"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man." Colossians 3:23.
This life is full of challenges and endless striving if we forget the One who compels us to work for God's glory and not our own...
This life we have is short... here today, gone tomorrow... what will make our life count? What makes it important? How are we spending our time?
May EVERYTHING we do be pointing to Jesus. May we make the name of Jesus known.
I ache more and more in the pain of my sin and the whole world's state of sinfulness... but the more and more I ache in that reality, I praise the Lord for the truth of absolutely amazing, out of this world, incredible LOVE and grace that invites me into personal relationship with the ONE true God.
Oh, my faithful, loving Father, thank you so much... Help me to walk each step of my life covered in your amazing grace and opening up opportunities to share that amazing love and grace with all you bring across my path. May any work that I put my hands to be drenched in your blessing and power, drawing others to you... and not to me or any other thing. I love you, Lord. Thanks for loving me first so that I could walk through this life learning to love you more. Uh huh.. Amen. :)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
My Anchor Holds
Hebrews 6:18-20 (New Living Translation)
"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest
My Anchor Holds
Words: William C. Martin, 1902.
Music: Daniel B. Towner.
Though the angry surges roll
On my tempest driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know,
Wildly though the winds may blow,
I’ve an anchor safe and sure,
That can evermore endure.
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
Mighty tides about me sweep,
Perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o’ershade the sky,
And the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest’s shock,
For my anchor grips the rock.
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
I can feel the anchor fast
As I meet each sudden blast,
And the cable, though unseen,
Bears the heavy strain between;
Through the storm I safely ride,
Till the turning of the tide.
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
Troubles almost ’whelm the soul;
Griefs like billows o’er me roll;
Tempters seek to lure astray;
Storms obscure the light of day:
But in Christ I can be bold,
I’ve an anchor that shall hold.
And it holds, my anchor holds:
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New friends! :)
“May I help you with your bag?” I asked as I grabbed for the duffel to carry it up the hill. After some hesitation, the young woman finally agreed.
This was the start of my friendship with some beautiful Greek young women who had come to participate in our young adult camp this year.
As I insisted on helping this young lady and her friends to their cabin, I had a chance to get to know them a little bit. For most of them, it was there first time to Porto Astro.
In the next couple of days, they continually invited me to their table during meals; they let me practice speaking in Greek, and I genuinely felt a part of their ‘parea.’
The activities of the camp proved to be more key times to build our new-found friendship. The survivor “scavenger” hunt we went on one afternoon was full of adventurous tasks from the water to the climbing tower. It also included team problem solving and brainstorming together to remember key Bible verses, come up with climbing tower spiritual analogies, and even create a team chant! In the mornings we had small group Bible study time which led to lots of fruitful discussion together. The evenings included thought provoking messages from excellent speakers, the powerful “How Great is Our God” video, and I even got to help lead singing in worship together with my new friend.
When we said our good-bye’s at the end of camp, I knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would see each other. Back in Athens, we have still been in touch. Just last week, they took me out for supper for my birthday. As one of them went out of her way to drive me home afterwards, she started talking about that first moment we met…
“You know when you insisted on grabbing my bag and taking it up the hill for me? I was a little annoyed at first and thought you were just some over-eager, smiley American trying to ‘do a good deed.’ Now I know that you as support staff actually care about investing in relationships.”
YEAH! May the Lord continue to provide opportunities throughout the whole year to pursue building close relationships with those who participate in our camps. :)
This was the start of my friendship with some beautiful Greek young women who had come to participate in our young adult camp this year.
As I insisted on helping this young lady and her friends to their cabin, I had a chance to get to know them a little bit. For most of them, it was there first time to Porto Astro.
In the next couple of days, they continually invited me to their table during meals; they let me practice speaking in Greek, and I genuinely felt a part of their ‘parea.’
The activities of the camp proved to be more key times to build our new-found friendship. The survivor “scavenger” hunt we went on one afternoon was full of adventurous tasks from the water to the climbing tower. It also included team problem solving and brainstorming together to remember key Bible verses, come up with climbing tower spiritual analogies, and even create a team chant! In the mornings we had small group Bible study time which led to lots of fruitful discussion together. The evenings included thought provoking messages from excellent speakers, the powerful “How Great is Our God” video, and I even got to help lead singing in worship together with my new friend.
When we said our good-bye’s at the end of camp, I knew it wouldn’t be the last time we would see each other. Back in Athens, we have still been in touch. Just last week, they took me out for supper for my birthday. As one of them went out of her way to drive me home afterwards, she started talking about that first moment we met…
“You know when you insisted on grabbing my bag and taking it up the hill for me? I was a little annoyed at first and thought you were just some over-eager, smiley American trying to ‘do a good deed.’ Now I know that you as support staff actually care about investing in relationships.”
YEAH! May the Lord continue to provide opportunities throughout the whole year to pursue building close relationships with those who participate in our camps. :)
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Just One...
This came in an encouragement e-mail to me a few days ago... and I cry, AMEN!
“If I Forget the Ones.” ~ originally recorded by Steve Chapman:
I’d love to stand upon a mountain
And look down upon the world and see
A thousand times a thousand people
And tell them all what Jesus did for me
I’d love to visit all the sick and aged
And tell them there’s new life to be
I’d love to visit all the kinds of prisons
And tell each one there He can set them free
And I’d love to travel on the oceans
To all the nations and the seas
And show the wanderer traveling in darkness
The light that shines upon the road for me
(The chorus so tenderly and carefully says...):
Oh, but Lord, remind me daily of my neighbor
And those who may know me by my name
If I forget the ones and think of millions
It would be much more for me than eternal shame
Just one. That’s all He asks us to focus on. Who will it be today? To the world you may just be one person – but to that person you may be the world. In that instance, show them Jesus. Their world will never be the same.
After a rather depressing couple of hours dealing with frustrating issues... I was out on my balcony weeping and praying and journaling... when out came my neighbor across the street onto her fourth floor apartment balcony. I have been praying for this ONE for a long time... and God immediately invigorated and empowered me to strike up another conversation with her... in Greek of course, the only language she speaks. For the first time we communicated that we should meet down below on the road and talk face to face. It was a pleasant encouraging chat. I can't tell you half of what she tried to say... but our smiles spoke volumes as usual... and I understood when she grabbed my waist and said I'd gotten smaller since she first saw me, haha. I'll take that as a compliment, woohoo!! ;) I tried to give her a New Testament in modern Greek but she didn't take it. :S I'll keep praying more for that...... Anyway, Lord, continue to help me be a spotlight pointing to YOU for this precious ONE of yours. ;)
“If I Forget the Ones.” ~ originally recorded by Steve Chapman:
I’d love to stand upon a mountain
And look down upon the world and see
A thousand times a thousand people
And tell them all what Jesus did for me
I’d love to visit all the sick and aged
And tell them there’s new life to be
I’d love to visit all the kinds of prisons
And tell each one there He can set them free
And I’d love to travel on the oceans
To all the nations and the seas
And show the wanderer traveling in darkness
The light that shines upon the road for me
(The chorus so tenderly and carefully says...):
Oh, but Lord, remind me daily of my neighbor
And those who may know me by my name
If I forget the ones and think of millions
It would be much more for me than eternal shame
Just one. That’s all He asks us to focus on. Who will it be today? To the world you may just be one person – but to that person you may be the world. In that instance, show them Jesus. Their world will never be the same.
