Making Much Of Him

Making much of Jesus is the sweetest thing we can do in our walk with Him. Unfortunately, we often get distracted. The pursuit of riches and the cares and concerns of life can take our focus off of Him and put them back where we are prone to go... onto ourselves.

John 3:30 tells us "He must increase, but I must decrease." This isn't just when we are spending time in His Word or Sunday mornings at the church worship service. It means that in all things the pleasures and desires of the Lord are always on the rise in my life. I often have to ask myself, "Is what I am doing right now bringing glory to God or to myself?" If it is bring recognition and glory to me then I need to step back and consider what inside of me is after the glory that so rightfully belongs to my Maker?

Making much of Jesus is the first thing we should desire when our feet hit the floor each day. And the only way we can achieve this is by being in Him throughout the day. To make much of Christ requires an intimate relationship with Christ and that only comes from knowing Christ.

We are not our own, we were bought with a price. Jesus gave it all for us to have a relationship with Him. This relationship is for the purpose of bringing ultimate Glory to the Father. Are you stealing the glory today? Are you seeking the approval of men and not of God? Making much of God means that we die to ourselves and humbly and thankfully receive the new life in Christ that He has given us.

Today I will make much of Him. I will give Jesus the glory that is His and allow His righteousness to become mine. Thank you Lord for allowing me to be one of your own. For calling me into this relationship with you so I can spend the rest of my days making much of your glory.

The Problem With Unbelief

They say that it takes a lot of faith to walk the Christian walk. And whoever "they" are, they are correct.

Living a life of faith can be one of our biggest challenges. Often I have thought that if God just sent me a message through an angel, then I would believe what He was about to do in and through me. Well, as we read in the book of Luke, this may not be the case at all.

Elisabeth is about to have a baby. However, she is completely unaware of this. Not only is she unaware, but her husband is as well. Zacharia and Elisabeth are two of the good ones. They are righteous in the sight of the Lord. They are a couple who walked blameless and kept the commandments. So, you would think that they would have the kind of faith that moves mountains.

God sends not only an angel to inform Zacharia about the good news of the forthcoming child, but he sends Gabriel himself. They top dog of God comes down to give a message of hope to a man of God... Sounds like a great story that has a great ending... And it does. John the Baptist is born and his entire life is spent heralding the good news of the coming Messiah. However, there is one little glitch. Zacharia doubts the angel and questions him because of his age. Zacharia is an old man and Elisabeth is no spring chicken herself, so maybe we can say, "give the guy some slack here."

God takes faith and unbelief quite seriously. Because of the unbelief, Zacharia becomes mute until the birth of his son. Read the story for yourself...

Luke 1:18-22 And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute.

So what does this message from Luke teach me today? Well, the main thing I see here is that there are consequences to my unbelief. And, in spite of it, God's plan will still be fulfilled. Zacharia was praying to the Lord for this very thing and when it is announced he doesn't believe it. He was praying without conviction. How often do we throw up a prayer to the Lord and when it is answered walk around in disbelief? I know for me it is far too often.

Today I am going to learn from the unbelief of Zacharia. Lord, I pray that you will open my eyes to your truth and help me to believe you when your hand is moving in my life. Help me to believe your promises... Thank you for using broken vessels and not turning us away because of our unbelief. Amen

Where Does Your Value Come From?

There is a lot of talk these days about one's self image or self worth. We read books, listen to talk show doctor's on television, and even attend churches in an attempt to feel better about ourselves. It has almost become an obsession in our culture. Having the right clothes, driving the right car, and living in the perfect neighborhood are all contributors to how we feel about who we are and what we are all about. If we have everything just so on the outside then we will certainly feel better on the inside. Our schools even teach kids that if they put forth the effort, then that is often good enough to get the grade simply based on trying to build up the student and make them feel worthwhile.

The Bible however has a different view on our worth. It isn't because of our status, our job, or how much money we earn. Who we are is not based on anything external, but simply on the fact that we are made by God and in His image.

 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.

Psa 139:13-14 ESV 

When we understand our value, we can speak the way the apostle Paul speaks of himself in Romans. He calls himself a "wretched man." Now that doesn't sound like the most famous evangelist known to man. Paul was the greatest apostle and he considers himself to be wretched. How can that be? It is because he saw himself the way God sees us apart from Christ.

Paul knew the condition of his heart. He understood that apart from Christ he was nothing but a wretched sinner deserving the condemnation of God. His value didn't come from his possessions, his status with the churches he served, or even his knowledge. His value came from Christ alone.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the 

Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 

Rom 8:1-2 ESV

Though he did the things he hated and had difficulty doing what was right, he knew that he was delivered by the blood of Jesus Christ. When we place our value in the cross of Christ, the things we seek of this world for our sense of worth become vain idols. But when we know who we are in Christ, repent from our self focused ways, and seek Him for our worth then we will be free to live life to the fullest.

