When God enters your world.

“The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”         

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.”  Luke 1:35-38

This past week I have appreciated revisiting the account of the people and events surrounding the birth of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Of course it’s a familiar story, but I have been impacted afresh by the individual responses of both Joseph and Mary to God entering their world, revealing His plan for them to play a crucial role in parenting the incarnate Jesus.

In Matthew’s account, after Joseph has become aware of Mary’s pregnancy, an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream saying; “do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived is from the Holy Spirit.” (Matt 1:20).                                                                                  

How does Joseph, who is desribed in verse 19 as a righteous man, respond? When he woke up he did what God’s messenger had commanded him to do, taking Mary home as his wife (1:24). Joseph embraced the opportunity to take a step of faith based on what had been revealed to him.

As we read on in Matthew Chapter 2 we can see this pattern of revelation, instruction and active response being repeated on several occasions for Joseph as he followed God’s lead.

When Mary encounters God’s messenger (Luke 1) her response to God’s assignment was one of humble acceptance and submission, believing God at His word and understanding her role as a servant in helping to fulfil God’s plan. I do wonder if she took the time to consider what others may have thought (including her husband-to-be). The role she had been selected for was great indeed and it would not be long before the evidence of a rather unique pregnancy, carrying a very special child would become more and more apparent.

God had literally entered their world - their lives and the lives of multitudes of others would never be the same again!

How can the story of Joseph and Mary inform our own response during those occasions when God enters our world, revealing himself, his purpose and invitation to join him in his work?

I can really identify with the fact that God provided a joint calling upon Joseph and Mary – they were in this (God-ordained) thing together. They would need each other, and Jesus, because of his humanity, would need them.

I like the fact that both Joseph and Mary had individual yet complimentary calling encounters with God’s messengers. I know this to be of significance in my own faith journey which I have shared for many years with my wife Judy. When God has entered our world and captured our attention to reveal a new assignment the fact that we have both uniquely heard from God has brought confirmation, prompting us to respond in obedience to serve the purposes of God, together.

Joseph and Mary can teach us much about submission to God and his purposes; about being vulnerable in offering ourselves, as we are, to serve the will of God whatever the cost, wherever the journey may take us.

Lord, I pray that I would be open to you entering my world afresh whatever the season. May I have ears to hear and eyes to see whatever you may reveal, when you choose to do so. Please give me the courage to take you at your word and to act upon your revelation with a step of faith as your servant.”  Amen.

An invitation I could not refuse.

 

“May God be gracious to us and bless us 

and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth,   your salvation among all nations.”                      Psalm 67:1,2             

This week marks the ten year anniversary of my first cross-cultural ministry and equipping experience in Thailand. The last week of September 2002 was also significant in that it was the first time I had ever ventured beyond Australian shores; especially considering how, ten years earlier I had said (to God); “I will never leave Australia, even for ministry!”

This new opportunity came about through the persistent requests of Ian, a good mate of mine whom I had grown to love and respect through our association with Youth Ministries Australia (YMA) in Perth. We shared a kindred spirit for God, young people, making disciples and for equipping leaders in the local church context.  Ian had left Perth and moved back to Singapore with his family, where he had been studying and was serving as a youth pastor in a large Great Commission-minded sending church.

Ian’s church was being intentional about church planting and supporting a network of pastors in the city of Korat (Nakhon Rachasima) in North East Thailand. Ian had been invited to help facilitate five nights of translated youth ministry equipping for pastors and emerging leaders in Korat.

I can recall that on several occasions during that year I received emails form Ian inviting me to come to Thailand and help with this training, using some of the YMA material as a framework. I must admit that each communication seemed to strengthen the tug on my heart – I sensed the Lord of the harvest was getting my attention and wanted me to go. In fact, I felt compelled to go; to check things out in this very different context.

I also believed God didn’t want me to go alone to Thailand. It wasn’t practical for my wife Judy to come (earlier that year we had relocated to Sydney from Perth and we had four young children at the time). It made sense to intentionally take someone with me to serve as an authentic model of discipleship, especially to those whom we would be ministering amongst in Korat.

I invited a young youth pastor named Des to accompany me to Thailand. Des was serving in our local church in Sydney where we had become good friends. When I approached Des he confirmed how God had been working on his heart and so we prepared for our trip to Thailand.

The moment I stepped onto foreign soil in Thailand I felt a deep sense of peace and security, that this was the right place to be.

What ensued over the next week or so was a captivating cross-cultural experience for me personally - I had been privileged to be given a taste of Thailand and I knew that I wanted more; that God would enable me to bring others back to experience what I had been through. I also believed that YMA could play an ongoing role in equipping the Thai church and a younger generation in Korat.