After a rather depressing couple of hours dealing with frustrating issues... I was out on my balcony weeping and praying and journaling... when out came my neighbor across the street onto her fourth floor apartment balcony. I have been praying for this ONE for a long time... and God immediately invigorated and empowered me to strike up another conversation with her... in Greek of course, the only language she speaks. For the first time we communicated that we should meet down below on the road and talk face to face. It was a pleasant encouraging chat. I can't tell you half of what she tried to say... but our smiles spoke volumes as usual... and I understood when she grabbed my waist and said I'd gotten smaller since she first saw me, haha. I'll take that as a compliment, woohoo!! ;) I tried to give her a New Testament in modern Greek but she didn't take it. :S I'll keep praying more for that...... Anyway, Lord, continue to help me be a spotlight pointing to YOU for this precious ONE of yours. ;)
READING!!
I have read like 10 books in the last three weeks... mostly in the middle of the night right before I go to bed or on bus rides to new places all over Athens. :)
I've typed up a lot of my favorite quotes into a Word document... and should really share some of them here... but I'm a bit lazy to do so at the moment because it's WAY later than it should be, and I'm also very determined to finally get more of my pictures posted to facebook from the last 4 months!!!!
Anyway.. here are the books:
The Four Loves - C.S. Lewis
Out of the Rut and into Revival - A.W. Tozer
The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness - Tim Chester
The Revolution of Love - George Verwer
No Turning Back - George Verwer
Hunger for Reality - George Verwer
Anonymous - Alicia Britt Chole
Discover the Book God Wrote - Bill Bright
1 & 2 Corinthians - the apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit
Yup... that's 10... I've kinda/sorta started a couple of others, but I'll not bother typing those in for now.
As a common theme, there has been lots of affirmation for times of rest and anonymous seasons of life. A chance to build on character and nurture the intimate relationship I have with my heavenly Father.
I also have been privileged to spend time in a handful of Bible studies with great friends discussing passages like in Luke 2 where Jesus is left behind by his parents and they discover him in the temple three days later... or in 1 Samuel 30(ish?) where David goes to battle leaving behind part of his weary army, but still let's them share in the rewards of victory!
And... I have spent a few beautiful nights on beautiful beaches with beautiful friends... passionately praying and worshiping our amazing Savior and King - crying out for the Holy Spirit to rain down on the hearts of all of those in Athens and all of Greece!
Lord, may you PLEASE open people's eyes and ears to see and hear and KNOW you. It's YOU who has to change hearts and lives. The work of saving and finding lost souls is yours... We are powerless to do so without you! So give people hearts of understanding and faith to trust in you with their ALL! You're the only one who can bring true peace and joy through your amazing grace and forgiveness that is now our gift through the incredible price you paid by your selfless, obedient...agonizing sacrifice on the cross!
I've typed up a lot of my favorite quotes into a Word document... and should really share some of them here... but I'm a bit lazy to do so at the moment because it's WAY later than it should be, and I'm also very determined to finally get more of my pictures posted to facebook from the last 4 months!!!!
Anyway.. here are the books:
The Four Loves - C.S. Lewis
Out of the Rut and into Revival - A.W. Tozer
The Busy Christian's Guide to Busyness - Tim Chester
The Revolution of Love - George Verwer
No Turning Back - George Verwer
Hunger for Reality - George Verwer
Anonymous - Alicia Britt Chole
Discover the Book God Wrote - Bill Bright
1 & 2 Corinthians - the apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit
Yup... that's 10... I've kinda/sorta started a couple of others, but I'll not bother typing those in for now.
As a common theme, there has been lots of affirmation for times of rest and anonymous seasons of life. A chance to build on character and nurture the intimate relationship I have with my heavenly Father.
I also have been privileged to spend time in a handful of Bible studies with great friends discussing passages like in Luke 2 where Jesus is left behind by his parents and they discover him in the temple three days later... or in 1 Samuel 30(ish?) where David goes to battle leaving behind part of his weary army, but still let's them share in the rewards of victory!
And... I have spent a few beautiful nights on beautiful beaches with beautiful friends... passionately praying and worshiping our amazing Savior and King - crying out for the Holy Spirit to rain down on the hearts of all of those in Athens and all of Greece!
Lord, may you PLEASE open people's eyes and ears to see and hear and KNOW you. It's YOU who has to change hearts and lives. The work of saving and finding lost souls is yours... We are powerless to do so without you! So give people hearts of understanding and faith to trust in you with their ALL! You're the only one who can bring true peace and joy through your amazing grace and forgiveness that is now our gift through the incredible price you paid by your selfless, obedient...agonizing sacrifice on the cross!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Gotta Keep Singing...
There's way too much to say about these last two months...
So I won't say anything right now... I just want to "sing."
I pray these lyrics make you smile as much as they've made me smile.
Over My Head by Brian Littrell
I tried to figure it out
Time and time again and time again
I guess there's just some things I'll never understand
'Cause Your ways aren't our ways
But deep down in my soul, down in my soul
There is one thing I know that I know
I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head
I've been holding on
Now I'm letting go, just letting go
Gonna let Your love carry me away
I don't know where I'm going
But I'm surrounded by the truth
And I can feel the current pulling me
Deeper into You
I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head
You see me for who I am
You did reach out Your hand
You made me understand
That Your love has always covered me
By Your Side by Meggan De Jong
(written while working on our beautiful Morning Star ministry sailboat at shipyard two months ago)
What is this life
if not lived for you?
What is my goal for each day
if I don't listen to what you say?:
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
I'm right by your side."
This life is too short
to be driftin' off course;
So give me the grace for today,
I'll let you worry 'bout tomorrow...
('Cause you said):
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
I'm right by your side...
"I'm not tryin' to hide,
just open your eyes.
Let me be your guide,
and make the world ask why...
(And remember I said):
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
'Cause I'm all around you.
Oh, Let me astound you.
Remember, I'm the one who found you,
and I'll stick closely by your side
and help my name to be lifted high."
