Gratitude

Continuation of last week's assignment

Write a lament for Japan. Use the amount of syllables beside each line

"Gratitude"

1- JOY

2- SAYS

3- EVERYTHING

4- GENEROUS GOD

5- HEAR MY GRATITUDE

6- YOU HAVE GIVEN ME JOY

7- I HAVE NO GOOD BESIDES YOU

6- MY CUP RUNITH OVER

5- NOT JUST SALVATION

4- YOU GIVE ME JOY

3- ABUNDANT

2-FAITHFUL

       1-GOD

Lament for Japan

Today’s assignment, write a lament for Japan. Use the amount of syllables beside each line

A prayer:

1- O,

2- MOST HIGH

3- SOVEREIGN GOD

4- CREATOR LORD

5- MY PRAYER IS SIMPLE

6-DONA EIS REQUIEM (Grant them rest)

7-PIE JESU, AGNUS DEI (Merciful Jesus, Lamb of God)

6-DONA EIS REQUIEM (Grant them rest)
5- IN THEIR LAND AND HEARTS

4- SEMPITERNAM (Everlasting)

3- PACEM, O (PEACE)

2- LORD GOD

1- BE

 

Shokurie

In my Basic Evangelism class we are required talk to someone and describe the encounter of a spiritual conversation. These are our Verbatims. Verbatims should pose spiritual questions such as, “Do you ever think about what happens after you die?” “What do you think about the church and Jesus?” “Do you believe in Heaven or Hell and what do you have to do to go there?” The point and goal is to lead to a presentation of the Gospel using a method learned in class. This is my first verbatim:

On Wednesday March 1^st, I had the opportunity to meet with my friend Christy in San Rafael and travel to Dominican University with hopes of sharing the Gospel. We had met earlier that day for lunch and to discuss the campus ministry she was involved in. During lunch we discussed Dominican and the make-up of campus. I was interested in what type of campus and demographic we were working with. Dominican is a private Catholic University. Although it does have religious affiliations, it should not be considered a “Christian School.” Dominican does not differ much from most secular universities, as it attracts people of all faiths and beliefs. This was important to understand so I did not approach campus with any preconceived notions (or so I thought). Dominican has a culturally divers population of students not only from the bay area but a large amount of international students as well. There are several students from various faiths, which the University supports with their interfaith policies and events.

       Christy and I went to campus but unfortunately it was a cold, rainy, and typical dreary day in the bay area and therefore there were not as many students on campus as I had hoped for. We set out with bottles of water, canvassing the campus, and praying God would to lead us to people to talk to. The bottles of water were conversation starters. Going out on campus and talking with students is not new for Christy. She enjoys going around campus with water bottles, giving them away to people that are willing to ask her a question about the bible.  This allows her to start a conversation and physically have something to offer someone (icebreaker). This gets their attention while focusing her conversation on Jesus or God. She first obtained this idea from another group that would go around advertising “Beer and Bible,” where students went around campus offering root beer for questions about the bible. 

       As we walked around campus, it became apparent there were not going to be a lot of people to talk with since it was raining. Those that were outside were walking in haste from one point to the next. It was not a great environment to stop people out of the blue and carry on religious conversations. So we began to pray, asking God if there was some one on campus we were to speak with that He would lead us to them and give us the opportunity to stop and have a quality conversation. Only a few moments passed when we came to a bus stop with one lone student crouched by the curb.

       As we approached the potential passenger my stomach began to get the butterflies and questions raced through my head. What if He rejected us? What if we annoyed him? What if he challenged us? But what if he actually listened to us? More so what if God actually used this very moment to radically change this guy’s life and call him as a believer? I had about a million questions and before I knew it we were going through introductions.

His name was Shokurie. At least I believe that is correct, because he did not speak good English. In fact he spoke very little English at all. He was from Japan and was at Dominican studying English (makes sense). It was soon pretty clear the one question I had not thought of was the one thing that was going to stand in the way, “what if he doesn’t speak English?” He was extremely nice and shy, and he wanted to talk.

I’m sure two white girls walking up and starting a conversation was not something he expected that day, but in looking back it kind of made our job easy. There were no expectations. It was extremely easy to offer him the water and tell him that we were giving it out if he would ask us a question about the Bible. Now I really like this approach to evangelism. I find most people are not too offended by the Bible at least not if they are given the opportunity to ask anything they want about it. But I do think more people become defensive once you bring up the name of Jesus.

