2008-05-02 Fri 5:15a — Guatemala City

Yesterday (Thu)

Visiting Olga (our secretary) and her family to see how she is recovering from the operation on her foot, the doctor told her that she’s progressing well. He’ll operate again on the 30th of May, removing the screw in her foot. Then she’ll be in a cast for 2 months and after that will receive physical therapy to be able to walk again.

Under these circumstances I’m forced to train a new secretary under a temporary work contract. Fortunately we have a responsible candidate recommended by Pastor Rafael Cáceres. We’re expecting a lot of work this month with many groups finishing 1st Level courses and starting their next course. With Helen in the States, close to her mother, it’s going to be tough getting the work done, training the new secretary and getting my assignments in by the 15th. Thank you Lord for your peace and grace.

1 Chronicles 10-15
Faithful in the little things: In Chapters 10 and 11 we see Saul’s leadership contrasted with David’s. Saul’s life and ministry ended tragically even though he was divinely chosen, anointed, prophesied, etc. like 2/3 of all leaders according to Bobby Clinton. “So Saul died for his unfaithfulness which he had committed against the Lord…” (10:13). Basically he offered sacrifices to God that didn’t correspond to him, and he did God’s will, but not God’s way—what seemed like a small matter to Saul. In David’s case, his character is revealed in “the little things”. Under the pressure of being surrounded by the enemy and thirsty, David sighed with desire for a cool cup of water from Bethlehem’s well. Three of his best men heard his sigh and risked their lives to bring him that cup of cool water. Realizing the cost they paid for that water, David poured it out before the Lord as a free-will offering (11:15-19). David was a leader who knew the value of faithfulness in “the little things”.

Good intentions are not enough: On David’s first attempt to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem he learned this very important lesson. He knew it was God’s will, but he didn’t know God’s way to do it because he hadn’t sought Him yet. In king Saul’s case, he clearly knew God’s way to do God’s will , but decided to do it his own way. After David caused the death of a good man by not seeking God’s way for doing His will, he began to seek His way. (14:10) “And David inquired of God…” These words became a hallmark of David’s life. (15:13) “The Lord our God broke out against us because we did not consult Him about the proper order.” This is not about legalism–it has to do with relationship.

Learning to do God’s will in His way is one of the major themes of Scripture. God’s purpose is be known personally in friendship by those who use His name. He’s not just interested in people using His name –praising the Lord. He reveals Himself through His way of doing His will. We often know God’s will intuitively. But His way of doing His will is almost always not what we are naturally inclined to do. It is in seeking Him for His way that we come to know Him. Doing God’s thing in His way will often cause some who are closest to us to despise us (15:29 - Michal).

Prayer Power…
Teach us your ways, oh, Lord, that we may know You and fulfill Your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 122 – “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” As the New Jerusalem continues to grow and fill the earth today, there are many within her walls who suffer unjustly. They suffer in poverty and sickness and even abuse from those who call themselves pastors and leaders, but who only use God’s name for their own gain. Your kingdom come, Lord. Your will be done through us. We also love and pray for those who call themselves “Jews”, that their eyes be opened to Your Messiah Jesus. In His name we pray.

Proverbs 2 – “If you cry out for discernment… then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (v3,5). When one has the fear of the Lord, there is nothing else he needs (Is.33:6).