I'm going to go sing and play some more at the piano now. Ah, THANK YOU Lord for the refreshment of FINALLY being able to play a piano more often...
So I won't say anything right now... I just want to "sing."
I pray these lyrics make you smile as much as they've made me smile.
Over My Head by Brian Littrell
I tried to figure it out
Time and time again and time again
I guess there's just some things I'll never understand
'Cause Your ways aren't our ways
But deep down in my soul, down in my soul
There is one thing I know that I know
I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head
I've been holding on
Now I'm letting go, just letting go
Gonna let Your love carry me away
I don't know where I'm going
But I'm surrounded by the truth
And I can feel the current pulling me
Deeper into You
I'm in over my head
Right where I wanna be
I'm so lost within Your love
The love that always covers me
So high, so deep, so wide
A strong and cleansing tide
My soul has found a place to rest
I'm in over my head
You see me for who I am
You did reach out Your hand
You made me understand
That Your love has always covered me
By Your Side by Meggan De Jong
(written while working on our beautiful Morning Star ministry sailboat at shipyard two months ago)
What is this life
if not lived for you?
What is my goal for each day
if I don't listen to what you say?:
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
I'm right by your side."
This life is too short
to be driftin' off course;
So give me the grace for today,
I'll let you worry 'bout tomorrow...
('Cause you said):
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
I'm right by your side...
"I'm not tryin' to hide,
just open your eyes.
Let me be your guide,
and make the world ask why...
(And remember I said):
"Seek first my face,
and look for me here in this place.
'Cause I'm all around you.
Oh, Let me astound you.
Remember, I'm the one who found you,
and I'll stick closely by your side
and help my name to be lifted high."
I'm going to go sing and play some more at the piano now. Ah, THANK YOU Lord for the refreshment of FINALLY being able to play a piano more often...
Monday, April 27, 2009
"My" life
Has it seriously been a month since I have posted? Yikes...
Anyway, I promised myself I would try not to start too many posts with comments like, "Dude, it's been so long since I have posted, I can't believe it...sorry, sorry, sorry..." because I'd seriously be doing that before every post, and then it would just get annoying, hehe... So... moving right along...
Just because I don't end up posting to this blog as often as I'd like or plan to, it doesn't mean it's for lack of encouraging things to share.
So where do I start?
In the last month...
...I have been blessed to spend time with two amazing missionary families in Turkey.
Sharing life together for just a few days inspired me...
...to press on towards my vision of encouraging missionaries all over the world.
...I have been blessed to spend time with people from all over Europe at a mission conference in Germany.
Sharing life together for just a few days inspired me...
...to be even more in awe than ever before of the family of God that crosses all language, racial, ethnic, national barriers.
...I have been blessed to spend time with my HM family at Porto Astro.
Sharing life together there for just a few days inspired me...
...to thank the Lord for what an amazing group of people he has led me to link my passions, gifts, and talents with as together we are "Christ in action" for Greece and all nations.
...I have been blessed to spend time with my Greek church friends.
Sharing life together for worship and fellowship times inspired me...
...to truly love feeling like I belong to a family of brothers and sisters that I can share life with and work together with to spread the GOOD NEWS!
And finally, I was blessed to listen to a powerful sermon yesterday that reminded me again that this life is not my own. It is not I who lives, but Christ lives in me. The more I lay aside all of my selfish goals and ambitions, the more Christ can live and work through me. The more I lay aside me pride, and give away what "I have," and humble myself in obedience to the Lord's leading in my life... the more of a blessing I can be to others, and the more blessed I am in return! It's not necessarily a new thought or concept... it's just the TRUTH that resonates over and over again through my heart, mind, and soul... that truly inspires me to live each day dead to myself and alive in Christ.
So again, let me say... "MY" life, "MY" story, "MY" song... is really the Lord Jesus Christ's life... the Lord's story of grace made alive through my life... the Lord's beautiful music played out of my heart and soul for all to hear. And the more I let that song play, the more alive I AM! The less I have to selfishly grasp for my identity from any other person or thing of this life... because I AM ALIVE IN CHRIST! Oh thank you SO MUCH DADDY for this amazing gift that I could do nothing myself to gain lest I should be able to boast in anything but you. What a life, what a story, what a beautiful song... continue helping me glorify you - make YOU KNOWN - with YOUR LIFE LIVED OUT THROUGH ONE OF YOUR CUSTOM-MADE EXPRESSIONS: me - Meggan Ann De Jong. Thanks for making me specially yours... a beautiful vessel for you to shine your light to pierce the darkness of this world.
Anyway, I promised myself I would try not to start too many posts with comments like, "Dude, it's been so long since I have posted, I can't believe it...sorry, sorry, sorry..." because I'd seriously be doing that before every post, and then it would just get annoying, hehe... So... moving right along...
Just because I don't end up posting to this blog as often as I'd like or plan to, it doesn't mean it's for lack of encouraging things to share.
So where do I start?
In the last month...
...I have been blessed to spend time with two amazing missionary families in Turkey.
Sharing life together for just a few days inspired me...
...to press on towards my vision of encouraging missionaries all over the world.
...I have been blessed to spend time with people from all over Europe at a mission conference in Germany.
Sharing life together for just a few days inspired me...
...to be even more in awe than ever before of the family of God that crosses all language, racial, ethnic, national barriers.
...I have been blessed to spend time with my HM family at Porto Astro.
Sharing life together there for just a few days inspired me...
...to thank the Lord for what an amazing group of people he has led me to link my passions, gifts, and talents with as together we are "Christ in action" for Greece and all nations.
...I have been blessed to spend time with my Greek church friends.
Sharing life together for worship and fellowship times inspired me...
...to truly love feeling like I belong to a family of brothers and sisters that I can share life with and work together with to spread the GOOD NEWS!
And finally, I was blessed to listen to a powerful sermon yesterday that reminded me again that this life is not my own. It is not I who lives, but Christ lives in me. The more I lay aside all of my selfish goals and ambitions, the more Christ can live and work through me. The more I lay aside me pride, and give away what "I have," and humble myself in obedience to the Lord's leading in my life... the more of a blessing I can be to others, and the more blessed I am in return! It's not necessarily a new thought or concept... it's just the TRUTH that resonates over and over again through my heart, mind, and soul... that truly inspires me to live each day dead to myself and alive in Christ.