There were many highlights from my first visit to Korat; re-engaging with my good mate Ian; receiving generous hospitality; serving amongst God’s people in a vastly different context; singing praises in different languages; witnessing such a deep passion for Jesus; eating amazing food; late night conversations with Des.

Probably the main highlight for me was meeting a young leader from Korat named Tong. There was something about Tong which stood out. Here was a local guy who was respected amongst his peers,  had a heart for Jesus, was fun to be with and was teachable – I sensed that Tong wanted more and that God would use him in his city. I didn’t get to share lot of time alone with Tong, but I know we enjoyed interacting during a busy week (it really helped that Tong had a good grasp of English, unlike my very limited understanding of Thai!).

Whilst I was looking forward to returning home to my family, I found it difficult to leave Thailand. God had given me a burden for the Land of Smiles and for the Thai people – I knew I would be back in the future, with others. God had opened the way to contribute something of worth and I wanted to play my part.

As I reflect back over the last ten years of involve- ment in Thailand, there is much to praise and thank God for...

~ Tong has emerged as God’s person-of-peace, planted in Korat where he has been envisioned to steward an emerging movement of young disciple-makers. I count it a joy and a privilege to be considered a friend and mentor to Tong - God has enriched my life through knowing him.

~ We’ve seen the mobilisation of multiple short-term mission project teams comprised of missionary colleagues, youth leaders, schools workers and students from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Projects have featured the provision of translated resources and equipping events, high school English teaching and more recently Immerse (Story of God) student camps. 

~ God’s people throughout Australia have prayed and generously donated sponsorship funds.

~ On several occasions YMA has hosted Tong, selected team members and students from Thailand here in Australia, providing timely opportunities for hands-on equipping, coaching and partnership development.

~ What a joy to hear of numerous young people coming to faith in Christ, being nurtured in the things of God whilst being empowered to make a difference in their local communities. Praise God for the birth of The Light Church and for multiple baptisms in recent times – God is surely moving in Korat!

I thank God for allowing me to be a part of this grand Great Commission adventure in Thailand – what a journey it has been thus far.

I thank God for recruiting me into an Organisation that has at it's core an unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes to win, build, train and send people for Jesus.

And, I also thank God for the persistent requests of a good mate back in 2002 – I’m so pleased I was prompted to take up the invitation to get on board what God is doing in the Land of Smiles.

I’ve uploaded a short video of my first Thailand experience to youtube – it features some footage of Des, myself, Tong and Ian.

click here to view

YMA is a ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ Australia (CCCA). 

CCCA’s vision is;

“To see spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone 
knows someone who truly follows Jesus.”

just-in-time

My first permanent job out of high school involved working as a junior clerk in the purchasing department of a large optometrical company in Adelaide. Not long after starting my job I was informed by my manager that if I wanted to get on in the company I would need to do some part-time study – the way he looked at me when he said this pretty well implied that I had no option but to do some study!

And so, I enrolled (at the company’s expense) in a 3 year TAFE course, attending two classes every week; one during working hours, one at night. I actually enjoyed this course, probably for two main reasons; 1) what I was studying related directly to my job (I was able to apply theories and practices to my work environment), and 2) the incentive was there for me to complete the course and potentially receive higher pay and job promotion (which in fact did eventually happen, on several occasions).

One of the strategies I learnt about through my course was the ‘just-in-time’ inventory and production system.

The main goal of ‘JIT’ is to order and receive goods only as they are needed in the production process, thereby increasing efficiency, decreasing waste whilst also reducing inventory and overhead costs. There is obviously a substantial risk with such an approach because if required stock items and parts are not delivered on time production will stop, resulting in a frustrated workforce and unhappy customers.

Enough of the workplace theory for now.

Lately I’ve been reminded that the God I know and serve often seems to work in a just-in-time kind of way.

Over the past few weeks the Lord has been revealing to me that he knows what I need, when I need it and where I need it, even if I may have not been fully conscious of just how much I have needed his timely delivery into my life.

This provision has served to fill my tank, just when I’ve needed it, meeting me at my at my point of emotional, physical or spiritual need.

Allow me to provide a few examples to help explain…

Just-in-time conversations.

During a recent trip to Perth I was delighted to catch up with a number of valued Christian friends; people whom I had been privileged to get to know when my wife Judy and I lived in Perth. I hadn’t seen these people for over 12 years and sensed I should do what I could to meet up again. So, some appointments were set up, no problems.

Without going into specifics, all I will say is that it was mutually beneficial for me to be able to re-engage with each of these people after such a long break. It was transforming to be able to simply sit, drink coffee and pick up where we had left off; sharing our stories, our joys and struggles - unpacking the various experiences and lessons of life and faith we had encountered as our own unique storylines have unfolded.

