The book of Job fascinates me. Between the interaction with Satan and God, God’s overarching control of everything, Job’s response in the midst of great sorrow, and the subsequent response of his friends, I have always finished Job with lots to ponder and process. We can learn a lot about counseling from the book of Job. And I found myself repeatedly praying throughout the entire book, asking God to protect me from the all too familiar tendency to counsel like Job’s friends.
Missions Wednesday: Syria
I don’t know about you, but I find myself often thinking of the Middle East as some far off land where people are so different than me. The Middle East is far away from America geographically. Most of the people are followers of Islam. The cultures and food are very different. And for the most part, we don’t even speak the same language.
Good News to Start the Week
Some days I run out of things to say, or at least things to say that could have any real meaning. Today is one of those days. On days like today I am grateful for people like John Piper. I am currently reading What Jesus Demands from The World, and it is full of truths that have convicted me and caused me to think more deeply about Christ's call on my life. I struggle a lot with fear of man. So when I read a section like the following statement, I am encouraged to continue to fight my prideful tendency to fear man rather than God. I hope this gives you hope to start your week fighting sin.
Missions Wednesday: Honduras
For the last 9 years I have had the privilege of sponsoring two boys from Honduras. God has used this small investment to give me a greater desire to help those in need and make his name known among the nations. Compassion International is doing great things to help children and families in poor countries. Not only are they giving them physical care, food, and shelter, but they are giving them spiritual food that never runs out.
Missions Wednesday: Ethiopia
It would be hard to talk about missions without talking about the plight of orphans throughout the world. Today there are estimated 143 million orphans in the world. An orphan is defined as a child having lost one or both parents. And the number is staggering. 143 million children who have faced the traumatic experience of losing a parent. 143 million children who, in many cases, need a home.
Family History and Good King Josiah
Imagine being the son or daughter of a man who was known for being evil. On top of that, imagine that it’s not just your dad who is evil, but your grandpa too. You are the product of a horrific family, a family that is determined to practice wickedness. In fact, all you have ever known in your family is wickedness. By the time you are born, your grandpa is far into his evil ways, and your father doesn’t live very long before he is killed by his own servants. This story isn’t imaginary. It’s real. In fact, it’s in the Bible. Maybe even today, there are some of you reading this who can relate to, and I hope be encouraged by, the life of King Josiah.
Laura Bush on Abortion
Last week Laura Bush discussed her views on abortion (and other things) on Larry King Live. Based on what she said, she has been, and still is, in favor of abortion rights. Many things could be said about this information, but the thing that struck me most was the fact that she is a woman who is affiliated with conservative views. And not just any woman, a woman married to a president who was praised and endorsed for his commitment to being pro-life.
Missions Wednesday: India
My first real encounter with India began with reading a biography about Amy Carmichael. As a missionary to India, Carmichael rescued hundreds of little girls from temple prostitution. By God’s grace, this practice is no longer in existence, but her legacy lives on. Eventually she began rescuing little boys, and her home in India became a shelter and safe haven for numerous children to be educated, clothed, fed, loved, and most importantly, taught the Gospel.
Why I Am Pro-Life
Earlier this week a good friend of mine posted a "guest post" that I wrote about being "Completely Pro-Life." She has asked various friends and bloggers to write about what it means to be pro-life in every stage of life. I chose to write about being an advocate for life in the womb.
Missions Wednesday: Poland
Many of us remember the recent plane crash that took the life of Poland’s President, First Lady, and many of the country’s leaders. Tragedy can often bring a country to attention that was not previously on our minds. Apart from the fact that my sister-in-law is Polish (a descendant of Polish immigrants), my knowledge pretty much ends there. So today’s country is Poland.