So again, let me say... "MY" life, "MY" story, "MY" song... is really the Lord Jesus Christ's life... the Lord's story of grace made alive through my life... the Lord's beautiful music played out of my heart and soul for all to hear. And the more I let that song play, the more alive I AM! The less I have to selfishly grasp for my identity from any other person or thing of this life... because I AM ALIVE IN CHRIST! Oh thank you SO MUCH DADDY for this amazing gift that I could do nothing myself to gain lest I should be able to boast in anything but you. What a life, what a story, what a beautiful song... continue helping me glorify you - make YOU KNOWN - with YOUR LIFE LIVED OUT THROUGH ONE OF YOUR CUSTOM-MADE EXPRESSIONS: me - Meggan Ann De Jong. Thanks for making me specially yours... a beautiful vessel for you to shine your light to pierce the darkness of this world.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Need You Near
"Need You Near" is a beautiful song that my friend Sophie Eicher wrote, and my sister has had the opportunity to sing on a number of occasions. It had been resonating in my head for a couple weeks straight... and I just had the sense that I should prepare to share it somewhere. There were a couple "almost" opportunities... but then I just sort of wrote it off like I probably wouldn't share it any time soon. I thought maybe it was just my own selfish desire to share such a pretty song, and I also thought I probably didn't know it well enough anyway, and I'd just mess it up... I don't know, all sorts of random rationalizations tend to float through my head on a regular basis about things like this, haha. Would you knock it off, silly, deceitful devil!
Anyhoo, so then last weekend... boom, boom, boom... not one, not two, but THREE opportunities right in a row.
First at the Brazilian church congregation that I was able to visit for the second time last Saturday night. I have made some special friends there, and I just absolutely love the spirit of worship with that "BASIC" body (Brothers And Sisters In Christ). The first time I was there, I had been asked and planned to share a few songs with them. This time I had returned with no plan, only for the sole purpose of wanting to see them again and fellowship together in beautiful worship! But out of the blue in the middle of the service the pastor says, "and now Meggan will bless us with one song." ...or yeah, something like that. :) And... sweet, I kinda sensed it right before he said it... and then he said it (in Porteguese of course, so I still wasn't exactly for sure what was going on, haha), and then I had no doubt this was my chance to share the song. :) And I'm grateful God could use it as a blessing for my dear friends there!!
I thought that was it... but on Sunday two more opportunities happened! :) That afternoon, one of my best friends, "my younger sister" Ioanna, invited me and some other beautiful girls over to her house for lunch. She had told me they had a piano at her place that I could play, and I had been eager for the opportunity to get over there to do so! ;) AND SO, there, again... I was able to share the song with those girls.
And THEN, that night at our "House of Worship" event, we had a beautiful time of prayer together for our friends after a wonderful message from Matthew 14, about Jesus trying to convince his disciples to trust him that he truly was the Son of God. And would they respond, step out of the boat and follow him? He wanted them near him. And they needed to recognize that they needed him NEAR!! They needed to intimately know the voice of their Lord, master, Jesus. :) And I just knew I needed to share that song. It fit as a nice transition between their time of prayer into more songs of beautiful worship together.
Ah, so great...
I'll post the link to my sister singing it on YouTube. Ignore the poor quality on a few of the more powerful notes, sorry. :) Ah, Morgan, where are you.. I miss singing with you. Come to Greece ASAP!!! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmcwk3NIvzM
Anyhoo, so then last weekend... boom, boom, boom... not one, not two, but THREE opportunities right in a row.
First at the Brazilian church congregation that I was able to visit for the second time last Saturday night. I have made some special friends there, and I just absolutely love the spirit of worship with that "BASIC" body (Brothers And Sisters In Christ). The first time I was there, I had been asked and planned to share a few songs with them. This time I had returned with no plan, only for the sole purpose of wanting to see them again and fellowship together in beautiful worship! But out of the blue in the middle of the service the pastor says, "and now Meggan will bless us with one song." ...or yeah, something like that. :) And... sweet, I kinda sensed it right before he said it... and then he said it (in Porteguese of course, so I still wasn't exactly for sure what was going on, haha), and then I had no doubt this was my chance to share the song. :) And I'm grateful God could use it as a blessing for my dear friends there!!
I thought that was it... but on Sunday two more opportunities happened! :) That afternoon, one of my best friends, "my younger sister" Ioanna, invited me and some other beautiful girls over to her house for lunch. She had told me they had a piano at her place that I could play, and I had been eager for the opportunity to get over there to do so! ;) AND SO, there, again... I was able to share the song with those girls.
And THEN, that night at our "House of Worship" event, we had a beautiful time of prayer together for our friends after a wonderful message from Matthew 14, about Jesus trying to convince his disciples to trust him that he truly was the Son of God. And would they respond, step out of the boat and follow him? He wanted them near him. And they needed to recognize that they needed him NEAR!! They needed to intimately know the voice of their Lord, master, Jesus. :) And I just knew I needed to share that song. It fit as a nice transition between their time of prayer into more songs of beautiful worship together.
Ah, so great...
I'll post the link to my sister singing it on YouTube. Ignore the poor quality on a few of the more powerful notes, sorry. :) Ah, Morgan, where are you.. I miss singing with you. Come to Greece ASAP!!! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmcwk3NIvzM
Mission - TO DO list
What is on your TO DO List?
Seriously, take a minute to start rattling off a few things…
For example, here are just a few things on mine…
Keep on top of communicating the HM and OJ vision with people through the web – e-mail, website, facebook, blogs, etc.; help with all OJ event coordinating details; communicate regularly with my personal supporters; learn the Greek language; keep finding ways to plug into the local Greek 1st Evangelical church that God has so clearly called me to become a member of; learn to be a good homemaker and cook; practice more guitar and piano… (and begin strategizing/saving/praying to acquire these instruments for myself here in Greece!); write more songs; memorize hymns and scripture in Greek; follow up on the ba-jillion connections and friends I have made in Greece so far!; encourage each and every one of my facebook friends personally; … etc, etc.
Yeah, honestly, that’s just half of my to do list! I’m crazy, I know… but here’s what I want to remind both you and myself of…
God’s TO DO List for us:
Look at me, my precious child. Look at me.
Know my love. Follow me. Do what I do. I will teach you.
See me, and hear me, and know my voice,
because my presence is ALL around your daily circumstances.
I will walk with you through each step you take…
And carry you through the hard stuff…
I love you, and don’t you dare forget it!
So what are YOU going TO DO now?
I suggest we pause and look to our loving Father…
Just talk to Him… about all your cares, concerns, joys, thanksgivings…
And especially about all that we are privileged to be a part of as members of this family of God...
