Tom
Sunday, April 23, 2006
More than Words
by Julia McGuinness
Scripture:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need." Acts 4:32-35 (NIV)
Devotional:
It wasn't just what the early Christians said that made an impact on those around them, it was how they lived.
Luke recounts how these believers shared a material as well as a spiritual life. Whilst they had separate home and had personal possessions, these were not held on to tightly as private property. Christians were willing to share what they had. When fellow believers faced hard times - through the famine and political unrest affecting employment in first-century Jerusalem, or discrimination as followers of the Way - those with financial assets sold them, and released the money to meet the need. No wonder the apostles' testimony packed a punch, backed up by the Christian community living out kingdom values with such integrity.
In our consumer society the emphasis is on getting and guarding. Communities are fragile and families fragmented. Many find it hard to know who to turn to when times are tough. As Christians we may worry about words when it comes to giving our testimony, but perhaps we are at our most eloquent when we express our practical concern for one another. Such love extends to more than simply sharing a pew: our faith is not just about who we are, but who we are together. As Jesus said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
People Come Into Your Life for a Reason
This came to us in a forwarded email.....it gives us reason to think and ponder the people in our lives and our relationships with them. I brings to my mind..... I need to focus on those relationships! May you be blessed as you think of the people in your life!
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.!
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Let the Heavens Declare!
By John Hensman
I got my inspiration based on a Solar Eclipse that West Africa recently experienced (Wednesday 29th)
Scripture:
"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat." Ps 19:1-6 (NAS)
We are a strange people. Many times we look to our own physical abilities and believe we have the aptitude to control any situation; we slap each other on the back when things go right, stating, “look at me…I did this!” When things go wrong, however, we complain and try to place blame on others as to not hurt our own reputations. Sometimes we may even be so bold as to question God asking “why He is not cooperating with our efforts to complete a certain task.”
Scripture again always places our abilities into the correct perspective. Yes, we can build widgets that proclaim our knowledge in technology, but we should always be humbled by God’s power.
On Wednesday the 29th of March 2006 there was a Solar Eclipse. Unlike others that have happened before, this one should hold some significant meaning to Mercy Ships. The Eclipse’s path came across West Africa, almost directly above Ghana. If one believes in a “glass half-empty verses half-full”, they would tend to look at the dark side of this event as those in this area have for centuries. But for Mercy Ships, we believe in God’s power to control events. Remember, “Let the heavens declare the glory of God.” God still expresses His power and shows His glory in everything…even heavenly bodies. For us, it might take an Eclipse once and awhile to acknowledge that He is still God and we are not. So, whether your day goes well or not, never stop giving Him the glory He desires.
There will (without doubt) be some additional unanswered dark days ahead for both the Anastasis and Africa Mercy that may force us to question why! Remember, for every dark day experience, it is but a prelude to God’s Son, who gives all light. God is still in control; we just need to just keep believing…there will be a brighter day tomorrow…in fact it is just around the corner.
To all who reads this…please continue to pray for our ministry as we move forward in Him, especially for resolution to ship concerns!
I got my inspiration based on a Solar Eclipse that West Africa recently experienced (Wednesday 29th)
Scripture:
"The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies; yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world. The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it. It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat." Ps 19:1-6 (NAS)
We are a strange people. Many times we look to our own physical abilities and believe we have the aptitude to control any situation; we slap each other on the back when things go right, stating, “look at me…I did this!” When things go wrong, however, we complain and try to place blame on others as to not hurt our own reputations. Sometimes we may even be so bold as to question God asking “why He is not cooperating with our efforts to complete a certain task.”
Scripture again always places our abilities into the correct perspective. Yes, we can build widgets that proclaim our knowledge in technology, but we should always be humbled by God’s power.
On Wednesday the 29th of March 2006 there was a Solar Eclipse. Unlike others that have happened before, this one should hold some significant meaning to Mercy Ships. The Eclipse’s path came across West Africa, almost directly above Ghana. If one believes in a “glass half-empty verses half-full”, they would tend to look at the dark side of this event as those in this area have for centuries. But for Mercy Ships, we believe in God’s power to control events. Remember, “Let the heavens declare the glory of God.” God still expresses His power and shows His glory in everything…even heavenly bodies. For us, it might take an Eclipse once and awhile to acknowledge that He is still God and we are not. So, whether your day goes well or not, never stop giving Him the glory He desires.There will (without doubt) be some additional unanswered dark days ahead for both the Anastasis and Africa Mercy that may force us to question why! Remember, for every dark day experience, it is but a prelude to God’s Son, who gives all light. God is still in control; we just need to just keep believing…there will be a brighter day tomorrow…in fact it is just around the corner.
