"A real man stands strong and courageous, accepts responsibility, provides leadership, acquires honorable character, and lives for a transcendent cause." That was the definition Daniel was given last week to memorize for a "Preparing for Manhood" Ceremony. Four respected men came to our home for a dinner of roast, stuffed potatoes, corn, fruit salad, homemade rolls, blackberry cake and a good strong cup of Colombian coffee. After the dinner we sat around a blazing fire as these men challenged Daniel in each area of the given definition. There were also calls from other men in Chicago, Houston, Mexico and a letter from Utah.

Adolescence is a time for our sons to put away childish thinking and ways and prepare for manhood. As opposed to what society tells them, they need adult men who have traveled the road of life to give them insight and counsel. They need to be continually challenged to take on the qualities of maturity. As Christians our sons have an added advantage in becoming men because Christ's life within them enhances true manhood. It is His life in them making them stand courageous, accept responsibility, become a leader, develop honorable character and live for the greatest transcendent cause - seeking first the kingdom of God.

For further ideas and information purchase a copy of Raising a Modern Day Knight-A Father's Role in Guiding His Son to Authentic Manhood by Robert Lewis and published by Focus on the Family.

During this Christmas season our family would also like to join our family and friends in saying, " My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

Our family enjoys marking milestones with special ceremonies. It seems to us that transitional events of life should be celebrated and memories should be made. Becoming a teenager, moving into adulthood, and getting married are all examples. Another such event for us is the baptism of our children. What better way to acknowledge the importance of publicly confessing Christ than to have friends and family together to celebrate the occasion? Just such an event took place this weekend when our oldest daughter Maria was baptized.

After the baptism we gathered at our home and enjoyed yet another wonderful meal prepared by my wife. Then a number of younger women and older women of the faith spoke words of challenge and encouragement into Maria's life. She was challenged to study God's Word, live courageously, embrace Christ as her life, be a meek and submissive woman, and to seek the "better part" rather than being distracted by busyness. She was then presented with gifts to serve as a memory of the day.

Another of Maria's mentors is Amy Carmichael. So, a number of Amy's quotes from the book "If" were read as well.
* "If I cast up a confessed, repented and forsaken sin against another, and allow my remembrance of that sin to color my thinking and feed my suspicions, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
* "If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love."
* "If there be any reserve in my giving to Him who so loved that He gave His Dearest for me; if there be a secret 'but' in my prayer, 'anything but that, Lord,' then I know nothing of Calvary love.
* "If the ultimate, the hardest, cannot be asked of me; if my fellows hesitate to ask it and turn to someone else, then I know nothing of Calvary love."

Everyday is plowing new ground for us as we learn to trust God's faithfulness and follow His leading into the great unknown. We are under girded by the same unchanging God of Abraham, George Muller, and Francis Shaeffer.

As you know we are planning a trip to Mexico, so last week we began the process of purchasing tickets. Have you ever tried to find the best possible deal while considering numerous departure dates, return dates, airports, and airlines? The task quickly becomes overwhelming by sheer volume. Though I had already been praying about the details I called out to the Lord, "I don't know where to begin, You will have to sort this out." And sort it out He did. Within a few hours He had provided tickets at a specific time, from a specific airport, on a specific airline - AS A GIFT FOR OUR ENTIRE FAMILY. Let us rejoice and magnify the Lord's name together, His goodness extends form one generation to another.

Recently a friend called and after a few minutes of conversation he asked, "Do you need a new pair of shoes?" Now what's so amazing about that is a few months earlier I had started praying for a pair of shoes. Even more amazing is that I had determined to mention it to God alone. No one knew how I was praying not even my wife, but here on the phone was someone asking if I could use a new pair of shoes. Isn't God awe inspiring? He delights in showing Himself able on behalf of His children and for us I have a feeling this is just the beginning.

Let me ask you: If your child asked for bread would you give him a stone? And if he asked for fish would you give him a scorpion? Don't you think our Father in heaven will give good gifts to those who ask Him?

How do you measure a life? Is the pastor of five thousand in Southern California more highly favored than the pastor of thirty in the wilderness of British Columbia? Are there more "well dones" for the seminary president than for the missionary who labors in a difficult country with little to show for it? Are godly homemakers who are women of prayer destined for lesser rewards than the nationally known speaker? How does God sort it all out?

