Something Simple

I am in a bittersweet season of my life. As we all sometimes are, I suppose.

The bitter of missing my mother; she passed from this life 4 years ago this month. A few days after Mother’s Day.

The bitter of missing my dear family and friends in the States.

The sweet of seeing the Lord work here in Belize, His Word going forth! New believers, young and thriving in their faith, and their hunger for the Truth of the Word of God.

The sweet of new friends, meeting brothers and sisters in Christ; sharing the common bond of faith. The sweet of seeing children grow, and grow in their faith.

The bittersweet of knowing our oldest that next month she will be married. Which makes me tear up even as I type. (I tried to ignore those tears…but they keep coming…Ha!)Knowing she will be moving a jillion miles away to Canada. (well, it may as well be a “jillion”…) But, her marrying a Godly young man who the Lord brought into her life; that makes it sweet.

The Lord had placed us in Pastor Gideon’s church last September. Since then, we have had the absolute joy of laboring alongside them in the village church.

After several months of seeking the Lord in prayer, Maylin began a Sunday School for the village children.

You see…these children were coming to our church. (An open air church. No AC, no cool band…actually no instrumentation at all, no neat programs to draw kids in. )

Sometimes, there were almost a dozen. Children who, all by themselves, went to church.  And sat. For almost 2 hours!! Quietly. Sang the hymns with us (the best that they could…I would help them with reading the words; the ones who could read.) Listened to the sermon, listened to the other Scriptures being read and expounded on. Sat quietly through the prayers.

These children were really inspiring to me. They would come. Dressed as nicely as could be. Cleaned. Quiet. All by themselves. The parents/ grandparents/caretakers (often not mom and dad..) would send them off to go by themselves.

They would wander in from seemingly secret paths, winding through the backs of various shacks in varying shades of disrepair.

One or two clutching a worn Bible secured from an unknown relative.

Often, the oldest sister (who is 7) would care for the youngest of the children. Giving them the “parental stare” (some of you know what this looks like….)and keeping the friskiest siblings under control.

The bigger boys in the family would whisper to her during service “Gloria! Kailun is acting up!”

Miss Gloria has to grow up fast. They all do.

So, fast forward to a few months ago. Both Maylin and I had been praying about the children. We both have a heart for them.
“Lord, what do we do with them?”
“Anything? Or keep it the same…?”

Have you ever prayed for what seemed like a long season? And…you wonder if God is going to answer? (or at least answer in the way you expect….or want…?)

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes wait for the Lord” -Psalm 27:14

Well, he opened the door at just the right time and showed Maylin exactly what to do.
For about 6 weeks now, we have been meeting with the children for Sunday School at 9:00. They still come filing thru the bush; threading thru ancient paths that their feet know well. They still come dressed nicely. They still sit quietly. But, now Miss Maylin teaches them the Word of God; going thru a half-year (give or take) children’s study on “Who God is?, What is God like? How should I act toward God?”

Our Sunday School “room”. Very simple.

Maylin was a teacher in the school system here. She is extremely gifted at teaching; and engaging the children. They love her! (and so do I…!)

Last week, as the children were reciting their memory verse from the week before; I saw something that captured my attention momentarily. Yet, the application of it will hopefully stay with me much longer.

As we sit in our Sunday School room, we are surrounded by the neighbors chickens, barking…sometimes roaming dogs, and various other wildlife. Last week a lizard made the children laugh with his funny-running antics.

One of the neighbors hens had a brood of chicks with her. This caught my eye at first, because as I watched the poor hen trying to amble around and forage for her own meal of bugs; her chicks were crowding around her, making it hopelessly unreasonable for her to try to walk. I could relate. I chuckled to myself and thought “…oh, girl, I feel for ya…!”

But, then I noticed something strange. The little chickabiddies were leaping up and banging into her face. I thought that was odd.

Then I realized what was going on.
She was feeding them!
Their meal was coming from her.
It reminded me quickly of how God is my provider.

“ The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
~Psalm 145:15-16

Those little babies could not fend for themselves, but their mom was teaching them. Providing for them, and protecting them from the other, larger birds in the pen.
I have seen the Lord provide in some miraculous ways over my life, and especially over these last few years.

At every turn, the Lord provides for every need. Through His people. In His time. In His way.

I am so humbled and in awe of how He has worked.

I sat for a few emotional moments amidst our Sunday School class.

Silently pondering the goodness of God.
The children still reciting verses.
Sweat still pouring from all of us.
The occasional breeze bringing out sighs of gratitude.
But, I was renewed. I was resting.
Knowing that He is in control.
Someone sent me this very appropriate passage recently…

“O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me. Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; Like a weaned child rests against mother, My soul is like a weaned child within me.”
~Psalm 131:1-2

You know, a few days before this verse was sent to me…I had read that very passage and had been meditating on it.

There have been plenty of things to “worry” about (oh, wait…I should not use “worry”..Lol…)I mean, “be concerned about.”