To all who reads this…please continue to pray for our ministry as we move forward in Him, especially for resolution to ship concerns!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Scriptures:
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:21)
Devotion:
Lately it seems I’ve been reflecting more and more on lesson’s that the Lord has already taught me…and this has caused me to be thankful and a little wondering at the same time. Thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught…yet wondering what message is there in bringing these lessons to my memory at this time?
Sometimes I have a thought or desire to set out to accomplish this task or that. Along the way am reminded of how if it wasn’t for the faithfulness of the Lord in our lives, His daily protection and provisions for us, we wouldn’t even be in a place to consider doing some of the tasks that come to mind. I guess that is a long winded way of saying I’m thankful for a changed heart.
Early on in my walk with the Lord there was a young minister named Clarence who saw much more of the potential God had placed in me than I saw myself. He told me one day to ask the Lord for the desires of my heart and He would give them to me. I wasn’t very comfortable with this statement and couldn’t believe that God actually would give me the desires of my heart, that there had to be a catch…a condition somewhere that must be fulfilled and I just kind of dismissed it as an over zealous preacher.
From time to time this seed planted so many years before has come back again and again to my thoughts. Each time I’d ponder it a little and then move on to something else. Slowly I’ve come to the point in my life and a relationship with Jesus to understand that as He has changed my heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh that along the way I’ve come to love Him more and more…and now the desires of my heart are to love Him and to please Him, to love my wife and family more and more. It would not seem possible, but please believe me when I say it is so.
He has shown me forgiveness and along the way shown me how to forgive those who had hurt me in the past. He has shown me, His desires for Denise and me, as husband and wife, and empowered us to live a life for Him. We don’t have all of the answers, but are confident as He continues to mold us into His likeness that we will continue to grow in wisdom, love and understanding.
We pray that if you haven’t already come to this place in your life that this devotion may serve to plant a seed, such as the one planted for me so many years ago, and given time and love from Him the seed may grow to full maturity in each of you.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalms 37:4)
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:21)
Devotion:
Lately it seems I’ve been reflecting more and more on lesson’s that the Lord has already taught me…and this has caused me to be thankful and a little wondering at the same time. Thankful for the lessons that I’ve been taught…yet wondering what message is there in bringing these lessons to my memory at this time?
Sometimes I have a thought or desire to set out to accomplish this task or that. Along the way am reminded of how if it wasn’t for the faithfulness of the Lord in our lives, His daily protection and provisions for us, we wouldn’t even be in a place to consider doing some of the tasks that come to mind. I guess that is a long winded way of saying I’m thankful for a changed heart.
Early on in my walk with the Lord there was a young minister named Clarence who saw much more of the potential God had placed in me than I saw myself. He told me one day to ask the Lord for the desires of my heart and He would give them to me. I wasn’t very comfortable with this statement and couldn’t believe that God actually would give me the desires of my heart, that there had to be a catch…a condition somewhere that must be fulfilled and I just kind of dismissed it as an over zealous preacher.
From time to time this seed planted so many years before has come back again and again to my thoughts. Each time I’d ponder it a little and then move on to something else. Slowly I’ve come to the point in my life and a relationship with Jesus to understand that as He has changed my heart of stone and given me a heart of flesh that along the way I’ve come to love Him more and more…and now the desires of my heart are to love Him and to please Him, to love my wife and family more and more. It would not seem possible, but please believe me when I say it is so.
He has shown me forgiveness and along the way shown me how to forgive those who had hurt me in the past. He has shown me, His desires for Denise and me, as husband and wife, and empowered us to live a life for Him. We don’t have all of the answers, but are confident as He continues to mold us into His likeness that we will continue to grow in wisdom, love and understanding.
We pray that if you haven’t already come to this place in your life that this devotion may serve to plant a seed, such as the one planted for me so many years ago, and given time and love from Him the seed may grow to full maturity in each of you.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006
For four years now we have been inspired and challenged each day by a devotional written by a Mercy Ships coworker somewhere in the organization. If you are visiting this site, we pray that you will join us in the focus for the day and pray the prayer points with us.
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 40
Focus: Finishing Well- The Resurrected Messiah
By Don Stephens, Founder/President
Scripture Reference:
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” and with those words, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (NLT).
