Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our incomparable and unrivaled God.
God is not like us. Aren't you glad!?
I recently was prompted to ponder this truth when I read
Psalm 50:21. "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself."
My immediate response was, "God is not like us!" I thought it would
be encouraging to compile some of the ways that God is different from man.
There are way too many to include them all, but here are some I found, the
first few coming from this same passage.
God has no needs. "If I were hungry, I would not tell
thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 50:12).
Humans have many needs, and God has all the resources to meet them all; we
never have to be concerned that He is hoarding resources because He needs them
for Himself.
God takes evil seriously. That is the point of the passage
in Psalm 50:17-22. Verses 17-20 list sins that man does without any remorse or
fear of judgment. God says that He doesn't take their sins so lightly, and He
will make all things right.
Another passage that focuses on the same concept of God's
uniqueness is Isaiah 40. "To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be
equal? saith the Holy One" (Isaiah 40:25).
God controls all human institutions. "It is he that
sitteth upon the circle of the earth ... that bringeth the princes to nothing;
he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity ... he shall also blow upon them,
and they shall wither" (Isaiah 40:22-24). We can't even get businesses to
give us satisfactory and timely service, but God can change the mind of the
king.
God is strong enough to create and to control creation.
"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [stars],
that bringeth out their host by number ... for that he is strong in power; not
one faileth" (Isaiah 40:26). Man struggles to get a garden to grow, but
God controls the entire universe.
God doesn't get tired. "Hast thou not heard, that the
everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not,
neither is weary?" (Isaiah 40:28). But "even the youths shall faint
and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (v. 30). Not God!
God follows through on His promises. "God is not a man,
that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he
said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it
good?" (Numbers 23:19). Man breaks promises all the time, either from
inability or unfaithfulness, but God never does.
God is all-powerful. "O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to
shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in
heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy
might?" (Deuteronomy 3:24). Just try making manna or parting a sea. Not even
other gods can do what God can do.
God shows no favoritism or unfairness. "For the LORD
your God ... regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward" (Deuteronomy 10:17).
For a little bit of money, man will change his responses, but God will never
change His dealings toward us because someone else influences Him against us.
God is not on a level to be argued with. "For he is not
a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in
judgment" (Job 9:32). Man can't debate God, rebuke Him, or prove Him
wrong. Why? Because God is always right.
God controls all human details. Man can't "make one
hair white or black" (Matthew 5:36) and can't "add one cubit unto his
stature" (Matthew 6:27). But God "made man's mouth" (Exodus
4:11); He "curiously wrought" us and fashioned all our members (Psalm
139:15-16) exactly as He wanted them to be.
God has unsurpassed knowledge. "O the depth of the
riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his
judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33). Man can figure
out some pretty amazing things, like how to go to the moon, but God knew and
established all the laws of science and physics that make it possible.
God has no disorder. "For God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace" (I Corinthians 14:33). It doesn't take man long
to make a jumbled mess of things, but everything in God's world makes sense and
works properly.
God (Jesus) didn't yield to temptation. "For we have
not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews
4:15). Man, who falls easily, has a God who can help him in every temptation,
because He successfully met each one.
God can't lie. "That by two immutable things, in which
it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation" (Hebrews
6:18). Man's mouth is full of deceit, but God can always be trusted.
God will never leave us. "For he hath said, I will
never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). Even people we thought
we could depend upon will disappear, but God is always with us.
God can't be tempted with evil. "God cannot be tempted
with evil, neither tempteth he any man" (James 1:13). Other people may try
to lead us astray or get us to compromise, but God can't be touched with such
weakness.
God doesn't change. "With whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning" (James 1:17). People change. Boy, do they! God
is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God is pure. "God is light, and in him is no darkness
at all" (I John 1:5). Then there is man, whose heart is deceitful above
all things and desperately wicked. Thank God He is not like that!
