Dear friends,   I pray that this month’s devotional will in some way encourage your hearts.  Linda

Abundance

I borrowed a book from my husband’s 101 year old mother during our recent trip to Oregon. The book, God’s Smuggler, was originally written in 1965 but the story is as captivating as if it had been written today. While reading, the thought of “abundance” kept coming to mind.  This man  of no faith, becomes a man of abundant faith. This man, Andrew, with few resources becomes an avenue of resources to others. Abundant joy, abundant treasures in the many people whom he met, abundant needs fulfilled. Just thinking about how God so abundantly supplied these true “needs” to Andrew in this real life story helped me to consider my own source of contentment in my heart. I suddenly felt assured that God had placed this devotional theme of “abundance” on my heart when I was reading in the book on page 184. The author stated: “Fundamentally this was a lesson in abundance.”  My mind quickly took me down memory lane as I started thinking about how God has so abundantly blessed me and our family over the years. Oh yes, we too have suffered many trials. However, Paul proclaims to us in Phil 4:19, (ESV) “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Ponder this thought: “My God has supplied all my needs.” By focusing on the mountains of blessings over the years, my heart too, was filled with joy.

God’s word, over and over, tells us about the abundance that comes from Him. Strong’s Concordance defines the Greek transliteration of the word “perissos.” Definitions include: all around, excess, more than, beyond what is anticipated, exceeding expectation, going past the expected limit, more than enough.

I began to think of how perspective also plays its part in understanding and appreciating “abundance.” While attending Riverside, we met and befriended a dear family who were immigrants from Nepal. In the eyes of the world, they had so little, but they considered themselves to be so blessed that they opened up the extra bedroom of their VERY modest apartment to many individuals over the time that we knew them. Because God had so richly blessed them, they felt the need to share from their abundance.

Brother Andrew, the young preacher from Holland in the book God’s Smuggler, had little for himself, however, over and over again, God provided exactly what was “needed.” Not always what was “wanted,” but what was needed, when it was needed. Sometimes resources appeared before he knew what the exact need would be, but each time, God provided. Over time a ministry to encourage and provide resources to believers behind the Iron Curtain developed. Such a ministry was not considered even possible, but God not only opened doors, but also provided abundantly for each and every trip that Pastor Andrew made. Clothing for families in refugee camps, a reliable car, Bibles in the languages of the countries that he visited, and believers were found, encouraged, and strengthened in God’s Word when there was no way to safely communicate that Andrew was even coming.

2 Corinthians 8:2 became very real to these persecuted Christians. “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” The people came to hear this preacher from Holland and they received God’s word with great joy. They gladly “gave.” In some instances they shared with others the little that they had for meals. Some “gave” their time, and in some cases their livelihood because of actions against them for attending church services. While many could not “give” in a tangible way, they gave with the gratitude of their hearts. This encouragement fostered trip after trip to these dear brothers and sisters in Christ who thought they were unknown, thought they were forgotten.

Because of the needs, God chose to bless Brother Andrew in tangible ways, caring for his and his family’s every need. He still does that for many throughout the world today. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:48 B “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Dear friends, Jesus might be calling you to be the source of the abundance in someone else’s life today.

God’s Word uses the word, abundant in passages throughout the Bible. In many instances it involves a warning about having an abundance. Luke 12:15 “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”  While some falsely teach that we are to boldly ask for anything we desire, this is clearly not what our savior teaches. We are not, “little god’s” dictating to our Heavenly Father what we “know” is in our best interest. God is not a vending machine from which we select what we want. Wise parents work to teach their children the difference between “wants” and “needs.” Our wise and loving heavenly Father also teaches us the difference and knows what is best for us at all times. While our “wants” might not always be provided, we know that our Father in Heaven lovingly provides His joy and peace. Jude 1:2 (NIV) “ Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.”  

Friends, how do we experience this overflowing, or abundance of God’s grace and peace? 2 Pet 1:2 (NIV)  tells us: “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”  Are you dictating to God what you think you need? Or, do you know Jesus as Lord and Savior, submitting to Him that he best knows our true needs? For who knows us even better than we do? Psa 139: 13-17 “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” When we give our lives over to Christ, we can be assured that even in times of struggle, temptation, and/or persecution, joy and peace will flow in abundance because He knows our every need.

