Remembering God's Promises On the Journey
Back to Africa

Sunday, January 20, 2008

God is with us. Even in the places of deep suffering and sorrow. He is there when we receive the heartbreaking news, when the tragedy hits, when we feel alone. He is there. He is here - even when you do not see, even when You do not know if the circumstance you are in will ever end or how to get through. He is the great "I AM". At church we are being led through the whole Bible and currently we are in Exodus. This is a response I wrote to the weekend's service...


Do You Hear?

They are crying
weeping, mourning
Tears overflowing
Hearts breaking
Day after day
Night
Oh the night
Darkness, emptiness, despair
Hopeless
They are alone
Lost, abandoned
Orphaned
Afraid, desperate
Do You hear them?
Everything in them screams "help!"
They are hungry
Without clothes
Without You
But You are there
You see
You know
You are
Promises of life
Hope for eternity
Strength for today
Love healing brokenness
Mercy meets sin
Power meets weakness
Faith overcomes fear
Where You are
Is here in their midst
You came to proclaim the Truth
Bring freedom
Oh rain down Your praise
Restore, renew
Release all in darkness
Display Your glory among the nations
Through Your servants

Saturday, January 05, 2008

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." ~ 2 Corinthians 3:18
I was reminded recently that as believers in Christ we are being changed into the image of Christ. God is always at work - even through our trials, our circumstances, our feelings, and even when we cannot see. He is at work, shaping us and conforming us. His faithfulness reaches to the skies (Ps. 36:5). Who is doing this awesome work in us and Who is it that is transforming us? The Holy Spirit! We know from God's Word that the fruit of the Spirit or what the Holy Spirit brings forth is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). How perfectly Jesus Christ displays this fruit! May we follow His perfect example into this new year 2008. I am not always the perfect example for others and yes I do make mistakes. Thankfully others do not need to ultimately follow my example, but that of the Lord Jesus.
May we always point to Christ with our lives and out actions so that we may direct others to the truth of the Gospel. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Go out and preach the Gospel, and if you have to, use words.” The awesome thing is that in light of 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are "being transformed into his likeness", the likeness of Christ, so this very truth means we are reflecting the Lord's glory more and more. As the Lord makes Himself more evident in our lives, our lives will make Him more evident. Praise God!

Wednesday, January 02, 2008