No, God is most definitely not like us! And He isn't just
different, but always and in every way infinitely higher and better. "For
as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9).
Now that's a God worth following and serving, even when it
isn't easy. So keep on keeping on. You will never regret following such a God!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Saturday, October 19, 2019
10192019 Afterward
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God of all grace. It is that God of all grace who ministers to us, often in ways we cannot see at the moment. The God of all grace pours out His grace on us to accomplish what we could not have imagined - not just in outcomes of circumstances, but also within the depths of our own hearts.
Trials are neither fun nor easy. No one wants them, and when we do have them, we want them to be resolved as quickly as possible. At the same time, trials are absolutely essential for our Christian growth. God uses them to do in us what He could not do in any other way. "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Our maturity depends upon enduring times of suffering.
We humans aren't very good at seeing the growth and benefit of the trials, at least not at the time. Often we can look back and see that God did a great work. In fact, Christians will often make remarks something like this: "Looking back and seeing what God did, I would not change this experience for anything." One reason why we struggle to see the benefit while we are in the trial is that the benefit doesn't fully come until the trial is over. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
I'll be honest - and I suspect you can relate. In the midst of an extended trial, I often feel like God isn't doing anything in me. My internal struggles rage like monsters. My faith is battered and challenged. At best I feel like I am just holding on and trying to survive until the storm passes. At worst - well, those thoughts rising from the blackness of my heart can be so awful that I shudder to even consider them. There seem to be no answers, no help, no benefit. In fact, if I ponder the idea that God is doing a work in me, my whole self wants to deny it. I would not use of myself words like receptive, resting, maturity, faith, thriving; instead I would choose words like hard, cold, unresponsive, hurting, struggling.
But that's all during the trial. God's work becomes evident afterward. We have to wait to be able to see it, but I am confident that we will see it, because God says so. As we continue to submit to God through the pain, confusion, and disappointment, as we continue to choose to trust and follow Him anyway, God does His work. I am not aware of any verse in the Bible that describes this "afterward" process as well as I Peter 5:10 does. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." Our trials are temporary. God will come to our rescue. The God of all grace will personally do His work in us, and it is in four parts.
First, God will perfect us (complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, mend, restore). He will make us complete spiritually. He gives us the tools we need, making us sound and fit for what we have to do. He makes the necessary adjustments, mending what is broken and putting it in working order again. He gives the necessary healing after our harsh ordeal so that we are prepared for moving on. God heals what has been bruised, restores what has been broken, and strengthens what has been made weak. He makes us complete and whole again so that we can serve Him effectively.
Second, God will stablish or confirm us (set fast, turn resolutely, confirm, strengthen, steadfastly set). He makes us stable, firm, and constant. He re-establishes the backbone and the center. He makes the core so strong and firm that the entire person is renewed, committed, and anchored in his faith. We will see that we can trust Him in times of trial and that we should never again have reason to doubt Him. We will see confirmed for us that everything we have ever believed about God can be confidently depended on.
Third, God will strengthen us (give vigor, confirm in spiritual knowledge and power). He will give us increased strength, especially in our soul, beyond what we had before. When the soul has been damaged, shattered, and shaken, He reinvigorates it. He gives strength to a soul that was completely limp, overwhelmed, and empty. He equips us spiritually by teaching us more than we knew before.
Fourth, God will settle or establish us (settle, lay a foundation or basis). He will deepen and reinforce our foundation so that we are firmly resting upon it. He will drive the roots so deep that they will not again be so easily shaken. He will make us grounded and firmly established, with significant substance to uphold us and to limit the effect of future attacks.
If you are currently in the midst of an intense battle, take heart. No, you can't see all of the benefit right now, and maybe you can't see any benefit. You might see only the hopeless struggle. But the deliverance stage is coming, and that is when God will bring it all together. Wait for it, and in faith believe that He will do it. When God brings you through the suffering and restores you afterward, you will be prepared to live for Him and serve Him like never before. There will be abundant fruit.