“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NLT).
‘Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! . . . Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us . . . and explained the Scriptures to us?’ Luke 24: 31-32 (NLT).
Devotional:
What a powerful model of ‘finishing well’ is our Risen Lord! He endured suffering and the cross that he might accomplish the will of his Father and in so doing, provide redemption for us.
Perhaps we can each one look again to Jesus example of ‘finishing well’, as most of us experience some level of suffering in the ending of the Anastasis era of Mercy Ships. The organizational resurrection we are all experiencing has a new body – the Africa Mercy.
More importantly, as we encounter others on their individual Emmaus roads, may we warm the hearts and minds of those walking alongside us on our journey. Jesus explained His role from the Scriptures as he spoke. As He said a prayer over the evening bread, their eyes and minds were open to the risen Messiah.
Prayer Points:
* Ask God to give us grace to individually finish well.
* Ask God that each person met as we journey may see Jesus through our word and deed.
* Ask God for grace when His will involves suffering and is not our will.
* Ask God that we may corporately finish well.
* Praise God for the thousands of lives we will see in eternity through the service of Mercy Ships.
* Praise God for using each of us in this process.
* Thank God that we are privileged to have a part in what He is doing.
* Thank God for all the stakeholders of the past 28 years. Some have greatly sacrificed that we might serve. Some have been greatly blessed through our service.
By Don Stephens, Founder/President
Scripture Reference:
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” and with those words, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46 (NLT).
“It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NLT).
‘Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! . . . Didn’t our hearts feel strangely warm as he talked with us . . . and explained the Scriptures to us?’ Luke 24: 31-32 (NLT).
Devotional:
What a powerful model of ‘finishing well’ is our Risen Lord! He endured suffering and the cross that he might accomplish the will of his Father and in so doing, provide redemption for us.
Perhaps we can each one look again to Jesus example of ‘finishing well’, as most of us experience some level of suffering in the ending of the Anastasis era of Mercy Ships. The organizational resurrection we are all experiencing has a new body – the Africa Mercy.
More importantly, as we encounter others on their individual Emmaus roads, may we warm the hearts and minds of those walking alongside us on our journey. Jesus explained His role from the Scriptures as he spoke. As He said a prayer over the evening bread, their eyes and minds were open to the risen Messiah.
Prayer Points:
* Ask God to give us grace to individually finish well.
* Ask God that each person met as we journey may see Jesus through our word and deed.
* Ask God for grace when His will involves suffering and is not our will.
* Ask God that we may corporately finish well.
* Praise God for the thousands of lives we will see in eternity through the service of Mercy Ships.
* Praise God for using each of us in this process.
* Thank God that we are privileged to have a part in what He is doing.
* Thank God for all the stakeholders of the past 28 years. Some have greatly sacrificed that we might serve. Some have been greatly blessed through our service.
Friday, April 14, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 39
Focus: A Doorkeeper in the House of my God
By: Rene Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”(Psalm 84:10).
Devotional:
The compound of our team house in Freetown, Sierra Leone is surrounded by a wall, topped by broken glass and razor wire. Two uniformed security guards patrol the compound, equipped with radio, baton and panic button alarm system to keep us safe. This is part of land based life for Mercy Ships staff in West Africa, and it’s quite different from life on a “Mercy Ship”. These guards are not considered Mercy Ships staff, but are employed by the security company. Yet, they get a taste of “mercy ship”, as they say here, and our team house compounds and Aberdeen Clinic and Fistula Centre have become popular postings for the guards.
Psalm 84 emphasizes the theme of God’s dwelling place and the desire to be in God’s presence. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Ps. 84:1-2).
The birds have nests to protect and feed their young. This is the kind of safe haven God offers us in his presence. When we are close to him, we have reason to praise him and we experience God’s protection and strength. Yet, this is not just about being stationary in a home. The Psalm speaks about setting your heart on pilgrimage . . . and this was a song pilgrims were singing as they traveled the long road to their destination, the literal “house of God”.
Sometimes, I see my life in Mercy Ships as a 26-year pilgrimage, having served on the Anastasis, the Rotterdam office, the IOC and now in Sierra Leone. Some legs of the journey have felt like dark valleys, other parts have been on sunny hillsides. Even as we pass through the driest desert lands, we can turn them into a place of springs. In God’s presence, as we follow Jesus, we can go from strength to strength.
