Jesus chastised the Church in Laodicea for being lukewarm. How many of us Christians today are lukewarm and being deprived of the full range of blessings He offers to those who are faithful? Read today's "My Utmost for His Highest" devotional, and decide for yourself:
"Impoverished Ministry of Jesus. 'From whence then hast thou that living water?(John 4:11)'
"The well is deep--and a great deal deeper than the Samaritan woman knew! Think of the depths of human nature, of human life, think of the depths of the "wells" in you. Have you been impoverishing the ministry of Jesus so that He cannot do anything? Suppose there is a well of fathomless trouble inside your heart, and Jesus comes and says---"Let not your heart be troubled", and you shrug your shoulders and say, "But, Lord, the well is deep; You cannot draw up quietness and comfort out of it." No, He will bring them down from above. Jesus does not bring anything up from the wells of human nature. We limit the Holy One by remembering what we have allowed Him to do do for us in the past, and by saying "Of course I cannot expect God to do this thing." The thing that taxes almightiness is the very thing which we as disciples of Jesus ought to believe He will do. We impoverish His ministry the moment we forget He is Almighty. We will come to Jesus as Comforter or as Sympathizer, but we will not come to Him as Almighty.
"The reason some of us are such poor specimens of Christianity is because we have no Almighty Christ. We have Christian attributes and experiences, but there is no abandonment to Jesus Christ. When we get into difficult circumstances, we impoverish His ministry by saying---"Of course He cannot do anything," and we struggle down to the deeps and try to get the water for ourselves. Beware of the satisfaction of sinking back and saying---"It can't be done"; you know it can be done if you look to Jesus. The well of your incompleteness is deep, but make the effort and look away to Him."
This devotional struck a chord with me, and I hope it does so for you, too. Each and every one of us needs to believe in the Almighty, Unlimited power of Jesus to right every wrong, heal every hurt, save every soul. He does the impossible and does it consistently. All we need to do is pray it, expect it and receive it. Come on everyone, read Revelation 3:14-22.........and turn on the hot water.
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Saturday, February 27, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
February 24, 2016. Madison, GA. Old Dog.......New Tricks
Our "new" cell phones, which we have had for only 4 months and 2 days, are already "old. The S7 has replaced the S6 and we have to wait another 20 months before we can "upgrade" and by then it will probably be an S8 or S9 which will be the "in" model. Needless to say, we can barely use the old new phone, so it doesn't matter how many iterations will ensue, we will stay with our 6's and let the world pass us by.
It won't be the first time we have been technologically overstepped and it will be far from the last, you can rest assured. The world of technical stuff moves at a rapid pace, and from my years in the computer chip manufacturing business, it was clear that we were making chips for products which were already out of date. In 1998 we were making chips for the first cell phone cameras, and they were already dinosaurs before they reached the sales floor.
There is so much change afoot in the world we live in, and it is refreshing to be here at Source of Light with many "dinosaurs" of the missionary field who are learning new communication techniques, performing duties they have never done before, using the unchanged Word of God to reach a host of people around the world who are hungry for Jesus and the hope He offers for an eternal destiny in Heaven, away from the world we humans have done so much to destroy and contaminate.
Karen and I have learned a lot of new skills over the past two plus years on the road while serving here in Madison and in Arkansas at TGPP. It has given our "getting-older" bones a new outlook on what we are capable of doing. Our co-workers have become teachers, mentors and examples of what we can look forward to in our 80's or 90's or for however long God calls us to serve Him and preach the Good News by what we say and what we do. Quite a journey, and quite a way to honor and glorify out Lord and Savior.
Sent from my IPad.
It won't be the first time we have been technologically overstepped and it will be far from the last, you can rest assured. The world of technical stuff moves at a rapid pace, and from my years in the computer chip manufacturing business, it was clear that we were making chips for products which were already out of date. In 1998 we were making chips for the first cell phone cameras, and they were already dinosaurs before they reached the sales floor.
There is so much change afoot in the world we live in, and it is refreshing to be here at Source of Light with many "dinosaurs" of the missionary field who are learning new communication techniques, performing duties they have never done before, using the unchanged Word of God to reach a host of people around the world who are hungry for Jesus and the hope He offers for an eternal destiny in Heaven, away from the world we humans have done so much to destroy and contaminate.
Karen and I have learned a lot of new skills over the past two plus years on the road while serving here in Madison and in Arkansas at TGPP. It has given our "getting-older" bones a new outlook on what we are capable of doing. Our co-workers have become teachers, mentors and examples of what we can look forward to in our 80's or 90's or for however long God calls us to serve Him and preach the Good News by what we say and what we do. Quite a journey, and quite a way to honor and glorify out Lord and Savior.
