Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you. Ps 55:22

"I am a servant of Christ to a foreign nation for the unspeakable glory of life everlasting which is in Jesus Christ our Lord". - St. Patrick

St. Patrick has been called "one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived". Interesting fact is that he was actually British, not Irish. He was born into a Christian family with priests and deacons for relatives, but by his own admission was "not a good Christian". As a teenager he was carried into slavery by Irish raiders. His faith was strengthened through this ordeal of extended periods of isolation without human contact and he was eventually "born again". He endured the years of isolation by praying 100 prayers each day and another 100 each night. He eventually escaped and fled back to Britain to his family through faith and God's amazing grace and mercy, Patrick made the 200 mile trip on foot without being captured or injured, just as God had promised. Another interesting fact is that St. Patrick wasn't technically a "Saint" either- he was a pastor. When he fled to Britain, he started attending seminary and was then ordained as a Pastor.

He was in Britain until he felt God calling him back to Ireland as a missionary through a dream (just as He called Paul to Macedonia in a vision in Acts 16:9-10). The Roman Catholic Church had given up on converting the pagan Celtic people, deeming such "barbarians" as "beyond hope". Their enemies were terrified of them! However Patrick still had a heart for them nonetheless and sold all his possessions to become a missionary. Though he doubted his ability, he returned to the land that had enslaved him with as much zeal as the apostle Paul (one of my other favorite missionaries).

He definitely had a unique strategy as he worked as a Preacher and sold sums of money to tribal leaders to ensure his safety in traveling and preaching the Gospel. He functioned as a true missionary in trying to relate to the Irish people and communicate the Gospel to them in their culture (see also 1 Cor. 9:19-22). Legend says that he would use a 3 leaf clover to explain the Gospel and the Holy Trinity. It's also been written that upon entering a pagan clan, he would convert the tribal leaders first, then concentrate on healing, casting demons out, and preaching- showing them how to turn from their idols to the true and living God (1 Thes 1:9). He would baptize the converts and raise up pastors. When there were enough converted, he would build a simple church that did not resemble Roman architecture and hand it over to one of the pastors so that he could move on and repeat the process somewhere else. It's been written that he converted between 30-40 of the 150 tribes to become Christian, he trained over 1000 pastors, planted over 700 churches, and was one of the first people in history to take a strong public stand against slavery.

In his Confessio Patrick writes about his burden to evangelize the Irish pagans. He saw his life's work through the lens of Matthew 28 and Acts 1; Patrick prayed that God would "never allow me to be separated from His people whom He has won in the end of the earth". For Patrick, the ends of the earth was Ireland. It has been said of Patrick that he was "soaked in the Bible" and that he embraced the missionary mandate to lead the nations to Christ (which was very unusual in his day). His unique missionary strategy was truly original and no one in western Christendom was or had ever been"possessed by such strong convictions".

In his Confessio, Patrick referred to himself as a "sinner", a "simple countryman", and the "least of all the faithful". He wrote that before he was captured, He "did not know the true God". He goes on to confess:

"And there the Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief, in order that, even so late, I might remember my transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord, my God who had regard for my insignificance and pitied my youth and ignorance. And he watched over me before I knew him, and before I learned sense or even distinguished between good and evil, and he protected me, and consoled me as a father would his son.

Therefore, indeed, I cannot keep silent, nor would it be proper, so many favours and graces has the Lord deigned to bestow on me in the land of my captivity. For after chastisement from God, and recognizing him, our way to repay him is to exalt Him and confess his wonders before every nation under heaven"

He truly was a humble missionary and a man from whom many lessons can be learned.

..."Therefore be amazed, you great and small who fear God, and you men of God, eloquent speakers, listen and contemplate. Who was it summoned me, a fool, from the midst of those who appear wise and learned in the law and powerful in rhetoric and in all things? Me, truly wretched in this world, He inspired before others that I could be-- if I would-- such a one who, with fear and reverence, and faithfully, without complaint, would come to the people to whom the love of Christ brought me and gave me in my lifetime, if I should be worthy, to serve them truly and with humility.

According, therefore, to the measure of one's faith in the Trinity, one should proceed without holding back from danger to make known the gift of God and everlasting consolation, to spread God's name everywhere with confidence and without fear, in order to leave behind, after my death, foundations for my brethren and sons whom I baptized in the Lord in so many thousands.