Dear Father, I thank you that regardless of the immediate circumstances, when I rest solely in you, I am abundantly filled with your peace and joy. Thank you that you are the source of my living water. (John 7:38). Thank you that you, who knew me before the foundations of the earth were laid, and that you know my exact needs. Thank you for the encouragement of fellow believers. Help my eyes to see and my heart to respond when you call me to be the source of abundant blessing to others. Thank you for your abundant love, care, and joy that you have placed in my heart.   In Jesus name, Amen.

May you be an abundant blessing to others.

Linda

Sherrill, John, and Elizabeth Sherrill. God;s Smuggler. Chosen Books, 2001.

Update on our son Chris: The latest scans indicate that the infection is still in the bones of his foot. He has been put back on a pic line with strong antibiotics for at least an additional 8 weeks. New scans within a month will allow his team of doctors to determine if this plan of action is working.

Update on my sister Jan: She has found a good doctor who has the experience necessary to help her as she battles PTSD. She feels that the sessions are very helpful.  Both Chris and Jan have to travel 3 hours one way to get the medical care that they both need. Please continue to pray for healing for both of them .

For information regarding the health situations of both Chris and Jan you can read the March and April blog posts. We thank you for your prayers.

Hello Dear Family and Friends,

February’s message came about from the suggestion of a dear friend.  I pray that the Lord will use it in some way to encourage your heart.   Linda

Take My Yoke

Matthew 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

God’s Word is rich in visualization. The writers of the Bible used words to paint visuals in our minds. These visuals helped the hearers and readers of God’s Word to better understand the message that was being conveyed. Many of these word pictures were based on an agrarian way of life. These farming terms help us compare our own life experiences and relate them to the text. Today’s verse is one that takes me back to my youth, growing up on a farm in the state of Iowa, USA. We raised dairy cows, two different breeds of hogs, and poultry. My father tended the fields and land so that we could raise crops and grow a very large garden. There were seven in our family and we all learned the hard work ethic of a farmer. Chores needed to be done daily, regardless of the weather or our own attitude. While we never yoked animals together to support farm work, I can relate to the word picture of “yoke” found in today’s verse.

For thousands of years animals have been bound or hooked together to increase the pulling or work power. Ground was broken up and fields were planted this way. Most likely ancient buildings were built with the strength of both man and beasts. Two animals pulling together added to the efficiency of the task. But, that is the tricky part, pulling together. When animals are yoked, they must learn to work together. The burden is equally distributed in this way. In today’s verse, Jesus offers not only to come alongside us and bear our struggle in our daily striving, but He also offers to allow us to learn from him. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” What do we gain in this process? Interestingly, we no longer bear half of the burden. Instead, if we come on our own we will learn from his gentle and humble spirit. And in this act of faith, in the midst of the burden, He will provide rest for our souls.  How can this happen? By being joined together with our Lord, he carries the load so that instead we experience a lightened load and a burden that can be endured. We are no longer alone, carrying a load that is too heavy to bear. Vs 30 “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The indwelling of Christ inside of me, inside of you, enables us to have a conscious union with God the Father. Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  The big aha for me was in learning and accepting that on my own I can’t “do” some special thing or “live” some special way to create the right situation for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of God in our lives is not according to what we do. The liberty in my Christian life, as a believer, is in what The Holy Spirit does in and through me. It’s not about me. It’s not how much of a burden I can carry. In fact it is the opposite. It is me letting go of pride and allowing myself to be yoked to my Lord. It is me consciously allowing Him to daily change me, letting Him lead and do the work that He chooses, through me.

Dear Jesus, Help me to overcome the pride which blinds my eyes and binds my heart. I look forward with joy to the surgery of the Great Physician who gives me a new heart and removes the heart of stone from my flesh giving me a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). Your word warns me that pride is the biggest hurdle of all.  My pride will bring me low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. (Proverbs 29:23) I thank you Lord that I have hope because the essence of following you, yearning to live a Christian life, is not in what I can strive to do for you. No, I will come up short every time. Help me Lord to have the humility to ask to be yoked to you. I can rest assured that your strength will lead me through life’s trials and journeys ahead. 

In your precious name I pray.