As my Perth friends and I talked and listened and pondered I sensed there was an obvious symmetry emerging between our storylines. It was as though we had entered into a common rhythm together - it was as though our hearts were beating as one. I must say that I found this to be deeply moving, especially when coming to a realisation that we are not alone in our experiences of life and faith; there can be a common path we are called to tread as we follow Jesus.

Just-in-time scriptures.

I continue to marvel at the way God brings to light a key bible passage or verse that will speak profoundly into my life circumstances right when I need to read or hear it.

Recent examples have included;

My need: insight and discernment for making some important (and urgent) decisions.

God’s response, coming through a daily devotional reading; “if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God…for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”  (Proverbs 2:2-8)

My need: to find a way to achieve break-through in order to move forward in a perplexing situation.

God’s response, coming through a corporate prayer gathering; “…the battle is not yours, but God’s…you will not have to fight this battle…do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (2 Chronicles 20:15-17)

It is during such times of revelation, when a situation seems chaotic and confusing that I find myself knowing an inner peace that passes human understanding together with a deep assurance that God is present, God is active and that God will provide all that is needed as he leads me on.

Just-in-time expressions of love.

A further illustration of God meeting needs has come via some unexpected touches received from various members of the body of Christ.

In recent weeks our family has benefitted from some very practical expressions of love. These have included words of affirmation and appreciation, a 10kg bag of rice, a gift box of assorted teas, a school visit on Grandparents Day (our children don’t have their own grandparents living in Melbourne) together with some much-needed additional financial support.

It’s good to be able to count our blessings in such a tangible way. It’s good for our children to see evidence of God at work in our lives. God is good, all the time.

Cross-referencing.

Probably the greatest example of the just-in-time activity of God can be seen in what Jesus has achieved through his sacrificial death on the cross – the ultimate expression of love in action.

I believe the Apostle Paul sums it up well when he writes in Romans 5:6; “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Jesus himself knew the time was right. God's timing is always perfect. At the conclusion of his Last Supper in that upstairs room Jesus was able to pray in the presence of his disciples; “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.” Jesus went on to pray; “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”  (John 17:1 & 4). 

The cross provides us with a clear perspective of how the timing and purposes of God align together - it can serve as the perfect reference point for someone seeking to walk in the way of Jesus.

 

“To follow Jesus implies that we enter into a way of life that is given character and shape and direction by the one who calls us. To follow Jesus means picking up rhythms and ways of doing things that are often unsaid but always derivative from Jesus, formed by the influence of Jesus.”

Eugene Peterson, The Way of Jesus

*with thanks to Andrew and Dianne Jarvey (Ellenbrook Salvation Army, Perth) for allowing me to include the above photo of their mosaic cross...inspirational!

No shortcuts

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God lead the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt armed for battle.”   Exodus 13:17-18

This passage really caught my attention during one of my recent daily devotional readings.

As the People of God, under the leadership of God’s servant Moses were leaving their time of slavery and oppression in Egypt, it was God’s choice that they were not to take the shorter more direct route (via what some commentators refer to as the Way of the Philistines). Rather, God’s preferred travel plan was a longer way around, enroute to the Promised Land of Canaan.

It appears that God was calling upon his People to embark on a faith journey, rather than one of convenience or maybe even battle.

I don’t know about you, but the pace of life and ministry has been incredibly hectic for me so far this year. It feels like I am being constantly bombarded with an ever-increasing number of important and urgent demands upon my time – each requiring due diligence and attention.

It is during such times, coupled with the pressures of living in an I-want-it-now society that I find it tempting to want to take a few short-cuts.

I suspect you will be able to identify with this kind of rationale - taking the shorter route (often perceived as an easier route) means that I can check things off the to-do list in order to get to those more important tasks (or to take just a little time out) more quickly.

Or, it could also mean that when faced with a season of adversity, afflication or a particular challenge that I would much rather have it over and done with quickly, rather than choosing to persevere and be patient.

Does it really matter which method or road we choose to take to arrive at a preferred destination or a desired outcome?

Surely what matters is that we get there…right?

As I consider the personal application of the Exodus 13 passage I sense God is saying that there can be no short-cuts when following his call along the road of faith.

The main thing I believe he wants me to remember is to trust and follow him; to let him lead; learning his lessons...even if it might mean going the long way around.

During this current season I have appreciated God’s gentle reminder to persevere and to be patient; being anxious for nothing. 

Perhaps you can identify with this…

If so, then may God enable you to stay the course; following His lead; learning the lessons He wants to teach along the way.

 

“By faith he [Moses] left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.”                Hebrews 11:27

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”                            James 1:12