So when Christy asked him if he had a question about the Bible I wasn’t nervous. But then I noticed something I did not expect. He just stared at us. Not that he didn’t want to answer, he didn’t understand what we were asking. He didn’t know what the Bible was. Christy asked, “Have you ever heard of the Bible?” He shook his head no. “Wow” I thought to myself, “hmm, okay this should be interesting. Well maybe he just doesn’t understand what we mean by Bible.” Just then Christy asked, “Have you ever heard of God and Jesus? Have you ever heard the name of Jesus?” I thought “Certainly he’s heard of God. Surly at least heard the name ‘Jesus’…I mean its Jesus!” My heart sank so low when he answered, “No, I don’t know that name.”

Okay so I have never really thought of myself a naive about things in this world. Yes I know I lack perspective on some things, but I’m not naive. But I was floored. Here I was, standing in America, on a University Campus, a place of higher education, knowledge, and learning, in the most advanced “Christian” nation in the world and there is someone who more than doesn’t know who Jesus is, HE HAS NEVER HEARD HIS NAME! I truly fought back the tears as Christy handed him the water bottle. There was obviously going to be a huge language barrier but before I could catch my breath from the initial shock of our interaction, he was on the bus and the opportunity was over.

Did we fail? I hope not! Did we plant a seed? Will he go and ask someone who Jesus is? Will he ask for a Bible? I pray so! But my biggest fear is, will he just forget about us and go on? I was so frustrated. Never had I wanted to know Japanese more in my life. Never had I wanted to be able to speak in tongues more. Never was I so shocked at the lost-ness of our world, our county, this county and city, than I was at that moment. I don’t know if it was a success. I pray it was. I pray it was a seed that God will grow to go back to Japan to tell more people about Jesus.

We were not able to share the gospel with anyone that day. Shokurie was the only person on campus that we were able to approach. I think God had us speak to him and only him for a very specific purpose. What? I don’t know. I do know I learned a great deal out of the encounter. I cannot take anything for granted as a minister of the Gospel of Christ. I cannot assume everyone knows Jesus, even if by name here in the U.S.

 On my next attempt on sharing I will take into account the weather but I will also go into it with little to no expectations other than to be lead by the Holy Spirit. I do think it is an interesting way to start my verbatims. I think I will not be as afraid to say the name of Jesus. I cannot imagine how I would have felt if I had allowed fear to keep me from saying the name of Christ to Shokurie. I would have never gotten over the missed opportunity knowing what I know now. But we don’t always get that opportunity to know. I wonder how often I have already missed that chance. Who has passed by and not know known Christ or God. I pray God will use this brief encounter with Shokurie to lead him to a relationship with Jesus. I also pray that God will use this encounter with Shokurie to remind me that the Gospel is to be told to everyone as the “Good News” and that I should not shy away from it because it could be the first time some one is hearing it…even in America.

Please join me in praying for Shokurie and that God opens all our eyes to lost-ness

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" Romans 10:14

7 Sentence Biography

Okay so I know I haven't posted in a while...trust me that has been very frustrating. It’s hard to find time to sit and write, when I struggle to find time to sit and think. But I had the opportunity to do an assignment in my Spiritual Formations class, which forced me to write one of the shortest autobiographies I have written. I thought I would share...

Guidelines: 7 sentences, each beginning with the following phrases:

• "Once upon a time..."
• "And every day..."
• " Until one day..."
• "because of that"
• "and because of that"
• "until finally"
• "and ever since then"

The story picks up about a year and a half ago...

Once upon a time there was a girl who thought she had life pretty much figured, she knew what she wanted. And every day she worked towards achieving the desires she thought where in her heart. Until one day she realized she no longer knew what desires her heart held. Because of that she asked God to reveal the true desires of her heart. And because of that act of surrender, God began to change her entire life, redirecting her path towards people and places she never imagined she'd encounter. Until finally she began to understand and embrace the new desires as ones which God created for her, trusting Him to lead instead of figuring it out on her own. And ever since then, she's found excitement in the unknown and peace in being known by the One who has given her direction and purpose.