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full on His wonderful face,
And the things of earth with grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Seriously, take a minute to start rattling off a few things…
For example, here are just a few things on mine…
Keep on top of communicating the HM and OJ vision with people through the web – e-mail, website, facebook, blogs, etc.; help with all OJ event coordinating details; communicate regularly with my personal supporters; learn the Greek language; keep finding ways to plug into the local Greek 1st Evangelical church that God has so clearly called me to become a member of; learn to be a good homemaker and cook; practice more guitar and piano… (and begin strategizing/saving/praying to acquire these instruments for myself here in Greece!); write more songs; memorize hymns and scripture in Greek; follow up on the ba-jillion connections and friends I have made in Greece so far!; encourage each and every one of my facebook friends personally; … etc, etc.
Yeah, honestly, that’s just half of my to do list! I’m crazy, I know… but here’s what I want to remind both you and myself of…
God’s TO DO List for us:
Look at me, my precious child. Look at me.
Know my love. Follow me. Do what I do. I will teach you.
See me, and hear me, and know my voice,
because my presence is ALL around your daily circumstances.
I will walk with you through each step you take…
And carry you through the hard stuff…
I love you, and don’t you dare forget it!
So what are YOU going TO DO now?
I suggest we pause and look to our loving Father…
Just talk to Him… about all your cares, concerns, joys, thanksgivings…
And especially about all that we are privileged to be a part of as members of this family of God...
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full on His wonderful face,
And the things of earth with grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
The Mission - Renounce Everything
Today I was thinking about how at home I feel here in Greece.
I was thinking about how relatively easy it has been to leave small town Iowa and get settled into this BIG city life in Athens.
I was thinking about how blessed I feel to be in this place, surrounded by such an incredible "BASIC" community (...of Brothers And Sisters In Christ). I was thinking about how relatively easy it was for me to give up much of my comforts, familiarities, and abundance of "things" at home.
I was thinking about all of this...
and then I also started thinking about...
...Luke 14 and the "cost of discipleship" - renouncing everything... Haven't I already done that? Haven't I left family, friends, comforts, etc...? For what, Meg?.. in exchange for new family, friends, and comforts here?
...how Job lost everything... really, everything but God on his side, and intimate conversation with God in heaven.
...how Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at any moment, catching us all off guard, surprising us... will I be ready? Do I WANT him to come? Am I still clinging too closely to life in this world, or will I be more ready and LONGING for leaving it ALL behind to at last be in the full, complete presence and communion with my Savior
...how Abraham was called to sacrifice his precious gift from God, his promised Son... how it made no sense to him, yet he obeyed the call of God. He had faith in God, and sought God's will first, not his own. He was ready to give it all up on the altar for God...
Would I be willing to give up this life and work and new place and relationships that I am coming to absolutely LOVE. No matter how strongly I do feel called here, and at peace here, and at the center of God's will for my life at this moment... would I be able to renounce it all, and give it all up, to run without a single hindrance to my one and only LOVE? Would I be able to follow a call by God to pack up again and GO somewhere else? I'm not so sure I would be quite ready to do that... so it was a great "do you trust me?" check. In my gut I knew that this was exactly true to the Spirit I am praying for... to be so in love with Christ, that he is my one and only sole focus in this journey through life, this endurance race to finish closer to my Savior, this all out sprint to know Jesus more intimately!
So I pray that you would keep filling me up with a desire focused only on you, Lord, and less and less and less on all of the things of this world... no matter how good and great they are, as special gifts from you even. :) Please keep leading me along on this adventure with you... keep me from flying out of my seat on this thrilling roller coaster ride... don't let go of my hand on this precarious journey through the wilderness, across the streams, over the mountains, and down through the valleys... "Lord, I want to follow, anywhere you go... but sometimes you walk faster, and I walk to slow... Oh.. Lord Jesus, lead me where you go, cause I just want you to be, my Savior, Lord, and King..." I love you, Lord.
I was thinking about how relatively easy it has been to leave small town Iowa and get settled into this BIG city life in Athens.
I was thinking about how blessed I feel to be in this place, surrounded by such an incredible "BASIC" community (...of Brothers And Sisters In Christ). I was thinking about how relatively easy it was for me to give up much of my comforts, familiarities, and abundance of "things" at home.
I was thinking about all of this...
and then I also started thinking about...
...Luke 14 and the "cost of discipleship" - renouncing everything... Haven't I already done that? Haven't I left family, friends, comforts, etc...? For what, Meg?.. in exchange for new family, friends, and comforts here?
...how Job lost everything... really, everything but God on his side, and intimate conversation with God in heaven.
...how Jesus will return like a thief in the night, at any moment, catching us all off guard, surprising us... will I be ready? Do I WANT him to come? Am I still clinging too closely to life in this world, or will I be more ready and LONGING for leaving it ALL behind to at last be in the full, complete presence and communion with my Savior
...how Abraham was called to sacrifice his precious gift from God, his promised Son... how it made no sense to him, yet he obeyed the call of God. He had faith in God, and sought God's will first, not his own. He was ready to give it all up on the altar for God...
Would I be willing to give up this life and work and new place and relationships that I am coming to absolutely LOVE. No matter how strongly I do feel called here, and at peace here, and at the center of God's will for my life at this moment... would I be able to renounce it all, and give it all up, to run without a single hindrance to my one and only LOVE? Would I be able to follow a call by God to pack up again and GO somewhere else? I'm not so sure I would be quite ready to do that... so it was a great "do you trust me?" check. In my gut I knew that this was exactly true to the Spirit I am praying for... to be so in love with Christ, that he is my one and only sole focus in this journey through life, this endurance race to finish closer to my Savior, this all out sprint to know Jesus more intimately!
So I pray that you would keep filling me up with a desire focused only on you, Lord, and less and less and less on all of the things of this world... no matter how good and great they are, as special gifts from you even. :) Please keep leading me along on this adventure with you... keep me from flying out of my seat on this thrilling roller coaster ride... don't let go of my hand on this precarious journey through the wilderness, across the streams, over the mountains, and down through the valleys... "Lord, I want to follow, anywhere you go... but sometimes you walk faster, and I walk to slow... Oh.. Lord Jesus, lead me where you go, cause I just want you to be, my Savior, Lord, and King..." I love you, Lord.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Mission - GO
Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to the airport and "see off" a Greek missionary couple on their way to Sri Lanka. It was such a blessing to chat with Ritza and Michaelis and reminisce the special send off my church family gave me right before I came to Greece just a short time ago. Ritza and I encouraged one another with a hug and the simple gift of mutual understanding for what this "packing up, leaving home, and saying good-bye" stuff feels like.