Are you seeking the things of the world to bring worth to your life? Or are you seeking Christ alone? Only He can satisfy that place in your heart that longs to be valued.

CCSE Uganda Short Term Mission 2013

Our video from Uganda...

Have a blessed day!
Keith

About My Father's Business

About My Father's Business

Luke 2:49 - And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

I went on my first short term mission trip last month and this theme was prevalent in all that we did during our stay in Bukere, Uganda. "I must be about my Father's business." Since my return the lenses I see life through have become quite different. I have been transformed by Christ in a whole new way.

The weeks leading up to the trip were filled with anticipation and preparation. I had many uncertainties and concerns. On occasion I was challenged with thoughts of not wanting to go because of these concerns, but once I arrived, I was filled to the brim with the Love of God and fulfilling His business there. Shortly into the trip I was now not wanting to return home to the everyday life I so reluctantly left behind.

The Lord spoke many things to me during my time away. The most clear instruction came during a devotional we had on about the 10th day of our trip. It came from both the books of Ecclesiastes and the book of John. Ecc 1:3 asks "What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?" And in John 6:27, Jesus instructs us to not labor for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life.

As I prayed over these verses I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit speaking to me. "What is all the toil you are doing in your life... you are spending much time taking care of your wants and desires and My work is going undone." As I continued through Ecclesiastes I was struck by another key verse. Ecc 6:7 says, "our toil is for our mouth, yet our appetite is never satisfied." That is exactly where I have been over the past many years that I have been serving Him. My day is spent toiling after food that perishes and yet, I am never satisfied. The blessings that were coming to me through the Holy Spirit while serving in Uganda was far more satisfying than what my everyday toil was and is bringing me. So I sought Him to help me know what to do next.

As I listened to what He was speaking to me I heard the word... "downsize." Not just the things I have stored away in my attic, basement, closets, and garage :) but to downsize my responsibilities and time. To cleanse myself from the things that are distractions. Extra work loads, entertainment, down and idle time that is beyond the necessary rest the body requires. To downsize my life in material and other ways.

So here I go... downsizing my life to free up not only my resources, but my time as well. To do what the Lord has called each of us to do. To be "about my Father's business" rather than my own.

Who's business are you about? Is the Lord calling your to be about His business and trim a few things from your life like He is mine? If so, what are you doing to answer that call?

While in Uganda we encountered much poverty. The belongings I have in my bedroom alone are worth more than most families worldly possessions. As we were digging our trench to feed a water line to the village one of the villagers said to a companion of mine, "All we need is water. We have electricity some of the time, but we don't need it for life. We need this water for life."

What a basic concept and a life lived in simplicity. The message, "All I need is water to survive!" God spoke to my heart and I will never be the same. To live here on this earth is temporary and I must be simply about my Father's business. So that is what I will be about.

Have a blessed day,
Keith

Uganda Update... Lots of hard work and much blessing

Day 2 on the ground of Uganda is finished! More importantly, day 1 of work projects is completed! Thankfully prayers were answered and everyone survived for the most part. With the exception of a few dehydrated and worn out workers, everyone is just exhausted.

Jim, Mickey, and Bob worked hard on carpentry projects today. They are in the process of building shelves and finishing up some closets for a couple of the orphanage's houses. When their projects are done, the team house as well as a couple of unfinished children's houses will have a lot more much needed storage space.

The rest of the guys worked very hard on digging a trench for a new water line. What is so awesome about this new water line is that it doesn't benefit the Agape Children's Village, it benefits the Bukerere community! This has proven to be an incredible way for the community members to see God loving not just the orphanage, but everyone, including them - the community. One lady, a witch doctor who lives very close to where the new water line will go, has actually said that if we put a water tap by her house, she will accept Jesus into her heart! Therefore, the team decided at tonight's meeting that we will be putting in a water tap for her. So pray for her salvation, please! Another example is a man named Chris. Chris is the plumber who is helping our team and community members lay down the piping for the water line. Bill James has been witnessing to Chris for quite awhile, and today 2 of our team members got to speak to him about Jesus as well. Everyone who has spoken with him seems to see his heart softening very quickly. A big reason for that is this water project. It shocked him that the orphanage and our team wanted to do this new water line for the community without asking for any money or aid in return. He definitely is seeing God all over this project. Please keep his salvation in your prayers.

I know I've talked a lot about this water project, but I can't move on without speaking on the enormity of this project physically and the toll it is taking on our men's bodies. The trench they are digging is at least a foot deep and it is going to be at least 500 yards long! They put in SO much hard work today, yet they still have a long way to go so...PLEASE PRAY!