There is No Place Like home

When our youngest daughter was four she and her best friend would take turns watching one movie each day. During this time frame I was a stay at home mom, finishing up my undergraduate degree. I was helping with childcare for one of my closest friends who just happened to be our daughter, Alicia’s, best friend. Each day the girls were allowed to watch one movie. One day it would be Stephanie’s favorite movie, Annie. The next day it would be Alicia’s favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz. The movies never changed. It was back and forth between these two for months.

In May and early June of this year, when we were trying for weeks to find a flight out of Lisbon to take us home, out of frustration, I actually stopped one day,  clicked my heels together and repeated “there is no place like home, there is no place like home, there is no place like home.” In the movie Wizard of Oz, Dorothy clicked her red ruby slippers together, repeated the phrase three times, and was transported back to Kansas. It didn’t work for me. Maybe it was because I was wearing tennis shoes and not red ruby slippers. While the heel clicking didn’t transport us home, in God’s mercy and grace, our 4^th time of purchasing tickets did finally work and we found flights that indeed took us home. On June 5^th, five of us from Greater Lisbon Christian Academy traveled together, headed toward home.

We are very thankful for the time that we are currently enjoying back in the states with our families. But as I reflect on the frustrations of this experience, I ponder, just what makes home, “home?” In Portugal we have a lovely little cabin on the school grounds. We are surrounded by wonderful Christian friends. We enjoy our ministry of teaching at the school. We have a church family that helps us to grow in God’s Word and to feel connected. However, in Portugal our biological family is missing. Back in the United States,  two of our three children and their families live within an hour’s drive and (in normal conditions) we trade off attending church with family. We have a lovely condo, kind and helpful neighbors, but we are missing the ministry to which we believe God has called us.

Is it a matter of contentment? Paul models for us the need to be content, Phil 4:11 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am in to be content.”  Unlike Paul at certain points in his ministry, we have been blessed in that our physical needs have indeed been cared for. If I am content in life, where does this feeling of uneasiness come from? Maybe, just maybe, this slight feeling of unsettledness is because my heart has the awareness that this world is not my forever home. Like the words of the old hymn: “I Can’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore”

This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door,

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Author: Albert E. Brumley

 It has taken me many years to arrive at this place, but what freedom we can feel when we let go of the tight grasp on “things.” I know that for many years I couldn’t talk about anything that even touched on the topic of death without tears. I-held-on-so-tight. There is no question that it is easier now than it was when I was home with three small children. Part of my ability to deal with this topic today is age, part is maturity, part is the satisfaction of knowing that we have three grown, successful children in comparison to the years of raising children and balancing my busy family and a career. However, the peace and security in knowing the “end of the story,” is possibly the largest factor of all. Many verses in God’s word assure believers in Christ with words of truth regarding eternity with the Lord. Hebrews 13: 14 reminds us that we have much to look forward to at the close of our time here in our earthy home. “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”

Col 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”  I knew these truths when I was a young mom, but I find even more peace in these passages as time slips by.

So how can we open our hands and let go of the tight grasp on “things” in this life? How can we allow our hearts to treasure our Savior instead of this world? God’s people over material possessions?

Matthew 6:19 tells us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal…”

1 Peter 2:11-12a “Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors.”

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 While it is true that we won’t suddenly be transported to our earthly “home” with the clicking of our heels three times, we also won’t find the end to today’s troubles and stresses by just forgetting that they are there. But, we can find the strength that we need for each day by letting go of things and instead hanging on tight to God’s Word. Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

 Dear Jesus, We thank you for all that you have provided for us, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We stop to thank you for the many blessings of each day. Because of your love for us, for the price that you paid for our sins, we have a home and a future that is secure. Thank you for the reminders in your Word that this home is temporary, that the anxiety and stresses of this world will last but a fleeting moment. Thank you for reminding us that what really matters is that we are faithful to believe and accept your work on the cross on our behalf. Help us to have a heart, mind, and soul that long for you. Grant us peace this day.  If we suffer from fears, stresses, and anxiety of the day, we ask that you quiet our hearts that we may see and hear you above it all. May we always remember that this world is not our forever home, but that someday, eternity with you is the true home that our hearts should desire.

 May God grant you peace amidst the chaos as you take time to lift your hearts in worship to Him.

Linda

Before I leave you I ask that you will take an extra few minutes to read a blog post from our colleague and friend regarding her husband, Bill’s,  recent accident. Ann describes their journey of faith as they navigate a serious health condition, hospitals in a different country, and the inability to speak the native language. Through it all Ann and Bill give glory to God and know that He is faithful in all. I encourage you to read Ann’s posts,  and join us in prayer for Bill.

