Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the God who never makes a mistake. Those
of you who minister in a language that is not your native tongue know the
challenges of mastering a foreign language. You also know that mistakes happen.
You've probably realized the need to find the humor in those mistakes, even
when they are your own (and sometimes embarrassing).
Most of these errors are not serious. The listeners
understand that your language mastery is incomplete, and for the most part,
they are patient, as they appreciate your efforts to try to learn their
language. They may laugh, but that is usually more from the pure mirth of
something unexpected than from any malicious derision.
Most of the following are real examples by people I know,
and I hope that they will prompt laughter that refreshes your countenance, your
spirit, and even your bones. "A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:
but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). "A
merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the
bones" (Proverbs 17:22).
A missionary mom went to the store to buy pants for her
husband and boys. Instead of asking where to find pants for the
"caballeros" (gentlemen), she said she was looking for pants for the
"caballos" (horses). I've seen horses wearing bridles, saddles,
blankets, and feed bags, but I can't quite picture a horse wearing pants. And I
guess you would have to buy two pairs - hopefully matching.
The same lady was talking with a contact about a relative
who was a Catholic priest. Instead of saying he was a "sacerdote"
(priest), she said he was the "cerdote de la iglesia" (big pig of the
church). Hers was an innocent mistake, but sadly parallels the deceptive filth
taught within that institution.
I'm sure I've made many errors, but this one stands out as
worthy of making this list. Friends were asking me about my parents' house in
America and what it was like. I was trying to tell that the siding was made of
tarpaper. But instead of the word for tar, "chapopote," I came up
with "popote" (drinking straw). Better watch out for the big, bad
wolf!
I believe the next example was related to me by a university
professor who knew the person it happened to, or she may have just presented it
as an example with no basis in fact. When a subway car lurched, the man, who
was standing, accidentally fell into the lap of a girl who was seated. The
English phrase "Excuse me" translates to several different Spanish
phrases based on the situation. The man should have said "Perdon,"
meaning "Pardon me." Instead, he chose "Con permiso," which
asks permission to proceed, usually in context of maneuvering through a crowd.
Reportedly, the girl replied, "Adelante" (Go right ahead).
Another missionary lady I know was telling her easy recipe
for chocolate cake. Intending to say "cucharadas de chocolate"
(teaspoons of chocolate), she recommended "cucarachas de chocolate"
(chocolate cockroaches). No, thank you! I know some people around the world eat
such creatures, but I don't want them - not even if coated in chocolate.
My favorite example by a non-English speaker is by a man who
was preaching in English, which was probably his third language. He was telling
how his wife went to get her hair fixed, but instead of saying she went to the
"salon," he said she went to the "saloon." In addition to
the testimony issue, I don't think I would trust someone in a saloon to even be
able to cut straight. That could be a disastrous haircut!
My final example is by a man who was preaching to a group of
teenagers. He was preaching from the verse about gold, silver, and precious
stones. He got gold right. For silver, he said "plato" (dinner plate)
instead of "plata." And for precious stones, instead of "piedras
preciosas," he said "piernas preciosas" (precious legs). The
young people controlled their mirth the first time, but when he said the same
thing repeatedly, they just couldn't help themselves.
I don't know about precious legs, but "How beautiful upon
the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace;
that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation" (Isaiah
52:7). Your feet are beautiful, my friends, as your mouths share the gospel.
May God give you grace and strength as you work toward that end each day. What
you do today matters for eternity.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Saturday, February 22, 2020
02222020 Ezekiel Yields
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our Master-God. He is the one in charge, and He often asks difficult things.
Ezekiel had to do hard things in order to share God's message. People didn't want to listen to him; in order to get their attention, God did some vivid (also awkward, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and painful) object lessons through Ezekiel. Even so, the people treated Ezekiel as a curiosity or as entertainment, rather than heeding his hardship-enabled messages.
