Why?

I long to write a devotional book - something that will speak to others and encourage them in their journey with God. These are a few of my thoughts...please enjoy them as you find your resting thoughts in the arms of God.

A few quiet moments during the day. Resting thoughts to focus your mind. Come face to face with the One who loves you. Be embraced. Cherished. Loved.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Sidetracked...

so my goal to write devotions about "Desiderata" was pre-empted by a missions journal I was asked to help write. it was a big challenge (30 days) but I really appreciated it. I know many of these may not directly apply to you, but consider your life your mission and enjoy!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Looking for What is Unseen

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,
but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary,
but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18


It’s almost time to go. Stop for a moment and think about what made you make the decision to go on this trip. Were you looking for adventure? Excitement? A new experience? Or was it something more? If you’ve never been on a mission trip before, you may not know exactly why you are going, but have faith – the unseen hand working behind the scenes will reveal it to you in time!

The people you will encounter along this journey will probably look at you with those same questions in their eyes. What are you seeing? Are they asking where you came from? What you are doing here? And, most importantly, what will you do to help answer those questions?
Take a moment to think about how you will spend this time on the mission field. How will your actions be perceived? How will they see Jesus in you? Are you ready to look at the world with God’s eyes? Instead of looking at the people you will encounter through your eyes, look at them with the eyes of Christ. What does He want you to see that is ‘unseen?’ Is there a hidden need He is asking you to fill or a person He wants you to touch? Ask God to show you the eternal, unseen parts of this trip and this experience so that you can more fully help His mission be realized.

God is asking you to look with wider eyes at a world that may be unfamiliar or scary to you and see what He sees.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Almost Ready

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19


Can you believe this trip is here? For some, this is just one of many mission trips you have done throughout your life; for others, it is a new experience. Either way, this is a powerful moment in your life. You are stepping out on faith and making a quiet promise to God that you are willing to do whatever He asks you to do. As you prepare your heart and your mind for the upcoming trip, spend some time thanking Him for setting you apart for this trip. You will learn more, feel more, and experience more in the few days you are on the mission field than many other times in your life—if you are willing to be an empty vessel for Him.

The time before you leave on a trip like this is often hectic. As you figure out what to pack, make travel arrangements to drop-off locations, and spend time with the family and friends that you are not going to see for a few days, are you remembering to be in prayer for this trip?

Take a few moments now to answer these questions:
What do you most want to accomplish while you are on the field?
What lead you to this trip?
What do you feel like God is saying to you?
What are your fears about going?
What makes you the most excited?