Gamiel and Ruth are special people in our lives. Last week they packed the U-Haul and moved to Tennessee. Both graduated from Bible college where Gamiel eventually worked on the grounds caring for the lawns and flowers. It was a lovely campus and visitors often commented on its beauty. Due to cutbacks Gamiel lost his job. For the next twenty four years he and Ruth eked out a living selling walnuts, caring for lawns, and gardening for the landlord. Theirs was a simple life. Yet, in Gamiel and Ruth's presence the fragrance of Christ is evident. Christ is preeminent in their lives and they radiate His glory.

Who knows and understands the weaving of God in our lives and in His eternal plan? Can we begin to understand how our thread of life fits into the divine tapestry? That is all in His hands. "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (Romans 9:21). In the end what is most important is not our station in life but that we were daily submitting ourselves to God's will for Christ's glory.

Sitting in our living room last evening was like being at an international conference. We had some friends who have lived in South Africa, Puerto Rico, Chili, and Russia. Others have taken short term trips to China, Dominican Republic, Quebec, and India. How exciting to think that we might soon have the opportunity to join the ranks of those privileged to take the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. ("Here am I Lord send me!")

It was a special treat to welcome Ashlie to our home and to hear of her recent trip to work at an orphanage in India. She shared with an open heart the children's needs and her love for them. We learned that some parents in India are so poor they are unable to care for their children. So, they leave them at the orphanage for a chance at a better life. Often these children come with lice, scabies, and worms. It is for the least of these that Christ gave His life and we were reminded that when we wash their feet we are actually washing the feet of our Lord. We were all touched during our time together and as one person said afterwards, "I never felt any desire to go to India but after tonight I want to consider it."

Oh, by the way, this missionary who is challenging and impacting our lives - is nineteen.

How do you discern who's perspective to take especially when you receive different advice on the same issue? We have discovered that in life there will always be many voices that call out for our attention to give direction and advice. Some voices are easily discernable as voices to lead astray. Many are the voices of respected and godly people yet often they contradict. I must admit that often my head swims, swirls and spins. Who is giving us God's perspective and who isn't? Regardless of what voices are calling out to us we realize we must personally listen for the voice of our Father and move toward Him. In the noise, confusion and contradiction we will always be moving in the right direction if we are listening for, looking to, depending upon and yielding to Him.

Life these days is an exciting blend of uncertainty and confident expectation as we learn to trust God to direct our lives. Discovering God's will seldom comes in a sudden burst of insight when one knows what the future holds. Instead it comes as we seek Him in the context of each particular day. If I am yielding my life to Him today the future will take care of itself. That of course doesn't mean I should never prayerfully plan but it does mean I am preoccupied with the Lord not the details of the future.

Edith Schaeffer in her book The Tapestry gives us helpful insight when she writes, "So much is mystery, yet mystery filled with trust - trust of our God who does not tell us everything, yet gives us enough glimpses into His word, and in history, to excite us about knowing Him. We don't need to know everything to be able to trust Him, one day at a time. In fact it seems to us that is what trust is all about...trusting in a fog. All we did was take one stepping stone at a time, live one day at a time, asking God that we might be honest and sincere in wanting His will, and courageous in continuing to do it when it was made known."

After the Bible there are few books that have impacted my life individually or our lives as a family as much as Christian biographies, especially missionary biographies. Both Diana and I have had our lives challenged through the years by these men and women. Their lives are a testament of God's faithfulness to those who seek Him. George Muller himself read and recommended biographies of godly persons although he did warn, "I fell into the snare, into which so many young believers fall, the reading of religious books in preference to the Bible."

Monday mornings especially are our family time for biographies. The order of the day is eggs, toast, kipper, muffins and a pot of tea for breakfast. On a warm summer day this could be taken on the deck or in front of the fireplace in the snowy winter. Then we settle in for another exciting adventure. Over the last couple of years we have explored the lives of George Muller, John Patton, Evangeline Booth, Adoniram Judson, Gladys Aylward, Lillian Trasher, Rowland Bingham, Cameron Townsend, Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliott, Ida Scudder, Samuel Morris and Jonathan Goforth.