God Wink

I’m not going to claim this to be anything thought provoking, profound, or in the least bit theologically captivating, I simply want to share my day…

I awoke this morning at 3:30am. Not because I couldn’t sleep, I was supposed to be up and at work at 4am. Its a vast understatement to say I was not excited about having such an early start. On one hand God has given me a job which is a huge answered prayer…so who am I to complain... Buuuut on the other hand…IT’S 4AM!!! Nonetheless I was up, dressed, and in my car headed down the hill towards work.

I’ll be honest, there was some grumblin’, complain’ and all around “whoa is me” going on…but then...God winked ;)

***God Wink= a term from a wise and wonderful woman of God, Gina Kingston, for when God acts or moves in your life in such a way you know He is talking specifically to you. That, “Hey Kid remember me? GOD? Don’t you know I Am…and you’re not!” (latter part Jessica Paraphrase)***

So back to the 4am God wink, - btw (by the way) did you even know that God was awake at 4am? I guess the east coast does, but apparently HE is awake on the west coast too! So I’m rollin’ down the hill, annoyed at life, when I see Beth approaching me at the 3-way stop. Yay Beth! I forgot I was opening with Beth. I love Beth…BUT THEN…it starts…my song! MY SONG! It comes on the radio. Now I know everyone has a song, but understand this is THE song of all songs to my spirit and my soul. All that's within me swells up and sings with overwhelming love and admiration for God every time I hear it. In an instant I'm standing at the throne of God, singing to my Creator, with all I have to offer (which is very little). In a moment’s time, God calls me to Himself and I am sitting at His feet, reminded of all He has done in my life. And who introduced me to this song? BETH. WINK!!!

As I followed behind Beth to the Bucks, I sang with all I had. The harder I praised Him the more I was reminded HE IS GOD and this GOD LOVES ME! (even at 4am). By the time we pulled into the parking lot, all thoughts of frustration and general annoyance with time had completely dissolved. As I got out of the car Beth shared in my joy since she too was listening to it and she knows how much I love it. The morning went by in a flash. My joy continued throughout the day, from my very refreshing power nap after work and through class.

But God does not just bless, He tends to over bless!

It was about 4PM that afternoon when Beth called to say she would like to come by and play and sing - and then she did it - she sat in the lobby of my dorm and played "How can I keep from Singing", my song.  It has been 2 ½ years since I have heard her and let me just say… well I can’t “just” say…

I cannot explain what overcame my soul. My morning experience was merely a foretaste to the blessing God had in store for me. As I sat there absorbing what my friend was singing over me, the truth and honesty of the words echoed throughout my heart. The Spirit of God filled the room and straight to my soul. I could not help but be extremely humbled by the perfection of the moment. Funny thing was Beth was playing on probably the most out-of-tune piano I have ever encountered, had the BCM’s beaten by a long shot. But it was perfect! Here I was, sitting with my friend who I have not really seen for quite sometime, but still my only connection to home, but in CALIFORNIA! IN SEMINARY! All God had done for me, to me, and through me, not just over the past few weeks but over a lifetime, ran across my mind in a flash. Right then I knew all I had been through and all I had experienced had been perfectly, divinely planned out just for little ‘ole me to be right where I was… exactly where God wants me to be. My Spirit soared and I was at peace.

The evening continued with much joy and peace. I had an excellent evening in Bible study with college students. There we discussed Ruth and Naomi. I could not get over how we focused on Naomi’s acknowledgement of God’s control in her life…good or bad, God was in control.

As I drove back to Mill Valley and GG campus, I pondered over my day, thanking God for His amazing  and sustaining presence throughout. But as I turned onto Seminary Drive it hit me. A new feeling, one I have not experienced since being in California. I was not just driving to a strange place that I am visiting. I’m not a stranger or a visitor to Marin County. I’m a resident. I was navigating the roads like I had been on them a 1,000 times. It was like an old habit for me to turn towards…well …its not yet "home"… I don’t know when or if I will ever be able to say this is "home"… but I’m not a visitor. My God is here. More so He has called me here. He is holding me and completely in control of everything. This is my life: Golden Gate, Mill Valley, Marin County, California. From the big stuff like a 2500-mile cross-country drive to the little stuff like song selection on the radio… HE IS GOD and…well…I am not… I rest in that - In Him! It leaves me asking How can I keep from singing?

