Our church met last evening to brainstorm of ways that we can minister to the body of Christ during this pandemic and to open our meeting, Pastor Denny read these incredibly PASSIONATE and powerful verses in Hebrews 11:32-40:
"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute and persecuted and mistreated---the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
These verses moved me to tears! They were men of faith, "all in" with Christ! What great examples they are to us!
In this world, we have troubles. This side of eternity, we may not ever see the purpose of these troubles or suffering. But, we know that God will keep his promises to us! What encouraging verses!
The Word is GOLD---written by God and all other books written by human authors pale in comparison!
These verses make me want to strive daily to be "all in" with Christ!
As it says in Matthew 16:25, "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
What a great reminder as we see the current chaos in the world these days!
Learning to walk as Jesus walked,
Diane
This has been a difficult and yet exciting year! The virus, the lack of food in Africa, the chaos (that began in Minneapolis), the locusts---are all things predicted in God's Word and are birthing pains written about in Matthew 28.
It reminds us to keep our focus on eternal purposes and keep sharing the gospel---to not "fall asleep" and not be like the church in Laodicia. Revelations 3:16 & 17 says, "So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot not cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth". We have much work yet to do!
We can use these things to begin spiritual conversations with those around us that have not yet received the free gift of eternal life that is offered to ALL of us sinners! John 3:17 says, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
This morning, Jeff and I were reading the Word together in Luke 21. Verse 11 says, "There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven". We don't need to fear these things, we know the outcome! We are privileged to be seeing these things come to pass! Now, more than ever, we need to be doers of the Word!
As well, verse 36 goes on, "Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."
Let's be praying without ceasing, in faith, for opportunities to further His Kingdom!!!
Humble servant of the King of Kings,
Diane
April 1st marked our one-year anniversary serving the Lord in Annandale, Minnesota at Annandale Evangelical Free Church. Time has flown by so quickly!
We have so much to praise God for. He has provided ALL that we needed in our transition back from Brazil. In AWESOME, SUPERNATURAL ways! We are feeling His blessings each and every day and feel extremely content.
Better than this, though, is that God and the Holy Spirit are at move in miraculous ways here! We feel the opposition from the enemy and therefore we know that we are coming against the enemy in this spiritual battle.
We are celebrating with the angels, in TWO recent new lives in Christ! We feel such overflowing joy in this that we want to sing it from the mountain top!!! Luke 15:10 says, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
In my quiet time this morning I found encouragement in Romans 12:11, "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Humble servants of the mighty King Jesus,
Diane and Jeff
The calling of God back to your home country as a missionary from overseas is sometimes misunderstood, and understandably so. After all, who wouldn't want to return home just to be back near children, parents and friends?
God has clearly called us back here to minister, back to our home state, not only as missionaries and evangelists, but for Jeff to pastor.
We dearly miss Brazil and the beautiful people there! We miss the relationships, opportunities to share the gospel, our ministries and even the challenges of living overseas! We miss our youngest daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Jake, who live and teach in Rio at an International Christian school.
If God ever called us back, we would go without any hesitation! WHEREVER He calls us---we are ready and willing to go!
We are continuously reminded by God that He has called us at such a time as this, to spread the gospel, further His kingdom and work alongside His Beloved right here in Annandale, Minnesota in the United States of America!
He taught us so much and changed us immensely in Brazil! He put a passion deep within our hearts for outreach and evangelism. He has given us a great love for his children, desiring that no one should perish! We will never be the same again! And we have so much more to learn...
As we continue walking forward in this calling to the United States, we are truly amazed by how beautifully the spiritual gifting of the body of Christ at AEFC, and our spiritual giftings balance each other! There are no coincidences with God! He knows exactly what He is doing!
We are witnessing the hand of God at work greatly here in Annandale! It's so exciting!!!
As well, we have been encouraged and affirmed by this body so beautifully!
Incredibly blessed to be serving here,
Diane and Jeff