We highly recommend that you get to know those of the faith who, though dead, are yet speaking. Through their lives you will see the sheer possibilities of what God can do through those who are wholly submitted to His Spirit. What an inspiration! (Youth With a Mission has a great set of biographies that can be ordered through their website at www.ywam.org, click on resources/ywam store/Christian Heroes, Then & Now.)

One of the highlights of our week is meeting with a small group of believers in our home. We first started meeting five fears ago to specifically spend time singing, reading Scripture, and praying. These days were so encouraging as we seemed to enter God’s presence through passionate worship and fervent prayer. Diana has often commented on how much her own life was challenged because of the sincerity in calling upon the Lord.

Along the way we added the study and discussion of the Bible and plenty of time for informal conversation. Diana usually prepares a meal for any who want to come early. (We’ve enjoyed everything from beans and rice to India cuisine to a Passover meal.) Afterwards there is a fresh pot of tea and dessert. Sometimes we sit late into the evening laughing, talking, playing music, and enjoying each others company. I believe we experience biblical koinonia (the Greek word for fellowship).

Last Sunday was a special evening together. It was the last time one of our members, Gabe, would be with us. He is returning home for a few weeks before going to Nigeria for a short term mission’s trip. We celebrated with a hobo dinner (vegetables and kielbasa steamed over an open fire in a garbage can) and sent him off with prayers of blessings, protection, and fruitfulness. A motto we presented him sums up our desire for his life as well as our group: “My goal is CHRIST HIMSELF, not joy, nor peace, nor even blessings, but HIMSELF, my GOD. Tis His to lead me there, not mine but His…at any cost, dear LORD, by any road.”

What we are asking for is an extraordinary work of God. It is not something that we can program or organize. Whether you call it an awakening, renewing or reviving there are characteristics however that have been present both biblically and historically during these times. So, we can cultivate the soil in order to place ourselves in a position to receive His grace when He chooses to send it.

1. Prayer – Prayer does not force or manipulate the Holy Spirit but it is the atmosphere in which He works. This kind of praying costs; it takes time and persistence. E. M. Bounds has said, “Every revival of which we have record has been bathed in prayer.”

2. Personal Holiness – Those who experience revival get a fresh perspective on the holiness and glory of God. They are drawn to it and long for their own lives to be marked by holiness.

3. Brokenness – In revival we come to see our sin and loathe it. There is a desire for cleansing. It is not for someone else, it is for me. Public confession of sin has often been made.

4. Holy Spirit – Revival is a movement of the Holy Spirit upon the hearts of believers. His presence is real and powerful. Christians come to a full and absolute surrender to the indwelling Spirit in their lives.

5. Unity – When God sends revival it often crosses denominational lines. Without compromise churches unite together in seeking God for the continued blessing of His Spirit’s work.

6. Faith – A movement of God comes among those who ask for and expect it. If there is no expectancy, there will be no blessing.

For accounts of extraordinary movements of God read: 1 Samuel 7:5-6; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 2 Chronicles 15:1-15; 2 Chronicles 30:6-9,27; Nehemiah 8:1-9:38; Isaiah 6:1-10. Also read historical accounts of the: Great Awakening 1734-39; Second Awakening 1791-98; New York Revival of 1857-58; South African Revival of 1860; Welsh Revival of 1904-06; Korean Revival 1906; Lewis Revival of 1949. Go to www.watchword.org for more information.

Praying for a revival in our lives is not safe, neither is it comfortable. Once we call upon God to reveal His holiness we risk having our own sinfulness exposed. Over the past months even past few days God has brought me face to face with my own sin issues. I confess that my own life, though redeemed, is tainted with self-righteousness, pride, judgment, bitterness, fear, anxiety, and anger. Little wonder there is such a spiritual weakness.

We can easily view conviction and repentance in terms of defeat or discouragement. But really the opposite is true. God breaks us in order for us to see our need. Then He gives us more of Himself which brings refreshment, hope, and abundant life. Out of brokenness comes rejoicing.

I don’t believe that a revival is an end in itself but a wake-up call for believers to return to the holiness of Christ. A revival tends to last a moment in time be it days, weeks or months, but life in Christ is ours for a lifetime and eternity. Revival brings us back to our “first love” (Revelation 2:4) and He recaptures our heart. It reminds us that Christ has set us apart unto Himself and that He is our life, our righteousness, our hope, our deliverance.

