Perseverance

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 NIV

Are you in a trial? If not you will be in some way. We are all tested and face trials. I am there at present. My flatmates and I have determined to praise our way through. I know Bill Johnson says the only thing that works for him is to dance, I could do that as well.

Yesterday, when walking through the neighbourhood, on my way to the swimming pool, I saw a crowd of brightly coloured women gathered outside a home on a narrow street. A band was playing and the women were dancing. Last night as my friend and I walked by there they were still dancing. My friend told me that Nepali people love to dance. It was a part of a wedding ceremony in which the bride is brought to the husband’s home. They will be celebrating again today.

This speaks to me, dance and sing and rejoice before the Lord for He is good. When we returned home we did a Bible study and then worshipped. I play a ukulele and have been learning Nepali worship songs. As we sometimes find it hard to agree on the tune I also put the song on the speaker to guide us. It was quite funny and fun.

This morning I awoke early with anxiety trying to him entrance however one of the songs was playing in my spirit. It kept anxiety at bay.

The ‘crow of life’ sounds very good. Crowns are a symbol of victory and rulership. The early athelete wore a wreaths like crown when victorious. David, after persevering for years being chased by Saul received a royal crown.

I claim this crown and will persevere! Amen!

No anxiety

“Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.”Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭76,7 ‭TPT‬‬

Paul writes this from prison in Rome. The Philippians church was his first church in Europe. This chapter is full of faith and hope. 

Yesterday I was handed a problem which to me was a giant. I have no answer, but it is ripe for a miracle. I want to see my God’s glory all over this. What the enemy of God wants to use to destroy me, my God can turn into a feather.

Paul goes on to say in verse 13:

“I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.”Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭TPT‬‬

I will sing, I will praise my God who is able to overcome all things. My enemy is not God! He is a thief, but cannot overcome the glory and power of God.

Let Your glory shine forth of Lord! Amen!

Destined

“We have become his poetry, a re-created people that will fulfill the destiny he has given each of us, for we are joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. Even before we were born, God planned in advance our destiny and the good works we would do to fulfill it!”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭TPT‬‬

When I think back to my childhood in Bingara Australia, I see a glimpse of what God had for me. I loved linguistics even then, I drew people together even then, I loved adventure, and I loved the Lord, and His word.

However, I did not find Him as my personal saviour until I was 19. I had to leave my small town and venture to a large city south of Sydney. It was here I encountered two girls who knew Jesus personally. I did not know all that God had for me, I was insecure and did not have a vision for working in ministry apart from my nursing. At work I often talked about Jesus.

It was not until I visited a friend in Japan that missions became a factor in my life. In that time I was functioning as a pastor but longed for outreach to the lost.

I am now in Nepal and learning Nepali so that I can speak to my neighbours coherently. They would like to speak to me but I lack enough language. It is coming. My tutor is working hard on my perception and ear to hear the language. We walk each night and she quizzes me, I learn new words and put them in to practice.

When I read Ephesians the verse 1:18 jumps out at me, if fact I was dreaming about sharing it before I awoke. So here it is:

“I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling —that is, the wealth of God’s glorious inheritances that he finds in us, his holy ones!”Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬ ‭TPT‬‬

We have a hope of His calling for works He predestined us to do. He has had a plan all along. Let us seek it and follow it! Amen!

I will sing

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”Psalms‬ ‭59‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

King Saul had sent ment to spy on David, yet David finds time to compose this psalm. May we, in times of distress, find time to worship.

Today is Mother’s Day. Being away from all the trappings associated with Mothers Day it does not seem anything more than the Lord’s Day, which is best for me. Mother’s Day sets me up for hopes and possible disappointments, whereas the Lord’s Day never disappoints.

Yesterday a friend and I trekked in the local Shiva Puri recreational conservation area. The lack of trash was appreciated. However, I did see an empty water bottle up near the waterfall. The pristine forest was refreshing, the fragrance so beautiful. My God knows how to blend plants and trees.

Today may I find reason the worship the Lord. He is good and His mercy never fails me. Amen!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ysxOP5gSvKU&si=7-ji36nyr5WcbPmI

Set apart

“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This instance is the only time in the Bible that a unit of time that God blessed. The term holy is applied in the Bible as something set aside for service to God (Holman commentary).

In Nepal, Today, Saturday, is rest day. My friend and I will visit a local reserve and do some trekking. Tomorrow is the day I honour God’s rest.

Peter writes: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬, he is referring  to Leviticus 19:2.

What does it mean to be holy? I am set apart for service to God. In all I do I must serve the Lord. I cannot run with the world and follow its ways. I am His representative, His voice, His child.

Today, I am looking forward to visiting His creation. He is beautiful and I am sure it will be also. Amen!

Dirty feet

“So if I’m your teacher and Lord and have just washed your dirty feet, then you should follow the example that I’ve set for you and wash one another’s dirty feet. Now do for each other what I have just done for you.”John‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Here in Nepal we so easily get dirty feet. I imagine it was similar in the day the Lord spoke these words. The practice of foot washing is seen in Genesis and it can be assumed that it was an ancient courtesy for guests. In Nepal people tend to wash their own feet if needed and always remove their shoes outside or just inside the front door.

In Bible days a servant would have this lowly role. Jesus uses this role to illustrate how we must be to each other. The disciples were always squabbling about who was the greatest and Jesus patiently taught them this was not the way.

Seeking glory for ourselves is something we do, I do and have done it by choosing great escapades. Yet, the glory belongs to the Lord. I am to serve not boast. I am to honour not degrade. We cannot blame others for our failure and must look to ourselves. What did I fail to do?

As I consider my failure to secure University support for a research into language in northern Nepal I must know my lack. The task was glorious to me. Yet, the Lord would have me here in Kathmandu serving Him in a non-glorious way. You might say, I am called to wash feet. So be it! 

Not my will but Yours be done oh Lord! Amen!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=LIvw3PPvqWc&si=UXoKI0CsVfyxvLiq

A New Thing

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Previously God was reminding His people of His deliverance of them from Egypt, but now, He was about to do something new.

Today, I claim this and step into the new. After two disappointments with my American friend, the Lord is pulling me back to Himself and saying, ‘not that way, follow Me into the new.’ My friend and I have been prevented from travelling to China and now Mugu, North-West Nepal. I can see a pattern and after watching my friend’s performance in front of the university professor, I know better. My friend acted and spoke as if my project was her idea and whilst this does not bother me too much I also saw her disrespect for the authorities there. It was a warning. The authorities did not receive her well and therefore would not grant her request.

I am left to rearrange the remainder of the year and consequently I am travelling back to Australia for a month to help an old friend and see family. This will be a good time of reflection and waiting on God for His ‘new thing’.

I know I came to Nepal to learn the language and be able to speak coherently to the people. Yesterday, whilst I waited for transport, several old ladies walked by and tried to engage me in conversation. I heard some words I knew, but realised there is still so much to learn and patience is required. I want to speak to them and understand them.

When I return to Nepal I will go back to college for another term to solidify my language. No grand trips, or projects, just humble learning. I submit to staying in Kathmandu. As much as I love country this is where I must be.

Lord, I wait on You to hear Your voice and follow Your way! Amen!