God has not stopped His work in you, and He never will. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Someday, maybe soon, you will reflect back on this trial too and be overwhelmed by the immensity of what God has done.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the God of all grace. It is that God of all grace who ministers to us, often in ways we cannot see at the moment. The God of all grace pours out His grace on us to accomplish what we could not have imagined - not just in outcomes of circumstances, but also within the depths of our own hearts.
Trials are neither fun nor easy. No one wants them, and when we do have them, we want them to be resolved as quickly as possible. At the same time, trials are absolutely essential for our Christian growth. God uses them to do in us what He could not do in any other way. "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:4). Our maturity depends upon enduring times of suffering.
We humans aren't very good at seeing the growth and benefit of the trials, at least not at the time. Often we can look back and see that God did a great work. In fact, Christians will often make remarks something like this: "Looking back and seeing what God did, I would not change this experience for anything." One reason why we struggle to see the benefit while we are in the trial is that the benefit doesn't fully come until the trial is over. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby" (Hebrews 12:11).
I'll be honest - and I suspect you can relate. In the midst of an extended trial, I often feel like God isn't doing anything in me. My internal struggles rage like monsters. My faith is battered and challenged. At best I feel like I am just holding on and trying to survive until the storm passes. At worst - well, those thoughts rising from the blackness of my heart can be so awful that I shudder to even consider them. There seem to be no answers, no help, no benefit. In fact, if I ponder the idea that God is doing a work in me, my whole self wants to deny it. I would not use of myself words like receptive, resting, maturity, faith, thriving; instead I would choose words like hard, cold, unresponsive, hurting, struggling.
But that's all during the trial. God's work becomes evident afterward. We have to wait to be able to see it, but I am confident that we will see it, because God says so. As we continue to submit to God through the pain, confusion, and disappointment, as we continue to choose to trust and follow Him anyway, God does His work. I am not aware of any verse in the Bible that describes this "afterward" process as well as I Peter 5:10 does. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." Our trials are temporary. God will come to our rescue. The God of all grace will personally do His work in us, and it is in four parts.
First, God will perfect us (complete thoroughly, repair, adjust, mend, restore). He will make us complete spiritually. He gives us the tools we need, making us sound and fit for what we have to do. He makes the necessary adjustments, mending what is broken and putting it in working order again. He gives the necessary healing after our harsh ordeal so that we are prepared for moving on. God heals what has been bruised, restores what has been broken, and strengthens what has been made weak. He makes us complete and whole again so that we can serve Him effectively.
Second, God will stablish or confirm us (set fast, turn resolutely, confirm, strengthen, steadfastly set). He makes us stable, firm, and constant. He re-establishes the backbone and the center. He makes the core so strong and firm that the entire person is renewed, committed, and anchored in his faith. We will see that we can trust Him in times of trial and that we should never again have reason to doubt Him. We will see confirmed for us that everything we have ever believed about God can be confidently depended on.
Third, God will strengthen us (give vigor, confirm in spiritual knowledge and power). He will give us increased strength, especially in our soul, beyond what we had before. When the soul has been damaged, shattered, and shaken, He reinvigorates it. He gives strength to a soul that was completely limp, overwhelmed, and empty. He equips us spiritually by teaching us more than we knew before.
Fourth, God will settle or establish us (settle, lay a foundation or basis). He will deepen and reinforce our foundation so that we are firmly resting upon it. He will drive the roots so deep that they will not again be so easily shaken. He will make us grounded and firmly established, with significant substance to uphold us and to limit the effect of future attacks.
If you are currently in the midst of an intense battle, take heart. No, you can't see all of the benefit right now, and maybe you can't see any benefit. You might see only the hopeless struggle. But the deliverance stage is coming, and that is when God will bring it all together. Wait for it, and in faith believe that He will do it. When God brings you through the suffering and restores you afterward, you will be prepared to live for Him and serve Him like never before. There will be abundant fruit.