Would you join our family in prayer for a revival of holiness? Let's take a close and honest look at ourselves and ask, "How is the church really different then the world? What sets us apart as God's holy people?"

Let us acknowledge that we have grown spiritually feeble and turn to the Lord in brokeness and confession. Let us confess that we watch the same sensual and profanity laced programs as the world, listen to the same ungodly music, play the same dark sided video games, and browse the same sinful websites; that immodesty, pornography, gossip, divisiveness, selfishness and pride has crept into the church; that marriages are broken, unfaithfulness is not uncommon and we are abandoning our children for our own pleasure and success; that we are "boastful, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy...having a form of godliness but denying it's power." (See 2 Timothy 3)

Whether it's a movement of God when we are all meeting together in one place or in the hearts of individuals in a moment of solitude, we desperately need God. In His grace may He give us full insight into our condition and a refreshing encounter of His pure, perfect and uncontaminated holiness. May we be overwhelmed by Him and never again crave the sinful passions and desires of the flesh. May the Spirit that indwells us as believers lead us into all righteousness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Who needs such a revival of holiness? I do! You do. We ALL as the body of Christ need a revival of holiness. Will you join our family in persistent prayer for such a stirring of God among us? Will you lay yourself bare before the Lord in anticipation of Him speaking clearly and pointedly to your heart? And when God hears our prayers and draws near, we will rise up together in rejoicing and call Him blessed.

Our venture of faith has certainly accelerated our spiritual lives. It's as Diana said the other day, "The lessons are coming so fast you feel as though something exciting is just around the corner." Whether a life of faith is trusting God to heal a marriage, change a heart or provide daily needs here are some of the things we've learned along the way.

The focus of faith is not so much on us as it is on the Faithful One. Psalm 145:13 tells us, "The LORD is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made." What He has said He will do, we can count on it. Whether or not we have great faith He remains faithful. He cannot change the very core of His being. That highlights our need to be saturated by the Word of God in order to better know Him and His promises.

Faith untested is shallow faith. It grows in the context of tension and trials. Having trials however does not mean we are growing in faith. It is only when we trust and rest in Christ during the trials that we are exercising faith in Him. That's when our spiritual life is deepened and we are becoming mature. My problem is that it is much easier to follow a path of comfort and ease but that short circuits faith.

It is our prayer and belief that small steps of faith are "stepping stones" to greater spiritual victories. Through faith may we be His instruments to see bondages broken, bring a revival of holiness, witness the salvation of the lost, engage the enemy, conquer kingdoms, administer justice, gain what was promised, and become powerful in battle.

Our heart is to emphasize prayer in our ministry. It comes from the belief that we are helpless unless God breaks through to us and others. Prayer acknowledges our need and His supremacy. For those called to prayer in this way it is as Oswald Chambers has stated, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”

Andrew Murray summed it up well when he said, “We understand then that our true aim must not be to work much; and have prayer enough to keep the work right, but to pray much and then to work enough for the power and blessing obtained in prayer to find its way through us to men.”

We believe that through prayer God breaks the bondage of sin, shines light into the darkness, brings sinners to repentance, restores marriages, builds families, changes hearts, gives victory in personal struggles, gives us the mind of Christ, heals wounded souls, directs our paths, works miracles, establishes holiness, exposes sin, brings revival, and advances His kingdom.

Uncertainty is a part of our lives these days. When are we going to Mexico, should our children play soccer this fall or will we be somewhere else, what things should we give away and what should we keep, when should we begin immunizations, how can we best do deputation and maintain family continuity? It can all seem overwhelming for us who feel secure and settled in a routine. I don't like the uncertainty!! I don't like the unsettledness!!!! I don't like living this way!!!!!!

Here the words of Amy Carmichael speak to us when she said, "One day I felt the 'I' in me rising hotly, and quite clearly...the word came, 'See in it a chance to die.' To this day that word is life and release to me, and it has been to many others. See in this which seems to stir up all you most wish were not stirred up - see in it a chance to die to self in every form. Accept it as just that - a chance to die."

So, by the grace of God we embrace the uncertainty in our lives, believing it is His way for Christ to increase and for us to decrease (John 3:30). Believing that through the process the image of Christ will be stamped on our lives and branded on our brain. And that will make it worth it all.