Sent from my IPad.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Postscript to 2/21/16 Blog
Not only are the counties we drove in today named after influential military men, the first names of these men reveal a lot about what influenced their parents. Daniel Morgan, John Newton, Israel Putnam, Nathanael Greene, (all Biblical names) and William Jasper (a name which derives from the German, meaning "resolute protector"). And who says there isn't a Judeo-Christian foundation for our country?
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February 21, 2016. Madison, GA. A Sunday Ride in the County
After church today Karen and I decided to explore some areas outside Madison we had not seen before. For us, new roads and new places are "being on vacation", so off we went making a big loop from Rutledge, to Newborn, Shady Dale, Eatonton, Lake Oconee and back to Madison. In all we drove about 80 miles, did ride on familiar roads for the last half of the loop, ate in a restaurant we had only heard about, and drove in 5 counties (Morgan, Newton, Jasper, Putnam, Greene). Interesting that all five counties were named for Revolutionary War soldiers, three generals and two sergeants.
As we have travelled through Georgia, we have been struck by the large number of counties in the state (159), second largest number of counties of any state in the country. Only Texas has more counties (254), and Texas has more than four times the land area of Georgia.
I guess it means a lot more Georgia county officials, county court houses and of course more county road workers. I must admit, the roads today seemed in pretty good shape, so keep leaning on your shovels, guys.
In any event, our ride in the counties and the countryside was pretty enjoyable. Good to see the old farm buildings, rural areas, small towns, and animals grazing in the fields. Also good to see our country's soldiers honored with their names on so many of our cities and counties. Not sure who Shady Dale was named for, but Karen and I have at least one idea........but that's another story..........
Sent from my iPad
As we have travelled through Georgia, we have been struck by the large number of counties in the state (159), second largest number of counties of any state in the country. Only Texas has more counties (254), and Texas has more than four times the land area of Georgia.
I guess it means a lot more Georgia county officials, county court houses and of course more county road workers. I must admit, the roads today seemed in pretty good shape, so keep leaning on your shovels, guys.
In any event, our ride in the counties and the countryside was pretty enjoyable. Good to see the old farm buildings, rural areas, small towns, and animals grazing in the fields. Also good to see our country's soldiers honored with their names on so many of our cities and counties. Not sure who Shady Dale was named for, but Karen and I have at least one idea........but that's another story..........
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, February 18, 2016
February 18, 2016 Madison, GA. Prayer
Every morning the various groups within Source of Light gather for prayer and a quiet time to be with The Lord. Many of us have already had our own private quiet time, devotions, or scripture reading. But when we gather as Operations, Print Shop, MDS, Advanced Studies, Accounting, Field Department or Administration, we have time to pray for specific department needs, health concerns, missionary requests from overseas or within our North American branches.
Each Tuesday morning we meet as a larger group to pray for our foreign branches and on Wednesday we meet for Chapel and a time of worship and a message or presentation of some kind before we take our lunch break. Every gathering is a worshipful, prayerful time to thank God for all He has done for this Ministry for the past 60 plus years and seek His direction as we move forward to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
Prayer does work. We have seen many needs met, financial situations resolved and health concerns addressed. We have prayed when things go wrong and praised when things go right and in every case we know that God hears us and answers as He wills and often surprises us with the timing and the resolution. What peace I feel with the call on our lives and the work we have been led to do in His Name. As I've said many times, it may not always be easy, but it is always rewarding and worth the effort we expend each day. Work hard, enjoy life, and keep on praying. God is Good.
Sent from my iPad
Each Tuesday morning we meet as a larger group to pray for our foreign branches and on Wednesday we meet for Chapel and a time of worship and a message or presentation of some kind before we take our lunch break. Every gathering is a worshipful, prayerful time to thank God for all He has done for this Ministry for the past 60 plus years and seek His direction as we move forward to reach the world for Jesus Christ.
Prayer does work. We have seen many needs met, financial situations resolved and health concerns addressed. We have prayed when things go wrong and praised when things go right and in every case we know that God hears us and answers as He wills and often surprises us with the timing and the resolution. What peace I feel with the call on our lives and the work we have been led to do in His Name. As I've said many times, it may not always be easy, but it is always rewarding and worth the effort we expend each day. Work hard, enjoy life, and keep on praying. God is Good.
