I Did It!

It is November 1. That means, last night was Halloween. On my way into women’s Bible study yesterday morning, I was listening to K-Love. Perhaps you heard the announcer say these words (my paraphrase).

“Whether you are for or against Halloween, here is one thing to think about. Tonight, people will knock on your door. They will be asking you for something. Begging you for something. What is the one thing you can give them?”

I knew immediately the “one thing” I could give. God’s love.

So I stopped by my local office supply store, purchased small labels and proceeded to print 450 labels. The labels read, “God love YOU! John 3:16.” I then put one label on each piece of candy.

As each child came to my home last night, I gave them a piece of God’s love.

You know that’s one of our commands. To make disciples. In Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV), Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

“Go” is usually the word people focus on. Perhaps we are to go somewhere, but last night these children came to me. So if we focus on “make disciples” we can do that anywhere, anytime. And that is what we are called to do.

Now I’m not saying that every person who received candy at my home last night will turn their lives to Jesus, but I’ve at least planted a seed. It is at least a possibility now.

Paul shared his thoughts on this in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV). “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

So you see, I’ve done my little piece, but at least I did something. To be honest, I am ashamed that I haven’t thought to do this until now…and it wasn’t even my idea!

Since my journey to SE Asia, I’ve been more conscious of my American freedoms. Sharing God’s love with others is one of those freedoms.

I’m wondering if each person who comes to my door (you know those solicitors) shouldn’t receive this same message? I’m thinking “YES!” They are coming to me. I have something to share with them.

So what are you willing to do today to “make disciples?” I know it’s a daunting task. I know you may need to step out of your comfort zone. I know you may feel uneasy. But be assured of this. If you choose to do so, Jesus will be with you. Always. He said He would be.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Let it Snow!

Wow! We received our first snow of the season in my area last night. As usual, that first blanketing of snow is lovely. It satisfies a longing for beauty. It protects the plants and bulbs under its warmth. It provides moisture to our dry land. It brings a purity with it that somehow seems to purify all that it touches or covers.

Yes, the snow that is covering our landscape is absolutely gorgeous!

I believe we receive some of these same benefits when we live a life that pleases God. Let’s see what God’s Word has to say about it.

God is Lovely

When we are in God’s presence, we dwell in loveliness. Psalm 84:1 (NIV) tells us of this place. “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty.”

David continues to speak of a yearning within to be in the presence of our lovely God. “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2 – NIV)

I pray that you’ve experienced this deep desire. That nothing else could possibly fulfill this desire to be with God.

God Satisfies

David knew this as well. There are three passages in Psalm when David shared the ways that God satisfied. Let’s see what he said.

In Psalm 103, David begins with praise to God. “Praise the Lord, O my soul…who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1a, 5 – NIV) God satisfies our desire with good things.

And in Psalm 107:9 (NIV) David said this about God. “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” David urged Israel to thank God for all that He satisfied, including food and drink. We too must remember to thank God for all that He gives.

David shared another satisfaction in Psalm 147:14 (NIV). “He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.” In this section, David talks of all sorts of weather. Through it all, God satisfied David’s needs and desires. God wants to do the same for us.

God Protects

David was fully aware of God’s protection. When David was being blamed for something he had no control over, God protected him. And in this protection, David found rest and peace.

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8 – NIV)

As we place our problems in God’s hands, we allow ourselves the benefits of rest, peace and protection. Why wouldn’t we want to give all of the issues of our lives to Him?

God Provides

David knew this very well and shared his thoughts on this topic in one line. “All my fountains are in you.” (Psalm 87:7b – NIV)

When we come to the understanding that there is nothing apart from God, then we too can make this statement without doubt. Everything we need. Everything we desire, God provides.

In our spiritual walk, we have the opportunity to walk with God and allow Him to fulfill our needs. God’s spiritual provision is all we could possibly desire. Can you repeat David’s words?

Perhaps you’ve heard the current worship song containing this line. I pray that the next time you sing these words you’ll have a better understanding of how God really does provide.

God Purifies

David’s greatest desire after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba was to be purified. He asked for God’s mercy. He asked to be cleansed. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7 – NIV)

In our repentance of sin, we too have the desire to be purified. What a blessing it is to know that God is willing to do just that. We have the opportunity to be washed clean. To be as white as the first snow of the season.

