Just a few hours ago we wrapped up our Thursday evening Bible study. It is always a wonderful opportunity to open up the Word of God together as a church family. Tonight our topic was salvation. What a challenge it was to cover this in an hour. Of course I realized that an extensive study of salvation would take several sessions so we just went over the basic tenets of salvation. Our main focus was on Christ. After all Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the door. He is the way, the truth and the life. His is the only name given unto men by which they may be saved. He is the only mediator between the Father and His creation. So we focused on Jesus. And what joy there is in that! O the wonder of it all, that Jesus died on the cross for our sins! Praise and glory be to God for His great mercy and grace! Let us not take His sacrifice for granted. May we continue to stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene. May we continue to shout praises to the One who sits on His throne in Heaven above. Just now I had the words of a song pop into my head. It's a song that I learned in Sunday School back at Grace Bible Church in Newaygo, Michigan. The song goes like this.... "Thank you Lord for saving my soul, thank you Lord for making me whole, thank you Lord for giving to me, Thy great salvation so rich and free. Amen." Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. To God be the glory great things He has done! Salvation from sin through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Father for sending your Son, thank you Jesus for coming and doing what You did, and thank you Holy Spirit for your work in my heart showing me my need for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Daniel
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Just a quick note
In order to keep my blogging streak going I jot out this quick entry. Today was a good day. The main excitement of the day was when I was told "daddy there is somebody at the door." So I proceeded to look out the window and I slowly opened the door thinking that it was a salesman. Then the surprise came. He whipped out his wallet and there was this somewhat shiny badge. It was like I was in the movies. At first I was a little startled but then I noticed that his badge said "Customs" and I remembered that someone was supposed to be coming down to check out the stuff that we had sent in the container. Of course we were told that an agent would call to set up a time to meet with us, so we were caught a little off guard. But that was alright. More natural. The agent did what he needed to do; he looked around at our things and asked us several questions and he was on his way. He was very efficient. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we will be able to use the things that we sent down for Grace Baptist.
On another note, we received word that a dear sister named Louise Fish (our home/sending church, North Casnovia Baptist) is in a coma after a severe stroke. We ask that you would please pray for her entire family during this time of trial and uncertainty. May they find the comfort and assurance that they need in the arms of our loving sovereign God.
May we all be found faithful in our service unto the Lord,
Daniel
On another note, we received word that a dear sister named Louise Fish (our home/sending church, North Casnovia Baptist) is in a coma after a severe stroke. We ask that you would please pray for her entire family during this time of trial and uncertainty. May they find the comfort and assurance that they need in the arms of our loving sovereign God.
May we all be found faithful in our service unto the Lord,
Daniel
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Would your car pass the "revision tecnica"?
I imagine that if you are like most U.S. car owners, you have never thought about having to put your vehicle(s) up against the rigors of a finetooth comb inspection. Well every year in Chile it is required for all vehicles (except new ones) to pass a full technical revision. And it isn't always a walk in the park. How do you think your vehicle would do if faced with such a mighty foe? Here in Chile if your vehicle cannot pass the revision then you have to fix it until it can pass. You are breaking the law if you drive your vehicle without it having passed the technical revision. And now another question... With that being said, how many of you would be walking and/or riding a bike rather than driving a car? I went to the revision expecting to pass but what I almost did was pass out. I couldn't believe all the things that they found to be wrong with my truck. At first I thought that they were being a little too nitpicky and that all of these repairs were going to be a big hassle. Whereas I have spoken of in previous posts, these repairs have been a real hassle. But as I found out yesterday and today they also bring their blessings.