Although we may not always feel significant or like a hero of the faith, even as a doorkeeper in God’s compound, we can be in his presence and make a difference in the world we live in. In Sierra Leone we aim to serve some of the forgotten poor afflicted by child birth injuries, such as women with fistulas (VVF) or children with disabilities, such as polio. As we meet their physical needs we also share God’s love and compassion with them and bring them into his presence.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God’s protection for staff in Sierra Leone, and for crew and staff around the world.
* Pray for God to send workers into the harvest field of Sierra Leone, especially 1) VVF surgeons (short term/long term), 2) a ward nursing supervisor, and 3) a financial administrator.
* Pray for continued good relationships with all our local and international stakeholders/partners.
By: Rene Lako, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”(Psalm 84:10).
Devotional:
The compound of our team house in Freetown, Sierra Leone is surrounded by a wall, topped by broken glass and razor wire. Two uniformed security guards patrol the compound, equipped with radio, baton and panic button alarm system to keep us safe. This is part of land based life for Mercy Ships staff in West Africa, and it’s quite different from life on a “Mercy Ship”. These guards are not considered Mercy Ships staff, but are employed by the security company. Yet, they get a taste of “mercy ship”, as they say here, and our team house compounds and Aberdeen Clinic and Fistula Centre have become popular postings for the guards.
Psalm 84 emphasizes the theme of God’s dwelling place and the desire to be in God’s presence. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Ps. 84:1-2).
The birds have nests to protect and feed their young. This is the kind of safe haven God offers us in his presence. When we are close to him, we have reason to praise him and we experience God’s protection and strength. Yet, this is not just about being stationary in a home. The Psalm speaks about setting your heart on pilgrimage . . . and this was a song pilgrims were singing as they traveled the long road to their destination, the literal “house of God”.
Sometimes, I see my life in Mercy Ships as a 26-year pilgrimage, having served on the Anastasis, the Rotterdam office, the IOC and now in Sierra Leone. Some legs of the journey have felt like dark valleys, other parts have been on sunny hillsides. Even as we pass through the driest desert lands, we can turn them into a place of springs. In God’s presence, as we follow Jesus, we can go from strength to strength.
Although we may not always feel significant or like a hero of the faith, even as a doorkeeper in God’s compound, we can be in his presence and make a difference in the world we live in. In Sierra Leone we aim to serve some of the forgotten poor afflicted by child birth injuries, such as women with fistulas (VVF) or children with disabilities, such as polio. As we meet their physical needs we also share God’s love and compassion with them and bring them into his presence.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God’s protection for staff in Sierra Leone, and for crew and staff around the world.
* Pray for God to send workers into the harvest field of Sierra Leone, especially 1) VVF surgeons (short term/long term), 2) a ward nursing supervisor, and 3) a financial administrator.
* Pray for continued good relationships with all our local and international stakeholders/partners.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 38
Focus: When God is Silent
By Melissa Hall, Anastasis
Scripture Reference:
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).
Devotional:
You have an important decision to make, or you feel unsure about your ability to do something and don’t know where to start. You’ve prayed to God and asked for his guidance. You’ve constantly petitioned him (Luke 18:1) but there’s been no answer. You’ve pored over your Bible (Psalm 119:105), sought the advice of your friends (Proverbs 20:18), even returned to the last bit of guidance you received only to find out it doesn’t apply. Finally you repent of everything you can think of (Isaiah 59:1-2), but still God is silent. You feel like Job (19:8), wandering in the darkness, desperate for encouragement. But God is silent. What next? What happens during these times in the wilderness? Are we left to wander around in circles - or worse freeze, into inactivity too scared to make the wrong decision lest we fall off the narrow path?
God knows us; we as Christians have to trust that if we’re about to wander from his will for us he will warn us (Numbers 22:21-38). After all he sent us his Son to be our Shepherd (John 10:14) and what do shepherd’s do? They make sure their sheep don’t go wander onto dangerous paths, fall into holes or start chewing on something that looks really good but turns out to be poisonous. Now I confess I have never herded sheep, but in England it’s a sport; you can even watch it on television! When the sheep are going in the right direction the shepherd and his dog are quiet, but they whistle and bark like crazy when the sheep are going in the wrong direction. We are Jesus’ sheep, we know his voice (John 10:27), but when we don’t hear him perhaps we shouldn’t despair; maybe we are just going in the right direction.