video

There is an endless song

Echoes in my soul

i hear the music ring

And though the storms may come

i am holding on

To the Rock I cling

How can i keep from singing Your praise

How can i ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can i keep from shouting Your name

i know i am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

i will lift my eyes

In the darkest night

For i know my Savior lives

And i will walk with You

Knowing You'll see me through

And sing the songs You give

How can i keep from singing Your praise

How can i ever say enough; How amazing is Your love

How can i keep from shouting Your name

i know i am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

i can sing in the troubled times

Sing when i win

i can sing when i lose my step

And fall down again

i can sing 'cause You pick me up

Sing 'cause You're there

i can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord

When i call to You in prayer

i can sing with my last breath

Sing for i know

That i'll sing with the angels

And the saints around the throne

How can i keep from singing Your praise

How can i ever say enough

How amazing is Your love

How can i keep from shouting Your name

i know i am loved by the King

And it makes my heart want to sing

Psalm 4- Selah, Trust, Worship, Seek, Abound!

I’ve recently had to remind myself of the teaching in Psalm 4. I’m positive this will continue to be since I live in fallen world, filled with fallen creatures, humans. Have you ever wondered why God made certain people? Better yet if you truly believe scripture, as I fully do (2 Tim. 3:16), then you believe He “fearfully and wonderfully” made each person (Psalm 139:14). Wonderfully? Really…everyone? Are you sure about that? Yes everyone! But Psalm 4 doesn’t go into all of that. Instead it answers the question: what do I do when I become frustrated with others and their actions? How am I to respond when others are being just so… human?

1 “Answer me when I call, O God of my right! You gave me room when I was in distress. Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

^{“You gave me room” is past tense. The NIV says, “You give me” which is present tense and a statement of faith. ESV and NASB say “You have given” or “You have relieved” both acknowledge God’s provision in the past. I believe all are interesting to take into account. Because it is from remembering and acknowledging how God has provided in the past that our Faith grows, I found all translations useful. I also note David says God is gracious in simply hearing his prayer. He says nothing about God’s answer being grace, which it so is and He does ask for his prayer to be answered, but the focus is that it is grace just for the God of the universe to merely hear our prayers.}

2 How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah

^{I know this verse will speak to every one differently. I believe all can relate with David’s plead for others not to be concerned with “vain words.” You know that crap that just doesn’t matter and words that only tickle our ears. David is speaking to me, “SELAH” which means: WOAH, STOP and THINK or LISTEN! So I did and God showed me I am “you people.” I’ve have heard of eye candy but I know that my flesh enjoys ear candy too. Even now as I read the passage I have to stop and have the Holy Spirit show me what vain words I seek after in my life. What lies do I go after?}

3 But know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.

^{“Know.” Not just hear, not just listen, not just be aware, but KNOW that you are holy. What? I am holy? How is this so, does Romans 3 not make it very clear that I am far form holy? Yes it does. All mankind is depraved and void of anything good (Romans 3:10-18). But to be “holy” means to be “set apart” and the LORD has done this to the FIATHFUL. Why? For Himself. Simply put, God made those faithful to Him holy, for Himself to enjoy. (also see Matt 5:48 & 1 Peter 1:16)}

4 When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah

^{So because we are “set apart” or holy, David gives us extremely valuable advise to remain so. Some translations, ESV and NKJV, say,  “when angry”, others such as NIV and NASB use “tremble”. I love both because I sometimes do find myself so angry I literally shake. I know you do to. Now how do we as humans become disturbed angry? More often than not it is going to involve another human being. Since we have contact with others, pretty much every moment of every day, we should know this scripture, which was written thousands of years ago, is going to very much still apply to us. What do we do? Well David tells us immediately what we are not to do, “DO NOT SIN.” Isn’t that great? He just says it so boldly and in your face and gets it out quick as a strong warning? But he continues with the how, “ponder” or THINK, it on your beds. Sleep on it if you will, but more so “BE SILENT.” In other words, Stop, Jessica! Don’t talk, Jessica! Don’t do, Jessica! Go think, go pray “Selah”…listen…!}

5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.

