My dear dear brothers and sisters! I am overjoyed tonight! It was a rough go at things both last night and this morning in coming back from the farm after our short retreat. The atmosphere still unpleasant, Bethany and I have refused to back down: A real lesson in not going by feelings and holding strong to the truth of God’s word! Seriously, I had a heavy spirit Sunday night coming back, and this morning when waking, but I claim God’s Spirit of Joy and it is that very thing that has carried me through this day like eagle’s wings! On the way back from the farm we sang this song and thought it to be soo fitting:
“We want to see Jesus lifted high, a banner that flies across this land; that all men might see the truth and know that He is the way to heaven. Step by step we’re moving forward, little by little we’re taking ground; every prayer a powerful weapon -strongholds come tumbling down and down and down!”
Jesus has given me clear instruction to bless those who curse me. It is what I have agreed to do with Mandy. It isn’t easy, but it is what crumbles the enemy to bits! I love this woman! It is the lies of the enemy that sometimes control her that I hate. I am telling you, this woman who waved a pointed finger in my face is the very one who said to me this afternoon, “I want that all children should be at the Bible Study. It is a part of them.”
We have done some compromising, with dinner now just 30 minutes earlier, we have our study in the evening and it actually works out really well because there is one child who always missed out because his schooling is in the afternoon, as well as some of the older children who have an after school program during the previous time. Praise God that He has shown Himself true in working out all things for the good of His people!
Tonight in our study we celebrated the birth of Christ. Bethany dressed up as Mary and held a baby doll while we held candles and sang Christmas carols. Then we talked about the gift of Christ....oh it was so amazing! Thank you all for standing with us over the weekend! We are totally grateful for all the prayers!
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...” Isaiah 9:2
3 comments:
My Dear Amanda-
I have been reading all of your updates! I must apologize for my silence - I seriously forgot my password and I could not log on!!!!! Embarrassing, but isn't that just like me?!
But I have been wanting to encourage you and let you know that I have been praying. I feel that my life is is so similar to what is going on there - I am dealing with my own kids and wrestling to get the proper God view of things. The material world is not all that exists and you are so right to believe that going to the Lord with all of these trials is the only way to change ANYTHING!
You know what? I think you should rejoice in these trials, not only because scripture says so, but because the intense nature of what is happening is keeping you right up under the strong arms of Jesus, just where you need to be. If things at the Haven were going all nice and dandy, you would not be praying so intently, would you?! That means God is moving the Heavenly Hosts to help you... from the very moment you began praying.
1 Peter 1:13
“So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives.” (-Message version)
In the NIV version, this verse reads: “... prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given to you when Christ Jesus is revealed.”
I want to write out my prayers for you in detail! I want to give you so many scripture verses that have set my faith ablaze!!! There isn't enough room or time, but I trust that the Lord, who has greatly encouraged me in every way will do the same for you.
Stick with Bethany, she is such a gift of strength for you! Cling to each other and prayer...
and when your time of service is through you will look back and see that you have made straight the path for HIM! What an honor that you get to lay your cloak on the ground before Jesus as He rides in on glory!
Hey Amanda,
From Kayoko, Sept 9: Please, lift Miyoko up in prayer. I delivered the message from the prayer night! It is true that God is seldom in a hurry but He's never late! Since she's been back to Japan, our parents and other family member is half forcing her to do things that she doesn't have peace with, which is to bow to the ancestors that they honor in their little shrine that also has this little Buddha in it. or to offer a dinner to the Buddhist altar before their supper every night. She has explained to dad and mom but they keep telling her to do what they told her to do. So, she keep herself in her room before the supper time to avoid the situation. She does not want to follow what they tell her to do because she believes that is idol worshiping. Please pray for this situation and for God to lead her to a good bible church.
But I thought Id share that with you. Two more weeks till your back in Missouri?
Singing that song with you friend and feeling my heart instantly with you in Africa! Love you!
Lauren
Post a Comment