When I made my decision to join Mercy Ships it was based on wisdom and the desires of my heart. I love sailing and wanted to serve God in Africa. I agonized over whether it was the right decision. God never gave me that resounding, ‘Yes! This is the way walk in it!’ It was only after I’d signed the contract, when money came pouring in and I discovered we were going to Liberia (a country I’d supported as a schoolgirl) that I felt God confirm my plans.
Perhaps, occasionally God wants us to simply step out and ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed’ (Proverbs 16:3). This is after all a journey of faith: we cannot always see the path before us. It’s like that scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when Indiana has to find the way across a great abyss to reach the Holy Grail. The only clue he has is to, ‘Take a step of faith’. He closes his eyes, and places his leg over the chasm, shifts his weight and bang! His foot makes contact with a glistening path, reaching to the other side of the ravine. It’s sometimes only when we move forward that God reveals and confirms the way.
Prayer Points:
* Pray we will know when to persevere in seeking God’s guidance and when we need to step out in faith and commit our plans to Him.
* Pray for an increase in faith for every person in Mercy Ships, faith in our ability to hear God and faith in His ability to keep us on the right path.
* Pray for God’s Liberian sheep - that He will comfort them and guide them to fresh pastures this Easter.
By Melissa Hall, Anastasis
Scripture Reference:
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3).
Devotional:
You have an important decision to make, or you feel unsure about your ability to do something and don’t know where to start. You’ve prayed to God and asked for his guidance. You’ve constantly petitioned him (Luke 18:1) but there’s been no answer. You’ve pored over your Bible (Psalm 119:105), sought the advice of your friends (Proverbs 20:18), even returned to the last bit of guidance you received only to find out it doesn’t apply. Finally you repent of everything you can think of (Isaiah 59:1-2), but still God is silent. You feel like Job (19:8), wandering in the darkness, desperate for encouragement. But God is silent. What next? What happens during these times in the wilderness? Are we left to wander around in circles - or worse freeze, into inactivity too scared to make the wrong decision lest we fall off the narrow path?
God knows us; we as Christians have to trust that if we’re about to wander from his will for us he will warn us (Numbers 22:21-38). After all he sent us his Son to be our Shepherd (John 10:14) and what do shepherd’s do? They make sure their sheep don’t go wander onto dangerous paths, fall into holes or start chewing on something that looks really good but turns out to be poisonous. Now I confess I have never herded sheep, but in England it’s a sport; you can even watch it on television! When the sheep are going in the right direction the shepherd and his dog are quiet, but they whistle and bark like crazy when the sheep are going in the wrong direction. We are Jesus’ sheep, we know his voice (John 10:27), but when we don’t hear him perhaps we shouldn’t despair; maybe we are just going in the right direction.
When I made my decision to join Mercy Ships it was based on wisdom and the desires of my heart. I love sailing and wanted to serve God in Africa. I agonized over whether it was the right decision. God never gave me that resounding, ‘Yes! This is the way walk in it!’ It was only after I’d signed the contract, when money came pouring in and I discovered we were going to Liberia (a country I’d supported as a schoolgirl) that I felt God confirm my plans.
Perhaps, occasionally God wants us to simply step out and ‘Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed’ (Proverbs 16:3). This is after all a journey of faith: we cannot always see the path before us. It’s like that scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, when Indiana has to find the way across a great abyss to reach the Holy Grail. The only clue he has is to, ‘Take a step of faith’. He closes his eyes, and places his leg over the chasm, shifts his weight and bang! His foot makes contact with a glistening path, reaching to the other side of the ravine. It’s sometimes only when we move forward that God reveals and confirms the way.
Prayer Points:
* Pray we will know when to persevere in seeking God’s guidance and when we need to step out in faith and commit our plans to Him.
* Pray for an increase in faith for every person in Mercy Ships, faith in our ability to hear God and faith in His ability to keep us on the right path.
* Pray for God’s Liberian sheep - that He will comfort them and guide them to fresh pastures this Easter.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 37
Focus: Praise God
By Sherry Carpenito, Anastasis
Scripture Reference:
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, or height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
Devotional:
So many things come our way during the course of our days . . . deadlines, chores, promises that we don't know how we can keep; small headaches and big headaches. Leaders, co-workers, cabin mates and projects are only a few of our daily tests. We have finance, family and friends, here and at home, who take a share of our hearts. Some have more intense struggles. Life and death does not stop just because we are in the Lord's army. And that is exactly our focus for today - we ARE the Lords children, and nothing can separate us from His love. Overwhelming victory . . . not just winning the battle . . . but overwhelming victory is ours! Like a landslide, Jesus Christ has won our victory . . . because He loves us. How can we not praise Him? Nothing can separate us from His love.