God has not stopped His work in you, and He never will. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Someday, maybe soon, you will reflect back on this trial too and be overwhelmed by the immensity of what God has done.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Friday, October 11, 2019
101119 Beracah
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our victory-giving God! Our battles are opportunities for God to show His power and love in delivering.
Jehoshaphat faced an immense battle in II Chronicles 20. A great multitude of Moabites and Ammonites united to invade Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid. In his desperation, he sought God. He acknowledged God's might and power (v. 6). He recalled how God had delivered in the past (v. 7) and reviewed the new threat (vs. 10-11). He reminded God of His promise to deliver when His people called on Him (v. 9). Then he made a great prayer in verse 12; my paraphrase is "God, this is too hard for us, and we don't even know what to do, but we know You can help."
The prophet told the people not to fear because the battle belonged to God (v. 15). The people were to go out and watch as God delivered them. That's exactly what happened. The people went out in the morning, trusting in God, and God turned the invading armies against each other. They destroyed each other until only corpses remained (vs. 23-24).
Jehoshaphat and the people spent three days gathering all the spoil, and on the fourth day, they gathered in the valley of the battle and praised God. They named that valley "Beracah," which means "blessing."
You may remember that I have been in an extended housing search, with specific needs related to my health. On the day I read this Bible story, I was awaiting the answer on an offer I had made. This particular house was the one I loved best of everything I had considered. It had the features I needed, and even a few extras, like an attached carport, and it was just around the corner from very good friends. The whole process of finding and considering this house was an amazing story, and it made me say, "Wow. Now I know why God closed all the other doors." God gave me incredible peace, even through the complications that arose in the process of this property. This house seemed like the very definition of "blessing."
As I read Jehoshaphat's prayer, I related. Yes, this process of looking for a house had been way too hard for me. Over and over again, I had found myself not knowing what to do. I had constantly been in desperate need of God's help. This Bible story was perfect for my situation and for that day in particular, as I anticipated the answer. I determined that if God provided this amazing house, I would name it "Beracah."
That house fell through. I had thought for sure this was the one. But I then decided that no matter what house God gave me, it would be His blessing. Therefore, whatever and whenever He finally supplied, the house would still be named "Beracah."
Less than a month later, I signed an order for a new manufactured home. This was not the answer I had been looking for and was not my personal preference; however, my Christian realtor suggested this solution, recalling how God had clearly closed every possibility we had looked at for almost a year. He suggested that God might be doing that on purpose to move me in a different direction.
After some research, I took steps toward purchasing the manufactured home. At first, I felt like I was settling - kind of a resigned "I guess that's the best I can do." As I continued to move forward, however, I came to be convinced that it really is the best I can do, and that this home is just right for my particular situation.
I had several foundational requirements for a home. First, that it be affordable. This is by far the most affordable thing I considered and will free up much money over the years that I can use for more important things. Second, that it be healthy. For me, the newer, the better; this is absolutely brand new, and because it is built in a protected environment, some potential effects of structure damage are avoided. Third, that it be manageable (as far as upkeep). This singlewide is the simplest home I looked at, designed to be low maintenance, and because it is new, should have very few maintenance issues for many years. It is a manageable size for me and doesn't have all the extras of unneeded rooms or energy-intensive landscaping. Fourth, I really wanted one-floor living. This has steps only to enter the house, no troublesome basement, and everything on one floor, including laundry.
God gave the right answer. He confirmed that answer through several sermons and through absolute peace and confidence in His plan. God gave the victory! Construction is now finished, and my home is installed. We are finishing up taking care of utilities and inspections, and moving day is October 26. Praise God!
I share this as an example of the victory God gives. I hope it will be an encouragement to you that God does answer, even though it may take a while, and that He gives the best answer when we seek His guidance and wait on Him.