For starters, Ezekiel was in exile already. He had to eat a scroll (3:1-3). He was shut up in his house for a time (3:24-25). He was mute except when God opened his mouth (3:26-27). He had to create a detailed display (4:1-3). He had to lie on his side publically every day for 430 days (4:4-6). He had to eat a survival diet of bread and water (4:9-11). He had to use animal dung as fuel (4:15). He had to cut off his hair and beard (5:1). He had to dig a tunnel to crawl through (8:8). A man fell dead at his prophecy (11:13). He had to dig another hole and leave the city at night (12:3-7). He had to continue a restricted diet (12:18). He had to publically show strong emotion of grief (21:6). His wife died suddenly, and he was not allowed to mourn (24:16-18). These are some of the hardships Ezekiel had to endure for the express purpose of illustrating God's message.
I recall a personal concentrated time of challenges. I had been teaching in a ministry I loved for six-and-a-half years. For the previous three years I had battled through debilitating illness and was finally starting to emerge from the worst of it. Unexpectedly and on very short notice, I was asked to leave that ministry due to concerns over my health. My appeal to stay was denied. I had to pack up and leave over Christmas break, driving all day on Christmas Eve to arrive at my parents' house, having been forcibly cut off from my students, my ministry, my income, my church, my pastor's wife's support, my familiar environment, my independence, my doctor. I faced the challenging prospect of living as a adult with my parents, with dynamics that sometimes seemed impossible to endure.
I thought I would be teaching again the next fall, but God closed multiple doors one after the other, several of which seemed like absolutely sure things. I ended up in that same setting for an additional year before God finally led me to the next step. In those twenty months, God impacted me with I Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God." I learned that life is filled with the repeated necessity of submitting to the Almighty God, often each challenge a little harder.
I penned these words: "The mighty Creator has charge of my life;/ His wisdom determines each blessing and strife./ His love overarches and always surrounds./ His presence is with me; His mercy abounds.
God had purposes for that time, things He wanted me to do. But deeper than the book I wrote, the ministry to others, and the extended time with Him, was the necessity of growth. We tend to look for circumstances to confirm God's purpose through difficulty: a flat tire to avoid an accident, lost correspondence that prevents a bad decision, hospitalization in order to witness. God often does those situational things, because God is amazing, but they are not necessarily His chief goal in adversity. God wants to mature us (James 1:3-4) and conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29).
If we yield to God when it's hard, the humility and yielding are growth. We emerge from that trouble with greater peace, trust, and stability. We become softer, gentler, and more compassionate. We are better equipped to minister to people and less dependent on pleasant circumstances. We are more readily compliant to God's future plans. Our relationship with God deepens as we flourish under His enabling grace (I Peter 5:5). In other words, we grow in Christ-like maturity. The growth is so special that people frequently say they wouldn't trade the difficulty for anything.
Probably you also have talked about the hardest thing you've ever had to do, the most difficult decision, the heart-breaking desertion or betrayal, the biggest loss, the most painful attack, the incomparable loneliness/isolation, the unprecedented health struggles, the concerted opposition, or the unparalleled financial duress. (And within a short time, don't some of those get surpassed by something even harder?)
Whatever words describe our difficulty, we can't just pretend it wasn't that bad. It was that bad. The point is that we are willing to yield and humble ourselves before God even in that. We can't fully and meaningfully submit if we don't acknowledge the intensity.
Just because Ezekiel was a prophet or a man or because he lived a long time ago did not make his challenges easy for him. But time after time, even when his heart was breaking, he kept allowing God to do what He needed to do, and he kept following God's instructions. Ezekiel submitted to each difficult step, even though his message was not received by the people he was trying to reach.
If you've been through these times, you know what I'm talking about. As you face more of them in the future, I trust God's grace will enable you to submit and keep serving anyway. If you are currently in one of those times and want to share with me, I will pray especially for you.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,/ When sorrows like sea billows roll;/ Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,/ It is well, it is well with my soul."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our Master-God. He is the one in charge, and He often asks difficult things.
Ezekiel had to do hard things in order to share God's message. People didn't want to listen to him; in order to get their attention, God did some vivid (also awkward, inconvenient, uncomfortable, and painful) object lessons through Ezekiel. Even so, the people treated Ezekiel as a curiosity or as entertainment, rather than heeding his hardship-enabled messages.
For starters, Ezekiel was in exile already. He had to eat a scroll (3:1-3). He was shut up in his house for a time (3:24-25). He was mute except when God opened his mouth (3:26-27). He had to create a detailed display (4:1-3). He had to lie on his side publically every day for 430 days (4:4-6). He had to eat a survival diet of bread and water (4:9-11). He had to use animal dung as fuel (4:15). He had to cut off his hair and beard (5:1). He had to dig a tunnel to crawl through (8:8). A man fell dead at his prophecy (11:13). He had to dig another hole and leave the city at night (12:3-7). He had to continue a restricted diet (12:18). He had to publically show strong emotion of grief (21:6). His wife died suddenly, and he was not allowed to mourn (24:16-18). These are some of the hardships Ezekiel had to endure for the express purpose of illustrating God's message.
I recall a personal concentrated time of challenges. I had been teaching in a ministry I loved for six-and-a-half years. For the previous three years I had battled through debilitating illness and was finally starting to emerge from the worst of it. Unexpectedly and on very short notice, I was asked to leave that ministry due to concerns over my health. My appeal to stay was denied. I had to pack up and leave over Christmas break, driving all day on Christmas Eve to arrive at my parents' house, having been forcibly cut off from my students, my ministry, my income, my church, my pastor's wife's support, my familiar environment, my independence, my doctor. I faced the challenging prospect of living as a adult with my parents, with dynamics that sometimes seemed impossible to endure.
I thought I would be teaching again the next fall, but God closed multiple doors one after the other, several of which seemed like absolutely sure things. I ended up in that same setting for an additional year before God finally led me to the next step. In those twenty months, God impacted me with I Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God." I learned that life is filled with the repeated necessity of submitting to the Almighty God, often each challenge a little harder.
I penned these words: "The mighty Creator has charge of my life;/ His wisdom determines each blessing and strife./ His love overarches and always surrounds./ His presence is with me; His mercy abounds.
"Humble under His mighty hand./ Humble in
this – the way He’s planned./ In everything I know His way is best./ I must
obey; I will submit and rest.
"The good and the bad both proceed from His
hand./ He knows what He does when I don’t understand./ In all of the big things
He works out His will;/ In each of the details my heart can be still."
God had purposes for that time, things He wanted me to do. But deeper than the book I wrote, the ministry to others, and the extended time with Him, was the necessity of growth. We tend to look for circumstances to confirm God's purpose through difficulty: a flat tire to avoid an accident, lost correspondence that prevents a bad decision, hospitalization in order to witness. God often does those situational things, because God is amazing, but they are not necessarily His chief goal in adversity. God wants to mature us (James 1:3-4) and conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:28-29).
If we yield to God when it's hard, the humility and yielding are growth. We emerge from that trouble with greater peace, trust, and stability. We become softer, gentler, and more compassionate. We are better equipped to minister to people and less dependent on pleasant circumstances. We are more readily compliant to God's future plans. Our relationship with God deepens as we flourish under His enabling grace (I Peter 5:5). In other words, we grow in Christ-like maturity. The growth is so special that people frequently say they wouldn't trade the difficulty for anything.
Probably you also have talked about the hardest thing you've ever had to do, the most difficult decision, the heart-breaking desertion or betrayal, the biggest loss, the most painful attack, the incomparable loneliness/isolation, the unprecedented health struggles, the concerted opposition, or the unparalleled financial duress. (And within a short time, don't some of those get surpassed by something even harder?)
Whatever words describe our difficulty, we can't just pretend it wasn't that bad. It was that bad. The point is that we are willing to yield and humble ourselves before God even in that. We can't fully and meaningfully submit if we don't acknowledge the intensity.
Just because Ezekiel was a prophet or a man or because he lived a long time ago did not make his challenges easy for him. But time after time, even when his heart was breaking, he kept allowing God to do what He needed to do, and he kept following God's instructions. Ezekiel submitted to each difficult step, even though his message was not received by the people he was trying to reach.
If you've been through these times, you know what I'm talking about. As you face more of them in the future, I trust God's grace will enable you to submit and keep serving anyway. If you are currently in one of those times and want to share with me, I will pray especially for you.
"When peace like a river attendeth my way,/ When sorrows like sea billows roll;/ Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,/ It is well, it is well with my soul."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 15, 2020
02152020 God's Thorough Care
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of the Care-giver God. It is deep in a woman's soul to want a strong and capable man to protect her, meet her needs, and care for her. That doesn't always happen in reality. When God provides such a man, it is a great blessing. Some, however, have unmet desires or life-long hunger, either because God has chosen singleness for them, or because their husbands are incapable or unwilling to meet those desires.
While loving husbands are a tremendous provision of God, even they cannot do what God can do. They cannot provide the level of care that God can provide. In Psalm 145, David praises God for many things, but I found one section of verses to be particularly captivating.
God deserves praise (vs. 1-4). God's character makes Him worthy of praise (vs. 5-9). God's works make Him worthy of praise (vs. 10-13). And then the section I want to focus on, God's gentle and thorough care make Him worthy of praise (vs. 14-19).
"The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down" (v. 14). We fall. We are too weak to stand under life's burdens. They make us stagger, bend over, and even collapse. But what a tender picture, that God sees the struggle, and He doesn't turn a calloused eye. He doesn't leave us broken and hurting to try to get back up on our own. In real life, when people fall, many would just pass by and allow the person to manage on his own; those who stop to help are demonstrations of compassion and care. That's what God does. He lifts the fallen back up - maybe removing a burden so they can stand again, maybe healing bruises. He puts them on their feet and upholds them as they resume their journey.
"The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season" (v. 15). The husband is the bread-winner, but he can't always provide as well as he would like. The challenges of life may temporarily prevent him from filling that role. I have recently been researching west Africa, and the food and drought issues are so great that a man's labor can be insufficient to meet the needs of his family. Even in more prosperous countries, there are times that man through his own effort cannot provide. But God always can. When we look to God, He provides what we need. This is another evidence of His care, being careful to see that our needs are met.
"Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (v. 16). God even goes beyond our needs by providing extra things that bring delight. The words used picture generosity and liberality, an abundance of blessing. Sounds like a Valentine's Day or anniversary extravagance, when a husband might do special things "just because" in an effort to bring joy. God has that sensitivity and love. He does special things for us to make our way more pleasurable. These are not necessary, but are special blessings from the hand of a caring God.
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works" (v. 17). In the midst of God's care, it is important to know that He always does the right thing. People don't always handle care properly. They might indulge a sweet tooth beyond the boundaries of health. They might splurge on extravagances that unduly drain the budget. They might provide pleasures that detract from the duties of life. God never makes poor decisions or gives ill-advised gifts. Everything that He does and gives in His care is right and good. All of God's gifts can be trusted and embraced without fear or guilt.
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth" (v. 18). Oh, what a precious provision! Don't women crave someone to talk to? Someone dependable who is always there? Someone who will listen to all our words (even when they are multitudinous) and not be distracted, bored, disinterested, dismissive, or critical? Those who are alone often crave fellowship, and those who are home alone during the day often anticipate their husband's return so they can talk. God has a listening ear. He is nearby, so that whenever we call, He immediately hears us. He does not weary of our talking. In fact, He loves to hear from us and to have us communicate with Him. Our caring God listens to everything we say.
"He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them" (v. 19). When danger comes, man is sometimes incapable of protecting or designing a rescue. He doesn't always know what to do and doesn't always have the ability or resources to carry out what he believes is a good decision. God, on the other hand, excels in these areas. No situation is too hard for Him to handle. No danger or dilemma is beyond His capability. God alone can bring the right solution. He can work out even what seems impossible.
Most of you are married. I am sure that you are very grateful for the husband God has provided and for the years, few or many, that God has given you together. Maybe you even just celebrated that anew. Some of you are single, and maybe recent days have been challenging as you watched the rest of the world celebrate. All of us can take pleasure and joy in the care of our loving God who loves us as no human can and who cares for us so deeply that His care is unmatched. Rejoice in our caring God who meets every aspect of our need! He is indeed worthy of praise.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of the Care-giver God. It is deep in a woman's soul to want a strong and capable man to protect her, meet her needs, and care for her. That doesn't always happen in reality. When God provides such a man, it is a great blessing. Some, however, have unmet desires or life-long hunger, either because God has chosen singleness for them, or because their husbands are incapable or unwilling to meet those desires.
While loving husbands are a tremendous provision of God, even they cannot do what God can do. They cannot provide the level of care that God can provide. In Psalm 145, David praises God for many things, but I found one section of verses to be particularly captivating.
God deserves praise (vs. 1-4). God's character makes Him worthy of praise (vs. 5-9). God's works make Him worthy of praise (vs. 10-13). And then the section I want to focus on, God's gentle and thorough care make Him worthy of praise (vs. 14-19).
"The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down" (v. 14). We fall. We are too weak to stand under life's burdens. They make us stagger, bend over, and even collapse. But what a tender picture, that God sees the struggle, and He doesn't turn a calloused eye. He doesn't leave us broken and hurting to try to get back up on our own. In real life, when people fall, many would just pass by and allow the person to manage on his own; those who stop to help are demonstrations of compassion and care. That's what God does. He lifts the fallen back up - maybe removing a burden so they can stand again, maybe healing bruises. He puts them on their feet and upholds them as they resume their journey.
"The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season" (v. 15). The husband is the bread-winner, but he can't always provide as well as he would like. The challenges of life may temporarily prevent him from filling that role. I have recently been researching west Africa, and the food and drought issues are so great that a man's labor can be insufficient to meet the needs of his family. Even in more prosperous countries, there are times that man through his own effort cannot provide. But God always can. When we look to God, He provides what we need. This is another evidence of His care, being careful to see that our needs are met.
"Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing" (v. 16). God even goes beyond our needs by providing extra things that bring delight. The words used picture generosity and liberality, an abundance of blessing. Sounds like a Valentine's Day or anniversary extravagance, when a husband might do special things "just because" in an effort to bring joy. God has that sensitivity and love. He does special things for us to make our way more pleasurable. These are not necessary, but are special blessings from the hand of a caring God.
"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works" (v. 17). In the midst of God's care, it is important to know that He always does the right thing. People don't always handle care properly. They might indulge a sweet tooth beyond the boundaries of health. They might splurge on extravagances that unduly drain the budget. They might provide pleasures that detract from the duties of life. God never makes poor decisions or gives ill-advised gifts. Everything that He does and gives in His care is right and good. All of God's gifts can be trusted and embraced without fear or guilt.
"The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth" (v. 18). Oh, what a precious provision! Don't women crave someone to talk to? Someone dependable who is always there? Someone who will listen to all our words (even when they are multitudinous) and not be distracted, bored, disinterested, dismissive, or critical? Those who are alone often crave fellowship, and those who are home alone during the day often anticipate their husband's return so they can talk. God has a listening ear. He is nearby, so that whenever we call, He immediately hears us. He does not weary of our talking. In fact, He loves to hear from us and to have us communicate with Him. Our caring God listens to everything we say.
"He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them" (v. 19). When danger comes, man is sometimes incapable of protecting or designing a rescue. He doesn't always know what to do and doesn't always have the ability or resources to carry out what he believes is a good decision. God, on the other hand, excels in these areas. No situation is too hard for Him to handle. No danger or dilemma is beyond His capability. God alone can bring the right solution. He can work out even what seems impossible.
Most of you are married. I am sure that you are very grateful for the husband God has provided and for the years, few or many, that God has given you together. Maybe you even just celebrated that anew. Some of you are single, and maybe recent days have been challenging as you watched the rest of the world celebrate. All of us can take pleasure and joy in the care of our loving God who loves us as no human can and who cares for us so deeply that His care is unmatched. Rejoice in our caring God who meets every aspect of our need! He is indeed worthy of praise.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 8, 2020
02082020 Strength in Weakness
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of God who is our strength. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
I am currently battling my second relapse of the flu, an affliction that started at the end of December. I am learning patience, caution, and respect regarding this previously-unknown foe. I am hopeful, and while I use another weekend as an opportunity for necessary rest, I write to you.
Twice now I have thought I was past the point of danger - thought I was going to be okay - but I have learned that my body is weak. In the midst of this struggle, I have considered weakness, and I want to share my thoughts with you.
First, we are weak. Mankind in general is limited and finite; he is incapable of facing many of the challenges of life. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (Isaiah 40:30). As women, we are the "weaker vessel," and generally speaking, both our physical and emotional strength are weaker than that of man.
Second, God is strong. "The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself" (Psalm 93:1). Nothing is too hard for God, and no enemy can stand before Him.
Third, God sometimes makes us weaker so we rely on His strength. "He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days" (Psalm 102:23). "He will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:6-7).
Fourth, our weakness is an opportunity for God to display His strength. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (II Corinthians 12:9). If we can do something in our own strength, we often do, and there is nothing outstanding about that. But when it is obvious to ourselves and to everyone else watching that there is no way we for us to accomplish a task, and then God pours out His strength to make it possible, it is obvious to all that God did it, and He rightfully gets the glory.
With God's strength, Job, whose body was wracked by debilitating illness, was able to demonstrate to Satan that a believer could faithfully follow God even in adversity.
With God's strength, Sarah, far past the prime of life, gave birth to a son, and aged Abraham joined in raising that son.
With God's strength, Jacob, with a permanent limp after his wrestling with God, led the fledgling tribe of Israel.
With God's strength, frightened Gideon with only 300 men, routed the army of the Midianites.
With God's strength, Samson, debilitated because of his own foolish choices, killed more Philistines in his death than in his life.
With God's strength, David, a mere youth, defeated Goliath, a man of war from his youth.
With God's strength, Jonathan, accompanied only by his armorbearer, destroyed a garrison of twenty men.
With God's strength, Elijah, under threat of execution and thinking himself totally alone, oversaw the falling of fire from heaven that displayed the identity of the true God to all who watched.
With God's strength, Jeremiah, facing perpetual and universal opposition to his message, was imprisoned, thrown into a muddy well, kept on short rations, and still continued faithful to the task God gave him.
With God's strength, Daniel, hated for his convictions that went against cultural expectations, endured life threats and emerged triumphant.
With God's strength, Paul, pestered by a persistent thorn in the flesh, preached Christ to much of the known world.
As demonstrated by the above persons, there are different kinds of weakness. There are temporary physical illnesses, chronic health conditions, and the effects of aging. There is weakness caused by an overwhelming schedule or by the special needs of one's children. There is emotional weakness that threatens to tear one down from within. There is being without a husband for support, and there is facing the challenges of an often-absent husband who is required to travel. There is weakness when one is forced to perform a task without the proper training and experience, or to attempt a job far too big for the limited supply of helpers. There is weakness from facing cultural questions that require the wisdom of Solomon, from living under threats of physical danger, and from struggling under government restrictions and societal pressures.
Are you weak? Of course, you are. But if you draw on God's strength, God can do amazing things and achieve phenomenal results through you, and then He will properly receive the glory. "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD" (Psalm 71:16).
"Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me,/ A clean vessel in Thy hand;/ With no pow'r but as Thou givest/ Graciously with each command.
"Channels only, blessed Master,/ But with all Thy wondrous pow'r/ Flowing through us, Thou canst use us/ Every day and every hour."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of God who is our strength. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).
I am currently battling my second relapse of the flu, an affliction that started at the end of December. I am learning patience, caution, and respect regarding this previously-unknown foe. I am hopeful, and while I use another weekend as an opportunity for necessary rest, I write to you.
Twice now I have thought I was past the point of danger - thought I was going to be okay - but I have learned that my body is weak. In the midst of this struggle, I have considered weakness, and I want to share my thoughts with you.
First, we are weak. Mankind in general is limited and finite; he is incapable of facing many of the challenges of life. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall" (Isaiah 40:30). As women, we are the "weaker vessel," and generally speaking, both our physical and emotional strength are weaker than that of man.
Second, God is strong. "The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself" (Psalm 93:1). Nothing is too hard for God, and no enemy can stand before Him.
Third, God sometimes makes us weaker so we rely on His strength. "He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days" (Psalm 102:23). "He will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:6-7).
Fourth, our weakness is an opportunity for God to display His strength. "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (II Corinthians 12:9). If we can do something in our own strength, we often do, and there is nothing outstanding about that. But when it is obvious to ourselves and to everyone else watching that there is no way we for us to accomplish a task, and then God pours out His strength to make it possible, it is obvious to all that God did it, and He rightfully gets the glory.
With God's strength, Job, whose body was wracked by debilitating illness, was able to demonstrate to Satan that a believer could faithfully follow God even in adversity.
With God's strength, Sarah, far past the prime of life, gave birth to a son, and aged Abraham joined in raising that son.
With God's strength, Jacob, with a permanent limp after his wrestling with God, led the fledgling tribe of Israel.
With God's strength, frightened Gideon with only 300 men, routed the army of the Midianites.
With God's strength, Samson, debilitated because of his own foolish choices, killed more Philistines in his death than in his life.
With God's strength, David, a mere youth, defeated Goliath, a man of war from his youth.
With God's strength, Jonathan, accompanied only by his armorbearer, destroyed a garrison of twenty men.
With God's strength, Elijah, under threat of execution and thinking himself totally alone, oversaw the falling of fire from heaven that displayed the identity of the true God to all who watched.
With God's strength, Jeremiah, facing perpetual and universal opposition to his message, was imprisoned, thrown into a muddy well, kept on short rations, and still continued faithful to the task God gave him.
With God's strength, Daniel, hated for his convictions that went against cultural expectations, endured life threats and emerged triumphant.
With God's strength, Paul, pestered by a persistent thorn in the flesh, preached Christ to much of the known world.
As demonstrated by the above persons, there are different kinds of weakness. There are temporary physical illnesses, chronic health conditions, and the effects of aging. There is weakness caused by an overwhelming schedule or by the special needs of one's children. There is emotional weakness that threatens to tear one down from within. There is being without a husband for support, and there is facing the challenges of an often-absent husband who is required to travel. There is weakness when one is forced to perform a task without the proper training and experience, or to attempt a job far too big for the limited supply of helpers. There is weakness from facing cultural questions that require the wisdom of Solomon, from living under threats of physical danger, and from struggling under government restrictions and societal pressures.
Are you weak? Of course, you are. But if you draw on God's strength, God can do amazing things and achieve phenomenal results through you, and then He will properly receive the glory. "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD" (Psalm 71:16).
"Emptied that Thou shouldest fill me,/ A clean vessel in Thy hand;/ With no pow'r but as Thou givest/ Graciously with each command.
"Channels only, blessed Master,/ But with all Thy wondrous pow'r/ Flowing through us, Thou canst use us/ Every day and every hour."
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 1, 2020
02012020 Andrew Bonar
Dear Missionary Lady,
Greetings in the name of our Savior. With one month of 2020 having passed, I trust you have already seen God's blessing in this year and that you are anticipating His continued work as you move forward.
I have been reading the journal of Andrew Bonar, Scottish preacher of the 1800s. His entries are very sporadic, with rarely very many in the same year. I'm somewhere around twenty years into his ministry, and I don't yet know where he ends up. I have a few general impressions: his persistent desire to be more faithful in prayer, and his awareness of the gradual and painstakingly slow nature of his Christian growth. His writings reveal that he very clearly had a heart for God. He wanted to grow, wanted to be pleasing to God, and wanted to serve God.
The Jews were very dear to his heart (at a time when anti-Semitism was rampant in Europe). Bonar was able to take a trip to the Holy Land, and he often spoke about the Jews and tried to reach them. At one point, the possibility arose that he might be asked to go on a three-year mission to the Jews in Constantinople, accompanied by a few other preachers.
While his heart for the Jews created some interest in this endeavor, Bonar felt the burden of not leaving the congregation with whom he had been struggling to make progress. It seemed very unlikely to find anyone to oversee his church during a long absence, which ultimately ended up being the reason he was not chosen for the mission.
In the midst of the extended time during which the possibility of this trip to the Jews remained under consideration, Bonar wrote: "That is, I do not feel the Holy Spirit has stirred me up to that work, or qualified me for it; while yet, did I know it as His will, I would go tomorrow."
I like his balanced contemplation. Because of his interest, he could have jumped at the chance, but he didn't. He prayerfully considered the possibility, and he was sensitive not only to the Spirit's leading (or lack thereof), but also to his own preparation and abilities. Just because he was interested didn't mean that the job was for him.
I also like his willing heart. Even with his reservations about his ability and the needs of his congregation, Bonar was willing. If convinced it was God's will, his obedience would have been immediate.
This attitude struck me as being exemplary for all Christians, and perhaps for vocational servants in particular. We are faced with many possibilities for service - many directions we could go - many activities we could embrace. Some we may really want to do. Some we may feel really qualified for. But those are not the criteria for making choices. They may be factors, but ultimately, our decisions of what to do and what not to do in God's service must be based on God's guidance.
If God leads us to do something, we can do it even if we aren't the most qualified and even if it isn't our preference. If, however, God is not leading, all the qualifications and interest in the world should not induce us to step forward.
I think of the apostle Paul in two respects. First, he had a heart for the Jews also, and he habitually started his ministry in each new city by visiting the synagogues. That was not, however, the primary target group God had for him, and Paul faithfully carried the gospel to the Gentiles. Second, in Acts 16, Paul was ready to move to the next geographic area. The Holy Spirit stopped him more than once before directing him to a specific area. Paul yielded to the Spirit's direction, not pushing in where he was hindered, but willingly going where the Spirit directed.
While not Scripture words, Bonar's words are good words for us: "Did I know it as His will, I would go tomorrow." May that be our heart - always ready to do what God asks us to do - regardless of personal preference or sense of ability. We can lay aside our reservations and protests and simply say, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5).
If God leads you to take new steps, don't hold back. If He leads you to continue just as you have been for years, remain faithful. What you do today matters for eternity, but true value comes when you closely follow God's guidance. May He bless your steps.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
Greetings in the name of our Savior. With one month of 2020 having passed, I trust you have already seen God's blessing in this year and that you are anticipating His continued work as you move forward.
I have been reading the journal of Andrew Bonar, Scottish preacher of the 1800s. His entries are very sporadic, with rarely very many in the same year. I'm somewhere around twenty years into his ministry, and I don't yet know where he ends up. I have a few general impressions: his persistent desire to be more faithful in prayer, and his awareness of the gradual and painstakingly slow nature of his Christian growth. His writings reveal that he very clearly had a heart for God. He wanted to grow, wanted to be pleasing to God, and wanted to serve God.
The Jews were very dear to his heart (at a time when anti-Semitism was rampant in Europe). Bonar was able to take a trip to the Holy Land, and he often spoke about the Jews and tried to reach them. At one point, the possibility arose that he might be asked to go on a three-year mission to the Jews in Constantinople, accompanied by a few other preachers.
While his heart for the Jews created some interest in this endeavor, Bonar felt the burden of not leaving the congregation with whom he had been struggling to make progress. It seemed very unlikely to find anyone to oversee his church during a long absence, which ultimately ended up being the reason he was not chosen for the mission.
In the midst of the extended time during which the possibility of this trip to the Jews remained under consideration, Bonar wrote: "That is, I do not feel the Holy Spirit has stirred me up to that work, or qualified me for it; while yet, did I know it as His will, I would go tomorrow."
I like his balanced contemplation. Because of his interest, he could have jumped at the chance, but he didn't. He prayerfully considered the possibility, and he was sensitive not only to the Spirit's leading (or lack thereof), but also to his own preparation and abilities. Just because he was interested didn't mean that the job was for him.
I also like his willing heart. Even with his reservations about his ability and the needs of his congregation, Bonar was willing. If convinced it was God's will, his obedience would have been immediate.
This attitude struck me as being exemplary for all Christians, and perhaps for vocational servants in particular. We are faced with many possibilities for service - many directions we could go - many activities we could embrace. Some we may really want to do. Some we may feel really qualified for. But those are not the criteria for making choices. They may be factors, but ultimately, our decisions of what to do and what not to do in God's service must be based on God's guidance.
If God leads us to do something, we can do it even if we aren't the most qualified and even if it isn't our preference. If, however, God is not leading, all the qualifications and interest in the world should not induce us to step forward.
I think of the apostle Paul in two respects. First, he had a heart for the Jews also, and he habitually started his ministry in each new city by visiting the synagogues. That was not, however, the primary target group God had for him, and Paul faithfully carried the gospel to the Gentiles. Second, in Acts 16, Paul was ready to move to the next geographic area. The Holy Spirit stopped him more than once before directing him to a specific area. Paul yielded to the Spirit's direction, not pushing in where he was hindered, but willingly going where the Spirit directed.
While not Scripture words, Bonar's words are good words for us: "Did I know it as His will, I would go tomorrow." May that be our heart - always ready to do what God asks us to do - regardless of personal preference or sense of ability. We can lay aside our reservations and protests and simply say, "Nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net" (Luke 5:5).
If God leads you to take new steps, don't hold back. If He leads you to continue just as you have been for years, remain faithful. What you do today matters for eternity, but true value comes when you closely follow God's guidance. May He bless your steps.
Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com
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