12292018 God Pays Attention

Dear Missionary Lady,

If you're anything like me, you probably have thoughts of discouragement from time to time. I don't mean just about life in general - casual things like meals that don't turn out well, friends that don't keep in contact, or a financial situation that just won't improve. I'm talking about the important things - spiritual matters.

You wouldn't be serving faithfully in the ministry where God has called you if you didn't have a heart and passion for God. Therefore, it means a lot to you that you do His work well, that you represent Him well to other people, that your relationship with Him is strong, and that He is pleased with your labors. You want to do a good job for Him.

Unfortunately, we can't always see what is really happening, and sometimes our efforts seem futile. We don't understand the big picture of God's work as it relates to our individual situation, and sometimes it seems that our part is having no impact. We don't even know if God is going to do an amazing work through us or whether He wants to give people an opportunity to hear the truth, even though He knows most will reject it.

Basically, it is easy for us to get discouraged when we don't see the visible results that we are hoping for. We might wonder if our efforts matter or whether God even sees what we are doing. Will there ever be lasting results? Is God paying attention to our hearts and to our labors?

I was recently encouraged along these lines by Psalm 52. David was fleeing for his life, and Doeg revealed his hiding place to King Saul. David was certainly a man who tried to do right, and he had served King Saul faithfully, from playing his harp to calm Saul, to serving as his armor bearer, to performing great military exploits on his behalf. David had done nothing to deserve Saul's wrath, but he faced it nonetheless.

In the opening verses of the psalm, David speaks about a wicked man. Whether he is speaking of Doeg or Saul specifically or about evil men in general, he describes the mischief, lies, and deceit (vs. 2-4). This man loves evil more than good (v. 3), and at the moment this man is mighty (v. 1). Such success, however, is temporary. God sees all. God sees that this man trusts in his riches and his own strength and his wicked power (v. 7), and God will respond accordingly. The day of reckoning will come (v. 5).

Just as God is paying attention to the wicked, He is also paying attention to the righteous. "The goodness of God endureth continually" (v. 1), and He will show that goodness to the righteous. The day is coming when they will see vindication (v. 6). David doesn't trust in himself like the wicked man does; David trusts in God and in His tender mercies (v. 8). David does see God's blessing to some extent. Even in the midst of his trials, he describes himself as "a green olive tree in the house of God" (v. 8). He has seen God act on his behalf (v. 9).

But David's answer hasn't fully come. He is, in fact, in the midst of one of the most trying times of his entire life. In that difficulty, his trust is in God. He determines to praise God and wait on Him. He knows that God's goodness will take care of him. "I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints" (v. 9).

Just as God sees the wicked and responds accordingly, God also sees the righteous and responds accordingly. The answers and the deliverance may not come immediately, but there is no doubt that God is paying attention. There is no doubt that God acts and will act in accordance with His good character. God always sees His children, and He always does what is right for them.

The power and prosperity of the wicked are temporary; the trials and difficulties of the righteous are also temporary. God will turn things around and will bring the right end result. We may not know exactly what that will look like or when it will happen, but we can confidently trust God that it will happen. What you do today matters for eternity. Your heart for God matters. Your labors for Him matter.

God sees, and He is pleased with every sincere effort and with every expression of your love for Him. So don't get discouraged over what doesn't seem to be going well or what doesn't seem to be yielding results. God is paying attention to what you are doing for Him in the little corner where He has placed you. He is even now responding to that, and in His time, He will give the full response of blessing. Trust and wait on the One who is always paying careful attention.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com

12212018 Merry Christmas

Dear Missionary Lady,

Warm greetings on this first day of winter - or summer, depending on where you live.

I work in a secular workplace. The company founder and president is a Christian, and many Christians work there. Recently we had our office Christmas party, and I was surprised by the words and attitude of one of my co-workers. He grew up as an MK in Brazil and has taken mission trips there as an adult; I believe he is a Christian. The others at the table know him better than I do, and when he came and sat down at the last minute, they started teasing him about not wanting to come to the party and not liking Christmas. His response confirmed their statements; he has little love for Christmas and views it negatively, as an annoying nuisance or unwelcome burden.

I commented something to this effect: "I can understand that there are aspects of Christmas that someone wouldn't like, but when you think about the real Christmas, you have to like that."

Sadly, there are too many negatives that have been introduced to Christmas, and there are some unwelcome aspects of Christmas for some people. I thought maybe you could relate to some of them.