^{What are we to do while we are in the stop and listen, or Selah mode? “Trust in the Lord.” “How long will you seek vain words?” Oh how often I have gone to others who I know will take my side and tell me what I want to hear. I fail to offer my RIGHT sacrifice to the Lord. What is my right sacrifice? Romans 12:1 says it is to present my body “as a living sacrifices, holy (set apart) and acceptable to God.” That is my spiritual worship, some even add "true and proper" worship (NIV). Sounds a lot like "right sacrifices" doesn't it? But do I go and get on my face when I am angry? Do I enter into “spiritual worship”? Or do I seek those “vain words.” More so, do I “trust in the Lord?” Is He not in control? Does He not have a handle on the situation? Psalm 47:7-8 says that He is King over all the earth and over all the nations. More still, Christ is over all. Col. 1:16-17 shows that nothing was made outside of Christ and it is Christ who holds all things together. So Selah. Stop, think, and trust that God is, well…GOD!}

6 There are many who say, "O that we might see some good! Let the light of your face shine on us, O LORD!"

^{The term or idea of “good” or good things, or even goodness is interesting to me. What exactly is “good” I have no idea. But I do know I want it! I want it always to be associated with my life and everything in my life! Where does it come from? Psalm 16:2 says, “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, I have no good apart from You.’” So it comes from God. But “Light of Your face” what is that? The better question would be, “Who is that”? Col. 1:15 in reference to Jesus Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God.” John 8:12,”Again Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘I am the light of the world.’” If Christ is the image of the invisible God and light of the world, then I believe that David was asking for Christ, the Messiah, to shine on him during this disturbing time or time of frustration.}

^{Summing up, David acknowledges God’s past provision and asks for current grace. He questions his own actions and shortcomings and acknowledges where he stands though the work of God’s mighty hand as being holy/set apart. When angry, he Stops and thinks (Selah) before sinning, gets before the Lord in worship and puts his trust in God. And then asks for Christ to shine into his life, his situation. He seeks Christ!}

7 You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.

8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

^{Verses 7 and 8 are what is to be expected if verses 1-6 are followed. I love that still David acknowledges who is going to do it, “You”/ GOD. And what will God do when we are disturbed/angry/ trembling, but we Selah, get on our face in worship, trusting in God, seeking Christ… He will “put gladness in my heart!” How awesome is that! This is the promise that God will turn my frown upside down. I will go from being disturbed to being glad!? And more so my gladness will abound and I will have peace! And O how I love the end of verse 8, “make me.” I know I need that sometimes. I need God to “make me “ just lie down. Just relax. Just stop. I thank Him for doing that. For making me!}

So Psalm 4, good stuff! And it is extremely valuable on pretty much a regular basis. It teaches when we are disturbed/angry to stop and ponder (Selah), seek Him in worship, trust Him and seek Christ. In doing so God will bring abounding goodness and peace.

O, Thank You God for Your Word and the understanding you bring through Your Holy Spirit!

Psalm 1- Be a Tree

Over the past few weeks of study in God’s word I have been in Psalms. Starting in chapter 1 about two weeks before my move to Mill Valley, it has continued since. I don’t know how long God will have me here, but going one by one has produced an extremely sweet and revealing time with the Lord. It has been completely fascinating and mind blowing to see how each one has been so timely and applicable to my life. I’m using the NRSV translation since that is just what I happen to have at the time that I began the book.

As I began the first chapter, I was in a time of preparation for my move. I knew that God was calling me to Mill Valley, the Bay area, and for the most part, San Francisco. Soooo basically God was calling me to probably the most unreached area of the country. A land where wickedness is not only tolerated but is, in a way, encouraged. I became concerned with how I was going to manage this change and influence on my own walk and in my work with non-believers. I did/do not wish to be tempted to fall into sin. Others in my life also had the same concern for me and while being prayed for, the Holy Spirit spoke a warning and direction for me to “Guard My Heart.” This provoked me to seek how He would help me keep my focus on Him, while being surround by all that would be out there for the enemy to use to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

soooo, Thus saith the Lord …

1 “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.”

