Columbia 3, housing....

Columbia 3
 housing....

As I was walking one of my daily miles, I couldn't help thinking that less than a week ago I was walking among a different type of housing...
Orange/brown dirt, no well manicured lawns, few flowers, sandy soil, no cement walkways, houses of sticks and stone or twigs or cement blocks, built with little machinery, "lawn mowers"=goats, few Windows, plastic chairs, central water, open air courtyards, thatched roofs, one to two rooms....

As opposed to where I live in a small neighborhood with a variety of styles, colors, flowers in abundance, concrete and blacktop streets, noisy lawn mowers, multiple rooms, electricity at a touch of a switch, water plumbed into the appropriate rooms, wood framed rooms, tile or composition roofs, Windows with coverings, doors and glass...

A world away in style...but the same in heart...

But the people in each have the same basic needs-food,shelter, a savior...

And for those who have accepted that Savior, we have the same home awaiting our occupancy...

John 14:2-4 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Or we seek to find the same Lord...home...

Psalm 27:4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

There, the color of skin, our past dwellings matter little...only our love for the Lord...
These earthly houses will have passed away...giving way to His holy presence...

Thank YOU for the preparation You are making...help me and those whom I meet have a clean accepting heart...making sure that the "rooms" of our lives reflect your glory...cleaned, open to your love...

Columbia 2... Boats on the beach...

Columbia 2
Boats on the shore...

The written purpose of this team is to observe, listen and learn...but we learned with our hearts so much more...

The purpose of gifting of boxes here is to birth churches ....through the gospel given freely to the children, but parents and others watching, hearing as well. Win generations to Christ....by a simple gospel presentation and a love gift from people far away...

One question raised-did you see anything that Jesus might see?

We arrived at a small airport in Riohacha, Columbia...northern coast...the plane was full...six seats across, not a small plane...
Colombian people for the most part, but included a group of 20 Americans, we picked up our baggage and boarded a big fancy bus...

Then we drove a main road to our hotel. The hotel faces the ocean. We only needed to walk across the street to be on the beach, step into the sand, crowded with street venders, palm trees, a few fishermen and strolling people.

On the road to the hotel, we passed  industrial areas, small shops and finally came to the beach drive...humanity...beached fishing boats...not motorized, but, small sailing boats covered with drying nets...

We walked before dinner, to watch the sun set into a cloudy ocean filled with reds, oranges and yellows turning quickly into purples, grays...beautiful ...

My "sighting", people, boats...my visual for this day of the trip...
Just as these boats and their fisherman fish daily for food, throwing out their nets, pulling in the harvest...so are we to cast out the gospel.  God providing the "fish" for harvest...we are to be fishers of men...

Casting, pulling in, giving out...knowing that He desires people to be brought in...none to perish ...

This trip is said to "birth churches", to go to the fields ripe for harvest of souls, freely giving them the gift of salvation, "fishing"....
Diner was another reminder of those fisherman and their boats, fresh fish, cooked to perfection, harvested diligently...

Just as the chefs prepared our food, we fish for people, preparing them well, equipping them through the Word(recipe of life)...

Thank YOU...help me to be diligent in the gifts you have given, to truly be a fisher of men...to see the lost, to give...to fish ....

Matthew 4:18-22 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.
They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.
They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets.
Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Luke 5:4-7, 9-11 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”
Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.
But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.
For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

Columbia...paths...plans...

Columbia 1
Paths...

When I think back over this past year, I really don't remember when Columbia came into the picture....a word here, an invitation there until it just came to be...I was planning on going to Ecuador with Compassion or Taiwan with another ministry...or even was invited to go to Uganda with still yet another group or Thailand with still another group or simply stay at home and visit with my neighbors...but Columbia came together as if it was "planned"....which of course it was...the others still went ahead...but without my presence but with others whose plan it was...

We, as a family, have supported Samaritans Purse for years and filled a multitude of  Christmas boxes as well as other projects that are part of this ministry...grass roots projects...those which fill the spiritual and physical needs of people...the fundamental purpose of Samaritans Purse...Going in Jesus' name....

But going and handing out boxes was a dream way out there in left field...for others to do ...but God changed that into reality...planning all along to add it to my life if I were obedient to his call...to meet others who lives would be impacted as well...He formed the perfect group, the perfect country...for each of us...gave us the perfect weather, the great leaders...gave each of us stories to recount...the pictures to remember...

We may never meet again this side of glory, but we each person was touched with eternity in a new fresh way...whether in our lives or those we met...the smiles, the tears, the surprises, the prayers, the friendships, the care...boxed into a gift to each...given for enrichment of our lives..

Thank YOU for this journey...this path in which You planned for each...each day was a blessing...


As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.—PSALM 18: 30

Psalm 40:5 Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.—1 CORINTHIANS 7: 17 ESV"



"Hi - I'm reading "Jesus Always (with Bonus Content): Embracing Joy in His Presence" by Sarah Young and wanted to share this quote with you.

