The Storm Around Us

2 Chronicles 32:31b "God withdrew from him, in order to test him that He might know all that was in his heart."

Would God still do this today? Think about all that is happening just in the US and rest of the western hemisphere. Think of all the destruction that Sandy has caused. Who is behind the power of Sandy? Who controls the wind and the rain? Who controls you and me? God is more powerful than satan. So if for one moment we think we can outsmart God, think again.

For all the good Hezekiah did, God still withdrew Himself for a moment so that Hezekiah could see what was in his heart. God already knew what was in there. He knows what is in my heart and yours. We have no hidden agenda with God, we just think we do.

When we humble ourselves before God, He will draw near and hear our prayers. God is a God of mercy. He loves us, He wants us. He takes great joy in His children. This is almost more than I can comprehend...why would He be so patient and loving when too many times I try to get on my own throne and control things...

That is unconditional love, forgiven as far as the east is from the west, peace that passes all understanding, a Father that never stops loving or gives up on me! Life really can't get any better than this, no matter what the conditions around us look like.

In the midst of all the devastation and destruction, take heart and look up. God holds out His Hand to give you peace in the midst of the storm.

You are loved.

God bless you.

Report From Haiti

So I haven't blogged for a few days. It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride at our house. You know, with Sandy on its way, turned hurricane versus Tropical storm. When I called Patrick a few days ago, he was saying how the storm the night before was terrible. What he didn't know that it was a hurricane 2 that hit. It rained in Haiti for 4 days.

What happens in Haiti when it rains for that many days...floods, mudslides, bridges are washed out, and people are hungry because you can't get out to buy anything. The river in Mayette suddenly had no water in it. The reason? A mountain slide blocked the water. Now there is a lake up where the mountain slide blocked the water coming down in the river.

Once again, Haiti is in a very precarious and difficult situation. What can be done to help? We do not know. So many needs again. So many people without homes again.

Because of all this, Patrick is blocked in Mayette and can not come home on Monday, as planned. He plans to stay a week longer to help all he can, and also hoping roads will be dried out and somewhat repaired by then. So please pray for him. Also pray for those who have damaged or demolished homes from the storm.

In all this, God is faithful and He hasn't made a mistake. We just don't understand, but we only need to continue to praise Him for His Goodness.

Have a wonderful weekend.
God bless you

Cleaning Bathrooms

Psalm 119:71-73 "It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than a thousands of coins of gold and silver....." 73b "Give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments."

Precious verses, reminders of God's goodness to me. He sees afflictions that are good for me. But the end of those verses touch my heart...I need understanding to see afflictions God's way. But they hurt, they are uncomfortable. That they are, but God calls afflictions good.

Is cleaning bathrooms considered an affliction? Probably not, but may come close. But if I suffer for a moment while cleaning them, the reward is great...CLEAN and smells good. The only problem is, it doesn't last so long. But the effort is worth it.

I wonder if God sees me a bit like cleaning a bathroom...lots of work, lots of scrubbing, looks and smells better for the moment. Where does the bathroom get the dirtiest? Behind the stool where no one can see it. So much dirt collects there. That's a bit like our life. We try to hide things, hoping no one will notice, but God sees it anyway. We may as well allow Him to work on the hidden things, we will feel cleaner.

I am an unfinished project that God keeps working on daily. He is amazingly patient and kind. He is good, even in His corrections.

One day, I will be complete in Him. Then no more cleaning...as the kids say, "I'll be sparkly clean."

God bless you

Today He Is...

I am back home. Great weekend in NC. It was a privilege to meet missionaries serving in Fiji. I love meeting missionaries serving around the world and hearing of their experiences. Also met a couple who will soon be going to Chile. But who will be missionaries to America? There are many who are reaching out into their neighborhood, but I believe more of us should be doing the work.

While in NC, I was privileged to visit a beautiful lady who is now in an assisted living facility. She will be 92 years old in December. After the quake, she sent Patrick and I a "thinking of you" card every week for many months. What a ministry and blessing!

This morning I need all of Jesus—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (strength), Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. For you see, I have so many things that need to be done and in these moments it is easy to get distracted on the urgent. It is easy to get frustrated and tired. But God is able to take me through the mounds of paperwork, laundry, etc.

Then I open my Bible and read Psalm 33..."Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. For praise from the upright is beautiful." This is a Psalm of praise, and it ends with "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us. Just as we hope in You."

Today go in the name of the Lord. He is our Hope...

God bless you

Be Back Soon

I may not have the internet connection to post a blog for the next few days.

Pray as I travel to NC tomorrow for a mission conference. I will be sharing in the conference on Sunday evening. Pray that God will use me mightily for His glory.

Pray for Patrick as he finalizes things so he can return home on Oct 28.

Reach out to those who are lonely, hurting, abandoned. Bless them in a special way.
Have a wonderful weekend.

God bless you

He Is..

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto a child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. and His name will be called Wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.."

I heard this verse the other day, and the speaker reminded us how the name of Jesus is all inclusive. He is government. I am sure this would come as a big surprise to many leaders to realize they really are not in control. They can't even make their heart beat one extra beat without the Lord.

Jesus is our All. Are you troubled, worried, burdened? He is the Wonderful Counselor (or He is Wonderful, and a counselor). He knows the answers to all my concerns and fears. He is my counselor. Do you feel weak and lack of energy? Sick? He is my Strength—Mighty God. No weakness there. Have you been abandoned? He is the Everlasting Father. Do you have problems relaxing, going to sleep? He is the Prince of Peace.

He takes care of us, His children. He loves us. This verse comes as a great encouragement to me right now. I haven't been sleeping well. I can rest in peace, knowing He is my everlasting Father.

I am encouraged with this verse. He is faithful, yes, He really is...

God bless you

One Way Jesus

Promise learned a song at church, and she loves it. "One Way, Jesus"  One way, Jesus you are the only one....

How I trust that she would always remember that and hide that truth in her heart. He is the Only way. Every where we look there are hurting people, lonely ones, rebellion is running out of hand...

The truth is Jesus is the only Way...the only One. Christ in me, the hope of glory. We have the answer. We need to share the Answer, Jesus!

Saturday night at church we learned that there were over 300 people baptized at the beach that same afternoon. But there was one extra special baptism which blessed me beyond imagination...a 90 year old lady was pushed on a wheelchair to the baptism sight and was baptized. Wow! There is no age limit and praise the Lord she put her faith in Jesus. This is determination!

Patrick is in Haiti, returning the end of the month.

God bless you