Every Man's Bridge

Something that came to mind the other night:

          If a man was made to build a bridge with a supply of whatever he wanted, he would have little problem at all in putting something down to fill the gap at hand. But in giving this same man a specific list of tools and limited materials, he would have to seek out much more carefully how to go about covering the spans with even any structure at all. In the first scenario, that bridge would crumble easily, not having been well thought or laid out, as the man sought to fill the gap perhaps with the cheapest materials, perhaps with what made the bridge look the most appealing, not working as toward a sound structure. But with the materials having been limited as in the second scenario, that man needs much planning in order for that bridge to even reach the other side. If he incorporates materials which he was not allowed now to use, materials of lesser quality, to simply fill the expanse or even merely to boast to others on his completion of a bridge to gain their respect and admiration; he jeopardizes the bridges stability, leading to the collapse of that bridge and in turn to the death of whoever uses it. He must use only the right materials, ones of strong, lasting and sound property. However this is not enough to complete a sound bridge. If he uses any material out of place, putting it where it should not be, and where another needs to function, he again jeopardizes the bridge. resulting in another downfall.

          We far too oft try to build our bridges with materials the world offers, giving in to Satan's temptations which pull us away from the sturdy structure of a life based purely on God's Word. We use inappropriate humor, negative attitudes, the gossip and mocking of others, apathy, and conformation to those materials of the world to finish the bridge, complete the path ahead, and get across to those around us; while we are told so clearly and strongly NOT to conform to this world. We must seek perfection and holiness ALONE to finish our task. For a bridge built on anything but Truth, even in just a small portion, is unstable and leads to death. And notice that as that man crosses the bride comprised of decisions and actions he makes, he is not the only one who dies; but also anyone who then walks that same bridge, who he has influenced on the building.

          Now the usage of right materials in itself is not what brings about a perfect bridge, in fact some of the most dangerous and deceptive bridges are built using correct materials, because it has all the right parts for being a supportive bridge and so deceives one crossing it who doesn't examine the placement of those parts; but perfection is a result of those tools and materials being used in their correct and intended use. Just as a cable cannot be replaced by the tar, or a beam with bolts, so too each part of Scripture must be used according to its intended purpose, not taken out of context or perhaps cut out and fit into another opening which looks prettier. In addition.we cannot just leave a part out of the bridge because if a piece is called for in a particular area and we omit it, not feeling like using it then or having the time and energy to include it, that bridge also is unstable. So too we must not only know the right materials to use, or even where and how to use them; because even if such is the case, an omission to follow through an use it has the same result as replacing that piece, that action, that calling, with something unsound and unstable.

          We must rightly divide the Word of Truth, lest we misuse it as Satan also misused it in his tempting of Jesus in the wilderness; which, if it had been heeded to and carried out, it would have brought forth death. We cannot play around with sin. It is not something to be taken lightly. The consequences for sin is far greater than the physical consequences and repercussions we face, for a spiritual death is immeasurably greater than physical death or even suffering. God calls us to holiness, to the use of the finest, most perfect and precious materials; not merely at an external glance, or even in our actions, but in our motives also! Just because we have done something considered good, by no means clears vile motives. May we seek God's plan for our lives. May we be willing to give up any pieces in our lives which will destroy a bridge. May we stick to the straight and narrow path, not straying to the right or to the left. May we find joy in the blessing of being persecuted for righteousness. And may our holy God mold us each coming moment to becoming the vessel he has intended us to be.

There Is None Good But God

Jesus did not come into this word to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live. In fact, when He was questioned by some as to why He was spending time with “sinners,” He replied, “It is not those who are healthy who need a doctor, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

~Ravi Zacharias

Plans for Sudan Mission

Michael, the leader of our Sudan Mission, just wrote an update with regards to our upcoming journey and has described the situation very well:

          I’m sure you’re aware of our vision, desire, plans, and leading from the Lord to go to Sudan. If you haven’t yet seen the YouTube video detailing the vision by Dr. Peter Hammond, then you might want to check it out here.
          Our faith is under fire! We strongly believe that God has led us to embark on this Mission to Sudan to support our Brothers and Sisters in building their new country on Biblical principles. We are ready to depart. We have the teams ready, we have the literature and training material, we have the vehicles, but we still do not have sufficient funds for fuel. We do trust that God will provide according to His will.
          Some are saying that if it is God’s will for this to happen, He would have provided all the necessary funds in advance. I’m not sure what you think about that, but I don’t agree. Yes, sometimes God does provide in advance all that is necessary to complete the task, but normally, He provides just our daily bread. Think of the Israelites in the desert when God provided for them manna from heaven. He only gave them enough for each day. Think of Elisha when God fed him daily by means of the ravens bringing him meat. Think of the widow who gave her last flour and oil to make Elisha bread who thereafter was daily provided with enough flour and oil to make bread for each day. The Bible is full of examples of how God provides daily what is needed for each day.
          Jesus Himself has said, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”          So, although it would be best to go with two vehicles, because of a lack of funds, we are going to have to go with only one vehicle. This is a good vehicle and is the best one to use, but any lone vehicle out in the rough African terrain is vulnerable and at risk.
          Even though there is not enough funds to get us there even with only one vehicle, we are prepared to get going and trust that God will provide for us as we travel. God is Faithful!

End Human Trafficking!

          Yesterday morning, several of us at the mission joined about 4 other groups/organizations in standing outside of Parliament with signs and banners to raise awareness of a bill in progress. Called the TIP (Trafficking In People) Bill, its passing would illegalize all brothels and organizations where trafficking occurs. Several of the women dressed up as beaten and in chains, including make-up blood and bruises. At the same time, fliers were being handed out, so we also took the opportunity to distribute tracts and talk to people.

          For the first time outside of French class, I had to speak to someone who only understood French and try to communicate what was going on. Unfortunately my French isn't so great, but it proved a good experience none the less.
          After several hours there, one of the members of Parliament who was presenting the TIP Bill came out with the bill and explained to us more about what was happening with it. Please pray that this bill will go through and be established, that the slavery we experience so heavily today will come to an end. Pray that God woud grant the members of Parliament wisdom with regards to this decision soon approaching. Pray that His will would be done in the land. Praise Him for His plan through whatever happens, for His will is infinitely more superior than our understanding of it!

Click here for EyeWitness News coverage of this demonstration

Sudan Update

Lord-willing, our team will be leaving for a three month Sudan trip in under two weeks, with a focus on discipling the Christians of South Sudan. However we will also be ministering along the way and holding several conferences and workshops as we travel through over 8 different countries. Please pray for guidance with the final preparation. Pray that with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, we would be seeking the Lord’s will and not just making our own plans. Pray for those in South Sudan, who are still undergoing persecution, that they would come to a greater understanding of the knowledge of God and would be used in a revival of their country for Christ!

Excerpt from Shadow of the Almighty

by Elizabeth Elliot

         Jim [Elliot]'s aim was to know God. His course, obedience--the only course that could lead to the fulfillment of his aim. His end was what some would call an extraordinary death, although in facing death, he had quietly pointed out that many have died out of obedience to God.

          He [Jim Elliot] and the other men with whom he died were hailed as heroes, "martyrs." I do not approve. Nor would they have approved.

          Is the distinction between living for Christ and dying for Him, after all, so great? Is not the second the logical conclusion of the first? Furthermore, to live for God is to die, "daily," as the apostle Paul put it. It is to lose everything that we may gain Christ. It is in thus laying down our lives that we may find them.

Upcoming Sudan Trip: YouTube clip

http://youtu.be/-8NxNe2bJKE