Keep Asking!

A couple months went by without a response to my email. That couldn't be good news. My pessimistic nature equated the lack of response with a definite, ‘No!’ But a friend encouraged me to send another message in an effort to follow-up. There was a possibility the first email hadn't arrived, wasn't there?

Acting on her advice, I held my breath as I pressed the send button. What did I have to lose? Whether the answer was ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ once I had a response, I could move on. To my surprise, an email was waiting in my inbox on Monday morning. My original message had never been received. I was invited to re-submit my request with the assurance that it would be reviewed in a timely manner.

I was so glad I had listened to my friend’s counsel. It IS okay to ask more than once. Although I still have no idea what the response will be to my email, without the second ‘ask’ I would have walked away from a door I may be invited to walk through.

Sound familiar? Throughout the Bible we’re invited to ask our Heavenly Father for things: wisdom, mercy, our daily needs, forgiveness, grace. It’s when I’m waiting for His answer that I sometimes forget to persist in prayer.

Jesus told the parable of a man whose friend came to visit him. Apparently the visitor didn't make it to his friend’s house until late at night – and unfortunately, there was no bread in the house to offer his guest.  Maybe he thought, “Wait a minute, my neighbor always has delicious bread and plenty to spare. Surely he’ll let me borrow some bread for my guest.”

The story continues to unfold. The man is standing outside his neighbor’s house. He knocks on the door despite the late hour. He calls to his neighbor – describing his need for bread. The neighbor’s response? “Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee,” (Luke 11:7; KJV).

I can relate! Who likes to be disturbed in the middle of the night, leave the comfort of a nice, warm bed and get a meal together for a neighbor? But the rest of the parable is eye-opening. Jesus says, “Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity (asking for something repeatedly and insistently) he will rise and give him as many as he needeth,” (Luke 11:8; words in italic mine). It seems the man didn't give up. He continued to ask his neighbor for the food until he left with bread in hand. Persistence paid off. 

WOW! When I’m asking according to God’s will and waiting on His timing, my prayer WILL be answered. God’s Word is clear, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened,” (Matthew 7:7-8; KJV). Today I plan on taking God up on His offer. I will persist in prayer.

What about you? Are you willing to step out in faith and ask God for wisdom or peace? What step will you take to persist in prayer?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of prayer. Forgive me for not praying more often – and for giving up when I don't get an immediate answer. Thank You for the parable that demonstrates the importance of being persistent. Help me to be faithful to ask, seek, and knock, knowing You WILL answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

An Interview with Missionary Wife and Blogger Heather Marks

In her own words, "I'm hopelessly in love with my best friend, Jonathan. I adore being a mom to my three children, Nathan, Anna, and Joshua. I enjoy life and love to laugh! I like trying new things and I love my Savior!" Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to this sweet, vivacious, young lady - Heather Marks. Pull up a chair and grab your hot beverage of choice and join me in welcoming her!

Maria: Great to have you with us today, Heather! Tell us a bit about yourself: 

Heather: I am the oldest of three born to fabulous Christian parents in Ohio. I attended a Christian school and an outstanding, vibrant church. Both of these had a tremendous impact on my decisions to follow Christ throughout my teenage years. I met Jonathan at college on a volleyball court. He says it was love at first sight, but I was too into the game to notice.J He wouldn’t let me overlook him for long. We married 3 weeks after graduation and it’s been an adventure ever since. God has blessed us with three amazing, healthy, and energetic children. We are living in Georgia, and we are so blessed to be members of Vision Baptist Church.

Maria:  Love the volleyball story! Did you always dream of being a missionary's wife?

Heather: I gave my life to the Lord during my church’s mission conference when I was 14. I didn’t have anything specific in mind, but always hoped that I could be a missionary’s wife.

 

Maria: Tell us where you'll be serving and what you're doing to prepare to get there:

Heather: We want to plant churches in Japan. To get there, we are on deputation. Deputation is more than just fundraising. The term comes from the word "deputize,"  like a deputy. It includes traveling to churches and presenting our ministry and burden for the Japanese people. We are seeking churches to partner with us in order to fulfill the Great Commission to go into all the world. We are their deputies assigned to work with them across the globe. This partnership is extended both through prayer and financial support.

 

Maria: Thanks for defining 'deputation' for us. What a neat opportunity for churches to partner with you to get the gospel all the way to Japan! What is included in the funding you're raising?