The Lord had used this passage to quiet my soul and remind me to ‘simply trust Him’.
I guess it is just that simple.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
~Psalm 19:7

For His Glory-
Sheila

The Gospel Thunders Over Belize!

After being here in Belize for almost two years, I have discovered there is one word that describes much of the culture. Entitlement. I say this not to talk badly about the Belizean people but to point out the damage many missions groups have made on this society. Each year, team after team flies in and brings lots of stuff…toys, candy, clothes, equipment, money, etc.

The list goes on and on.

They are very well intentioned groups, just misdirected.

Belizeans don’t just need cleaner teeth, newer clothes, a concrete floor, or big huge speakers in their churches.

They need the gospel.

Many of these teams forget that one essential ingredient.

All of these needs are real (to a certain extent) but not apart from the life saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. What does it profit a man is he gains the whole world and loses his soul?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” -Romans 1:16

After speaking with a number of Belizeans firsthand, it has become very evident that they are not happy with the disruptions some of these teams bring. It has caused their children to become “entitlement based”. It has stolen their contentment for living a simple life, and many of these teams even bypass the Saints already doing the work here, instead of coming beside them.

I praise God for recently sending us a team from Canada. Their sole purpose…come alongside the Saints here and preach the gospel.

 

Kevin St. John, Peter Van Waardhuizen, and Annie Giesbrecht joined us for 11 days of explosive preaching, tracting, and one-2-ones across the nation of Belize. They did not bring puppets, candy, or toys for the Belizeans but they brought something far more powerful…the gospel which has the power to Salvation.

We are thankful for these saints and their desire to see Christ exalted over Belize. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I have reposted their updates below. I know you will be very encouraged and edified in how the Lord used our combined efforts to exalt Christ these past few weeks.

Praying the Lord would continue to send us more saints with the same heart for biblical missions…

UPDATE #1

The gospel is glorious. It continues to be glorious. What it produces is glorious.

The battle is real.

However, joy has been supplied in abundance as we have seen how God is bringing His gospel to Belize through this dear missionary couple, Nate and Sheila Steuer and their Pastor, Gideon Richards. 

On Friday what seemed to be our first encounter with discouragement turned out to be providential in that our flight was delayed as we sat on the tarmac in Houston for an hour and a half, which in turn caused us to miss our connecting flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda. It was in mid flight that Nate’s friend Timmy and his wife Elnora agreed to pick us up at the airport and drive us to his home in Dangriga. Along the way, we stopped for a bite to eat and were able to witness to Elnora who confessed to be confused and unsure of her salvation. This was an answer to prayer as Timmy, Nate and Pastor Gideon have been praying for her. Please pray for this lovely young gal. 

The next morning (Saturday, Feb 4), Nate along with his son Bryce and Pastor Gideon picked us up and drove us to the bridge in the downtown core, one block from the ocean. There we heralded the gospel in Garifuna (by means of files downloaded on Nate’s cell phone through the 1/2 mile hailer) and in English. The response was very positive with young and old alike responding in gratitude for the most part. I even made a little friend by the name of Johnny! After witnessing for a number of hours, we then departed and made our way to the Steuer home near Punta Gorda. 

On the Lord’s Day we were blessed as we fellowshipped with the believers, worshipping God in their open-air church structure. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and was even privileged with bringing the message. 

Monday we engaged in bible study at the Steuer home and were pleasantly surprised as a local believer stopped on his way through, saying he had heard Nate’s witness at the park and had heard he gives out material. This man by the name of Florencio has been overseeing three separate bible studies and so Nate was able to supply him with good books, tracts and other helpful study materials supplied to him by Chapel Library for free. 

It is now Tuesday that I write, the last two days also spent laboring near the church, engaging the residents with the gospel door to door. 

Today, before engaging door to door, we accompanied Nate in a visit of one of Christian Life Center’s (CLC) member couples who welcomed a little baby into their home only three weeks ago. At their humble abode, we witnessed firsthand, their thatch (a homemade of posts, beams and roof covered in palm branches). I can honestly say that the simplicity of life was strangely appealing. 

Today’s outreach included a run in with a false teacher from a health/wealth church nearby who after being challenged with scripture totally dismissed me in a huff and claimed he did not have time for dialogue. It also included what we believe to be a providential witness. Just as a truck full of rowdies pulling a trailer crested the hill by the church, one wheel fell off their boat trailer and ground them to a stop. Peter and I then walked up and engaged the men. One of the men, claiming the name of “Big Ben” when asked if he had a Christian background responded by saying he had been a lay minister who had even studied Greek at Moody Seminary. His testimony included him confessing that he had been hurt by “church politics” and that he had “lost” his faith. I then asked if he had indeed ever experienced true repentance from his sins. He said he had but that his pride had risen up and then cussed as he told of his condition. As he departed, in compassion for his state, I admonished him by appealing to him that I hoped he was not the man of Hebrews 6. Truly, he is in a sad state. Please pray for Big Ben. 

