The Plans of the Lord Stand Firm

I started the following blog back in mid- August, while I was still in the states.  Somehow I got interrupted and did not get my thoughts posted.  I have since returned to Germany and I came back to this today and realized that although I was able to return, what I was going through last month still is very relevant.  Down at the bottom I am adding some current thoughts about the beginning of the school year, but here is what was happening personally then - and still is; 

For the word of the Lord is right and true;

    he is faithful in all he does.

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,

the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Psalms 33:4-5,11

These verses have been part of my study recently and as I was reading them they captured my mind.  I am at such an uncertain place right now but I know these verses are true.  It is comforting to remember that when the psalmist wrote this, he probably was also uncertain, but as he wrote later in the passage:        

We wait in hope for the Lord;

    he is our help and our shield. 

In him our hearts rejoice,

    for we trust in his holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord,

    even as we put our hope in you.

Psalms 33: 20 -22

 I am continuing to wait and I know that He is my only help for my future.  Please continue to pray for me and my finances so I can remain in Germany for the next two years and accomplish the task He has given me.  

-Now the update, the school year officially started and full classes began today.  I am continuing to wait on the Lord about financial and legal matters in the states and things are far from settled at this point.  I have come back to teaching at BFA, knowing that this is where I am supposed to be and watching to see how God is going to resolve all of the unknowns so that HE will receive the glory.  

I am confident that I can trust His holy name and His love will not fail.  This has been evident in the last couple of weeks as I have met new staff and heard their stories of how God brought them here so we can serve alongside one another in ministering to these students and their parents. At the opening ceremonies yesterday there was a roll call of nations - as is tradition- highlighting all of the countries represented on our campus.  Again I was awed at the work God is doing throughout the world through the people that have trusted us with their children. 
Here are a few pictures from the celebrations and goodbyes that happen on our first day of school.

Watching and Waiting

“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."

-1 Kings 8:23

In my bible study a couple of weeks ago I read this verse and it really jumped out at me.  I had just arrived back in the states for the summer to connect with family and friends, clean and re-rent my house and raise some additional monthly support that I need to return to Germany.  When I read this prayer of Solomon's as he was dedicating the temple after he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, I claimed this verse as my own for this season in my ministry when it is necessary to rely wholly on God's love and provision (which really is always.)  I loved the way it emphasizes that He is unique and trustworthy, but that we have a responsibility in this relationship also. As I seek Him, He will respond to me with love and will keep His promises. 
I was brought back to this verse this morning as I was thinking about what I still need to accomplish in the next couple of months.  It has been tiring work so far, and I just received some news that some of my personal income is potentially going to be drastically reduced for a while, so the support I need to raise now could possibly double.  I need to claim this verse again and  continue wholeheartedly in your way Lord.
My desire is that You will be glorified in whatever happens and everyone will see Your work being done.  Another verse that one of my students picked as their verse for graduation  is perfect for this next phase of my journey;
 But as for me , I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me 
 - Micah 7:7


I am watching and waiting, while I seek Him and do the things He has set before me.  

I just also want to say a huge Thank You to all of you who are part of this ministry with me through your generous giving and faithful prayer. Can I ask you to please pray with me about this financial situation, that God will accomplish this seemingly insurmountable goal that is before me and He will be glorified through it all.

Praise

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;

    he heard my cry for mercy.

 

Because he turned his ear to me,

    I will call on him as long as I live. 

The Lord is gracious and righteous;
    our God is full of compassion.  Psalms 116:1-2, 5

I read these verses the other morning and it struck me that God, the creator of the universe, my King and Savior, turns His ear to me when I call on Him and cry for mercy.  He cares about my deepest longings and He wants me to turn to Him for everything I desire.  This is something that is so hard to grasp, I am significant to HIM.  Not only that, but He desires that I have joy and an abundant life in Him.  The Psalmist goes on to say in verse 5 that the Lord is gracious, righteous and full of compassion. Each of these words is so packed with meaning that show how much He loves us, and each one could be a whole topic of discussion by itself, but my question is; what should MY response be to one who loves me so much?  I think it is in the opening statement - I love the Lord, but this then brings up another question; how can I adequately demonstrate my love to one so great?  I am not capable of accomplishing this but, again because of His love, He gives me the power to live a life that glorifies Him.  This is what he requires, and is how I can exhibit - however inadequately - how much I love Him.  The very next psalm also declares the Lord's great love and faithfulness toward us.  It also begins and ends with an appropriate response - praise.

 

Praise the Lord, all you nations;

    extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us,

    and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.

Praise the Lord.   Psalm 117

Father, who hears my prayers, I am not capable understanding your great love for me, but I ask that my life be a reflection of that love.   I thank you that when I cry out to you for mercy, you are there and because you are full of compassion, you listen and supply all my needs.  I pray that in all I do your name will be glorified, that others will see your work in my life and will be drawn to your love for them. When I am going through tough times and am unsure of what is coming next, even then let your praise be on my lips and your joy shine in me. Thank you for who you are and for loving me.

Call to Prayer

This blog is going to be a little different.  Instead of general thoughts that I have been mulling over, I would like to ask you to join me in prayer for Bible translation work.  Recently some of the work that my friends and colleagues are doing, and the methodologies they are using for translating certain terms has been called into question.  Wycliffe, the mission agency that I am a member of, has replied with a statement to answer the concerns being raised.  You may find that statement here: http://www.wycliffe.org/SonofGod.aspx.  


There are many complexities to this issue and you may or may not have heard about some of it.  As I understand, it has been an item of news on Christian radio and in mission publications in the U.S.  The people I work with here are greatly affected by all of this and we have been asked to set aside this Monday the 13th and Wednesday the 15th for prayer and fasting concerning this.  Wycliffe and its partners "are seeking God’s guidance as we re-evaluate our methodology and investigate to ensure that our commitment to accurate and clear translation is being reflected in every project."  


Please join us to pray that God will make clear His will in this and that the work of translating the scripture into the "heart" language of the people who need it will not be hindered by this.  We are working to accomplish the great commission to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth and your prayers are coveted to help finish the task.


Thank You