First, commercialism. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements in every venue - television, radio, Internet, billboards, magazines, store signs, mailers, etc. Christmas has become about making money and about convincing people to spend money. People's yards are filled with hundreds of dollars worth of lights and decorations, as each person tries to outdo his neighbor.

Second, corruption. Christmas has been hijacked by good sentiments. Probably the most questionable and offensive one is Santa Claus, but the essence of Christmas has been changed in so many other ways. Some of them are good - being charitable, spending time with family and friends, thinking positive thoughts of love and kindness, but even those good things fall short of recognizing Christmas for what it is. Other changes are decidedly negative, with increased (and sanctioned) use of alcohol, accompanied by partying and even dancing to Christmas carols.

Third, gift-giving. When I was a child, we often got one gift, usually something we needed. Today's parents are pressured to give more and more, both in quantity and in extravagance. Even for those to whom we want to give, there can be the difficulty in knowing what to give, the inconvenience of shopping, and the added expense. Then the realm of recipients keeps growing, as we are asked for money on all sides. We are asked to give money to multiple people, organizations, and causes, some of which we love and support, but we don't have the resources to participate in every opportunity. Christmas could be dreaded simply from not having the money in the budget.

Fourth, busyness. December can become crazy, with parties, activities, and gatherings. There can be extra church activities, including special services, programs, and rehearsals. Personal life has to accommodate extra cooking, hostessing, cleaning, and shopping. We can simply be exhausted.

Fifth, loneliness. Christmas can be difficult for those who are separated from family. While this can be hard enough in a special one-time situation, the difficulty can grow when it is repeated year after year or when the faraway loved ones are having an especially meaningful gathering or a difficult challenge. Christmas can also be especially hard for those who are alone. At a time when it seems everyone around them is enjoying family activities and sharing special moments, they have no one to gather with or share traditions with. A time that is associated with the height of happiness for others becomes the opposite for the lonely.

Sixth, expectations. Christmas is a time of excitement and anticipation. If the expectations are not met, there can be great hurt and disappointment. If the expectations of a wonderful Christmas are met, there can be a huge letdown when life returns to boring normalcy.

All of these are reasons not to like Christmas, but none of them (other than the church services) are truly Christmas! So if anything about this season threatens to discourage or overwhelm you, I hope that you will remember and focus on real Christmas instead. When we remember that message, there is nothing negative or unwelcome. Jesus came to be our Savior. He came to redeem lost souls and to rescue lost sheep. He came to love the unlovable and to reconcile a sinful world to Himself. He came to give hope, peace, joy, love, and forgiveness.

That is what Christmas is all about, and it is what places you exactly where you are. It is what gives you your mission. It is your message to those around you, and it is only the impact of the gospel that can change all those negative aspects of Christmas. As you share the Christmas message, people can be enlightened to understand what really matters. They can be delivered from the sin and deception. They can receive hope to carry them through difficult seasons. Christmas isn't the problem; Christmas is the solution!

I wish you all the most joyful of Christmas seasons, with strength to do all you need to do in ministry and with blessed fellowship with your family and fellow believers. May you be encouraged and renewed with the wonder of the message you are taking to your place of service. I pray that in these days and weeks God will prosper His message as it goes forth from your lips and from your hands, and I pray that you will see discernible fruit in the harvest. Rejoice in the Savior!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com

12142018 Which Needs?

Dear Missionary Lady,

God is good, and He does so much for us. Even though we know that is true, it is our human nature to focus not on the many things He has done, but on the few things He has not done. Each of us could easily compose a list of things we really want God to do right now, of prayers we especially long for Him to answer, of needs we are waiting for Him to meet.

Sometimes that list is comprised of major things. We recognize and appreciate the wealth of small blessings and daily provisions; we are aware that God is doing good things for us - all but the biggest need! There is one pressing need on which so much depends, and for some reason God is delaying that answer. Maybe you need more support or you will have to leave the field. You might face major issues with the rebellious choices of one of your children or obstinate, divisive conflict with a coworker. You could be dealing with a pressing need for a church building, a seemingly impossible search for a pastor to take over the work, or a threatening government regulation. There might be a serious health concern, or you might feel the imminent need for a vacation before you explode.

Your situation might be quite the opposite; the big picture is glowingly positive and the ministry is blessed and thriving, but it's the little things that are missing. The kids need shoes, you can't find a favorite food, or you're missing communication from loved ones. You don't have time to add desired ministries, and you need help with small tasks at church. Your prayer card picture is a photogenic disaster, or a website detail remains an issue.