One of the reasons for the revision is to assure the safety of the driver and for others on the road. Yesterday when I went in to get the shocks changed (yes they got me on that too!) the mechanic told me that I was very close to having my wheel fall off of the truck. So we got that fixed up. Then today I was getting the brakes fixed and was informed that there were some more serious issues to deal with. That is now taken care of as well. Tomorrow and Thursday I hope to wrap up the repairs and maybe on Friday the truck will pass the technical revision. But looking back on it all I thank the Lord that He had mercy on each and everyone who has been riding in the truck. And I give Him thanks for His sovereign direction in all of this. Check this out... Down here on the island there are a couple of places to go for the technical revision. One is very, very busy and very, very slow but at the same time quite easy to pass. The other is operated efficiently and is not easy to pass. After having failed the "easy" one due to some minor issues, I went to the "hard" one thinking that since I had corrected the aforementioned minor issues I would pass with flying colors. Boy was I wrong. The only flying colors were the "red" marks all over the printout that I received. Many things were found to be deficient. So when I shared the results with a brother from the church down here, he encouraged me to go back to the "easy" revision center so that I would pass and not need to spend anymore $$$$. I thought that the saving of $$$$ would be nice but the more that I thought about it, I thought that maybe those guys at the "hard" revision center had it right. I should get these things fixed so that I can have a safer, more efficient vehicle. And that's what led me to get these repairs done over the last couple of days and those repairs quite possibly saved my life and the lives of my passengers. The Lord had a plan with this all along and His plans are always good! (Is 55:8-9)
Hopefully on Friday night I will write a post telling about my having passed the technical revision. I won't ask that you pray in this direction, I just ask that you pray along with me that the Lord would continue to glorify Himself as He works in and through our lives.
Yours in Christ,
Daniel
One of the reasons for the revision is to assure the safety of the driver and for others on the road. Yesterday when I went in to get the shocks changed (yes they got me on that too!) the mechanic told me that I was very close to having my wheel fall off of the truck. So we got that fixed up. Then today I was getting the brakes fixed and was informed that there were some more serious issues to deal with. That is now taken care of as well. Tomorrow and Thursday I hope to wrap up the repairs and maybe on Friday the truck will pass the technical revision. But looking back on it all I thank the Lord that He had mercy on each and everyone who has been riding in the truck. And I give Him thanks for His sovereign direction in all of this. Check this out... Down here on the island there are a couple of places to go for the technical revision. One is very, very busy and very, very slow but at the same time quite easy to pass. The other is operated efficiently and is not easy to pass. After having failed the "easy" one due to some minor issues, I went to the "hard" one thinking that since I had corrected the aforementioned minor issues I would pass with flying colors. Boy was I wrong. The only flying colors were the "red" marks all over the printout that I received. Many things were found to be deficient. So when I shared the results with a brother from the church down here, he encouraged me to go back to the "easy" revision center so that I would pass and not need to spend anymore $$$$. I thought that the saving of $$$$ would be nice but the more that I thought about it, I thought that maybe those guys at the "hard" revision center had it right. I should get these things fixed so that I can have a safer, more efficient vehicle. And that's what led me to get these repairs done over the last couple of days and those repairs quite possibly saved my life and the lives of my passengers. The Lord had a plan with this all along and His plans are always good! (Is 55:8-9)
Hopefully on Friday night I will write a post telling about my having passed the technical revision. I won't ask that you pray in this direction, I just ask that you pray along with me that the Lord would continue to glorify Himself as He works in and through our lives.
Yours in Christ,
Daniel
Monday, January 28, 2008
Would you please take this from me?
No this is not the phrase that I use as I pass out gospel tracts. This phrase "take this please" or in the spanish "podria tomar esta por favor" turned out to be quite humorous. To me at least. Today was one of those days when you wish you were in Western Michigan. I needed to take the Chevrolet pickup in for some much needed work on the shocks and rotors. As it turned out the problem was much larger than we had originally thought and the mechanic told me that I was fortunate that the passenger side front tire hadn't fallen off the truck as I was going down the road. But anyway, why would I be glad to be back in Western Michigan? The drill here is much different when it comes to vehicle repair. The customer must first buy the parts and take them to the mechanic who just might be able to put them on. He might have to send you someplace else. Or you might have to wait all day to have the job done. No courtesy shuttle. No free coffee. No soft chairs to relax in. Just lots of waiting around and lots of time to be patient. Hopefully.