With increasing clarity I am seeing that Christ is everything to the believer and apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). It is not so much our struggling against sin or striving to imitate Christ or even consistently realizing His presence. Instead it is recognizing that the indwelling Christ has taken full possession of us to think His thoughts, stamp His image, transform our lives. He is literally our life as Galatians 2:20 tells us, "I no longer live but Christ lives in me." By faith I surrender to His work in me. Although surrender and trust do not give us the victory - that comes from CHRIST HIMSELF!

I am thankful for those who have gone before us living out Christ's life. They called for a deepening of the spiritual life through: coming to terms with unconfessed sin for forgiveness and cleansing, absolute surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, being filled (controlled by) the Holy Spirit, and Spirit-filled service.

I believe it will take the remainder of my life for these truths to become an ever increasing reality. But I can assure you I would want it no other way, for life "in Christ" is full, abundant and victorious.

I am obsessed with possessions! This became apparent as we began the task of sorting through and disposing of the "stuff" we have collected over the past twenty years. My house is full, my barns are full. "I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones."

And yet, I want my life to be characterized by the discipline of simplicity. Not being miserly, judgmental or legalistic but having a joyful unconcern for possessions. Not only do I want it for myself but I also want to pass this joyful unconcern on to my children. I want them to know the sufficiency of Christ in their lives and the freedom of not buying more and more whether under compulsion, addiction or as status symbol.

I suppose that is one of the benefits of being involved in missions. As Matthew reminds us of the words of Jesus, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." We have been given a fresh reminder of what's really valuable.

Our time in Tennessee was refreshing in many ways including: much encouragement, special times of prayer, renewed fellowship with those who have been instrumental in our lives, as well as new relationships established.

However, one of the most refreshing was the freedom we felt to introduce the gospel to many people. It has reminded me of how much this has been lacking in my life and has given me a thirst for more.. Psalm 89:1 says, "...with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations."

Along these same lines, I have recently been challenged by the words of Hudson Taylor. He said, "When on earth [Christ's] eyes wept over the perishing. Those eyes weep no more; He wants your eyes to weep over the perishing...The Lord has need of lights in the darkness. And oh, how great the darkness is!" "O LORD, break my heart and let me weep."

Tennessee is hot and sticky but filled with many opportunities to be God's vessel. Diana spends the mornings homeshhooling the children while I make numerous contacts and run errands. Sunday we were at Bluffton Church to tell what the Lord is doing in our lives. Can you believe I preached for an hour? That was with a 11:45 start!!

Another blessing of being here is to be reminded of and thankful for a rich Christian heritage. My grandparents came here in 1945 to teach in four churches and over thirty schools. There are few people between 40 and 80 who haven't been touched by their lives. Also there are many others who care about us and have impacted our lives in many ways. Many continue to pray for us.

By the way, UFM International has just changed their name to CrossWorld. Every day, our missionaries take up their cross and follow God's call to the nations. Every day, our missionaries cross the world to speak Good News. Every day, lives around the world are changed by the message of the cross of Christ.

After counsel from the elders and time seeking God in prayer, we are single focused on glorifying Immanuel in Mexico. Our next step is to go for a visit in order to confirm this direction. At the moment we are uncertain as to the timing, but we want to visit before the end of summer.

I'm sure for our family there are many lessons to be learned of a spiritual nature over the months ahead. One of those happened this weekend when we were asked to do something that didn't make sense. In His gentle voice the Lord reminded me that my call is to rest in Christ, finding total fulfillment in Him no matter the events of the day and whether or not they make sense. What matters is that what God allows is His way to prepare me to lose my life through seeking Him, being satisfied in Him and surrendering to Him.

Later this insight was confirmed through John 12:24, "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

For those of you who have asked and for those of you who may be wondering here are some thoughts on why we are not seeking employment in addition to full-time deputation work.

