Life in Exile

Have you struggled with cooking for others in your place of service? Be willing to let your cooking be an avenue God uses to soften hearts toward the gospel. 

There is beauty in the differences within the Body of Christ. Without them, we would not have the rich music created by the harmonies of voices and unique sounds of the various instruments. Truly the Church is an Ecclesiastical Orchestra.

How does our celebration of Easter change when we move overseas? How should it change right where we are? May we live every day in the acknowledgment and glory of the Resurrection. 

Why are there so many different churches? Does it mean there is not One Church Universal? C.S. Lewis has something to say about that as so many are looking for churches today.

Life overseas affects each person differently and teaches each of us different life lessons. Sandstorms taught me a thing or two. What lessons are you learning as you live in a new land? 

Church forms when transformed people gather in acknowledgment of Christ's transforming work. It's not something we work toward, it's recognition of what's already done.

Living overseas comes with unique pieces of equipment. One of the most common reminds me of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

What was the reaction of the people who heard Jesus's sermon on the mount? What's yours?

Why do you go to church? Is it because of what you get out of it or put into it? What's your primary motivation? It's important to know.

What happens when you don't feel the love for the people you're serving? 

Following Christ doesn't mean life is easy. Putting his words into practice gives us the foundation we need when the inevitable storms arrive.

Why do Christ followers come together in what we know as the Church? What is the purpose of the Church? The purpose is to grow us more and more into the image of Christ.

Is language learning worth the hassle? Yes. Will there ever be a time we don't make mistakes in speaking a foreign language? No. Keep practicing, but not toward perfection.

Words and works aren't the litmus test of our salvation, but being known by Christ. Do you know Jesus? Does he know you?

Why do we try to imagine God, when His Word is full of descriptions and insight into his character and nature? Put your imagination aside and read the Bible.

You just want to tell people the good news of Jesus, but stuff keeps happening. Sometimes, it's the crises that bring the most open doors to witness. 

There will always be people who are seeking followers. Our job as Christians is to watch and not be too quick to fall in line. Jesus says it's all about the fruit.

The Transformed Life means that whether our knowledge is great or small, our actions will reflect the One we know, which is much more valuable.

When all seems dark and dreary, look for the color and light God brings to remind you that he's with you through it all, and then thank him.

As Jesus progresses in his sermon, it appears his way gets more and more narrow and difficult to follow: That's because it is.

Discipleship grows us to the point of knowing God is there even when everything else tells us he's not.

Don't miss out on the beauty of your place of service by avoiding the risk of taking an adventure. Let God reveal something of himself as you open your eyes to the wonders you'll see and experience.

We receive not because we ask not. If we never seek God and his provision, then we have no excuse in our worry. Choosing to trust God and seeking his Kingdom first replaces worry with trust. When I live in trust, I can more easily give to others.

When I forget God, I forget the blessing of being called by the special name he gives me, Beloved. It's not too late to turn back. He's waiting with open arms.

Just as in childbirth, the sweet reward of thriving in a new culture helps us forget the pain of language learning and adjustment. Mark the moments of progress to encourage yourself and others.