So what about the "take this please" phrase? It has long been my policy to not travel alone if I don't have to. I enjoy taking people along so that I can help them save a couple of pesos and try to sow the seed of the gospel. Today I had two passengers with me. The first one was picked up right in town and the other was picked up about 5 miles outside of our town on the way to the big town where I would get the truck fixed. The second passenger was an elderly woman probably about 75 years old. She had her faced weathered and dried by the sun but an interesting sparkle in her eyes. We talked a bit along the way and then when it was time to cross over on the ferry I decided to back onto the ferry so as to be able to roll right off on the other side. My front seat passenger was busy talking on the cell phone and I had a can in my hand. I probably could have backed up with the can still in my hand but thinking that it would be easier without the can I said to the back seat passenger "podria tomar esta por favor?" Would (or could) you please take this from (or for) me? She readily took the can and as I was backing up I saw her take a chug and smile. I had to control my laughter. Talk about a lack of communication. I just wanted her to "take hold" of my can, not "take a chug" out of it. Not only that but I was a bit concerned for her given that it was an energy drink. Hopefully she doesn't have a problem with B12 and caffiene. She gave me back the can and I just held the can until later and then threw the rest of the drink away. I don't know why I didn't want to drink it, maybe just the thought of an unknown person's backwash. Anyway I found the whole thing kinda funny and what made it more funny was her innocence and contentment with the whole situation.
So after a long, frustrating day with auto parts stores and mechanics I look back on the morning and my time with the old lady and I smile. And I remember that we need not carry our burdens by ourselves but the Lord has offered to "take them from us". (Matt 11:28-30) There is so much to be thankful for and I ask that you pray for me and for the rest of us down here that we would be faithful to share what the Lord has freely given to us. First of all His love through the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ and also that we would open our hands to share the material blessings that He has bestowed upon us.
Daniel
So what about the "take this please" phrase? It has long been my policy to not travel alone if I don't have to. I enjoy taking people along so that I can help them save a couple of pesos and try to sow the seed of the gospel. Today I had two passengers with me. The first one was picked up right in town and the other was picked up about 5 miles outside of our town on the way to the big town where I would get the truck fixed. The second passenger was an elderly woman probably about 75 years old. She had her faced weathered and dried by the sun but an interesting sparkle in her eyes. We talked a bit along the way and then when it was time to cross over on the ferry I decided to back onto the ferry so as to be able to roll right off on the other side. My front seat passenger was busy talking on the cell phone and I had a can in my hand. I probably could have backed up with the can still in my hand but thinking that it would be easier without the can I said to the back seat passenger "podria tomar esta por favor?" Would (or could) you please take this from (or for) me? She readily took the can and as I was backing up I saw her take a chug and smile. I had to control my laughter. Talk about a lack of communication. I just wanted her to "take hold" of my can, not "take a chug" out of it. Not only that but I was a bit concerned for her given that it was an energy drink. Hopefully she doesn't have a problem with B12 and caffiene. She gave me back the can and I just held the can until later and then threw the rest of the drink away. I don't know why I didn't want to drink it, maybe just the thought of an unknown person's backwash. Anyway I found the whole thing kinda funny and what made it more funny was her innocence and contentment with the whole situation.
So after a long, frustrating day with auto parts stores and mechanics I look back on the morning and my time with the old lady and I smile. And I remember that we need not carry our burdens by ourselves but the Lord has offered to "take them from us". (Matt 11:28-30) There is so much to be thankful for and I ask that you pray for me and for the rest of us down here that we would be faithful to share what the Lord has freely given to us. First of all His love through the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ and also that we would open our hands to share the material blessings that He has bestowed upon us.
Daniel
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Truly a blessed day!
I made it back into the blogosphere for the second consecutive day. Yahoo! And to avoid any confusion, I meant that as an exclamation and not as a plug for the company "yahoo!".
Today was a very full day. Of course it had the same amount of hours, minutes, and seconds but they somehow found themselves very full. So what did the day consist of? Well let me tell you...