The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace (Ps.29:11).
For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield (Ps.5:12).
Do not fret because of evildoers nor be envious of the workers of iniquity (Ps.37:1).
And you have been give fullness in Christ who is head over every power and authority (Col.2:10).
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Col.3:15).
Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way
(2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Prayer Points:
* Pray for acceptance of Christ’s peace and love to penetrate our mind and heart; even through our specific struggles.
* Praise Him for His love revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
By Sherry Carpenito, Anastasis
Scripture Reference:
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, or height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
Devotional:
So many things come our way during the course of our days . . . deadlines, chores, promises that we don't know how we can keep; small headaches and big headaches. Leaders, co-workers, cabin mates and projects are only a few of our daily tests. We have finance, family and friends, here and at home, who take a share of our hearts. Some have more intense struggles. Life and death does not stop just because we are in the Lord's army. And that is exactly our focus for today - we ARE the Lords children, and nothing can separate us from His love. Overwhelming victory . . . not just winning the battle . . . but overwhelming victory is ours! Like a landslide, Jesus Christ has won our victory . . . because He loves us. How can we not praise Him? Nothing can separate us from His love.
The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace (Ps.29:11).
For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield (Ps.5:12).
Do not fret because of evildoers nor be envious of the workers of iniquity (Ps.37:1).
And you have been give fullness in Christ who is head over every power and authority (Col.2:10).
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful (Col.3:15).
Now may the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way
(2 Thessalonians 3:16).
Prayer Points:
* Pray for acceptance of Christ’s peace and love to penetrate our mind and heart; even through our specific struggles.
* Praise Him for His love revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 36
Focus: Trust
By Bonnie Usher, IOC
Scripture Reference:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
Devotional:
There once was a program on TV called “Who do you trust?” Maybe it was before your time, but it is a good question.
I am the parent of two adult sons and last year we had a situation in our family that almost destroyed us. My oldest son freely admits he is an alcoholic. He had been through rehabilitation and three months later fell “off the wagon.” My younger son and I lived thousands of miles away and we were concerned. We went to a family get-together with high expectations. Unfortunately Colin and I could see immediately that Ian was literally killing himself with alcohol and pills. We felt helpless, along with his wife, but God would not leave this situation unchanged. The Lord actually arranged an intervention for us with Ian; he wanted help and was willing to change. I asked Ian to commit to at least six months in rehabilitation and he agreed.
The next day I made some phone calls and arranged to bring Ian to Texas with me. He had an appointment at Rhema Ranch, and the counselor agreed to take Ian into their program following detoxification. After five days in a psychiatric hospital Ian entered the program at Rhema Ranch. During his second week a pastor prophesied over him that he would go home and be the spiritual leader of his family. He went back to the single wide trailer where he lived with nine other guys and got down on his knees and asked Jesus to take over. He stayed for nine months, made a wonderful recovery, and is now home with his wife and little girl.
It is a miracle, but nothing is too hard for God. Many people prayed for him and I know God heard our heartfelt cries. I still pray for my son everyday and thank each of you who have done that with me. We can trust God with the most important things and people in our lives.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for increased trust in God to finish the good work He has begun in each of us (Philippians 1:6).
* Pray that we can trust that the Africa Mercy will sail in His time.
* Pray for a renewed sense that God hears our prayers and will answer.
By Bonnie Usher, IOC
Scripture Reference:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
Devotional:
There once was a program on TV called “Who do you trust?” Maybe it was before your time, but it is a good question.
I am the parent of two adult sons and last year we had a situation in our family that almost destroyed us. My oldest son freely admits he is an alcoholic. He had been through rehabilitation and three months later fell “off the wagon.” My younger son and I lived thousands of miles away and we were concerned. We went to a family get-together with high expectations. Unfortunately Colin and I could see immediately that Ian was literally killing himself with alcohol and pills. We felt helpless, along with his wife, but God would not leave this situation unchanged. The Lord actually arranged an intervention for us with Ian; he wanted help and was willing to change. I asked Ian to commit to at least six months in rehabilitation and he agreed.