I also share it because I want my home to be a blessing to others, including you. I have a guest room, and I offer it to you. I'll have to learn how to be a hostess, and I'll have to figure out what to do for meals, which is not my strongest point, but these things can be figured out. My heart is toward you, and I would be happy to have you stay with me or stop in for a visit if it ever fits your travels. I invite you to Beracah!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our victory-giving God! Our battles are opportunities for God to show His power and love in delivering.
Jehoshaphat faced an immense battle in II Chronicles 20. A great multitude of Moabites and Ammonites united to invade Judah, and Jehoshaphat was afraid. In his desperation, he sought God. He acknowledged God's might and power (v. 6). He recalled how God had delivered in the past (v. 7) and reviewed the new threat (vs. 10-11). He reminded God of His promise to deliver when His people called on Him (v. 9). Then he made a great prayer in verse 12; my paraphrase is "God, this is too hard for us, and we don't even know what to do, but we know You can help."
The prophet told the people not to fear because the battle belonged to God (v. 15). The people were to go out and watch as God delivered them. That's exactly what happened. The people went out in the morning, trusting in God, and God turned the invading armies against each other. They destroyed each other until only corpses remained (vs. 23-24).
Jehoshaphat and the people spent three days gathering all the spoil, and on the fourth day, they gathered in the valley of the battle and praised God. They named that valley "Beracah," which means "blessing."
You may remember that I have been in an extended housing search, with specific needs related to my health. On the day I read this Bible story, I was awaiting the answer on an offer I had made. This particular house was the one I loved best of everything I had considered. It had the features I needed, and even a few extras, like an attached carport, and it was just around the corner from very good friends. The whole process of finding and considering this house was an amazing story, and it made me say, "Wow. Now I know why God closed all the other doors." God gave me incredible peace, even through the complications that arose in the process of this property. This house seemed like the very definition of "blessing."
As I read Jehoshaphat's prayer, I related. Yes, this process of looking for a house had been way too hard for me. Over and over again, I had found myself not knowing what to do. I had constantly been in desperate need of God's help. This Bible story was perfect for my situation and for that day in particular, as I anticipated the answer. I determined that if God provided this amazing house, I would name it "Beracah."
That house fell through. I had thought for sure this was the one. But I then decided that no matter what house God gave me, it would be His blessing. Therefore, whatever and whenever He finally supplied, the house would still be named "Beracah."
Less than a month later, I signed an order for a new manufactured home. This was not the answer I had been looking for and was not my personal preference; however, my Christian realtor suggested this solution, recalling how God had clearly closed every possibility we had looked at for almost a year. He suggested that God might be doing that on purpose to move me in a different direction.
After some research, I took steps toward purchasing the manufactured home. At first, I felt like I was settling - kind of a resigned "I guess that's the best I can do." As I continued to move forward, however, I came to be convinced that it really is the best I can do, and that this home is just right for my particular situation.
I had several foundational requirements for a home. First, that it be affordable. This is by far the most affordable thing I considered and will free up much money over the years that I can use for more important things. Second, that it be healthy. For me, the newer, the better; this is absolutely brand new, and because it is built in a protected environment, some potential effects of structure damage are avoided. Third, that it be manageable (as far as upkeep). This singlewide is the simplest home I looked at, designed to be low maintenance, and because it is new, should have very few maintenance issues for many years. It is a manageable size for me and doesn't have all the extras of unneeded rooms or energy-intensive landscaping. Fourth, I really wanted one-floor living. This has steps only to enter the house, no troublesome basement, and everything on one floor, including laundry.
God gave the right answer. He confirmed that answer through several sermons and through absolute peace and confidence in His plan. God gave the victory! Construction is now finished, and my home is installed. We are finishing up taking care of utilities and inspections, and moving day is October 26. Praise God!
I share this as an example of the victory God gives. I hope it will be an encouragement to you that God does answer, even though it may take a while, and that He gives the best answer when we seek His guidance and wait on Him.