Sent from my iPad
Monday, February 15, 2016
February 15, 2016. Madison, GA. Holiday
Today is Presidents' Day. It is also National Gumdrop Day, National Hippo Day, National I Want a Butterscotch Day, Remember The Maine Day, Singles Awareness Day and Susan B. Anthony Day.
That's quite a lot to celebrate but it doesn't hold a candle to yesterday which was, of course Valentine's Day. It was also Autism Sunday, Frederick Douglas Day, International Book Giving Day, International Quirkyalone Day, League of Women Voters Day, Library Lovers Day, National Call in Single Day, National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day, National Ferris Wheel Day, National Have a Heart Day, National Organ Donor Day, Pet Theft Awareness Day, Race Relations Day, Read to Your Child Day and World Marriage Day. It was also a good day to attend Sunday School and Church, and listen to a sermon entitled, "Pay-Day Someday" delivered by Dr. R.G. Lee in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1919.
While each day may invite us to celebrate some event, person or occasion, we can always thank God for His mercies which are new every day and more than sufficient to bless and keep us regardless of what the calendar tells us we should be remembering.
Sent from my iPad
That's quite a lot to celebrate but it doesn't hold a candle to yesterday which was, of course Valentine's Day. It was also Autism Sunday, Frederick Douglas Day, International Book Giving Day, International Quirkyalone Day, League of Women Voters Day, Library Lovers Day, National Call in Single Day, National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day, National Ferris Wheel Day, National Have a Heart Day, National Organ Donor Day, Pet Theft Awareness Day, Race Relations Day, Read to Your Child Day and World Marriage Day. It was also a good day to attend Sunday School and Church, and listen to a sermon entitled, "Pay-Day Someday" delivered by Dr. R.G. Lee in Edgefield, South Carolina in 1919.
While each day may invite us to celebrate some event, person or occasion, we can always thank God for His mercies which are new every day and more than sufficient to bless and keep us regardless of what the calendar tells us we should be remembering.
Sent from my iPad
Friday, February 12, 2016
February 12, 2016. Madison, GA. Coincidence
"Oh, that's just a coincidence", Really? I've heard it said so many times, but when things happen the way they do, over and over and over again, I think there is more to it than just plain happenstance. It happens for a reason, and the reason is, that's how God happened it to be.
Karen and I named our ministry, Ministry of Miles before we even had any idea of where we would be going or what we would be doing. We just thought that "miles" would represent road miles, and a lot of them. But as we set out to minister to Vietnam Veterans about benefits they were entitled to, but possibly not aware of, we found that there had to be more, so we added the element of telling people about our faith and how God had an eternal plan for each of us, and so MILES became MILitary and Eternal Salvation. MILES had more of a meaning.
When we heard about the volunteer opportunities at The Great Passion Play in Arkansas, we thought that would be a good place to pursue the Eternal Salvation element while still being able to minister to the vets. But we soon realized that ES stood for Eureka Springs where TGPP was located and so our MILES had a second meaning.
After the 2014 season of TGPP ended in November, we headed for Madison, GA and Source of Light Ministries, finding a home for the winter of 2014-2015. Felt like we were where God wanted us and when spring rolled around it was back to TGPP for the 2015 season. And after that, no reason not to return to Madison for a second go-round at SOL, or as it is formally known, Source of Light Ministries International. And, then, two nights ago as I settled into bed, it struck me, that SLMI is nothing more than MILES rearranged, with an E not in the equation. But E could well stand for Evangelism, or enthusiasm, or Eternity.......or........Everything.
In any event we have a third meaning for MILES, and the best thing we can do is just SMILE (anagram of MILES) and accept the reality of no coincidences. There is a plan ordained for each of us. All we need to do is realize Who the planner is, be obedient to Him and smile at the blessings He showers on us every moment of every day, no matter how many miles we may minister through. At last count, our ministry miles in motor home and car........about 16,169 in 26 months. THANK YOU, LORD.
Sent from my iPad
Karen and I named our ministry, Ministry of Miles before we even had any idea of where we would be going or what we would be doing. We just thought that "miles" would represent road miles, and a lot of them. But as we set out to minister to Vietnam Veterans about benefits they were entitled to, but possibly not aware of, we found that there had to be more, so we added the element of telling people about our faith and how God had an eternal plan for each of us, and so MILES became MILitary and Eternal Salvation. MILES had more of a meaning.
When we heard about the volunteer opportunities at The Great Passion Play in Arkansas, we thought that would be a good place to pursue the Eternal Salvation element while still being able to minister to the vets. But we soon realized that ES stood for Eureka Springs where TGPP was located and so our MILES had a second meaning.
