Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Blow the Lid Off the Box


 “Faithful, abundant and True,” has been a timely study in Misawa.  


I read as Priscilla shared we file our knowledge and experiences with God into a box. The box is filled based on study, church traditions, history with God - it is o.k. to have a God box.  It is arrogant to put a lid on the box and assume God cannot and will not ever act in a way not contained in our box. I’ve watched God move in unexpected ways in Asia region.  The following quote echoes what I hear God speak to me in our trysts through the word, meditation, and the sweet confirmation of the Holy Spirit revealing His word and character.

“Our God is predictable in His character, but He is unpredictable in His activity. You cannot box God in. When you put your lid on a box, it doesn’t limit God; it limits your awareness of God. He’s still moving and speaking, yet you can be unaware of His transcendence, His greatness, and His ability because it’s outside your little box.” Page 94, Faithful, Abundant, True.

When God chooses to act in an unexpected and unpredictable way, I am forced to make a choice. Will I retreat to my comfort zone? Will I become disillusioned with God? Will I doubt His existence because He is not meeting my expectations?  Will I see His activity as an invitation to move out of the box?  Will I accept His loving invitation to know Him deeper? Will I allow myself to discover new aspects of His character? Will I confidently dance with him in a vulnerable place where my knowledge of His character is the only thing of which I’m sure? Will I allow Jesus, rather than my box, to be my fixed point of reference (Heb 12:1-2)?

I’ve watched God move.  Local conferences were interrupted with tsunamis. Local boards suddenly scattered. Many groups saw over 70% of their women depart, many haven’t returned as of yet. Leadership selection teams were disrupted. PCS schedules were changed. Regional Conference location changed.  Struggling leadership teams report full selected boards!  Petty conflicts have died in the face of true crisis. Bridges for the gospel of Jesus are being laid! The body of Christ is pulling together on behalf of an unchurched nation. I see our prayer for intimacy with God and each other being answered. I see small cultural shifts as we pray for revival in the nation of Japan.

Let’s allow God to blow the lid off our boxes. I want to be fully aware of God’s activity. Don’t you? You can trust His character. I see a new desire to dance with God outside of the box.  Will you join the dance?


*First shared at pwoc.org on Asia Region's page


Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

I REFUSE!

Yes, we get new songs late around here...but having heard this one it's one of my new favorites...beware - if you're in my circle of ministry - .it's sure to show up.... 



I Refuse lyrics
Songwriters: Benjamin Glover;Joshua David Wilson


Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not

This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God

So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I refuse
I refuse

Lyrics from elyrics.
Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Concluding a Full Day

After lunch and the infamous m/m experiment, we worked on a school a few more hours. The youngers and I worked on more booklets for their science Learn N Folders, phonics, math and language arts. 


After school (4 p.m.) we headed to Swan Park.....I wanted to stay home and get an hour of "PWOC Work" done....but I knew I needed to stick with the plan to get out and about a few times a week. The rest of the week will be busy with planning for a Local PWOC Planning and Training retreat, as well as meeting with our new Spiritual Life and the rest of the Exec Board with our chaplain....so this was the day to spend time playing with the kids. 


We explored a new trail....they've been doing a lot of work in these woods. We especially loved finding another elderly man blatantly ignoring the "Don't Fish" signs written in Japanese and English. He told us it was o.k. to fish.... they were too small for even breakfast. ::snort:: 




We glimpsed this pond from above. We tried to get closer as I wanted to see if it was a hot spring...

Lilacs starting to bloom reminded me of Grams. I fondly remembered those "simpler" days in Hardin with Grams and Uncle Bill up the street. 

The tower is still closed....

Not sure why she insisted on a rain coat today, but it looked cute with the flowers. LOL 

Jared rode his bike and so Stacia didn't realize he was in the park until she saw him across the field and took off running to give him a "love hug". 

This may be easier if she weren't wearing crocs? 

WAR





Note the missing bottom front teeth....and no blood at all despite her worrying for weeks about it. 


Jared rode home. The others and I stopped at the Farmer's Market on the way home for farm fresh asparagus, potatoes, green beans, onion and eggs.  Yum. I made Popcorn chicken, ranch potato wedges, steamed green beans and SALAD for dinner. 

Stacia read her first "I See Sam" book today...and we are all very proud of her. I'm not sure I'm using the program right - seems something is missing - but Zander and now Stacia are reading....so I'm assuming eventually they'll learn all the sounds - just not in the order I'm used to teaching them. LOL  I doubt anything is missing....I'm just used to teaching phonics in a certain progression....but that progression was NOT working for Zander....this does...and Stacia has been working through another program but picked up a book and read today...think she likes this  approach better too. LOL 

Choosing Joy!
©2011 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...