Whatever the need, it is easy to cry out in frustration and discouragement, "God, You have done all these other things. Why can't You meet this need?" We know, of course, that God can meet every need. A wonderful place to be reminded of that truth is Psalm 23.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." God meets our immediate material needs each day. He provides food and water, rest and safety.

"He restoreth my soul." God meets our deepest internal needs when we are fragile and overwhelmed.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." God gives guidance and direction, showing us just what steps to take.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me." God meets our needs in the very darkest hours and in the most ominous situations. He does not leave us then.

"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." God ministers to our heart when we are hurting.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." God provides even in the face of danger, when all around threatens our existence.

"Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." Far beyond the barest necessities, God gives blessing and abundance and shows His bountiful care.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." God gives spiritual blessings, which are what we really need, and He gives them every day - right here in the present - for as long as we live. These spiritual blessings will never run out.

"And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Just when we thought everything was covered, the best is yet to come.

Truly "The LORD is my shepherd." He is the kind and solicitous one who devotes Himself wholly to us, His needy sheep. "I shall not want." We will not lack or be in need. He meets all our needs in every aspect and time of life.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows" (Luke 12:5-6). There is nothing too small for God to care about, no need so insignificant that He does not notice.

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32). God has already met the greatest possible need. There is nothing so big that He cannot meet it; if He paid such a price for our salvation, He can easily attend to the other matters of life.

God is able, and He is committed to meeting our needs. He knows them all, and His love compels Him to provide for us. What needs remain unmet? "Ask, and ye shall receive." Yes, we know there are other verses and conditions that apply to prayer, but this is God's basic instruction.

When the answer doesn't come in our timing or according to our preference, what then? This is where it is hard - when there is something that in our minds just has to happen, and we wait and pray, but don't see results. In these times, we must talk to God about how that affects us. We can tell Him, "Father, I'm hurting, I'm disappointed, I'm confused, and I'm discouraged at not seeing this answer." We must accompany those heart cries with words of trust and submission: "But I choose to trust You to do what You know is best, to meet what You know are my actual needs, and to do so in the manner and timing You choose, even if I never see the answers I want." Such a humble response to God prompts grace from God - grace to submit, grace to trust, grace to wait, grace to endure.

It isn't always easy, but God is always good, and He will always act in accordance with His character. May God show Himself special to you this week by providing something you really need and by giving you the grace to wait on Him for what He hasn't yet provided.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com

12072018 A Soldier's Sacrifice

Dear Missionary Lady,

Happy December 7th! You probably didn't know it was a holiday, but today marks at least two important events. The first is my spiritual birthday. I now have 35 years of walking with God. Over the years of time, I'm sure there are thousands and thousands of others who share my special day, maybe even some from your ministry. Maybe someone today. If you haven't had the joy of seeing someone saved recently, I pray it will happen for you very soon.

Today's second event is better known: the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. As devastating as that attack was for the U.S. Navy, the Japanese did not realize they had awakened a sleeping giant. The move the Japanese thought would guarantee the strength of their position ended up being the start of their demise.

For many years I have been interested in World War II, and I have read many books on the subject. One of the most powerful was about the D-Day invasion in Normandy. I was sobered and overwhelmed by the sacrifice of those soldiers. Those men marched off the landing craft, knowing that many of them would die. On that day alone, approximately 5,500 American, British, and Canadian soldiers lost their lives.

Risk of death is not the only difficulty a soldier faces. He might be wounded and face a long, painful recovery. He might lose a part of his body, like a leg or an eye, limiting his capacity. He might live with mental and emotional scars because of the trauma of battle. He is separated from family for long periods of time, not knowing if or when he will see them again. He leaves behind pleasures and comforts. He lives simply and sometimes under deprivation. He obeys orders that are uncomfortable, not following his own plan but that of his superior officer. He stays up at night when that is his duty. He learns new jobs. He never completely relaxes. He travels from place to place, not having a permanent home. He makes do with what he has. He is one of many, filling the role he is given as one cog in a giant machine. He is often underappreciated. He is definitely underpaid. He gives years of his life that he can never get back. When he comes back home, he finds things and people changed, and he may not fit in.

I could probably go on, but I share that list as a poignant picture of what it is like to be a Christian soldier. If you read the list again, I'm sure you will find many, many parallels to your own life. It is not an accident that God refers to Christians who serve Him as soldiers. It is an apt picture.