I also share it because I want my home to be a blessing to others, including you. I have a guest room, and I offer it to you. I'll have to learn how to be a hostess, and I'll have to figure out what to do for meals, which is not my strongest point, but these things can be figured out. My heart is toward you, and I would be happy to have you stay with me or stop in for a visit if it ever fits your travels. I invite you to Beracah!
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, October 5, 2019
10052019 Unto Death
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our everlasting God. That's a big deal, because it means He is with us today just as He was with believers thousands of years ago - and He's not going anywhere.
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).
Before I consider the "forever" part, it is important to know who the "forever" God is. "This God is our God." Which God is that? According to this psalm, He is the God that is great (v. 1). He is worthy of great praise (v. 1). He is a refuge (v. 3). He easily defeats his enemies (v. 7). He firmly establishes His people (v. 8). He shows lovingkindness (v. 9). He is abundantly righteous (v. 10). He gives good judgments (v. 11). He is a guide (v. 14). I would say He is a God worth knowing, wouldn't you?
Wonderfully, this amazing God is our God! And He is our God "for ever and ever ... even unto death." God never dies. He never quits. He never gives up. He never abandons us. He never forgets us. He never lets our relationship fade into obscurity.
When is God with us? He is (was) with us when the first stirrings toward missionary service began in our hearts. He is with us on exploratory mission trips that nudge us along the way. He is with us when He reveals His call. He is with us through the months and years of waiting for the right time. He is with us on deputation, from the first meeting until the last. He is with us as idealistic, enthusiastic, and sometimes clueless novices when we first step off the plane. He is with us first term, second term, fourth term, last term. He is with us when health forces us to return or when age forces us to retire. He is with us when we step down or cross over into other ministries. He is with us through declining health, all the way until death. Not for one minute does He ever leave or cease being our God.
When is God with us? The first convert. The first rejection. The first Bible study. The first public antagonism. The language success. The major social faux pas. The construction of the church building. The discouraging vandalism to the building. The exciting camp or institute ministry. The disintegration of a ministry. The fruitful times. The dry times.
If you consider the previous paragraph, you realize that your prayer letters probably focus mostly on the positive elements and not on the negative. Why? Not necessarily because you are ashamed of the negatives, nor because you are unaware of them. But those people back home want good reports and encouraging news. If they knew the extent of the opposition and the depth of the struggles, they might stop supporting, stop praying, stop reading your reports, stop connecting with you. People aren't faithful and everlasting like God is.
Thank God for faithful supporters and for faithful prayer warriors. Thank God for the churches that have been with you from the beginning. Thank God for the ones that still communicate after years of not seeing you and that still want you to visit whenever you have the chance. The sad reality is that not all churches and individuals fit those descriptions. Most likely you have had disappointing and even painful separations, as supporters have dropped away for whatever reason. Change of leadership, change of direction, decreased budgets, believing falsehoods about you, judging you too harshly, or simply losing the connection that once existed.
I'm sure all of you have some level of loss like that, but the point of this study is that God never does that. It doesn't matter what you include in your prayer letters, He is still faithfully with you. It doesn't even matter what you leave out of your prayer letters; He knows all that, too, and He still stays with you. "For ever and ever ... even unto death." That is security. That is faithfulness, confidence, inspiration, motivation, and sustenance.
One final amazing thing about having such a great God who never leaves you - the application. "That ye may tell it to the generation following" (v. 13). This faithfulness of God is your message to churches back home and to the people you minister with regularly. You can tell them about how awesome God is and about how He will always be that way for every believer.
When God is great, He is great forever. When He is a refuge, He is a refuge forever. When He is characterized by lovingkindness and righteousness, He is that way forever. That's a truth worth sharing, and that's a message worth writing home about!
No matter what happens this week with people - whether the ones back home or the ones right in front of you - may you rest in the wonderful unchanging and everlasting constancy and faithfulness of God.
"Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,/ From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,/ He gave His life to ransom my soul;/ Now I belong to Him;/ Now I belong to Jesus,/ Jesus belongs to me,/ Not for the years of time alone,/ But for eternity."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our everlasting God. That's a big deal, because it means He is with us today just as He was with believers thousands of years ago - and He's not going anywhere.
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death" (Psalm 48:14).
Before I consider the "forever" part, it is important to know who the "forever" God is. "This God is our God." Which God is that? According to this psalm, He is the God that is great (v. 1). He is worthy of great praise (v. 1). He is a refuge (v. 3). He easily defeats his enemies (v. 7). He firmly establishes His people (v. 8). He shows lovingkindness (v. 9). He is abundantly righteous (v. 10). He gives good judgments (v. 11). He is a guide (v. 14). I would say He is a God worth knowing, wouldn't you?
Wonderfully, this amazing God is our God! And He is our God "for ever and ever ... even unto death." God never dies. He never quits. He never gives up. He never abandons us. He never forgets us. He never lets our relationship fade into obscurity.
When is God with us? He is (was) with us when the first stirrings toward missionary service began in our hearts. He is with us on exploratory mission trips that nudge us along the way. He is with us when He reveals His call. He is with us through the months and years of waiting for the right time. He is with us on deputation, from the first meeting until the last. He is with us as idealistic, enthusiastic, and sometimes clueless novices when we first step off the plane. He is with us first term, second term, fourth term, last term. He is with us when health forces us to return or when age forces us to retire. He is with us when we step down or cross over into other ministries. He is with us through declining health, all the way until death. Not for one minute does He ever leave or cease being our God.
When is God with us? The first convert. The first rejection. The first Bible study. The first public antagonism. The language success. The major social faux pas. The construction of the church building. The discouraging vandalism to the building. The exciting camp or institute ministry. The disintegration of a ministry. The fruitful times. The dry times.
If you consider the previous paragraph, you realize that your prayer letters probably focus mostly on the positive elements and not on the negative. Why? Not necessarily because you are ashamed of the negatives, nor because you are unaware of them. But those people back home want good reports and encouraging news. If they knew the extent of the opposition and the depth of the struggles, they might stop supporting, stop praying, stop reading your reports, stop connecting with you. People aren't faithful and everlasting like God is.
Thank God for faithful supporters and for faithful prayer warriors. Thank God for the churches that have been with you from the beginning. Thank God for the ones that still communicate after years of not seeing you and that still want you to visit whenever you have the chance. The sad reality is that not all churches and individuals fit those descriptions. Most likely you have had disappointing and even painful separations, as supporters have dropped away for whatever reason. Change of leadership, change of direction, decreased budgets, believing falsehoods about you, judging you too harshly, or simply losing the connection that once existed.
I'm sure all of you have some level of loss like that, but the point of this study is that God never does that. It doesn't matter what you include in your prayer letters, He is still faithfully with you. It doesn't even matter what you leave out of your prayer letters; He knows all that, too, and He still stays with you. "For ever and ever ... even unto death." That is security. That is faithfulness, confidence, inspiration, motivation, and sustenance.
One final amazing thing about having such a great God who never leaves you - the application. "That ye may tell it to the generation following" (v. 13). This faithfulness of God is your message to churches back home and to the people you minister with regularly. You can tell them about how awesome God is and about how He will always be that way for every believer.
When God is great, He is great forever. When He is a refuge, He is a refuge forever. When He is characterized by lovingkindness and righteousness, He is that way forever. That's a truth worth sharing, and that's a message worth writing home about!
No matter what happens this week with people - whether the ones back home or the ones right in front of you - may you rest in the wonderful unchanging and everlasting constancy and faithfulness of God.
"Jesus, my Lord will love me forever,/ From Him no pow'r of evil can sever,/ He gave His life to ransom my soul;/ Now I belong to Him;/ Now I belong to Jesus,/ Jesus belongs to me,/ Not for the years of time alone,/ But for eternity."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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