God has so much to offer us. We need to remember all of them. If we jump back to Psalm 103:2 (NIV), David wanted to remember all that God had done for him, too. He didn’t want to forget. “Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Let’s not forget. Let’s remember all that God wants to give us. And then, accept them!

To be honest, this snow won’t last long. The weather will warm up over the weekend and it will disappear. Also to be honest, I really don’t like winter very much. At least I can say I don’t like the cold. But I kind of like snow.

Snow brings a beauty with it that thrills the little girl in me. I pray that each snowfall will remind me of God’s benefits. Maybe you will too.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Bean Soup Project

I volunteer with a group of ladies to provide events for women at my local church. These annual events are filled with fun activities, shopping, a little bit of pampering, and of course food. It is such a joy to see the many women who attend these events and to hear the laughter, the chatting, and the fun they have with friends and family.

This year I thought it would be good to add a service project of some sort. I didn’t know what, but I felt it might just be a great addition to this event, especially since our church strives to be an externally focused church.

With Fiesta Night as a theme, we decided to prepare Mexican soup mixes to give to local families in our community at Christmas. I found the recipe, calculated how much soup ingredients to purchase for 1,000 bags of soup mix, and then left the project in capable hands while I went on a two week vacation, followed by a two week service trip.

While I was away, ingredients were purchased (pounds and pounds and even more pounds of beans), soup seasoning packets were prepared, and other items gathered to pull this project together. I must say a big thank you to Kim and Jodie for all the work they did in order to make it the success it was.

Yes it was a success. The women who attended the event last night were thrilled to be able to do something for others. That room was busy during the entire event. People raved about how good it was to do something for others. And even when the beans ran out, they asked to be called when more beans were purchased so that the project could be finished.

It brought joy to my heart! Yes, the women enjoyed all the fun the evening offered, but they also thought of others. Others less fortunate. And they also were willing to do something about it. Prepare soup mixes.

God filled His Word with examples of those who shared with other less fortunate. We should see these examples and know that we are to do the same.

Acts 9:36 (NIV) speaks of Tabitha. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.” Her life mission was to help others. When she died, the poor felt helpless. But Peter entered the scene and miraculously brought her back to life. Once again, the poor of her community would be blessed by this woman.

When Paul was accepted by the other Apostles, they asked him to “remember the poor, the very thing he was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:10 – NIV) Paul knew the importance of providing for the poor. He was concerned for their souls, but he was also concerned for their physical well-being.

The early church showed this same compassion. In Acts 2:44-45 (NIV), we see their response to the needy. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”

In 1 John 3:17 (NIV), John shares why we should give. “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” God’s love cannot be seen in those who do not give to those in need. I don’t know about you, but I want God’s love to shine through me. That means we must share with those in need.

There are other passages of Scripture that command us to be kind, compassionate, and generous.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 – NIV)

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Timothy 6:18 – NIV)

And in Ephesians 4:28 (NIV), Paul encourages those who had been stealing to find something useful to do with their hands so “that he may have something useful to share with those in need.”

So you see we are to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. It might be difficult in our world today, but still, we must make an effort to find our own plan of action for this group of people. And as in all things, we must do so in love.

The bean soup project was a success. But I ask you, how is your local church reaching out to the poor of your community? If nothing, why not step up and start something. If there is already a program, why not join the cause. Get involved. You will find that you will be blessed far more than expected.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Jet Lag? Yeah Right!

I have been dragging the past few days. I’ve been feeling “blah.” I’ve chosen to rest (including sleep) instead of moving about. I’ve pretty much been useless.

I believe there are several reasons for this. I suspect I can blame jet lag for some of it. Return culture shock for some of it. Getting used to some processed American food for some of it. But I believe the main culprit is Satan has been telling me lies and then, I in turn, believe them.

You see, I thought things like, “You were so busy doing God’s work, take a break.” “You’ve missed so much while you were away; take the time to get caught up.” “You really don’t have anything to do, just relax.”

And I did.

But here’s the thing. By listening to these lies, I not only did all these things, but I even cut back on my Bible study time. I cut back on my prayer time. I cut back on my personal time with God and guess what? I began to feel disconnected from God.

But guess who moved? It wasn’t God! It was me!