"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (II Timothy 2:4).

As you serve God, you have made the decisions revealed in this verse. In a world (particularly the American culture) that constantly strives toward pleasure, entertainment, and relaxation, you have distanced yourself from those pursuits. In order to effectively serve God, you have laid some things aside. You have done this so that you can please the One who has chosen you. Everything you do is for Him and to accomplish His plans and objectives. Such service will be worth the effort. What you do today matters for eternity, and God is not a "general" who overlooks the labors of his soldiers. He knows what you are doing, and your obedience meets with His pleasure. Some day He will speak words of approval and reward.

Thank you for choosing to follow God. Thank you for remaining faithful in spite of the challenges. While you may feel like you are part of a small, select group, the truth is that the church needs examples like you. The church needs to see people who will sacrifice everything to serve God. Not every Christian will follow your example or share your passion, but many, many Christians will be challenged and encouraged by your labors.

Keep moving forward this week in whatever mission God places before you. Trust Him for the orders that don't seem to make sense. Trust that your role will intersect with that of many others, so that together God's work will be done.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com

12012018 Faith in the Storm

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings once again, my sisters! I trust that God is giving you grace and strength for each day and each responsibility.

You realize, don't you, that life isn't always easy? Life is comprised of storms. Even in that truth, there is a recognition that not all storms are created equal. There are soft showers, there are dousing downpours, there are tumultuous thunderstorms, and there are even horrific hurricanes.

God doesn't deny that storms come. Quite the opposite. He freely reveals that difficult storms come, and He calls them trials of our faith. "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3). "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:7).

In the storms, it is our faith that is tested. It isn't too hard to keep faith in the showers and downpours. We might even do okay in the thunderstorms. The hurricanes become the most challenging of all. In such storms, life seems impossible. There is no way out. Destruction seems imminent. We are battered and bruised. We can barely catch our breath.

We wish that we had some encouragement or hope of seeing an answer. If we just knew when the storm would be over, it might enable us to endure. If we were assured that we would survive the storm unscathed, maybe we could wait it out. But in these storms there seem to be no answers, no assurances, no guarantees. The uncertainty and hopelessness add to the intensity of the storm itself, and we may feel like we are alone on a tiny rubber raft in the middle of a hurricane, lost in the middle of a great ocean, with no one knowing where we are and with rescue attempts impossible.

Reality check: life for a Christian is never as bad as just described. Yes, it might feel that way, but it isn't that way. Why? Because we have a God who is watching over us. Because we have a God who has all power and wisdom. Because we have a God who loves us beyond measure. Because we have a God who gives us precious promises and assurances.

When I consider life as a stormy assault on faith, I love this verse. "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19). There is an anchor that is so secure that it can hold us through every storm. Every storm. Not even the harshest hurricane is a match for our anchor. We have a hope that serves as an absolutely reliable anchor.

What is that hope based on this passage? I find it a little difficult to be dogmatic about the answer, but let me tell you some of the truths found in the preceding verses. First, Abraham received a promise from God; he patiently endured and then obtained the promise. Second, it is impossible for God to lie, so every promise He makes will be fulfilled. Third, we have a hope set before us, which I believe refers to heaven. My personal opinion is that the primary interpretation of "hope" in this passage is the promise of heaven. In truth, all three truths work together. God can't lie, so He kept the promise He made to Abraham, and He will also keep the promise He has made to us. Like Abraham, we may have to go through an extended time of not seeing answers, but the answers God has promised will most assuredly come.

In the meantime, our faith must endure, just as Abraham's did. Abraham was known for his faith, but he was not perfect in his faith. In fact, if you study his life, some of his greatest failures resulted precisely because of a lack of faith. But Abraham grew in his faith. As he went through each storm, he became more mature in his faith, until he faced the most difficult storm (being asked to sacrifice Isaac) with unshakeable faith and with tremendous victory.

So if you are battered and tossed, if the storm seems insurmountable, and if no rescue seems imminent, cling to that anchor. It won't move. You might be flung around. Your feet might find no solid footing. You might not see anything but darkness. But you can know that at the very core, you will not move. If you cling to the anchor, you will survive. When the storm has ended, you will look around and find that you are just where you need to be and that you were not nearly as lost as you had imagined.

I close with one verse and one passage from Psalms. "By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea" (Psalm 65:5).

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end. Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them into their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:23-31).

Endure. Wait. Hope. Trust. As long as it takes. His promise is true.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com