This was an extra special moment for all of those gathered at the Athens airport, because it is not exactly common or popular for Greeks to leave for a long-term mission service assignment. Praise the Lord for the supportive parents and church family of Ritza and Michaelis! In fact, my fellow HM staff explained to me that the last family who did this was our founder, Costas Macris, and his wife, Alky. Alky was a part of the group gathered to send off Ritza and Michaelis with prayers and blessings, and needless to say it was an emotional time. Johnathan, Costas and Alky's son and current president of HM, shared the vision with our staff that we will start wearing out the path to the airport because we will travel it so much to send off more and more Greek missionaries to serve God all over the world. This couple had actually met and been encouraged towards mission during their participation in a summer sports camp out at HM's waterfront property, Porto Astro. I pray God will continue to use this blessed location to disciple and mentor the Greek young people towards mission!
And why "mission?" Why GO? Why leave home? Why serve God in a different country? As you might guess, I have asked myself these questions often, and I have had some great discussions about these things with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I mean, on the one hand, we are ALL called to be lifelong "missionaries" no matter what context we are in... far or near from home, no matter what our job title. So why not stay near home and use the gifts God has given me there, because no doubt there is plenty of need there too! Well, to be quite honest, as I cried out to God that he would lead me and give me the courage and strength to follow his good, BEST plans for my life... I had no other option but to leave all of my securities and familiarities behind me, and GO somewhere new. I was praying for less attachment to my possessions and comforts, and more reliance on God alone for my every need. I was praying for God to help me trust him with each and every life decision, big or small. I was praying for clarity in the good, BEST ways to encourage my friends and family members with what God was doing in my life...
And I couldn't have asked for a better assignment than this mission field abroad. There is so much more to share with you on this subject, so I will make it my goal to keep discussing these thoughts in more regular blog posts.
Jesus told us: GO, and make disciples of all nations... baptize and teach them all that I have commanded you. Invite them into this way of life. I will be with you as you do this, day after day after day...until the end of the age.
He also said,
"Come, follow me." And they left behind everything...
He also said,
"Go out two by two, and take nothing for your journey..." And they did this and they lacked nothing.
He also said much, much, more... ;) I'm reading through Luke right now. It is one of my favorite books, and it has been so encouraging to remind myself of the perfect life of obedience to God that Jesus models for us. These couple verses at the end of chapter 4 especially hit me this week:
(I'm reading in three different translations simultaneously right now... but I want to post the Message paraphrase for you...)
"He left the next day for open country. But the crowds went looking and, when they found him, clung to him so he couldn't go on. He told them, 'Don't you realize that there are yet other villages where I have to tell the Message of God's kingdom, that this is the work God sent me to do?'"
This is also the chapter where he talks about a prophet not being welcome in his own town. And... anyway, I just found it interesting that Jesus couldn't just stay and keep his Good News Message in one place, but he was called to GO elsewhere and keep spreading the Word. The people were mobbing him and distracting him and clinging to him - his physical presence - too tightly when he stayed in one place...
What do you think about all this?
I pray God fills you up with strength and courage to listen and follow his call for your life. Where is he telling you to go today? What is he telling you to do? May we NOT get too easily distracted by our own plans and ambitions. It is challenging to keep focused on our one and only goal, Jesus Christ... and running after him with all we've got. :) But oh what glorious reward when we do!!! :D Thank you, Jesus, for your presence so near in my life, as you're helping me be obedient to your call and keep throwing off everything that hinders. Please empower all of my brothers and sisters, from America, Greece, and ALL over this world... to keep their FOCUS on you... and their ears in TUNE to your glorious redemption symphony.
This was an extra special moment for all of those gathered at the Athens airport, because it is not exactly common or popular for Greeks to leave for a long-term mission service assignment. Praise the Lord for the supportive parents and church family of Ritza and Michaelis! In fact, my fellow HM staff explained to me that the last family who did this was our founder, Costas Macris, and his wife, Alky. Alky was a part of the group gathered to send off Ritza and Michaelis with prayers and blessings, and needless to say it was an emotional time. Johnathan, Costas and Alky's son and current president of HM, shared the vision with our staff that we will start wearing out the path to the airport because we will travel it so much to send off more and more Greek missionaries to serve God all over the world. This couple had actually met and been encouraged towards mission during their participation in a summer sports camp out at HM's waterfront property, Porto Astro. I pray God will continue to use this blessed location to disciple and mentor the Greek young people towards mission!
And why "mission?" Why GO? Why leave home? Why serve God in a different country? As you might guess, I have asked myself these questions often, and I have had some great discussions about these things with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. I mean, on the one hand, we are ALL called to be lifelong "missionaries" no matter what context we are in... far or near from home, no matter what our job title. So why not stay near home and use the gifts God has given me there, because no doubt there is plenty of need there too! Well, to be quite honest, as I cried out to God that he would lead me and give me the courage and strength to follow his good, BEST plans for my life... I had no other option but to leave all of my securities and familiarities behind me, and GO somewhere new. I was praying for less attachment to my possessions and comforts, and more reliance on God alone for my every need. I was praying for God to help me trust him with each and every life decision, big or small. I was praying for clarity in the good, BEST ways to encourage my friends and family members with what God was doing in my life...
And I couldn't have asked for a better assignment than this mission field abroad. There is so much more to share with you on this subject, so I will make it my goal to keep discussing these thoughts in more regular blog posts.
Jesus told us: GO, and make disciples of all nations... baptize and teach them all that I have commanded you. Invite them into this way of life. I will be with you as you do this, day after day after day...until the end of the age.
He also said,
"Come, follow me." And they left behind everything...
He also said,
"Go out two by two, and take nothing for your journey..." And they did this and they lacked nothing.
He also said much, much, more... ;) I'm reading through Luke right now. It is one of my favorite books, and it has been so encouraging to remind myself of the perfect life of obedience to God that Jesus models for us. These couple verses at the end of chapter 4 especially hit me this week:
(I'm reading in three different translations simultaneously right now... but I want to post the Message paraphrase for you...)
"He left the next day for open country. But the crowds went looking and, when they found him, clung to him so he couldn't go on. He told them, 'Don't you realize that there are yet other villages where I have to tell the Message of God's kingdom, that this is the work God sent me to do?'"
This is also the chapter where he talks about a prophet not being welcome in his own town. And... anyway, I just found it interesting that Jesus couldn't just stay and keep his Good News Message in one place, but he was called to GO elsewhere and keep spreading the Word. The people were mobbing him and distracting him and clinging to him - his physical presence - too tightly when he stayed in one place...
What do you think about all this?