...Thus I give untiring thanks to God who kept me faithful in the day of my temptation, so that today I may confidently offer my soul as a living sacrifice for Christ my Lord; who am I, Lord? or, rather, what is my calling? that you appeared to me in so great a divine quality, so that today among the barbarians I might constantly exalt and magnify your name in whatever place I should be, and not only in good fortune, but even in affliction? So that whatever befalls me, be it good or bad, I should accept it equally, and give thanks always to God who revealed to me that I might trust in him, implicitly and forever, and who will encourage me so that, ignorant, and in the last days, I may dare to undertake so devout and so wonderful a work; so that I might imitate one of those whom, once, long ago, the Lord already pre-ordained to be heralds of his Gospel to witness to all peoples to the ends of the earth. So are we seeing, and so it is fulfilled; behold, we are witnesses because the Gospel has been preached as far as the places beyond which no man lives."

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them". -Acts 16:9-10

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some". -1 Cor. 9:19-22

"Jesus said to him, '... but you go and preach the kingdom of God" -Luke 9:60

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age". Amen. -Matt. 28:19-20

"And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." -Mark 16:15

My life song:

References:

All scripture NKJV

Confessions of St. Patrick

STAY... part 2

Some lessons on obedience... part 2

"O restless heart- beating against the prison bars of your circumstances and longing for a wider realm of usefulness- allow God to direct all your days. Patience and trust, even in the midst of the monotony of your daily routine, will be the best preparation to courageously handle the stress and strain of a greater opportunity, which God may someday send."

"I'll stay where You've put me; I will, dear Lord,

Though I wanted so badly to go;

I was eager to march with the 'rank and rifle,'

Yes, I wanted to lead them, You know.

I planned to keep step to the music loud,

to cheer when the banner unfurled,

to stand in the midst of the fight straight and proud,

but I'll stay where You've put me.

I'll stay where You've put me; I'll work, dear Lord,

though the field be narrow and small,

and the ground neglected, and stones lie thick,

and there seems to be no life at all.

The field is Your own, only give me the seed,

I'll sow it with never a fear;

I'll till the dry soil while I wait for the rain,

and rejoice when the green blades appear;

I'll work where You've put me.

I'll stay where You've put me, I will, dear Lord;

I'll bear the day's burden and hear,

always trusting You fully; when sunset has come

I'll lay stalks of grain at Your feet.

And then, when my earth work is ended and done,

In the light of eternity's glow,

Life's record all closed, I surely will find

It was better to stay than to go;

I'll stay where you've put me."

Devotional from March 17th, Streams in the Desert

STAY... part 1

"Stay there until I tell you" -Matt 2:13

STAY... such a hard word to comprehend, understand, and obey. In our many lessons of obedience and sacrifice that we learn on this earth as believers and followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, how could one word be such a struggle? Pastor Greg Laurie often says (paraphrased) that if you have a SMALL God, you've got BIG problems, but if you have a BIG God, then you have SMALL problems. That is not something he says easily nor is it a statement I easily quote. It's not to say that the trials, struggles and mountains in our lives are unimportant, but compared to the God we serve, they are minuscule- nothing He can't handle. It is only through experiencing His Sovereignty and love first hand that we come to understand that truth and not be offended by it. Max Lucado has said, "God loves us just the way we are, BUT He refuses to leave us that way. He wants us to be just like Jesus" (emphasis added). "BUT"... that word is so crucial in so many bible passages and so crucial in this quote, putting more emphasis on the latter part of the statement than the first.

James has said, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials... that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2-3). It is the heart surgery that is done within you when in trials that God's purpose is seen greatest; His sovereign and almighty power becomes glorified through us as we choose to trust and not question. Who are we to question the will of the Father? Martin Luther once said 'A true believer will crucify, or put to death, the question, 'Why?' He will simply obey without questioning.' And I refuse to be one of those people who 'unless... [I] see miraculous signs and wonders... will never believe" (John 4:48). I will obey without questioning." When Paul prayed for God to take away his "thorn in the flesh", He responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12: 9). In Isaiah 41:10 the Lord promises "Fear not for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strength you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand". And again in verse 13 of the same chapter the Lord declares, "For I, the Lord your God, WILL hold your right hand. Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you". Verse 14 goes on with "I WILL help you,' says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel". What beautiful, powerful promises those are!! The Lord promises that if we go to Him, surrender to Him, HE WILL help us and hold us up! Just as He promises Paul "MY STRENGTH is made perfect in weakness" (emphasis added).

