"Where there is no vision, the people persish.."
Proverbs 29:18a
I was on the elliptical at the gym today, and my mind was all over Africa. (I tell you this, because normally at the gym I am thinking, "How much longer?" Today, though, God was obviously interrupting my normal mental workout process with more important stuff!) Instantly, the above verse popped into my head. The King James version of the Bible uses the word vision, but the NASB and the NIV translate it as revelation. The original Greek word is hazon, which means a message from God with a possible focus on the visual aspects of the message He has laid upon your heart.
As we prepare to go many miles across the sky and sea to be the hands and feet of Jesus, it's important that we ask the Lord for a vision or revelation, corporately and individually. I sense Him prompting me to ask Him for a specific vision, and I also encourage you to sit for a while in quietness-- praising Him, beholding His presence, and asking Him for a vision, too. When we move forward with that new revelation, it helps us to focus in prayer. It also can greatly build our faith, because when we get there in the middle of it all--we will see Him and how deliberately and personally He was moving us along to accomplish His purpose. And, ultimately, He will be glorified, as we stand amazed once again at His greatness!
So, what or who do you see? Feel free to share if you are led or maybe the Lord just wants you to keep that between you and Him, for now. He's just that way sometimes. As for me, I need to purpose to sit still, which can be a ridiculous challenge, but I'll let you know what transpires. I know that I see sweet smiles on dark faces and me sitting on a step with another in conversation, an embrace...but I think there's something more. I think I'll keep asking and reaching.
"The secret of the Lord is with those fear Him; and He will make them know His covenant."
Psalm 25:14
Love to you all~
(Jen Maddox)
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When I have my quiet time, I think about these kids and am so amazed at their deep spirituality. These kids are so young, and know so much about God's love. It's really beautiful and hopeful. I only wish I could be a little bit like them. ;0)
ReplyDeleteWhat's so amazing is, though they have experienced some horrible things in their young lives, they still have lots of love in their hearts. They have a sense of purpose and direction. If that isn't God's miracles in action, I don't know what is. Would we be able to forgive if we were in their place?? What would we do if we walked in their shoes for one day?? I would hope to be like them and have their spirit despite it all. They are amazing kids!
When I get to meet these kids I will pray to God for all the right things to say and mean to them. I am prepared to be a humbled spirit for I know they will likely give me way more than I can give them! I am ready to run the race.
I love these verses in Hebrews.
...let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.
God Bless you all!
Kelli
Encourage one another and build each other up
ReplyDelete1Thessalonians 5:11
I read this verse this morning and thought about the boys and the soccer team. I was remembering what Chris had said about Wendy being an awesome 'soccer mom' and knowing just what to say and how to encourage the boys and tell them she was proud of them.
What would ya'll think about making buttons with each of the boys pictures and wearing them to the soccer game when they play(like real soccer moms). I'm sure Chris, Wendy, and Paul have pictures we could do this with.
In Christ's love,
Jennifer H.
As I have been praying over the last few weeks I feel the Lord is showing me He wants me to love the kids in action and in truth...deeper than I already do. I believe He is wanting to strip me of anything that may hinder His love from flowing through me into their lives. I have a desire to see them having personal time with the Lord every day...not out of legalism, but because they KNOW how much the Lord desires personal fellowship with them. I desire for them to study His word to show themselves approved. That these two things would empower them to change their nation with His Love! Selfishly, I am hoping I will be even more broken than my last two trips. I want to bring what He does in me there back here!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the 'soccer mom' pen idea!!!! They boys would absolutely love that!
As I have thought over the question Jen posted this past weekend I've heard the Lord say, "just be you and I will work through you." I see myself holding one of the girls' or boys' hands and truly listening to their hearts and honestly sharing my own. I'm not the big up front person, way more one on one, so I want to be comfortable in who God made me and use it to relate to the kids and all of you. I want to listen to them, truly listen, I want to share how the Lord has shown His love to me and hear how He has shown His love to them, I want to teach them God's truths and how to search the scriptures on their own and love them deeply and honestly. I don't want any of my insecurities to inhibit me in any way. That is a huge fear of mine that I am bringing before the Lord quite often. I want to be a team member that is encouraging, flexible and will sit back when needed and step up when needed. Basically, I want to love the kiddos and all of you guys well, REALLY WELL.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the button idea! I've never had the chance to be a 'soccer mom' so that would just be a huge topping of love for me!!!
amazing thoughts! I'm blessed to be going on this trip with all of you. Jen, I am taking your advice and really going to ask the Lord for specific vision. I, too, feel this is so important.
ReplyDeletelove the button idea. how special will they feel? i can order buttons through my lab if we can get some pictures!!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteI love your visions, your thoughts, your hearts! It's cool, because in reading your posts, I caught the vision! I don't know if I'm seeing the picture just how the Lord painted it for you, but I am getting the message. God is connecting hearts here--at home and abroad.
Ok, so I love being His!
Can't wait!
Jen M.