The next day I made some phone calls and arranged to bring Ian to Texas with me. He had an appointment at Rhema Ranch, and the counselor agreed to take Ian into their program following detoxification. After five days in a psychiatric hospital Ian entered the program at Rhema Ranch. During his second week a pastor prophesied over him that he would go home and be the spiritual leader of his family. He went back to the single wide trailer where he lived with nine other guys and got down on his knees and asked Jesus to take over. He stayed for nine months, made a wonderful recovery, and is now home with his wife and little girl.
It is a miracle, but nothing is too hard for God. Many people prayed for him and I know God heard our heartfelt cries. I still pray for my son everyday and thank each of you who have done that with me. We can trust God with the most important things and people in our lives.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for increased trust in God to finish the good work He has begun in each of us (Philippians 1:6).
* Pray that we can trust that the Africa Mercy will sail in His time.
* Pray for a renewed sense that God hears our prayers and will answer.
Monday, April 10, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 35
Focus: It’s not About Me.
By Charles White, IOC
Scripture Reference:
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. The one who comes from above is above all…” (John 3:29-31a).
Devotional:
A devotional could be written about verse 29 but it is only included here as context for verse 30. Early in my Christian walk I learned about verse 30. I had been a Christian for only about 6 months when a friend at our church invited me to lunch. During that lunch he asked me to consider teaching a short course with him, “Living the True Christian Life”. I was cool on the outside but panicking on the inside! Who was I to teach anyone about Christianity when I still had so much to learn myself? My mind was racing for excuses and then, suddenly, I knew I had the answer that would get me out of doing this. I smugly told my friend, in a most humble way (sarcasm here!), that I really could not assume such responsibility because I just was not big enough to handle it yet. My friend smiled at me and the next words he uttered have stuck with me since that day: He said, “Charlie, it is not about how big you can be, but how small you can be and understanding how big our God is.” John the Baptist understood this perfectly. He had been getting a lot of attention but understood who Jesus was and is and put himself in the rightful place. John said it even more clearly in verse 31a,”The one who comes from above is above all…”
Prayer Points:
* Pray that we will understand and truly realize in our daily lives that this life is NOT about us but about Him.
* Pray that Mercy Ships corporately will continue to seek His will in all we undertake.
* Pray that we all individually will continue to grow in His likeness and will decrease as He increases.
By Charles White, IOC
Scripture Reference:
“The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. The one who comes from above is above all…” (John 3:29-31a).
Devotional:
A devotional could be written about verse 29 but it is only included here as context for verse 30. Early in my Christian walk I learned about verse 30. I had been a Christian for only about 6 months when a friend at our church invited me to lunch. During that lunch he asked me to consider teaching a short course with him, “Living the True Christian Life”. I was cool on the outside but panicking on the inside! Who was I to teach anyone about Christianity when I still had so much to learn myself? My mind was racing for excuses and then, suddenly, I knew I had the answer that would get me out of doing this. I smugly told my friend, in a most humble way (sarcasm here!), that I really could not assume such responsibility because I just was not big enough to handle it yet. My friend smiled at me and the next words he uttered have stuck with me since that day: He said, “Charlie, it is not about how big you can be, but how small you can be and understanding how big our God is.” John the Baptist understood this perfectly. He had been getting a lot of attention but understood who Jesus was and is and put himself in the rightful place. John said it even more clearly in verse 31a,”The one who comes from above is above all…”
Prayer Points:
* Pray that we will understand and truly realize in our daily lives that this life is NOT about us but about Him.
* Pray that Mercy Ships corporately will continue to seek His will in all we undertake.
* Pray that we all individually will continue to grow in His likeness and will decrease as He increases.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 34
Focus: Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work
By Dee Patton, IOC
Scripture Reference:
“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4) (KJV)
“And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:4)(NASB).
Devotional:
Sometimes we go along merrily (or not so merrily as the case may be) for a long time…years in fact…and then out of the blue we see something, look at something, read something and perceive it in a whole new way. Small changes in us align. The tumblers fall into place and something unlocks. Small details and bits of understanding get pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle in our conscious and sometimes subconscious minds and WHAM! Suddenly things that were just bits before are now a bigger bit. Maybe not the whole picture yet, but enough so that we can see that it really might be a picture of something.
Puzzles take time to put together . . . longer for some people than others, of course. When that piece finally fits something that was lacking in us is fulfilled, perfected. It’s a process….a work on the way to completion. When we struggle on and persist, the picture grows and we want for less and less - lack for less and less. We become more complete and more completely who God means us to be.