We need to lean on God in times of trials and suffering. We must go to Him for our strength. We must trust when we don't understand. We must have faith and surrender to the will of the Lord. Proverbs 3:5 says "Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding". So what does true, complete surrender to God look like? How do we surrender to God all of our heart when our lives our turned upside down? When everything we once knew or understood, gets questioned, upturned, and changed? When everything in his life was turned upside down, Job responded "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10a). The enemy was trying to pull Job down and get him to abandon the Lord, yet "in all this Job did not sin with his lips" (Job 2:10b). We have different insight into Job's life and struggles because we are able to read the conversations that took place between Satan and the Lord. However, Job was not privy to this knowledge. All he knew was that one day everything in his life was great, and the next it was all gone, his life was turned upside down and he was left in the ruins of despair and grief. Later on in his story, Job says "God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?... He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number... If He takes away, who can hinder Him? who can say to Him, 'what are You doing? " (Job 9:4, 10, 12). Job was in great despair, he was desperate. While Job was not perfect or without sin, his desperation and faith led him to admitting and proclaiming the Lord as sovereign. Job is merely an example of how to handle adversity and tragedy; he persevered in faith and integrity and was greatly blessed at the end of his end by our tender and merciful Lord.

So what are we to do with life changes? When we were prepared to stay and are called to "go"?When we are prepared to "go" and the Lord says "stay"? We must remember that the Lord is working in and through every aspect of our lives and sometimes, just as Abraham learned, we are merely meant to show our faithfulness by starting a path where we were never meant to reach the end of the road. The Lord told Abraham "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me” (Gen. 22:12). "For now I know"... taking Isaac to the alter was all that Abraham was meant to accomplish on that path. When he proved he was willing to serve and follow, the Lord took him and his son on a different path. God never closes a door before He's opened another.

It's so easy in this world to question the will of the Father because there is no way we could ever comprehend it this side of heaven. It's so easy to ask "Why" or to sometimes think that "I don't like this plan, I don't like this road I'm on... When can we go on a different road Father?" What's important in our frailty however is that we take those thoughts captive to the Lord and obey (2 Cor. 10:5). We must follow Jesus' example in the Garden when He "fell on His face" and cried out to the Father "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me"(Matt 26:39a). Jesus prayed about His "thorn in the flesh" just as Paul did, yet Jesus concluded His prayer with "nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matt. 26:39b). There it is again, "nevertheless" or "but"... makes the second half of this verse of more significance than the first. It is Jesus' example here that I realize I must follow, must continue to ingrain in my responses. The key to encountering trials or mountains in our lives is more than just taking them to the Lord in prayer (for we should be taking everything to the Lord in prayer); the key is faithfully praying and trusting in the Lord Almighty's sovereign power. His will will be done and we must trust in that. "[He] will never leave us or forsake us" (Deut 31:6,8). "God is faithful, He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear" (1 Cor 10:13). The Lord's ways truly are unknown and unquestionable; His sovereignty is incontestable. I pray that I would get away from asking "why" with an attitude of complaint and instead faithfully and trustingly pray as Jesus did, "Not my will... but Your will be done". May we pray as the humble father did in one of the miracles, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief" (Mark 9:24). While we have the amazing privilege of being real with God with our emotions, I pray that I continue to get away from the question "why" and instead ask "how". "Lord, how can You use me in this?... how can I glorify You through this?... how can I serve You with this or in this?" More than we need an answer to life's problems or questions, we desperately need to cleave to our BIG God and rest in His "peace which surpasses all understanding" for He will "guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).

Be still my restless heart, for the whole world is a mission field.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Gen 18:14.

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him" Ps. 37:7

References:

All scripture NKJV

Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado

Reputation vs Character

The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation;

The truth you believe determines your character.

Reputation is what you are supposed to be;

Character is what you are.

Reputation comes over one from without;

Character grows from within.

Reputation is what you have when you come into a new community;

Character is what you have when you go away.

Your reputation is learned in an hour;

Your character does not come to light for a year.

Reputation is made in a moment;

Character is built in a lifetime.

Reputation grows like a mushroom;

Character grows like an oak.

A single newspaper report gives you your reputation;

A life of toil gives you your character.

Reputation makes you rick or makes you poor;

Character makes you happy or makes you miserable.

Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;

Character is what angels say about you before the throne of God.

-Author unknown, quoted in Becoming a Women of Beauty and Strength by Elizabeth George

Beauty and Strength

Some lessons in beauty and strength while studying the book of Esther:

"While there is nothing wrong with Christian women wanting to look nice, each woman must examine her own motives. Today's world places great emphasis on beauty-exceptionally perfect women stare at us from magazine covers. Christian women, while they can dress nicely and take care of their appearance become all encompassing...