Heather: The money we raise will cover the expenses for our family’s needs as well as ministry needs.  Ministry needs would be things like literature distribution, outreach projects, a place for a church to meet, etc. Japan is one of the most expensive countries to live in, but we know God can provide.

Maria: So you're raising support not only for yourselves, but also for the church you will start. How much support have you raised so far?

Heather: We are praising the Lord for the 12% He has given us!

Maria: Fantastic! How can others partner with you in your ministry?

Heather: We would love to have your prayers! Also, we are praying that God will let us go on our survey trip within the next year. You can pray or give toward that goal. We are asking God to get us to Japan quickly! There are so many who need to hear of our precious Savior! Japan has over 127 million people, and fewer than 1% are born-again believers! The need is great!

Maria: Wow - that's a sobering statistic! Once you get to Japan, how long will it take for you to learn the language?

 

Heather: We will most likely be life-long students.J But, we will be spending the first two years in intense language study.

Maria: Love your positive outlook! What do your kids think about moving to a foreign country?

Heather: Nathan (5) is the only one who really seems to be affected so far, and he is very excited. He drew a picture of “Japanese letters” and read it to Jonathan and I in his own version of Japanese (gibberish). It was too cute!

Maria: How adorable! I'm sure you've got some deputation stories to tell. What is the funniest thing that's happened so far?

Heather: I actually devoted an entire post to that very topic! A few months before deputation, my husband asked me to let out his suit pants a bit. So, I went to a friend's house, and we worked on the pants together. There were 3 or 4 pair that needed alterations. Sewing is not my day job, so I asked my friend to do the first pair. She started on the slacks from his brown suit. (I must add that this chocolate colored suit was a hand-me-down from no one knows who and no one knows how old it is, but it fits and looks nice). So my friend showed me the process and I was surprised how simple it really was. 

Several weeks passed and we were at a meeting on a Sunday morning in early March. The pastor always stood out on the porch and welcomed everyone as they arrived. My husband decided he would join the pastor. It was a cool, breezy morning.

A few minutes later, he came in and told me that he was feeling a little drafty in his seat. I thought that was strange because we had just fixed his pants not too long ago. He turned around so I could take a look, and I could definitely see why he was feeling breezy! There was a giant hole in the seat of his brown suit pants!!! The stitching was so old (remember, this was that mysterious hand-me-down suit) that it shriveled away into dust and left a gaping seam (the new stitching my friend had put in was fine - the problem was a little further south of the waistband) Yikes!

We panicked! I thought, "Surely in a church filled with sweet elderly ladies, someone must have a safety pin!" I thought wrong. Tick tock. Tick tock. Time for the service to start!

My hubby was so nervous about his risque situation that he took baby steps all morning...you know, the kind where you don't really bend your knees. But he still did a great job preaching!

The lesson I learned from all this was to keep a sewing kit in the suitcase at all times! And now, we do. And one more in my purse!

Maria: That is hilarious! I wonder if anyone thought your husband walked funny! On a more serious note, what is the most important lesson God has taught you on deputation?

 

Heather: Complete, daily, unrelenting faith. It’s funny how we trust God for our eternity, but we have a hard time trusting Him for the immediate. Also, being ready to share Him at any moment, not just during a church service. I don’t feel like either of these “lessons” are specific for those on deputation. They are just God drawing me to Himself, and me learning to follow.

Maria: Definitely lessons we all need to learn! What words of wisdom would you like to share with our readers?

 

Heather: Don’t fear the path that lies ahead. Trust in Him with all your heart and He will direct your path.  Stay in His Word. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Above all, pursue Jesus. Actively, aggressively, constantly run with all that’s in you toward Him. Seek Him first and all the other things will be added.

Maria: Thanks for sharing those fantastic words of truth, Heather! It's been such a pleasure hosting you on Life Lessons! May God continue to bless you and your family as you raise your support and get to the field of Japan!

Take a few moments to leave a comment of encouragement for Heather and be sure to connect with her via Facebook, website, or her blogs:

Facebook page: Project Japan

Website:  www.projectjapan.info

Deputation blog:  heatheronthehighway.blogspot.com

Devotional blog: lessofme-heather.blogspot.com

*If you're interested in receiving email updates from the Marks, scheduling them to speak at your church or would like to make a financial contribution to their ministry, please visit their website, www.projectjapan.info

GOOD NEWS:
A BIG congratulations to Talynn Lynn, blogger at Ink in the Book - winner of Katie Ganshert's debut novel Wildflowers from Winter! 