I pray God fills you up with strength and courage to listen and follow his call for your life. Where is he telling you to go today? What is he telling you to do? May we NOT get too easily distracted by our own plans and ambitions. It is challenging to keep focused on our one and only goal, Jesus Christ... and running after him with all we've got. :) But oh what glorious reward when we do!!! :D Thank you, Jesus, for your presence so near in my life, as you're helping me be obedient to your call and keep throwing off everything that hinders. Please empower all of my brothers and sisters, from America, Greece, and ALL over this world... to keep their FOCUS on you... and their ears in TUNE to your glorious redemption symphony.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Dance
House of Worship - February 1, 2009
This week’s House of Worship began when the worship team gathered for fellowship and prayer, hours before participants would arrive. There was an unexplainable feeling of excitement for the night ahead and a thankfulness for the joy found in “simply” being together. The fact that we are united together by the same Spirit was especially evident in our hearts.
As the night progressed, the words found in Ecclesiastes 3 became prominent in my thoughts: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” There were plenty of things to weep and mourn for – sisters affected by cancer, a sister named Hope lost without the knowledge of true hope in her life, the testimony of a challenging life filled with situations of mourning and weeping, and the poverty of the children in Uganda. But there was also so much more to laugh, smile, dance, and rejoice about!
*The exuberant sharing of a new song - “Thankful,”
*The Nooma video, “Dust,” reminding us that God believes in us – we can be like him!
*The beautiful smile of Joan as her sorrowful testimony led to absolute peace and joy in Christ. (Previously being confined to a wheelchair, she was truly released from her frail, crippled body and spirit in order to pass on her hope in Christ while giving away wheelchairs to those in need in Uganda.)
*The passionate testimony of the team who were called by God to GO to Uganda, and how Mariza had the opportunity to challenge her Greek peers to join her in God’s mission.
*The excellent worship music producing shouts of joy, jumping, dancing, and soar throats, haha.
It was truly a night filled with blessing. God’s Spirit came and filled the hearts of all gathered, just as we had prayed. Thank you, Lord!
In honor of the joyful night filled with new songs, new faces, new instruments (yeah for the tambourine!), and new life in Christ, let me close with a portion of the song of Psalm 149:
"Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing,
Making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Praise the Lord!”
This week’s House of Worship began when the worship team gathered for fellowship and prayer, hours before participants would arrive. There was an unexplainable feeling of excitement for the night ahead and a thankfulness for the joy found in “simply” being together. The fact that we are united together by the same Spirit was especially evident in our hearts.
As the night progressed, the words found in Ecclesiastes 3 became prominent in my thoughts: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:…a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” There were plenty of things to weep and mourn for – sisters affected by cancer, a sister named Hope lost without the knowledge of true hope in her life, the testimony of a challenging life filled with situations of mourning and weeping, and the poverty of the children in Uganda. But there was also so much more to laugh, smile, dance, and rejoice about!
*The exuberant sharing of a new song - “Thankful,”
*The Nooma video, “Dust,” reminding us that God believes in us – we can be like him!
*The beautiful smile of Joan as her sorrowful testimony led to absolute peace and joy in Christ. (Previously being confined to a wheelchair, she was truly released from her frail, crippled body and spirit in order to pass on her hope in Christ while giving away wheelchairs to those in need in Uganda.)
*The passionate testimony of the team who were called by God to GO to Uganda, and how Mariza had the opportunity to challenge her Greek peers to join her in God’s mission.
*The excellent worship music producing shouts of joy, jumping, dancing, and soar throats, haha.
It was truly a night filled with blessing. God’s Spirit came and filled the hearts of all gathered, just as we had prayed. Thank you, Lord!
In honor of the joyful night filled with new songs, new faces, new instruments (yeah for the tambourine!), and new life in Christ, let me close with a portion of the song of Psalm 149:
"Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the godly!
Let Israel be glad in his Maker;
Let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!
Let them praise his name with dancing,
Making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Praise the Lord!”
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
House of Worship: Let it Rain...
On Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2009, I made my way downtown to the Hall for our special House of Worship event. As I was walking, I put my slick coat and umbrella to good use and hummed the song “Let it Rain” to myself for obvious reasons. This chorus became very meaningful to me as the day continued on - especially when our worship leader spontaneously led us in this song near the end of our time together. The powerful, passionate singing of these words inspires this summary:
There was fervent prayer for the new, out of the ordinary timing for a House of Worship gathering. Help your children know that worship is all of life, God. Let an awesome sense of communion and fellowship rain down on your family of believers.
There were passionate prayers of healing for a dear sister who recently learned of her cancer diagnosis. Let your healing power rain down on your daughter, Lord God, so that her healthy life will bring glory to Your Name.
There was a variety of music offered up by those You have blessed with amazing talent, God. Let the beautiful melodies reign in our hearts all week long, uniting and harmonizing our souls together with a sense of peace found only in You.
There were servant hands and feet moving all over the place to help set up, serve food, clean up, and ensure the highest quality of musical sound. Dear God, let your pleasure in the selfless work of your children rain down a sense of joy in their hearts for the opportunity to be blessed in giving of themselves.
Thank you, God, for letting it rain – for opening the floodgates of heaven and pouring out your love, mercy, joy and peace on the hearts of your children. Now open the floodgates of heaven over all of Greece, Lord, and let your life-giving truth reign in every heart.
There was fervent prayer for the new, out of the ordinary timing for a House of Worship gathering. Help your children know that worship is all of life, God. Let an awesome sense of communion and fellowship rain down on your family of believers.
There were passionate prayers of healing for a dear sister who recently learned of her cancer diagnosis. Let your healing power rain down on your daughter, Lord God, so that her healthy life will bring glory to Your Name.
There was a variety of music offered up by those You have blessed with amazing talent, God. Let the beautiful melodies reign in our hearts all week long, uniting and harmonizing our souls together with a sense of peace found only in You.
There were servant hands and feet moving all over the place to help set up, serve food, clean up, and ensure the highest quality of musical sound. Dear God, let your pleasure in the selfless work of your children rain down a sense of joy in their hearts for the opportunity to be blessed in giving of themselves.
Thank you, God, for letting it rain – for opening the floodgates of heaven and pouring out your love, mercy, joy and peace on the hearts of your children. Now open the floodgates of heaven over all of Greece, Lord, and let your life-giving truth reign in every heart.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Follow Love
Hello friends...The day is finally here. I'm less than 12 hours away from my first flight out of Iowa and on to Greece. :) And I must admit something... today the tears spilled over a few times. It's one of those challenging, yet rewarding transitions in my life... and the feelings are all over the place inside of me... reminiscing the wonderful last four months at home with friends and family, stressing a little about packing decisions, full of exhilaration for the journey ahead, and SO excited to grow closer to the ONE who made me and called me to this mission. :) Ah wow, I'm just... SO blessed, and I am anxious to keep letting this blessing spill over to bless others.
Here's the lyrics to an old favorite song that is really special to me (especially because of you, MO. ;) Love ya!)