1. We believe God leads people to "step out in faith" in many different areas of life and trusting for daily provisions is one of those ways. We believe that God is leading us to do that at this time but we do not stand in judgement of how he leads others.
2. We believe that God has, can and does lead some to trust Him for daily provisions and when He does so He is faithful to provide. This has been witnessed in the lives of A. H. Franke, George and Mary Muller, Hudson and Maria Taylor, Wallace and Ruth Logan, C.T. and Priscilla Studd, Amy Carmichael, Reuben (R.A.) and Clara Torrey, John and Isobel Kuhn, David and Grace Croudace, Henry and Abbie Frost, Watchman Nee, Dixon (D.E.) and Amelia Hoste, James (J.O.) and Roxie Fraser, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor, and literally thousands of others.
3. We do not believe we are acting on a whim but as a result of God's grace in our lives over the past few years resulting in surrender to the Holy Spirit, and a deepening in our prayer life.
4. This lifestyle was modeled by Ken's grandparents. So it is part of our Christian heritage, but at the same time we are not seeking to "live up to" any expectations.
5. We believe that God can provide in may ways and may clearly provide job opportunities from time to time.
6. We do not want to be presumptuous on God or irresponsible to our family in any way, but neither do we want to miss what great and mighty thing He is doing by saying, "Can God spread a table in the desert?" (Psalm 78:19)
7. If He clearly shows we have misunderstood His leading, we will change direction and follow.
8. If we don't take this step of faith we will always wonder "what if...".

We are home - and are now missionary appointees. This means we have been accepted by the Board of Directors but have not yet begun to serve on the field. When we arrived at Candidate Orientation, we asked to be given direction based upon our personalities, ministry experience, family needs, and giftedness. The two fields they recommended were Mexico and Senegal. We are considering Mexico as our first option and are asking the Lord to confirm this or move us to the other or even in another direction. Eventually we want to visit the country of choice to get a closer look at the country, ministry, and team.

Our plan is to take a couple of weeks to counsel with church leadership and pray for God's continued direction. As our prayer partners, we invite you to enter into this process with us. If you are led to fast and pray during a meal over the next two weeks that would be awesome! We are confident of God's faithfulness and are sure His counsel will guide us (Psalm 73:24).

You're probably wondering what the days are like here at Candidate Orientation. It usually begins at 5:00 am for us and the children start the day at 6:30 am. Breakfast is served at 7:00 am. After that, it's anybody's guess as we attend classes, interact with international directors, have interviews with professional counselors, and participate in extensive role plays. Free time is at a premium and usually taken up with a conversation or work assignment. This weekend we will be visiting the home office and various ethnic churches. Saturday is a day off (PTL!).

God is continuing to confirm His leading in our coming to UFM. We are finding we are of "kindred spirit" with the leadership. Obviously, they have a burden for missions, but without exception, it seems to flow out of a passion for God. Worship, prayer, and Bible study are bedrocks of their life and ministry. Interestingly enough, we have learned that the mission had C.T. Studd as its indirect founder. No wonder these elements are so foundational for them.

Good-bye Daniels Bible Church. Thanks for all you have given us over the last 17 years. We especially appreciate the gifts of friendship. They have been built during missions trips, meetings, retreats, work parties, camping trips, late night conversations and early morning breakfasts. We have studied together, fellowshipped together, worshiped together, ate together, prayed together, celebrated together, cried together and served together. The bonds run deep. Words seem to cheapen the emotions we feel for you.

As we depart we ask the LORD to bestow gifts upon you that will magnify His name and renown. In the name of Christ we call upon God to 1) set us to praying as a prelude to giving great grace 2) send the refreshing breeze of His Spirit that brings a great spiritual awakening 3) give us a hunger for holiness and manifest it among us 4) bend us in brokenness 5) live the life of Christ through us.

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Although this journal will often be of a personal nature we take our first entry to exalt the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

We praise His supremacy! He is the All, and in All (Colossians 3:11), the Anointed of God (Psalm 2:2), the Author of our Faith (Hebrews 12:2), the Blessed Hope (Titus 2:3), the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23), the Faithful and True (Revelation 3:14), the First and the Last (Revelation 1:8), the Glory of His Father (Matthew 16:27), the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) our Hope (1 Timothy 1:1), the Image of the Invisible God (Colossians 1:15), the King Eternal (1 Timothy 1:17), the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the Lord of Glory (1 Corinthians 2:8), and the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6).

We praise His sufficiency! Christ in us and living through us is our life. We may be inclined to think that we can live for Christ in our own strength, or at least do a little. But the fact is we are weak and need complete reliance, deep humility and constant dependence on Him. Diana and I are discovering that this is not a life of striving or struggling, but of resting in Christ’s sufficiency. And to Him we offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.” Romans 12:1