A carefully groomed and well-decorated exterior is artificial and cold without inner beauty. Scripture does not prohibit a woman from wanting to be attractive. Beauty, however, begins inside a person. A gentle, modest, loving character gives a light to the face that cannot be duplicated by the best cosmetics and jewelry in the world. Christian women are not to try to be unattractive; instead, Paul called them to reject the world's standard for attractiveness. A Christian's adornment comes not from what she puts on, but from what she does for others" (Life Application Bible Commentary- 1 &2 Timothy & Titus, quoted in George, 40)

Lessons on beauty:

A Christian woman's appearance should be a complement to her inner spirit and never a hindrance to the kingdom of God. Beauty is more than the outward appearance. For a Christian woman "good hygiene, healthy skin care, appropriate, [modest] attire, and gracious manners are all expected to be a means of presenting an outward appearance that attracts others toward her life and ultimately gives opportunity for sharing a testimony of the Christ who dwells within her".

A woman's countenance is often a mirror of her heart; her inner peace and joy are reflected on her face. A woman's actions and attitudes are often an indication of where her roots are planted (Gal 5:22-23).

True beauty comes from within and is manifested by pure motives and a generous, unselfish spirit toward others. No beauty regimen or stylish clothes can mask an unattractive heart, unkind words, or hurtful actions. As Proverbs 11:22 says, "as a gold ring in a swine's snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion". Women of Israel wore gold rings in their noses the way we wear earrings or finger rings. Pigs were considered unclean animals and thus making the example ludicrous. A gold ring could not beautify a dirty pig. Similarly, a woman's physical beauty can cannot cover her lack of discretion (morals). Outward beauty with indiscreet conduct has no value and turns physical beauty into ugliness.

1 Samuel 16:7:

"Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees, for a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

Proverbs 31:30:

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised"

"It's refreshing to be reminded of God's standards for true beauty. Faith and character, not external appearances, are what's important to God. He cares about your heart, not your hair, or your facial features, or your figure". (George, 23)

Question is, is your heart a heart that finds favor with Him?

Lessons on Strength:

Psalm 9:9:

"The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed. A refuge in times of trouble."

Psalm 18:2:

"The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Psalm 23:4:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for You are with me"

Psalm 46:1:

"God is our refuge and strength; A very present help in trouble."

Maintaining a beautiful character:

Proverbs 22:1:

"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold."

Proverbs 11:16:

"A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches"

Proverbs 31: 25:

"Strength and honor are her clothing, she shall rejoice in time to come"

Proverbs 31:10:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies."

Proverbs 31:26:

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness"

Proverbs 31:30:

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised"

1 Timothy 2:9-10:

"in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works."

Graciousness- A complement to beauty

"A gracious spirit enhances a woman's demeanor, while a selfish heart tarnishes her appearance and limits her effectiveness." The word "gracious" means "pleasantly kind", "courteous", "characterized by generosity of spirit" according to modern dictionaries. The word "gracious" is used several times to describe God Himself throughout the old testament (Ex. 34:6; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 111:4). In Proverbs 11:16a, we are told that "A gracious woman retains honor". Here, we see that a gracious woman is described with the quiet victories of a beautiful character, that is honor.

The Bible gives examples of several remarkable, gracious woman. Abigail realized and accepted her husband's weak habits and poised herself before David with respect, kindness, and courtesy. Her gracious spirit eventually ends up freeing her from her marriage to a fool and she's rewarded with a marriage to King David (see 1 Sam. 25:23-42). Ruth, was a quiet woman who was gracious to her mother-in-law (even when Naomi was bitter and full of self-pity) and her perseverance complemented her beauty. Her strong character and gracious manner were eventually rewarded with a devoted husband and offspring that eventually led to the lineage of Jesus (see Ruth 4:13, 17).

Having experienced God's love and forgiveness should increase our sensitivity to one another and lead us to reflect God's Kingdom with our words and actions. Just as God is "ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness" (Neh. 9:17) so should our hearts be as we try to reflect Him, just as Eccl. 10:12 says "The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious". As believers we are admonished, "as the elect of God, holy and beloved" to, as Col. 3:12-13 says, "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another... even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do".

As godly women, our graciousness should be "the fruit of a godly character, springing from a heart committed to the Lord", so that it becomes a tool for drawing others to the Savior and for service to Christ in the Kingdom.

"True beauty and strength believes in the complete oversight of God. We find His beauty as we rest in His providence, and His strength as we count on His providence" (George, 48). "Providence means that the hand of God is in the glove of human events". -John MacArthur

References:

George, Elizabeth. Becoming a Woman of Beauty and Strength. 2001 Harvest House Publishers.

Women's Study Bible, 2nd edition. 2005, 2006 Thomas Nelson, Inc. NKJV