Saturday, May 27, 2006
Two Powerful words
"For he who serves Christ in these things [righteousness, peace, joy in the Holy Spirit (vs.17)] is acceptable to God and approved by men." Romans 15:18
Two powerful words: accepted and approved! What one of us does not desire to feel accepted and to know that others acknowledge that what we do/have done/are doing is worthwhile?! In this verse I find another one of those wonderful paradox that are sprinkled throughout the Bible. Acceptance of God and approval by men will not be found if serving Christ for that purpose. But rather, we serve Christ in righteousness, in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. As we serve God with these goals in mind, the result will be that our service is acceptable to God and approved by others.
Once in a while the Lord allows us to catch a glimpse of what acceptance and approval feels like. Such has been this week here in Taiwan. It is humbling to say the least to day after day have people come by to visit for the purpose of expressing their love and concern, their appreciation for our ministry, sharing how God has used us to touch their life. It has made this trip a sheer gift from God.
Physically, Malcom has had a fairly "good" week although wearing down just a bit by Friday from trying to accomplish too much in a short period of time. We were able to get our visas and alien resident status renewed for another year, paid our Taiwan income taxes, and took care of some other business matters. Tomorrow we look forward to a sweet time with our people at Dali Faith Baptist Church. Malcom will preach in both the Chinese and English services. There are 3 people to be baptized too. Please pray that God will give him an extra measure of grace for all that will be done.
Two powerful words: accepted and approved! What one of us does not desire to feel accepted and to know that others acknowledge that what we do/have done/are doing is worthwhile?! In this verse I find another one of those wonderful paradox that are sprinkled throughout the Bible. Acceptance of God and approval by men will not be found if serving Christ for that purpose. But rather, we serve Christ in righteousness, in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. As we serve God with these goals in mind, the result will be that our service is acceptable to God and approved by others.
Once in a while the Lord allows us to catch a glimpse of what acceptance and approval feels like. Such has been this week here in Taiwan. It is humbling to say the least to day after day have people come by to visit for the purpose of expressing their love and concern, their appreciation for our ministry, sharing how God has used us to touch their life. It has made this trip a sheer gift from God.
Physically, Malcom has had a fairly "good" week although wearing down just a bit by Friday from trying to accomplish too much in a short period of time. We were able to get our visas and alien resident status renewed for another year, paid our Taiwan income taxes, and took care of some other business matters. Tomorrow we look forward to a sweet time with our people at Dali Faith Baptist Church. Malcom will preach in both the Chinese and English services. There are 3 people to be baptized too. Please pray that God will give him an extra measure of grace for all that will be done.
1 Comments:
Carol, we sure will be praying. We know God will give Malcom what he needs to do this work. And we are praying for your safe return to the states.
CB
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