After the 2014 season of TGPP ended in November, we headed for Madison, GA and Source of Light Ministries, finding a home for the winter of 2014-2015. Felt like we were where God wanted us and when spring rolled around it was back to TGPP for the 2015 season. And after that, no reason not to return to Madison for a second go-round at SOL, or as it is formally known, Source of Light Ministries International. And, then, two nights ago as I settled into bed, it struck me, that SLMI is nothing more than MILES rearranged, with an E not in the equation. But E could well stand for Evangelism, or enthusiasm, or Eternity.......or........Everything.
In any event we have a third meaning for MILES, and the best thing we can do is just SMILE (anagram of MILES) and accept the reality of no coincidences. There is a plan ordained for each of us. All we need to do is realize Who the planner is, be obedient to Him and smile at the blessings He showers on us every moment of every day, no matter how many miles we may minister through. At last count, our ministry miles in motor home and car........about 16,169 in 26 months. THANK YOU, LORD.
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
February 9, 2016. Madison, GA. Winning
For the second time since we've been on the road, we had the opportunity to try to watch the Super Bowl and the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning and the boys go for the title. In 2014, we couldn't get our computer connected to the game and had to endure a frustrating search and an even more frustrating game as the Broncos took it on the chin from Seattle. We were kind of glad, in hindsight, not to have seen the blow by blow.
This year we tried to use a laptop connected to a flat screen TV in the Mission Kids Room of the Headquarters building, and for the first half had little success other than seeing the first drive, but not the field goal or anything thereafter. When we got back to the motor home, Hugh was able to pick up CBS on his TV antenna and we were able to see the whole second half and the resulting Bronco victory.
It's fun to have your "team" win, but with the emphasis of our lives being less focused on sports and other "worldly" things, we are more tuned in to the spiritual and eternal and we are rooting for the ministries we serve and seeing the winning efforts of missionaries, prayers answered and lives saved and changed. That may sound "churchy" or like a Sunday School answer, but Karen and I have really found peace and joy in serving as we have at The Great Passion Play and at Source of Light Ministries. When the bell rings In the Madison Discipleship School and we hear that another person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, we celebrate that victory and for that person, it will mean more than their team winning the Super Bowl. We are always available to talk with veterans about their benefits and VA matters, so our lives are more focused on the needs of others and trusting God to take care of our personal issues and concerns. God has been more than sufficient in meeting every need, even when it seems that we are facing an impossible situation or tough decision. Through it all we continue to trust and believe: God is Good. All the time. All the time. God is Good.
Sent from my iPad
This year we tried to use a laptop connected to a flat screen TV in the Mission Kids Room of the Headquarters building, and for the first half had little success other than seeing the first drive, but not the field goal or anything thereafter. When we got back to the motor home, Hugh was able to pick up CBS on his TV antenna and we were able to see the whole second half and the resulting Bronco victory.
It's fun to have your "team" win, but with the emphasis of our lives being less focused on sports and other "worldly" things, we are more tuned in to the spiritual and eternal and we are rooting for the ministries we serve and seeing the winning efforts of missionaries, prayers answered and lives saved and changed. That may sound "churchy" or like a Sunday School answer, but Karen and I have really found peace and joy in serving as we have at The Great Passion Play and at Source of Light Ministries. When the bell rings In the Madison Discipleship School and we hear that another person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, we celebrate that victory and for that person, it will mean more than their team winning the Super Bowl. We are always available to talk with veterans about their benefits and VA matters, so our lives are more focused on the needs of others and trusting God to take care of our personal issues and concerns. God has been more than sufficient in meeting every need, even when it seems that we are facing an impossible situation or tough decision. Through it all we continue to trust and believe: God is Good. All the time. All the time. God is Good.
Sent from my iPad
Saturday, February 6, 2016
February 6, 2016. Madison, GA. More Hands
We are beginning to see more volunteers here at the Mission. Some are coming for a couple of months, but most are staying for just a few weeks. So far there are no other motor homes, so Hugh and LaVon our neighbors under the trees are still the only RV'ers. We have both moved up the hill, away from the trees and the mud and are "guardians" of the parking lot. It's windier, a little noisier with the road just a few hundred feet from us, but it's closer to my donkey friends who graze with the cattle in the field to the north of us.
I enjoy talking to the donkeys and have a call which they usually respond to which brings them over to the fence and a healthy dose of forehead rubbing, back scratching and conversation. I do all the rubbing, scratching and conversing, but I really have a good time with them. It keeps me "in shape" for our return to the Passion Play donkeys. If we ever have a pet, I think I'd opt for a donk.
