Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Redemption and Transformation

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, 
in accordance with the riches of God's grace. That he lavishes on us. 
With all wisdom and understanding. 
Ephesians 1:7-8


As a believer we know that what has happened in the past is forgiven. It is washed clean and there is nothing that separates us from the love of Christ. Our past though is never forgotten, it can define the way we relate to others, the way we see ourselves and the way we live our life. I have been meeting regularly with a woman who has come out of drug rehabilitation. I am there to listen, to give some advise and to pray with her as she moves forward in her new life with Christ. A topic that has come up recently is how does she move forward with having a past full of destruction. How can she forgive herself and make new patterns in her life as she moves forward. This takes a lot of time and transformation from God to change what has been so familiar for a long time. Please pray for this woman and pray for me that I have wisdom and can speak truth into her life. I am so thankful that she has recently committed her life to Christ. I know it is still a long road ahead to become who God created her to be in him. 

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Language

Language is a topic of my every day life. Whether it is translating from another language. Discussing something and everyone needing a different word to understand the topic. Trying to share about Christ and realizing that you know at least basics of three different languages and the other person doesn't speak any of them. I was told recently that the words we speak is only  seven percent of how we communicate but without this seven percent expression about what is really important is pretty much impossible. More and more the world is integrating with each other. It is normal to hear multiple languages, to see different cultures and to live simultaneously with each other.

So the question is how important is it to learn other languages? I have learnt over the past few months that no matter how many languages someone speaks generally people only have one or maybe two heart languages. This is the language that is easiest to express themselves in, the easiest to share their deepest desires of the heart. It is also usually the language that is most preferred to communicate in. As someone who loves to learn and grow in perspectives of other cultures. To be able to meet people where they are at it is very important for me to learn other languages. It is something that I have been thinking about a lot and wanting to make more direct steps in this area. Please pray for guidance in this area to make good decitions. Learning a new language could open up many doors and really effect my future.

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Transitions

         This morning we were talking about praying for times of transitions. OM is going through a big transition of redefining the values, goals and structure of this very large international organization. I ask that you join us in praying for this transition that will effect thousands of people in over a hundred countries all over the world. Please pray for wisdom, peace and good communication amongst the leaders at this time.

       We continued to talk and pray at a more personal level that included our ministry in Switzerland as well as for each other. The reality is we as people are almost always in transition. Whether that is a transition from not knowing Jesus to coming into a relationship with him. It could mean a transition of moving, starting something new, making a new friend, starting a new ministry or making decisions about what is to come next. Life is full of change or anticipated change. Please pray for me as I am anticipating another transition time at the end of August as well as for smaller transitions with friends, ministries or other unexpected changes. Even though life is not always very stable I am so thankful that Jesus is consistent in my life. I am thankful that through all the change he is walking with me and is always by my side.

Friday, April 1, 2016

Speaking The Truth


Instead, speaking the truth in love , we will in all things grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

What do you do when you know the truth and want to share it? What do you do when you are surrounded by many people from many backgrounds, cultures and even religions? What do you do when truth is so subjective in our world but you know that the only true truth comes from God? 

These are all very relevant questions in my every day life. God says to share the truth, to not be afraid. This is a challenge that I have had recently. As I have started working more closely with immigrant preteen girls they all come from all over the world, different backgrounds, cultures and even religions. I have had the opportunity to share the truth once again this week. I have shared the truth that God cares for them. For many it is their first time hearing scripture, it is the first time hearing the truth of God. Please pray that this truth will resonate in their hearts and there will be more opportunities to share the truth to these girls.