Jan worked on helping the village ladies and children with their laundry and also tutored some kids in their reading. Seeing her with these kids and seeing the way they learn with her is amazing. Illiteracy is one of the biggest and most common problems with these children, because it hinders their school work tremendously. A lot of them can hardly read at all, so God is definitely using Jan and Colleen in productive and moving ways.

Colleen and I were blessed to spend a lot of time with the children today. We began the morning with walking around the village with the younger children and Katie (the Katie that lives and works here) and then spent the afternoon running water and granola bars to the hard working diggers. After that, we each spent more individual time with the kids. We talked with them, laughed with them, learned new things from them, and Colleen took on the challenge of teaching them as well.

Today was definitely extremely long and exhausting for everyone, but as always God provided. He provided strength, endurance, energy, time, and plenty of water to go around! It isn't even 9 pm yet here, and for the most part we are all either in bed or in the house chilling quietly. Before I head to bed, here is our prayer request list:

- Ryan experienced a little dehydration today while digging. He's very much okay now, but please pray that he and everyone here stays hydrated and healthy.

- Natalie James worked extremely hard today while digging as well. She expressed some ill feelings and pain tonight, so please pray for rest for her tonight.

- Please pray for Chris and the witch doctor's salvation, as well as anyone and everyone else around us who needs the Gospel.

- Jim had some stomach pains tonight. He went to bed early not feeling well so please keep him in your prayers.

- Please continue to pray for Saturday's carnival outreach.

- The men will continue their projects tomorrow. Please continue to pray for good health for all of them, as well as spiritual fruit to continue to come out of their physical labor.

*Praise report!* Bill James is feeling much better. Thank you very much for all the prayers!

Goodnight and God bless!

Uganda Update

Uganda update from team member Katie:

"Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

This seems to be the ongoing quote in the last 24 hours. We are all so shocked that we are finally here, in this beautiful and very different place, that we have to keep commenting on God's amazing miracles that brought us all here.

At this moment it is 6:30 pm here in Uganda, (8:30 am in Oregon) and we are wrapping up our first day in the Agape Children's Village. The team is currently eating dinner and tonight the menu I believe is posho and beans. (Hope I spelled that right!) The best way to describe this meal is that it is very similar to mashed potatoes and beans. This meal, we have been told, is a staple here in Uganda.

told, is a staple here in Uganda.

Reflecting back on the day we had makes me smile from ear to ear. For the most part it was a very relaxing day filled with meeting everyone, touring the village, and playing with all the beautiful kids! I don't think I ever saw a team member not smiling. It is impossible to not be filled with God's peace and joy when surrounded by all these children and their contagious smiles as well as their infectious love for the Lord.

I saw team members doing everything with the kids, and the kids loved it! Keith, Jan, and Kevin all played volleyball, which seems to be a village favorite, with the kids at different times; Mickey, as well as many other team members, had a child's hand wrapped around his own almost every moment, and Colleen and I spent some very precious time reading the Bible with a group of about 8 kids at their request!

I have to say, Colleen and I were almost teary eyed at the experience we shared together with a small group of kids. About 5-8 kids came running up to Colleen and I asking us to bring out our Bible, because they wanted us to read it to them. Honestly I was very stunned and confused. At first, I wasn't sure that I had understood them correctly. Seconds later we were all sitting on the steps outside the team house reading God's Word! However, Colleen and I were definitely not doing the reading. Once I opened my Bible, one by one they started shouting out passages they wanted me to flip to. Once there, they'd all recite the verse! They must have referenced and recited about ten verses. It was incredible. I really don't think I've seen Christ more clearly than when I heard these children recite John 3:16 together in the most loving and sincere voices. I honestly don't know why I didn't break down in tears when a couple of the children told Colleen and I they loved us when we were done.

I think I can speak for the whole team when I say all of our lives were changed today, even if just by a little, and we still have 2 weeks to go! We are all definitely enjoying the people, the food, the environment, but most of all, seeing the Holy Spirit all over this village. Like a lot of things in this world, God's fingerprints are very evident and seen here in Uganda and especially at the Agape Children's Village.

As for prayer, we are always appreciative for it, but here are some specific prayer requests:

- Bill James has been sick since last night. He thinks it might have been something he ate, but whatever it is, please pray for a quick recovery.

- Kevin burst a blood vessel in his wrist today while playing volleyball with the kids. He's ok and his hand is functioning, but it's definitely sore. Please pray for his pain to go away.

- Tomorrow we start the work projects. Some people will be digging a trench for a new water line. Some people will be doing carpentry work around the village. Some people will be painting and helping Danyal with the kids. Please pray that everyone stays safe and hydrated, as well as for the work to go by quickly and productively.

- Finally, the village is putting on a carnival this Saturday as an outreach to the community. The girls will start preparing for that this week. Please be praying that the outreach is what the Lord wants it to be, that many people come, and that many people hear the Gospel.