With all the extra people, it hasn't made any difference in my work duties, since most of the people are working in the Discipleship School (MDS) and the large volume of lessons in and out of that department. Some of them help in the print shop, where I work when there are jobs to be collated, wrapped and inventoried, but the work load there has not been too heavy. Karen is the jack of all trades in accounting, MDS and wherever needed, so she stays busy most of the time. Our game nights and potluck are more frequent and more attended, so that is the main place to get to know people and share our lives and experiences.
We are blessed to be able to serve as we are are and haven't really explored other opportunities besides Madison and Eureka Springs. Many of the people we volunteered with in Arkansas are settled down back at home, not getting on the road as much and seem to be content with a more normal life. We are happy doing what we're doing and being away from the cold and snowy climes of Colorado. We're beginning to think about our "medical vacation" during June or July or possibly August, but nothing definite yet. One day at a time, sweet Jesus, and glad to be able to do it.
Sent from my iPad
I enjoy talking to the donkeys and have a call which they usually respond to which brings them over to the fence and a healthy dose of forehead rubbing, back scratching and conversation. I do all the rubbing, scratching and conversing, but I really have a good time with them. It keeps me "in shape" for our return to the Passion Play donkeys. If we ever have a pet, I think I'd opt for a donk.
With all the extra people, it hasn't made any difference in my work duties, since most of the people are working in the Discipleship School (MDS) and the large volume of lessons in and out of that department. Some of them help in the print shop, where I work when there are jobs to be collated, wrapped and inventoried, but the work load there has not been too heavy. Karen is the jack of all trades in accounting, MDS and wherever needed, so she stays busy most of the time. Our game nights and potluck are more frequent and more attended, so that is the main place to get to know people and share our lives and experiences.
We are blessed to be able to serve as we are are and haven't really explored other opportunities besides Madison and Eureka Springs. Many of the people we volunteered with in Arkansas are settled down back at home, not getting on the road as much and seem to be content with a more normal life. We are happy doing what we're doing and being away from the cold and snowy climes of Colorado. We're beginning to think about our "medical vacation" during June or July or possibly August, but nothing definite yet. One day at a time, sweet Jesus, and glad to be able to do it.
Sent from my iPad
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
February 3, 2016. Madison, GA. Ministry
When God calls............answer the call............and stay the course until the next call comes. Ministry is not always along the lines we envision it, and often the tasks we are asked to do are not in our comfort zone or conform to the skills we have or the training we have been through. But, ministry demands our full attention, our obedience and our willingness to trust God, walk in complete faith and let God call the shots and supply the strength and stamina to keep at the task.
I mentioned that our friends Mike and Linda were coming to visit, and while they were here, I gave up my planned Chapel presentation today to give Mike an opportunity to give his testimony, discuss his background in law enforcement, firefighting, military, EMT, a shooting incident in which two people were killed and Mike himself came close to death, as well; their marriage counseling and current ministry to those who are now, or were in these professions as well as training people in security issues at churches, schools and faith-based organizations (see: hart rescue.us). The presentation was moving and brings up the fact that ministry sometimes asks us to relive our past, comfort others who are going through what we have been through and trust God to comfort them as He has comforted us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). To paraphrase: How many times, Lord must we comfort others by reliving our difficult experience? Seven times? .........no, seventy-seven times........no, seven times 70 times............no, as many times as God calls us to, and then we will be called to comfort them, again and again............and again.........
Ministry isn't always easy, and yet it's not our call, but His, and when God calls, answer the call and stay the course for as long as God gives us the strength and stamina to do so. And for this we say........Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
I mentioned that our friends Mike and Linda were coming to visit, and while they were here, I gave up my planned Chapel presentation today to give Mike an opportunity to give his testimony, discuss his background in law enforcement, firefighting, military, EMT, a shooting incident in which two people were killed and Mike himself came close to death, as well; their marriage counseling and current ministry to those who are now, or were in these professions as well as training people in security issues at churches, schools and faith-based organizations (see: hart rescue.us). The presentation was moving and brings up the fact that ministry sometimes asks us to relive our past, comfort others who are going through what we have been through and trust God to comfort them as He has comforted us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). To paraphrase: How many times, Lord must we comfort others by reliving our difficult experience? Seven times? .........no, seventy-seven times........no, seven times 70 times............no, as many times as God calls us to, and then we will be called to comfort them, again and again............and again.........
Ministry isn't always easy, and yet it's not our call, but His, and when God calls, answer the call and stay the course for as long as God gives us the strength and stamina to do so. And for this we say........Thank You, Lord.
Sent from my iPad
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