Follow Love by FFH:
I'm gonna miss the simple town full of memories
I'm gonna miss just hanging out with all my friends
The rainy days and summer nights
(more like freezing days and blowing snow right now, haha...)
Skipping stones by the river side
(or skiing with the family... okay, I'll quit interrupting now!)
But i know.. its time to go
So here's goodbye here's so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what i've been dreaming of
I'll miss you so
But i must go, go and follow love
I've got a heart thats full of dreams
and a little bit of crazy
I can feel it pulling me to somewhere i have never been
I'm packing up and leaving home
To travel into the great unknown
Its time, i have to go...
We're not guaranteed tomorrow
So we must just keep on living for the day
and make the most of every moment
every step along the way...
So I must go, go and follow love
Yup, nothing like a song to sum up my feelings right now. :) I will hopefully post again very soon to let you know how traveling goes, etc. I love you all, and thanks so much for your support and encouragement! May you be overwhelmed at the enormity of God's amazing love for you.
Here's the lyrics to an old favorite song that is really special to me (especially because of you, MO. ;) Love ya!)
Follow Love by FFH:
I'm gonna miss the simple town full of memories
I'm gonna miss just hanging out with all my friends
The rainy days and summer nights
(more like freezing days and blowing snow right now, haha...)
Skipping stones by the river side
(or skiing with the family... okay, I'll quit interrupting now!)
But i know.. its time to go
So here's goodbye here's so long
I must go and follow love
I feel my heart moving on
I must go and follow love
Carry on while I'm gone
This is what i've been dreaming of
I'll miss you so
But i must go, go and follow love
I've got a heart thats full of dreams
and a little bit of crazy
I can feel it pulling me to somewhere i have never been
I'm packing up and leaving home
To travel into the great unknown
Its time, i have to go...
We're not guaranteed tomorrow
So we must just keep on living for the day
and make the most of every moment
every step along the way...
So I must go, go and follow love
Yup, nothing like a song to sum up my feelings right now. :) I will hopefully post again very soon to let you know how traveling goes, etc. I love you all, and thanks so much for your support and encouragement! May you be overwhelmed at the enormity of God's amazing love for you.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Greatest Gift
I have graded Bible studies for prisoners for awhile, and I wanted to share with you something from one of the lessons. By the way, this is an incredible ministry through Crossroads Bible Institute (CBI), and if you're at all interested in doing this, let me know! Ask me questions! Or just write them at P.O. Box 900; Grand Rapids, MI 49509. Wait, what am I saying... write them? This is the age of cell phones and e-mails, haha. So, here, you can check out their website at www.crossroadbible.org for more info. :) That's better... So anyway, this ministry is a huge encouragement not only for those who are in prison, but also for those like me (and it could be you!) who get to study the Bible with them and encourage them!! Now, here is...
THE GREATEST GIFT
To know without a doubt that Jesus has saved you is truly wonderful. To know that the Creator of the universe is no longer your enemy, but a trusted and faithful Friend, is truly amazing. But the Bible's teaching on salvation is not only wonderful and amazing, it is also very humbling. It's humbling to discover how terribly sinful our hearts can be. It's humbling to learn that even our very best effort can do nothing to merit eternal life. And it's humbling to acknowledge that the only possible way for us to be saved is to have someone else do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
But the amazing "good news" far outweighs the humbling "bad news." Someone else has done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has done all that was needed in order for us to find the forgiveness, peace, and eternal life we so eagerly desire. Salvation is an act of pure mercy on God's part. It is a gracious gift of God, a gift of sovereign grace.
This wonderful salvation can never be merited or earned. IT can only be received through faith. It s by faith that we receive the gift of eternal life. By faith we confess that Jesus lived and died and rose again for us. By faith we receive Jesus into our hearts. By faith we receive His forgiveness. By faith we become children of God and fellow-heirs with Christ. By faith we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And by faith we begin to produce the spiritual fruits of holiness and love.
All our hope for salvation is therefore found in Jesus alone. And all our assurance of salvation is found in Jesus alone. If we depend in any way on what we ourselves can do or have done (how long our list of good deeds, how well we follow the "moral code," how often we attend church, etc...), we will always live in uncertainty and fear (and we will only be an annoying, loud, clangy gong or cymbal without authentic LOVE (= GOD) flowing through our lives!!). If Jesus' perfect sacrifice did not cover all our sins, what could we do that would? But once we trust the Lord Jesus with all our heart, we need not doubt for one moment that God will graciously give us all that Jesus has merited for us.
Grace alone. Faith alone. Jesus alone. Small phrases. Great truths. And they are the only truths that can give us the full assurance that we truly are forgiven, that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven, and that our names are written in the Book of Life. The wonder and glory of salvation - God's greatest gift to meet our greatest need!
THE GREATEST GIFT
To know without a doubt that Jesus has saved you is truly wonderful. To know that the Creator of the universe is no longer your enemy, but a trusted and faithful Friend, is truly amazing. But the Bible's teaching on salvation is not only wonderful and amazing, it is also very humbling. It's humbling to discover how terribly sinful our hearts can be. It's humbling to learn that even our very best effort can do nothing to merit eternal life. And it's humbling to acknowledge that the only possible way for us to be saved is to have someone else do for us what we cannot do for ourselves.
But the amazing "good news" far outweighs the humbling "bad news." Someone else has done for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has done all that was needed in order for us to find the forgiveness, peace, and eternal life we so eagerly desire. Salvation is an act of pure mercy on God's part. It is a gracious gift of God, a gift of sovereign grace.
This wonderful salvation can never be merited or earned. IT can only be received through faith. It s by faith that we receive the gift of eternal life. By faith we confess that Jesus lived and died and rose again for us. By faith we receive Jesus into our hearts. By faith we receive His forgiveness. By faith we become children of God and fellow-heirs with Christ. By faith we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And by faith we begin to produce the spiritual fruits of holiness and love.
All our hope for salvation is therefore found in Jesus alone. And all our assurance of salvation is found in Jesus alone. If we depend in any way on what we ourselves can do or have done (how long our list of good deeds, how well we follow the "moral code," how often we attend church, etc...), we will always live in uncertainty and fear (and we will only be an annoying, loud, clangy gong or cymbal without authentic LOVE (= GOD) flowing through our lives!!). If Jesus' perfect sacrifice did not cover all our sins, what could we do that would? But once we trust the Lord Jesus with all our heart, we need not doubt for one moment that God will graciously give us all that Jesus has merited for us.
Grace alone. Faith alone. Jesus alone. Small phrases. Great truths. And they are the only truths that can give us the full assurance that we truly are forgiven, that Jesus is preparing a place for us in heaven, and that our names are written in the Book of Life. The wonder and glory of salvation - God's greatest gift to meet our greatest need!
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