Good and extremely positive adjectives are use to describe the life and attitude of those who choose God’s way and His commands. Words so positive that I dare you to find anyone in the world who would not want them said about their life. These ways do not include wickedness, sin, and scoffing (to mock or scorn). And how do we choose God’s way and His commands? How do we stay focused and know them? We meditate on them Day and Night. We focus on them, specifically. Wikipedia says meditation, “refers to any of a family of practices in which the practitioner trains his or her mind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to realize some benefit.” So basically purposefully committed focus!

3 “They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.”

As water nourishes trees, so the Word of God nourishes those planted in it. God’s commands yield fruit; this is not just an idea, it is a promise of God. God cannot, not keep His promises. God fulfilling His promises to us is His character and He does not/can not act outside His character. In taking note of God’s promises, we gain insight on God’s character and how He has said He will respond to us in our relationship with Him. Continuing… these trees, aka those that are planted in the Word (God’s commands), more so planted in Christ since Christ is the Word and Living (John 1:1-3 & John 4:13-14), will yield fruit, a promise with two conditions. First, and already stated, they are planted in the commands/Word of God and second, “in its season.” God has His own timing in place as to when that fruit will be yielded. This is an extremely encouraging promise that God is in control and will produce fruit but “in its season. “ Sadly you may not be there to see it. You may not still be in that person’s life that you have spent hours and hours talking to and on your knees for. Or that ministry that you have exhausted yourself in, well you may not see hundreds come to know Christ. But you being planted in God’s Word will produce fruit. I have seen this so in my own life. God has yielded fruit in me but not until it was just the right time for Him to do so. Until that time came, others planted in God’s commands and word surrounded me and remained faithful in believing God would yield the fruit of my life “in its season.” God's word nourishes us. It sustains us. Because of it we will no wither (another promise). And then BAM, the end of verse 3, how AWESOME a promise, "ALL they do, they prosper" Again I ask, who doesn't want that said about their life? No one!

Verses 3 and 4 are contrasted to one another. Verse 3 shows the good in delighting in the law of the Lord, and meditating on it day and night. Verse 4 gives insight to the life of those that do not.

4 “The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.”

The wicked are not like strongly rooted trees, instead they are easily moved like chaff, just by the blowing of the wind. This is what happens when Followers of Christ fail to know what the Word of God really says. When they fail to be truly rooted. They are easily deceived and can be moved with the slightest nudge.

5 “Therefore (because of verse 4) the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

God watches over the righteous and it is by His watchful eye that they are made to be firm, promise!

From these passages we can gather 2 options for mankind:

God’s way (Law= or in our case the New Covenant through Christ Luke 22:20) or Way of the Wicked=everything else

Easier put… God’s way = Life… Way of the wicked = death (v.6b “but the way of the wicked will perish)

So be a tree, rooted in the Word and live a happy and delighted life and in ALL YOU DO PROSPER!

O, Thank You God for Your Word and understanding through Your Spirit!!!

Initial Thoughts

So I have always thought personal blogs to be a bit conceded and egocentric for everyday people like myself. Honestly, who wants to know my opinions or thoughts on anything? But then again if you really know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from freely giving either. However, I have come to see the beauty in blogs is that one does not have to read them if they do not wish. So if you do choose to read mine know that I am humbled by your choice to do so.

So this is my blog: Journey for Truth, for that is what I am on. My Creator has me on a unique and perfectly planned journey. He is teaching, revealing, and confirming His Truth to me along the way. I do not claim to be an expert on anything in and of myself. I’m prayerful and faithfully relying on the Holy Spirit to guide and bring understanding to what God has for me. I stand on the Word from 1 John 2:20-21. The Holy One has anointed me, and I have all knowledge. I know Truth and no lie comes from Truth. My prayer is for understanding and revelation to come as I abide in Christ and seek His face above all!

I intend to include thoughts and observations on what God is doing in my life and those around me. I will tell about His teaching and revelation in my personal quiet times and study. I plan to also include reflections on what I’m learning in classes and what I learn from others around me. And also just everyday sightings of God’s mighty hand in and around my world.

My hope is that this blog will encourage you to seek God in all aspects of your own life. No matter what God has you doing in life and regardless of the details, Christ is to be the focus for all (Col. 1:16-17). Expanding His Kingdom is the call we all have on our lives (Matt. 28:19-20, Acts 1:8).

My prayer for us as we set out on this Journey For Truth comes from Psalm 25:4-5:

 “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (ESV)

Welcome…