"June 16 I HAVE GOOD INTENTIONS FOR YOU. They may be radically different from what you hoped or expected, but they are nonetheless good. I am Light; in Me there is no darkness at all. So look for My Light in all your circumstances. I am abundantly present in your moments. Your assignment is to be open to Me and My ways with you. Sometimes this requires relinquishing things you had planned or dreamed. You need to remember and wholeheartedly believe that My way is perfect, no matter how hard it is. I am a shield for all who take refuge in Me. When you’re feeling afflicted or afraid, come to Me and say: “Lord, I take refuge in You.” I don’t shield you from things I intend for you to deal with, for you have an important part to play in this world. However, I protect you from more dangers and troubles than you can imagine. So make every effort to live the life I have assigned to you. Do this in joyful dependence on Me, and your soul will be richly satisfied."

Pleasing God...

Pleasing God...

Continuing in Ecclesiastics, I cam upon the word, "please".  In this city text it was the person who pleases God...but I wondered what pleases God...what delights Him?....

Ecclesiastes 2:26a To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God....

I found these passages...

1 Timothy 2:1-7 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

Psalm 147:11 the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

Proverbs 11:20 The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless.

Micah 7:18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.

Matthew 12:18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.

He loves us so...

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Thank YOU...I want to be your delight...

Contrasts of outlook .....

Contrasts....

This morning it was "ironic" to read these two conflicting passages...from meaninglessness to total companionship...

One giving the hopelessness we have without the True Companion which we can have in the everlasting Father, Son and Holy Spirit...

Hope and meaning versus hopelessness and meaninglessness...companionship versus aloneness...joy versus  sorrow...
Comfort versus inner pain...foolish versus wisdom...

What a choice!!! Thank YOU that you give hope when life seems meaningless...You are there...


Ecclesiastes 1:2, 16-17 “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.

"June 4 I AM YOUR JOY! Let these words reverberate in your mind and sink into your innermost being. I—your Companion who will never leave you—am a boundless source of Joy. If you really believe this, you can rest in the truth that every day of your life is a good day. So refuse to use the label “a bad day,” even when you’re struggling deeply. Your circumstances may indeed be very hard, but I am nonetheless with you, holding you by your right hand. There is good to be found in this day—and every day—because of My constant Presence and steadfast Love."

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

The Proverbs 31 woman...

The Proverbs 31 woman...

I find it interesting that the book of Proverbs ends up with a description of an excellent woman...a woman to be praised...

All though Proverbs, there are descriptions of women not to be praised---the adulteress, the argumentative, the contentious, the foolish...plus all through the Bible we get pictures and stories of ones who were excellent and ones who were not...
Ones who led their families with wisdom and ones who fell far short, ones who were evil and ones who were humble and blessed, ones who were courageous, ones who were argumentative, ones who were industrious, ones who served and those who were served, ones who were deceitful and one who were truthful.....the same traits I find in women today...we haven't changed over the eons of time...we haven't "evolved" into better and better beings like some would suggest...we still face the same temptations, conflicts, attitudes, pain or joys that our ancestors faced...we still have basically the same choices...

The Proverbs 31 woman is just as applicable  today as it was when it was written...we may not have all the duties she did or do all activities she did, but we have a choice to fear the Lord as she did, we have a choice to serve our families and community in a godly way...we can comfort, serve, care, love, prepare....

Thank YOU for the example...help me even in widowhood the to exemplify the characteristics of this woman to You, to my family and those around me...that I would reverence You in my life....


Proverbs 31:10-31 amplified
An excellent woman one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous, who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
The heart of her husband trusts in her with secure confidence, And he will have no lack of gain.
She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life.
She looks for wool and flax And works with willing hands in delight. She is like the merchant ships abounding with treasure;
She brings her household’s food from far away. She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids.
She considers a field before she buys or accepts it expanding her business prudently; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
She equips herself with strength spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task And makes her arms strong.
She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night she is prepared for whatever lies ahead.
She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle as she spins wool into thread for clothing.
She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in expensive scarlet wool.
She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple wool.
Her husband is known in the city’s gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes fine linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants.
Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future knowing that she and her family are prepared. She opens her mouth in skillful and godly wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue giving counsel and instruction.
She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed happy, prosperous, to be admired; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, “Many daughters have done nobly, and well with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness, But you excel them all.”
Charm and grace are deceptive, and superficial beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect, she shall be praised.
Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates of the city.

Proverbs again...

Proverbs again...

I have made it through the book of Proverbs again...reading about the wise, the unwise, the fools over and over again, the scoffers, the evil, the righteous, the adulteress, the crabby wife, the ants, to the wonderful Proverbs 31 woman...etc...

People I meet and see walking down the streets on my town...they are all there...mankind..."nothing is new under the sun"... Maybe a new twist or name, but really the same...

God's Word is timeless...what was good thousands of years ago is still timely in today's culture, whether in western or eastern, "developed" or "undeveloped", third world ...poor or rich....whatever..it is applicable in all mankind... It never grows old, never outdated...

ALL  scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that that the man if God may be thoroughly equipped for ever y good work...
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Psalm 119

Psalm 119: 24 your statutes are my delight; they are my counsellors..