Pray for My Bill  https://annelizabethrobertson.com/

Today was our last day of school. It marked the end of a school year that we won’t forget. Teachers greeted the participants of each car that pulled into our school driveway. The great tradeoff began. Staff handed off a large bag containing each student’s personal items from their classroom along with report cards, and student’s handed off a bag with school and library books along with other school supplies to be returned.  Each of us, families and staff, wore protective masks. Most likely both groups hoped that each could see the smiles on our faces, and the heartfelt concern for each other’s

welfare through the cover of the masks. Ten weeks after our school went into emergency online instruction, we closed out the school year, put the last of the books away, and with apprehension, realize that this might also be the way we begin our next school year. Typically, the last day of school marks our last in Portugal, and in some cases, we were on our way home by mid-afternoon. Flying home to family and friends. Home.

This year we had to make a choice in March as to whether we would leave Portugal. The effects of the Coronavirus caused the shutdown of businesses across Europe and closed airports. Messages from our embassy warned that flights after a certain date might be difficult to find. As I shared in an earlier ministry letter, we felt that we were led to stay. We felt safer from contagion here in Portugal. Now, three months later we are trying to find our way home. Our first set of flights which was scheduled for today, was canceled in late April. Weeks later we rebooked flights home with a different airline and two weeks ago those were cancelled. Continued searches finally found that if we traveled after June 1st there was a greater chance of more flights leaving Lisbon and we booked again. Today we learned that those flights will most likely be cancelled as well. Disappointment. Heartache. Frustration. A longing for home.

However, I need to remember that my God is sovereign. He knows all. He knows what is best for me and for our family. My inconvenience and change of plans just might be our lifeboat. It is possible that staying in our little cabin at the base of the school grounds is our safety net. It isn’t what I thought a lifeboat would or should look like, but what if it is the very one that the Lord has sent just for us? Do I whine and cry and complain? Or, do I recognize God’s hand of protection in this and thank Him for his mercy, his grace, and care over us?

In my study of 2 Chronicles 20 King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah is warned of an impending invasion. Vs. 1 After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, 4 from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is Engedi.) In verses 3 -12 we read the King’s response:

Jehoshaphat was human, he had emotions. His reaction:

• He was afraid.

What set him apart as a Godly leader was his resolve or action:

• He set his face to seek the LORD.
• He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
• All of Judah assembled to seek help from the LORD.
• Jehoshaphat humbled himself and prayed to God in front of the assembly.
• The king acknowledged that his country and military might was powerless against this enemy.
• He acknowledged that his all-powerful God was able to overcome.

And then God answered. Vs 15 b Thus says the LORD to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.… vs 17 You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on our behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’…

Jehoshaphat’s lifeboat was not what any military leader would expect. His war strategy was not what any military leader would most likely choose to obey. Vs. 20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD for his steadfast love endures forever.” 22 And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD sent an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah , so that they were routed.

Jehoshaphat’s military strength was found in songs of praise.  With a grateful heart, a breastplate of prayer, supplication, thanksgiving and song, he led his men to victory by leading the warriors in singing praise to God. His lifeboat was not a bigger army, not military alliances – it was songs of praise and prayer.

So, what does your lifeboat look like? Maybe ours is a beautiful country called Portugal and a little cabin for the summer. Maybe it will eventually be a flight home to family. What I do know is that through prayer for God’s will to be done, He will send the right lifeboat at the right time. It might not be what I wanted or expected, but I pray that each of us will recognize it when it arrives.

Dear Lord, Grant us eyes to see what you send as a lifeboat of protection over us. Help us to not let our own agenda, stubbornness, or pride blind us into taking a route or path that is not the one that you have prepared for us. May we be like King Jehoshaphat in that we humble ourselves in prayer, seek you through your word, and acknowledge our lack of ability before you. In humility and in awe of your goodness, may we then sing your praise and step back to watch you fight the battle. Help our hearts to sing praises for your continued faithfulness and goodness to us.

In your precious name we pray. Amen

Update: Within 3 hours of posting this devotion, we received word that our flight home was again cancelled. We are trusting God to illuminate our next steps.