Faith is knowing that all those pieces actually will be a completed picture eventually and that God Himself is helping with the project. And patience in not just waiting. Patience is knowing that something is happening when it looks like nothing is happening. Patience is putting that small troubling piece of jigsaw puzzle aside and working on the edges, finding something useful to do until the moment arrives when those tumblers align, when those pieces finally fit in our hearts and minds. Patience is knowing that if you keep after it you will eventually know where to put that piece of sky.
When you allow her to, Patience works, not only in you, but in others as well and in the situation itself - even when you can’t see it. Let her.
Prayer Points:
· Pray for that Fruit of the Holy Spirit, Patience, to grow in your heart. Not through more trouble or trial, but through trust in the Father himself.
· Pray that the Lord will show you that patience is, indeed, at work in your life and work.
· Pray for leadership, that they will be filled with the Spirit as they walk through difficult times of decision making.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
40 Days of Prayer and Fasting 2006 - Day 33
Focus: His Will versus Our Will
By Andrew Conteh, New Steps, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8–9).
Devotional:
It was on a hot Thursday afternoon in Lunsar, a northern town 120 km from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. A crowd of polio mobility impaired children and their parents were gathered outside our work center. Alone in one of the rooms of this building, I was quietly assembling a couple of PET units (Personal Energy Transportation) while my colleagues were busy seeing the patients outside.
While I was doing this job with a passion for the many children it would help, I suddenly began to ponder the theme of this year’s Mercy Ships 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting—“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I realized that each time you obey God, His kingdom is operating in your life the same way it does in heaven.
Can you imagine anybody in heaven telling God, “I will think about it” or turning a deaf ear? The last person who tried that was Satan, and we all know the consequence that followed.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” simply means, “God, be fully in control. Let my steps be ordered by You. Let my decisions be based on Your approval alone. Let my choices be subject to Your veto. If you’re not Lord over all, then you are not Lord at all.” Be honest with yourself and reexamine the greatest mistake you have ever made in your life. Whose will were you operating in, God’s or yours? Did you ever consult Him? Did you wait upon Him long enough to hear what He had to say? Or did you disagree with the direction He gave to you, and so launched out on your own?
God’s will can be painful because He has only one plan for your flesh—death.
In 1 Corinthians 15:31, the apostle Paul said, “I die daily.” The end result of dying to self is abundant living.
When we pray “Thy will be done,” we are seeking the heart of God. He will never hide from us what is in His heart, if we are willing to listen. Our challenge is to submit and obey even when we do not fully understand His purposes.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God-given grace to accept His will.
* Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you relax in the hands of God each time He gives you a new direction.
* Pray that God will reveal His heart’s desire for you.
By Andrew Conteh, New Steps, Mercy Ships Sierra Leone
Scripture Reference:
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8–9).
Devotional:It was on a hot Thursday afternoon in Lunsar, a northern town 120 km from Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. A crowd of polio mobility impaired children and their parents were gathered outside our work center. Alone in one of the rooms of this building, I was quietly assembling a couple of PET units (Personal Energy Transportation) while my colleagues were busy seeing the patients outside.
While I was doing this job with a passion for the many children it would help, I suddenly began to ponder the theme of this year’s Mercy Ships 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting—“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I realized that each time you obey God, His kingdom is operating in your life the same way it does in heaven.
Can you imagine anybody in heaven telling God, “I will think about it” or turning a deaf ear? The last person who tried that was Satan, and we all know the consequence that followed.
“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” simply means, “God, be fully in control. Let my steps be ordered by You. Let my decisions be based on Your approval alone. Let my choices be subject to Your veto. If you’re not Lord over all, then you are not Lord at all.” Be honest with yourself and reexamine the greatest mistake you have ever made in your life. Whose will were you operating in, God’s or yours? Did you ever consult Him? Did you wait upon Him long enough to hear what He had to say? Or did you disagree with the direction He gave to you, and so launched out on your own?
God’s will can be painful because He has only one plan for your flesh—death.
In 1 Corinthians 15:31, the apostle Paul said, “I die daily.” The end result of dying to self is abundant living.
When we pray “Thy will be done,” we are seeking the heart of God. He will never hide from us what is in His heart, if we are willing to listen. Our challenge is to submit and obey even when we do not fully understand His purposes.
Prayer Points:
* Pray for God-given grace to accept His will.
* Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you relax in the hands of God each time He gives you a new direction.
* Pray that God will reveal His heart’s desire for you.
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