After the normal routine of waking up, getting dressed, attending to the kids, etc. it was time to get down to church. Our Sunday School begins at 10 am and our adult worship/celebration service is at noon. The kids were excited about their story (the Israelites ask for a king) and their singing and craft time. It is great to see the kids get involved in the class. Paying close attention and interacting through question and answer. And then listening to them sing praises unto the Lord. Please pray along with us that these children would continue to grow in their understanding of the Word of God and by so doing they would be those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
Today we had a special communion service with the adults who make up Grace Baptist Church of Curaco de Velez. We truly felt that we as a congregation experienced a special time of communion with the Lord as we placed our entire focus on the wondrous cross. Oh that we would all do this more often. After the message entitled "Why do we partake of the Lord's Supper?"(from 1st Corinthians 11:23-29 and John 19:17-30 and 2nd Corinthians 13:5) I encouraged the congregation to spend some time in self examination while Ruth sang the song "Ante el trono celestial" (Before the throne of God above). We sang the third stanza as a congregation and upon finishing I spoke more of the significance of Christ's death on our behalf and I started to pass out the elements. As I was passing out the elements I noticed that there were several professing believers who abstained from partaking of the elements. So after we had taken the bread and the cup I included in my closing comments that we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ and so receive reward based on what we have done in the body. I commended those who had abstained from taking communion because I knew that they knew that something was not right between them and the Lord and that they were taking their faith seriously. But of course I didn't leave it there. I went on to encourage them with the words of 1st John 1:9 among others, reminding them that restoration is offered to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. He not only gave His life for ours that He might save us from Hell, but He gave His life for ours that we would no longer live for ourselves but that we would live our lives for Him. I do not share this step-by-step account to puff myself up as a super pastor. I write these words to give glory to God for His work in and through His church. It was so evident today that His Holy Spirit was moving in the hearts of the people of God that fellowship together at Grace Baptist Church of Curaco de Velez, Chile. To God to be the glory for what He is doing in and through His church!
The rest of the day was pleasant as we were able to enjoy a nice meal together as a family, go to the beach and then help out a brother with a special need. But all of these things paled in comparison to our midday mountiantop encounter with the Lord and His people. It truly was a blessed day!
May we not forget to count our blessings, with the greatest one being the reconciliation that we enjoy with the Father through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
Daniel (for all)
Today was a very full day. Of course it had the same amount of hours, minutes, and seconds but they somehow found themselves very full. So what did the day consist of? Well let me tell you...
After the normal routine of waking up, getting dressed, attending to the kids, etc. it was time to get down to church. Our Sunday School begins at 10 am and our adult worship/celebration service is at noon. The kids were excited about their story (the Israelites ask for a king) and their singing and craft time. It is great to see the kids get involved in the class. Paying close attention and interacting through question and answer. And then listening to them sing praises unto the Lord. Please pray along with us that these children would continue to grow in their understanding of the Word of God and by so doing they would be those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
Today we had a special communion service with the adults who make up Grace Baptist Church of Curaco de Velez. We truly felt that we as a congregation experienced a special time of communion with the Lord as we placed our entire focus on the wondrous cross. Oh that we would all do this more often. After the message entitled "Why do we partake of the Lord's Supper?"(from 1st Corinthians 11:23-29 and John 19:17-30 and 2nd Corinthians 13:5) I encouraged the congregation to spend some time in self examination while Ruth sang the song "Ante el trono celestial" (Before the throne of God above). We sang the third stanza as a congregation and upon finishing I spoke more of the significance of Christ's death on our behalf and I started to pass out the elements. As I was passing out the elements I noticed that there were several professing believers who abstained from partaking of the elements. So after we had taken the bread and the cup I included in my closing comments that we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ and so receive reward based on what we have done in the body. I commended those who had abstained from taking communion because I knew that they knew that something was not right between them and the Lord and that they were taking their faith seriously. But of course I didn't leave it there. I went on to encourage them with the words of 1st John 1:9 among others, reminding them that restoration is offered to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. He not only gave His life for ours that He might save us from Hell, but He gave His life for ours that we would no longer live for ourselves but that we would live our lives for Him. I do not share this step-by-step account to puff myself up as a super pastor. I write these words to give glory to God for His work in and through His church. It was so evident today that His Holy Spirit was moving in the hearts of the people of God that fellowship together at Grace Baptist Church of Curaco de Velez, Chile. To God to be the glory for what He is doing in and through His church!