A Grocery List

Grocery lists can be very helpful. But when our prayers become more like our grocery lists, containing all the things we think we need, it's time for us to reconsider the purpose of prayer...

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are, the sovereign God who is in control of everything. Forgive me for putting my will above Yours. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning, and You are so patient with me. Help me to love You with all of my heart, and to love others. Provide those things You know I need today. In Jesus' name, Amen. 



*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!

Who Are You Living For?

I look up to her. Her hair has been white for many years. And her hearing isn't the best anymore. But her smile is contagious, and her love for others is obvious. In her early nineties, my sweet friend has the vitality of someone a fraction of her age. Life is an adventure.

She's a people person - the type that's never met a stranger. The conversation doesn't dwell on her; no, she's more interested in finding out about you. I'm pretty sure her middle name is either Hospitality or Generosity. A cold drink and a homemade treat are always on hand for guests. And she can't resist giving  keepsakes to her visitors  before they leave. From books and journals, to beautiful gems and shells, you'll never leave empty-handed.

It's clear her relationship with the Lord is treasured. Her Bible is well-worn and contains carefully penned notes from sermons throughout the years. Prayer is a big part of her life. I'm sure she has needs of her own, but her prayer requests are primarily for others.

What an example! The way she lives her life reminds me of the words penned by the Apostle Paul, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," (Philippians 2:3-4; KJV). My friend has experienced many of life's difficulties, yet chooses to encourage herself in the Lord and continue to pour out His love to others.

Consider the radical life of Paul. He had the pedigree, education, and position to be set for life. Yet he chose to trade it all in for a close relationship with Jesus Christ. "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ," (Philippians 3:7-8). Paul chose to draw strength from the Lord and share Him with everyone he met.

I have to admit, I often live life as if I'm the center of the universe. I can be shockingly self-absorbed. God's Word and the life of my elderly friend remind me that living for the Lord and sharing His love with others is really what it's all about. Time to re-focus!

Are you self-centered? Or do you live for others? What step can you take today to re-focus on the Lord and others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for countless examples in Your Word, of people who lived with You in mind. Thank You for friends who know Your Word and are living it out. Help me to grow in my relationship with You and to put others ahead of myself. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Lifeline

Unusual, frightening circumstances. I had answered the phone, anticipating a light-hearted chat with our daughter, Riley. Instead, she informed me that she was on her way to the emergency room with symptoms that mimicked appendicitis. What to do? It would take close to six hours to drive to the hospital, and the Weather Channel continued to warn of severe thunderstorms and potential tornadoes moving into our area.

Powerless to DO anything, prayer became a lifeline. God's Word offered me truth, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," (Philippians 4:6-7; KJV). I placed my anxious thoughts at the feet of my Heavenly Father and prayed for wisdom for the doctors, and God's touch of healing and grace for our daughter. His peace followed.

Technology can be a blessing. Text messaging allowed us to stay informed about the doctor's findings. Riley was released from the hospital a few hours later. Her diagnosis a bit unclear, my husband and I headed off to bed continuing to pray for our girl's health and protection from the storms that were moving in our direction. Aside from the weather alarm going off a couple times, the night passed in relative calm. By morning, Riley's condition hadn't worsened, and the threat of devastating storms was gone.

Once again I was reminded that I'm not in control. Circumstances often occur in such a way as to draw me to my knees, dependent on the Lord to move in a way only He can. He invites me to cast all the things that concern me on Him, because he cares for me (1 Peter 5:7). I need to trust Him with each need.

The disciples were diligent to pray. Herod had put Peter in prison with the intention of killing him. The situation seemed hopeless, yet, "...prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him, " (Acts 12:5b). At night, as Peter slept between two guards, the angel of the Lord woke him up, and lead him out of the heavily guarded prison. When he realized what had taken place, Peter went to the house of Mary the mother of John, where the disciples were praying.

Remember what happened? "And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished," (Acts. 12:13-16).

When the disciples knew they couldn't do anything to affect Peter's release, they prayed to the Almighty God who could do far more than they could think or imagine. Their response to God's answered prayer is almost comical. They were so deep in prayer for Peter, that when God's answer came, they nearly missed it! They almost left Peter waiting on the doorstep!

