Belonging

“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one Lord—his name alone will be worshiped.”Zechariah‬ ‭14‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This prophesy came to the nation of Israel who had been in captivity for 70 years in Babylon. They had been opressed, they were weary and worn down. They were returning to a land that had been decimated by their enemies.

After the Second World War when the Jews were returning to Israel it was a land that had been empty and without hope for thousands of years. It was a barren land. Yet the people turned it into a garden.

This prophesy speaks of the end times when Jesus comes to rule and reign on the earth. If you read the whole chapter you see what His presence does to the land and to the nations of the earth.

We all want to belong somewhere. Right now I am planning a trip back to Australia to sort a few things and then return to again study the Nepali language at the university college. Australia, although my homeland, is not home to me, Nepal is. I will visit family and friends there and return home where a place of belonging is for me here.

The Jewish people have a homeland where they now belong. It is not always comfortable as they have many enemies attacking them, but they efficiently defend themselves, and love to belong.

In the kingdom of God we belong forever. I am grateful for that sense of belonging. Where God is for me is home. Amen!

No discouragement

“So I say to my soul, “Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be disturbed. For I know my God will break through for me.” Then I’ll have plenty of reasons to praise him all over again. Yes, he is my saving grace!”Psalms‬ ‭42‬:‭11‬ ‭TPT‬‬

This psalm was written by the sons of Korah. The Khorarites were the doorkeepers in the house of God. The write of this psalm, however, was away from the temple. He was struggling with depression and striving to encourage his soul.

Many will be here at one time or other. When a blow comes against you, unexpectedly, it can cause you to struggle. However, only God is the answer.

Yesterday my research colleague and I again presented ourselves to Tribhuvan University. This time we had a favourable response from the man we needed to see, but he also was of the opinion my colleague had a problem because she had taken a five year visa and not presented to school, even though the course was cancelled. He then turned to me and said, “I don’t believe you can do this research by yourself. The places you have chosen are too far away for our staff to monitor you. You are old and we will be responsible for your health if something goes wrong.”

We went away and had lunch and discussed what to do. The man in charge had called my housemate and spoken to her in length. He told me to go home and talk to my housemate and then return if I want. I would have to pay 90,000R and if not successful would not be reimbursed.

My colleague and I have determined to pray and seek God. May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done! My soul is not downcast as I know I have other things that God wants me to do. I will wait on Him! Amen!

Victory

“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Previously John had been writing about those who carried the spirit of anti-Christ. He was encouraging the saints that these people did not have power over them.

This past weekend we have seen a Labour government win by a majority in Australia, and yesterday when presenting our research proposal we were treated badly by a government worker who wanted to deter us. I was not hurt or upset as I trust the Lord for the outcome, His will will be done by us as we trust Him. We must return today and receive the verdict, can we pass through? Not matter what God has a plan and that plan will succeed.

When bad people come into rulership it is a sign to me to pray for them for a new heart. God is not finished with them yet. When people who do not value the things of God stand in the way, may His grace prevail over them. May His kingdom come, His will be done! Amen!

God’s word must prevail! Amen!

Ransomed

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.”Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Israel had been plundered and was in captivity when this word was given. The reason for the captivity was sin. However, God was speaking hope.
If we remember, Jacob was a rogue, yet God called Him and used Him to birth the sons that would be the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The sons were not a godly lot, in fact Joseph stood out by his faith in God to preserve him in captivity in Egypt where his brothers sold him as a slave.

When I look back on past failures, especially with people God gave me, I am repentant. However, right now, the people He gave me are faring better, because I understand His ways more. I pray I continue to learn His ways and treat people as He would have me do. I can trust Him to work in me to will and so His pleasure, not mine. Amen!

That is why!

““That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?”Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What is that?? If we look at the previous verse we see:

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How is being concerned about what I have to eat and wear? Apparently these concerns are tied to mammon. 

Right now our house is aware of a Christian Nepali family who have been turned out of their home and declared bankrupt. They are anxiously living in the church building and looking for a new place to live. My flatmate Martha went out yesterday to help look for a flat. She found two: one who would not allow church gatherings, and one who would not allow eating of pork and buff. I kid you not, some homeowners are strict Hindus.

Last night we hosted a farewell to a Christian missionary friend in our flat, we ate buff and had worship. We are blessed with our house owners, abundantly blessed.

Tomorrow my research friend and I go to the Tribhuvan University to gain support for our research. We need to have $3,000US in our bank accounts each and enough money to pay for our visas, another $1,000US. This can be challenging as many missionaries borrow from friends to show the money in their bank account. It can be a stressful time.

My God wants me to see Him as my supply! He is in charge. He alone faces off the difficulties with peace and a knowledge that He holds all things in His hands. This is where we are now!

May mamon lose its hold! Amen!

Completed

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I pray this for my children and grandchildren. That I will see them flourishing in the work of the Lord. I am grateful that this promise is to me also.

Our God is not a quitter. He pursues us, and pursuers us and pursues us. His love is merciful and gracious. While ever we have breath He pursues us, to bring us into his embrace. We give up on people, however, He never will.

Paul is writing to the Philippians church who have supported him faithfully. He goes on to tell them of his love for them: “God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.”Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Faithfulness is highly valued by those out on the front lines. The ones who faithfully pray, follow us and support us are a treasure.

There are many observers and critics, selfishly attempting to destroy, but the faithful trump them. God will reward their faithfulness. Amen!

All glory

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In my exuberance I oftern boast about what I am doing or am about to do, that God is leading me to do. Each time I am convicted that all glory belongs to the Lord. Yesterday my research colleague and I received approval from the school in Mangri, Mugu, Nepal to conduct research in their school. However, we have another school in a place called Takha, that is yet to respond. 

In Bible study last night I asked my friends to pray for approval. Praise God against all odds and difficulties we are making headway. We have waited for this day for five months now. On Sunday we visit the Tribhuvan Uni to request covering for the research. This will enable us to obtain research visas.

In the school that has given approval, I will conduct choral work as a part of my research. I have in mind the song they will learn but have yet to have my Nepali translation checked. I plan to teach The Sound of Music, as the area where Mangri is situated is hilly, in fact mountainous. I see the hills filled with music.

As a Christian I am not permitted to proselytise but bring joy I can. May God use me in the way He wants. Amen!