The rest of the day was pleasant as we were able to enjoy a nice meal together as a family, go to the beach and then help out a brother with a special need. But all of these things paled in comparison to our midday mountiantop encounter with the Lord and His people. It truly was a blessed day!
May we not forget to count our blessings, with the greatest one being the reconciliation that we enjoy with the Father through our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.
Daniel (for all)
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Is it too late to make a New Year's resolution?
I hope it's not too late to make a New Year's resolution. I really want to make one and I really hope to keep it. So what is it? Is it to lose some weight or to give up carbonated beverages or something else? None of the above. My New Year's resolution is to be more current with this blog. Why? Whereas I realize that there may not be a huge amount of people who actually check this site out, there are some who would like to know more of what is going on in our lives and ministries. So for you my dear people I resolve to be more current and consistent with my postings. We will see very soon (in the next couple of days) how this is going to go.
There has been much going on down here in Curaco. The Lord has been very good to us. We are ever aware of His amazing grace. Not only has He redeemed us from our sins but He has also given us the great privilige to testify to His glorious goodness. As the Apostle Paul writes to the Romans in chapter 1 of his epistle, the reason that we share the gospel is for the sake of (or for the glory of) the Name. That name being the Name that is above all names, the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are pleased to report that people are responding to the preaching of the Word. Should we expect anything different? Of course we realize that the Lord sovereignly works in ways that are above our finite comprehension, so we trust that His Word will accomplish whatever purpose that the Almighty has set forth. But what if we didn't believe that the Lord would reach people through His Word, what kind of servants would we be? We would be servants of little faith, maybe even unfaithful servants. We don't want to be like that. We want to pray and cast our nets and wait and watch and see what the Lord will do. To this day we have seen the Lord do wonderful works in the hearts of His people, through His Word and through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Please continue to pray for us and the flock at Grace Baptist Church in Curaco. We believe that an effective door of ministry has opened up and just as the Apostle Paul said "there are many who oppose the work." Oh that God would work in their hearts as He did in the heart of Saul. That they would stop being persecutors and that they would become proclaimers of the gospel! Please pray believing that this could happen, just as the miracle of regeneration happened in your life it could happen in the life of any other hardened sinner. Of course it has to be the Lord doing it, but He can do it!
Thanks again for your prayers and support towards us. We truly appreciate you all in the Lord Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Daniel
There has been much going on down here in Curaco. The Lord has been very good to us. We are ever aware of His amazing grace. Not only has He redeemed us from our sins but He has also given us the great privilige to testify to His glorious goodness. As the Apostle Paul writes to the Romans in chapter 1 of his epistle, the reason that we share the gospel is for the sake of (or for the glory of) the Name. That name being the Name that is above all names, the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We are pleased to report that people are responding to the preaching of the Word. Should we expect anything different? Of course we realize that the Lord sovereignly works in ways that are above our finite comprehension, so we trust that His Word will accomplish whatever purpose that the Almighty has set forth. But what if we didn't believe that the Lord would reach people through His Word, what kind of servants would we be? We would be servants of little faith, maybe even unfaithful servants. We don't want to be like that. We want to pray and cast our nets and wait and watch and see what the Lord will do. To this day we have seen the Lord do wonderful works in the hearts of His people, through His Word and through the ministry of His Holy Spirit. To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Please continue to pray for us and the flock at Grace Baptist Church in Curaco. We believe that an effective door of ministry has opened up and just as the Apostle Paul said "there are many who oppose the work." Oh that God would work in their hearts as He did in the heart of Saul. That they would stop being persecutors and that they would become proclaimers of the gospel! Please pray believing that this could happen, just as the miracle of regeneration happened in your life it could happen in the life of any other hardened sinner. Of course it has to be the Lord doing it, but He can do it!
Thanks again for your prayers and support towards us. We truly appreciate you all in the Lord Jesus.
Your brother in Christ,
Daniel
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