When I feel helpless, and circumstances appear hopeless, prayer connects me to the One who restores help and hope. His words remind me to remain in His presence, "Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you," (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

What situation is beyond your control today? Take advantage of Christ's invitation to seek Him, and pray!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the invitation to come boldly to Your throne of grace, to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Forgive me when I think of prayer as a last resort. Help me to be a prayer warrior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Right Tool

It takes the right tools to complete a job successfully. Not only in carpentry, but also in cooking. There's nothing worse than getting half way through a recipe, only to find that I don't have a key ingredient to finish it. Yes, I think of my ingredients as 'tools' of sorts.

There was the time we were having friends over for dinner, and I was busy whipping up my signature dessert - cherry cheese danish. I carefully unrolled my crust and patted it neatly in the bottom of the jelly roll pan. While it was baking in the oven, I turned my attention to mixing the filling. Only after I spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, did I realize there wasn't a single can of cherry pie filling in my cupboards. I couldn't serve cherry cheese danish, without the cherries, now could I?! A trip to the grocery store became a must. I needed the right 'tool' to complete my recipe!

Then there was the cream cheese incident. My wonderful husband had volunteered to accompany me to the store. I wrote out my list and psyched myself up to tackle the grocery shopping. Not my favorite task. But I must say, I love it when my husband comes with me because he's a big help. He asks me what I need him to get, and we finish the shopping in record time. This particular time was no exception.

As we made our way home and I began unpacking the groceries, I noticed that something was missing. The cream cheese. The cream cheese I needed in order to make dessert for the neighbors. My husband had picked up cream cheese spread instead of cream cheese for baking! It was entirely my fault for not specifying what type of cream cheese I needed when we were at the store. I didn't stop to think that he couldn't read my mind. Oh well, we could use cream cheese spread on bagels. Back to the store I went for the missing ingredient for my recipe.

Much like my recipes, life requires the right 'tools' in order to navigate successfully. Prayer is essential. A lifeline connecting me to the very God of the universe who's in control of it all. The book of Hebrews issues an invitation, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16; KJV).

Prayer is the avenue that allows me to pour out my deepest thoughts and concerns. And is the means by which I can praise my Heavenly Father. His word encourages me to, "Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you, " (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

The Psalms are a virtual feast for my soul, as I worship my great God. "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul, " (Psalm 138:1-3).

Prayer. A key ingredient for a successful life. Don't go through the day without it!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the tools You give me to live a successful life. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to talk to You in prayer. Help me develop a close relationship with You as I share my dreams and disappointments. Accept my worship and praise, and help me to live in obedience to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Every Opportunity

When I received the friend request, I knew the name sounded familiar. I repeated the name several times, and it dawned on me. The young lady had been a member of a teen Bible study I had co-taught several years earlier. It was so good to reconnect and find out that she was doing well. Now in high school, she continues to grow in Christ through an outreach on campus.

Knowing that I have the opportunity to impact lives for Jesus Christ is truly humbling. Beginning in my own family, each day offers me the chance to teach the principles of God's Word from ordinary experiences. The words of Moses reiterate this fact, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up," (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; KJV). Basically, it should be natural to speak of the Lord and His ways. And to speak of Him often. Every time an occasion presents itself, whether to family or a new acquaintance.

Life is full of difficulties. From sibling rivalries to unfair treatment, what better time to introduce the caring, compassionate Savior, who invites us into His presence? "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16). No matter what the difficulty, He wants us to leave our burden with Him, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you," (1 Peter 5:7). As prayers are lifted, and answers are received, faith in a mighty God begins to grow.

Good times can also present challenges. There is a delicate balance between enjoying a victory, and becoming prideful in its wake. Being reminded of the One who gave the victory goes a long way in cultivating the right attitude. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17a). Reviewing God's many blessings keeps us focused on His goodness, "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever," (Psalm 107:1).

Numerous opportunities to share Christ's principles present themselves every day. I only need to keep my eyes open for the teachable moments. Each day we get the chance to make a mark on those who are in the sphere of our influence. Are we diligently teaching the ways of the Master? Pointing others to the Truth?

As you consider those on whom you have an impact, pray that the Lord would equip you to make much of Him! May we have the excitement of Peter and John, who boldly proclaimed, "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard," (Acts 4:20).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunities You give me to influence others for You. Equip me with the ability to share Your principles naturally with those You bring across my path. Help me to keep my eyes open for teachable moments, and to communicate Your ways so others may grow in their faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.