After a good dose of Bible study with some wonderful ladies, I realized what I had done. I had allowed Satan to pull me in. I cannot believe I was willing to put aside my spiritual well-being and growth for comfort. But I did.

So today begins anew…remember my favorite verse? “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

Oh, how wonderful to know that God’s faithfulness is greater than I could ever imagine. To know that He is willing for me to start over each morning, just as if nothing had happened yesterday. But I know that I have to do my part. My faithfulness to Him must continually grow. I may never be as faithful as my God, but I can certainly try harder each day to be more faithful than the day before.

My personal time with God and the Lord Jesus Christ must come before anything else. Yes, including my sleep if need be.

So what is my plan? James 4:8 (NIV) tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

I must draw near to God (prayer and Bible study). Wash my hands (confess my sin). Purify my heart (become God-centered). These are literal steps I must take to be in God’s presence.

Psalm 51:10 (NIV) says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” The next step is to ask God to do His work within me. Allowing God’s Spirit to continue the purifying process and to keep me on the correct path will take me then, to the next step.

Being with God. In Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV), David shares these words. “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

When I dwell in God’s presence, I find rest. I find protection. I find strength. And then I am ready to begin a new day being closer to God.

Perhaps you are feeling distant from God today. If so, why not try these simple steps to begin the process of an intimate relationship with the King of Kings? Nothing is worth being separated from God. Nothing.

So, don’t listen to that old devil. He’ll try every trick in the book to get you walk away from God. But you just turn to God and say, “You are my King forever! I will trust in You. Let’s take a little walk together. I love You!”

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

October 6

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-21 – ESV)

Please pray with me and thank God for the abundant work He is doing through us. Please pray that the Church bring glory to God in all that is said and done throughout the world. Please pray for future generations that they may know the fullness of God’s power within their lives.

Praise God with me for the gifts of abundance He has provided and for the results of ministry throughout the world.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

October 5

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14 – ESV)

Please pray with me that the fellowship of believers through God’s Holy Spirit be united. Please pray for our fellowship to be restored in unity.

Praise God with me for the fellowship of believers. For those who are willing to stand together against the darkness of the world.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

September 29

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 – ESV)

Please pray with me that the one true God, the only God would be recognized all over the world.

Praise God with me for His ever-present hand that upholds us and keeps us from stumbling.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

September 27

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 – ESV)

Please pray with me that our message would be clear and that with one voice we would bring glory to our God and Jesus Christ.

Praise God with me for the encouragement we receive from God and one another.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

Ready For a Change?

Today is the last day you’ll be hearing from me…at least until October 7^th. I will be unavailable, but I have a blog post ready to post every day while I am away. My very good friend, Lori will be posting, sharing on Facebook, Tweeting and replying to comments while I’m gone. I leave you all in very good hands.

(I think I have a small glimpse into the Apostle Paul’s life as he left those new Christians years ago…I know it was a difficult thing for him. He trained the leaders, he gave them ample material, the tools were all in place. He had done all he could. These people were his babies…babies in Christ. He wanted them to be cared for as if he were there doing the caring himself. In the end, he trusted God to oversee their spiritual growth. Yes, it must have been difficult.)

While I’m away, each post will feature a Biblical benediction, the bestowment of a blessing. I was amazed at how many there actually are! After the benediction, there will be some prayer requests and some praises. Please lift these requests up to our heavenly Father and praise Him for all He has done and will do.

I was reminded this week that I am not the only one leaving the country this week. There are others heading off on service trips too. My cousin and her daughter will be going to Haiti on Saturday. Please keep them and many others who are willing to give of themselves in prayer. May God exponentially bless human efforts as we share His Gospel with others around the world.

As I head out on this SE Asia journey, I cannot help but praise and thank God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon me and our team. The prayer and financial support has been overwhelming. Thank you to each and every person who has and who will be praying for us while we are on this trip. You are a precious member of our team.

I have been pulling verses of Scripture to carry with me and I wanted to share some of my favorites with you in closing.

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10 – NIV)

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2 – NIV)

“My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen f a skillful writer.” (Psalm 45:1 – NIV)

“You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16 – NIV)

“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.” (Psalm 89:1-2 – NIV)

I cannot wait to return. To share a story or two of how God worked through me. Of how He changed my heart. But until then, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 – NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna