There is a fascinating story in Jeremiah 35 intended to make the southern tribes of Judah aware of their offensive disobedience. Jeremiah is asked to invite a group of people called the Rechabites and give them wine to drink. When they are offered the wine they immediately refuse explaining that their father--Jonadab the son of Rechab--commanded them not to drink wine, them and their sons forever. There were other instructions given by their father and they were steadfast in their obedience to these commands from a human being. Listen to their explanation for why they wouldn't imbibe. "And we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters,..." (Jer.35:8).
God uses this stellar example of obedience to humiliate His people who have been deliberately ignoring all that He has commanded them. God had sent his prophets "again and again saying, 'Turn every man from his evil way...but you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me'" (35:15).
It isn't too difficult to sanctimoniously scorn God's people declaring how unreasonable they must have been. Yet, as I ponder this story it prompts a question for self-examination--"What sin(s) do I persist in despite God's repeated warnings?" We have the very Words of God written in the Bible to speak out against our vices and faults? Am I, Are you, listening or do I/you turn a deaf ear to God's Word that exposes our failures? Am I persistent in my lack of faith failing to trust God fully with my next source of employment, my future vocation or mate, my provision in retirement, my children's spiritual condition? Too often I'm clamoring for control, complaining, and critical. Lord, don't let me arrogantly dismiss the people of Judah as excessively corrupt, but instead let the light of your Word shine brightly on my life exposing the crud that needs to be removed.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Home From Hungary
Greetings. God was so good to give me good health and strength during my recent mission in Hungary. I had a great team of Americans and Hungarians to work with. Thanks to everyone on the team for their faithfulness, diligence, and hard work. It was a joy to work with each one of you.
I was able to stay in the home of one of the locals in Mohacs--Thanks Otto. He was such a great host. We had good conversations each morning--he was learning English and I was trying to learn Hungarian. I enjoyed such wonderful treats--kakaos tej; kakaos csiga; langos; and baracks. We had some serious and some light-hearted discussions. Otto took me to the location of our English camp each day and drove me home after our evening activities. After the long day of teaching and activities some of our team went "out on the town" to hang out with the locals and that was a blast.
God has given me strength to overcome the jet-lag and to return to normal responsibilities here at the church. It is so fun each day to check my facebook page. Yesterday, the first five or six posts were all in Hungarian. I had to chuckle to myself and say, "whose facebook page is this? I can't even read this stuff." What a blessing to be connected with friends half way around the globe. I miss my Hungarian friends. They are having an "After English Camp Party" this weekend and I won't be able to be there. God gave us grace and strength to share His love and we are praying that many hearts will be opened to the good news. I need the reminder from God's word that it is God who draws people to Christ (Jn.6:44) and God removes the spiritual blinders from people's eyes (2Cor. 4:1-7). We simply sow the seed and God works to cause it to grow (1Cor.3:6-7).
I'm so thankful for the wonderful and faithful prayer and financial supporters who were part of the team for this mission project. Their faithfulness was such a boost to myself and all of us on the team. Thanks to each of you for standing with us as we engaged in front line ministry.
It was hard to leave my friends (the old ones and the new ones) in Hungary, but I really wanted to see my lovely wife and children. The past few weeks have been a blur of activity culminating with our Anniversary (August 9, 2010) and my birthday (
August 13). Marla pulled off a wonderful and pleasant surprise party for me with cake and homemade ice cream. It was great to see so many friends and family. Thanks dear.
I've got to catch up on a lot of work now so I best get at it.
I've been reminded of God's desire for fidelity on the part of His people as I read through Isaiah and Jeremiah. Father don't let me forsake the fountain of life giving water or dig for myself broken cisterns that hold no water--Jeremiah 2:13. Let me remember that you alone are God and there is no other (Is. 43:10-12, 15: 44:6,8,24; 45:5,6,14). I've been trying to ask myself, "where in my life are there idols that I've set up in place of God?" Lord, help me identify and turn from anyone or anything that sets itself up against or in competition with you as the Lord of my life.
I was able to stay in the home of one of the locals in Mohacs--Thanks Otto. He was such a great host. We had good conversations each morning--he was learning English and I was trying to learn Hungarian. I enjoyed such wonderful treats--kakaos tej; kakaos csiga; langos; and baracks. We had some serious and some light-hearted discussions. Otto took me to the location of our English camp each day and drove me home after our evening activities. After the long day of teaching and activities some of our team went "out on the town" to hang out with the locals and that was a blast.
God has given me strength to overcome the jet-lag and to return to normal responsibilities here at the church. It is so fun each day to check my facebook page. Yesterday, the first five or six posts were all in Hungarian. I had to chuckle to myself and say, "whose facebook page is this? I can't even read this stuff." What a blessing to be connected with friends half way around the globe. I miss my Hungarian friends. They are having an "After English Camp Party" this weekend and I won't be able to be there. God gave us grace and strength to share His love and we are praying that many hearts will be opened to the good news. I need the reminder from God's word that it is God who draws people to Christ (Jn.6:44) and God removes the spiritual blinders from people's eyes (2Cor. 4:1-7). We simply sow the seed and God works to cause it to grow (1Cor.3:6-7).
I'm so thankful for the wonderful and faithful prayer and financial supporters who were part of the team for this mission project. Their faithfulness was such a boost to myself and all of us on the team. Thanks to each of you for standing with us as we engaged in front line ministry.
It was hard to leave my friends (the old ones and the new ones) in Hungary, but I really wanted to see my lovely wife and children. The past few weeks have been a blur of activity culminating with our Anniversary (August 9, 2010) and my birthday (
August 13). Marla pulled off a wonderful and pleasant surprise party for me with cake and homemade ice cream. It was great to see so many friends and family. Thanks dear.
I've got to catch up on a lot of work now so I best get at it.
I've been reminded of God's desire for fidelity on the part of His people as I read through Isaiah and Jeremiah. Father don't let me forsake the fountain of life giving water or dig for myself broken cisterns that hold no water--Jeremiah 2:13. Let me remember that you alone are God and there is no other (Is. 43:10-12, 15: 44:6,8,24; 45:5,6,14). I've been trying to ask myself, "where in my life are there idols that I've set up in place of God?" Lord, help me identify and turn from anyone or anything that sets itself up against or in competition with you as the Lord of my life.
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