Tonight I write after a delicious traditional meal prepared for us by Pastor Gideon’s sweet wife, Maylin. Belizean food and hospitality is certainly nearing if not at the top. (I’m thinking Annie is in agreement) 🙂 

We have certainly been encouraged thus far, and have been assured that our labor here has truly been a huge help, blessing and encouragement. 

For your encouragement, Peter has filmed six short videos of me interviewing Nate with several questions he answers that are sure to fulfill your curiosity. 

(Interviews with Nate and some of our interaction can be seen here: https://m.facebook.com/soulwinnermissions/)

UPDATE #2

Yesterday we took to the city center of Punta Gorda where Peter, Gideon, Nate and I were used of God to thunder out the word of God by preaching from the outdoor stage at the park. Annie once again blessed us with her dedication to one on one gospel conversations and bold tracting ministry. This was such a privilege to minister at Nate’s local fishing hole. Thursday’s are especially busy as the farmers market is in full swing. 

In the evening, we enjoyed coming together with the saints at the weekly prayer and praise meeting of Christian Life Center, where Peter brought us a message from Colossians 3, exhorting us to fix our minds on the things above where Christ is seated. 

This morning we departed from Toledo (near Punta Gorda where Nate and Sheila reside), to enter the second leg of our mission journey. 

We along with Cheyenne, Nate and Pastor Gideon will be heading north, stopping first in Dangriga to once again herald the gospel there before traveling to Belmopan, then to Spanish Lookout. We will be staying with Margaret and Abram Thiessen, friends of Nate and Sheila. 

On this leg Danny, Ronald and Anton (fellows that have been doing outreach in the area since Nate provided training to them last May, 2016), will be joining us and have also invited us to their church this coming Sunday. We will then meet up with Pastor Ken Barber Sunday evening to encourage him and hear about the prison ministry he has. 

Departing from the Steuer home, we did our best in the strength God provided, to encourage Sheila and the kids with hugs and admonishments to remain steadfast, looking to Christ for their strength. What a beautiful time we had with them. They will be dearly missed by the three of us. 

With that, please continue to pray for us. Pray for Belize. Pray that God would thwart the plans of wicked men in this country who seek to do their father the devil’s work under the guise of “Christian mission work” as well as the “health/wealth” lie that is being propagated and is a big stronghold here. 

UPDATE #3

We kicked of the third leg of our journey today with a visit to the market in San Ignacio. The local people there were friendly and received the word of God graciously. A number of Christians were really encouraged by our witness and the preaching. What a blessing to hear from a number of them personally after coming down off the bleachers from heralding a message from Psalm 1. 

It was a great encouragement for our team to be able to work along other biblically minded church folk as we were joined by families from Amazing Grace Christian Fellowship in Spanish Lookout. Beside them, we handed out many tracts and Gospels of John to the scores of people there. What a joy it was for me personally to come alongside them after preaching.

Something I hope will encourage you is that while we handed out tracts and Bibles a question came to mind to ask people walking by. It was this; “Have your sins been dealt with at the cross of Jesus Christ? Please take one of these gospel cards to find out!”

After departing from San Ignacio, we stopped at the bus station to drop off Pastor Gideon so he could be back for church service tomorrow in Toledo (Christian Life Center). It was a very sad time mixed with joy knowing God is using this man as Peter prayed fervently that God would continue to use him. We will certainly miss having our brother with us as we finish the final legs of our journey.

We, along with two dear brothers from Amazing Grace fellowship are now driving into Belize City to finish off our day preaching at the bus stop. It is said that Belize City is even more openly wicked than all we have encountered so far. We will see if it tops the wickedness of Calgary/Lethbridge! 

Tomorrow we will worship and fellowship with them, then Monday head off to the island of Caye Caulker with the message we preach.

That message: Christ Crucified – for it is the power of God unto salvation for all who will believe. 

Thanking you in advance for your continued prayers. 

UPDATE #4

Yesterday the journey continued as we “water taxied” over to the island of Caye Caulker. It was of great interest to me as I knew of a previous coworker who had moved their to start a business. A coworker whom I had shared the gospel with before yet was still in need of Christ. 

Once getting to the island, it was only minutes before Nate handed a tract to a couple of police officers at the beach and started up a conversation. Two of them seemed to be sympathetic to Christianity and may certainly be Christians as they told us of the wickedness that goes on there and asked us for prayer. It was certainly a good start to our day!

We then tracted the town and finally came to the restaurant “crepes & dreams” where I immediately heard my name called and was met with big smiles and a warm greeting. We were then welcomed in, seated and enjoyed some really good crepes! During our stay there we were able to leave her with tracts and a gospel of John after hearing about how frightened she was by hurricane Earl last fall. Please pray for Carrie and Chris. 

We then made our way down to an open court with a stage where we proceeded to set up and start to preach. We were then given favor from God as we preached there for a couple hours. As we took turns preaching as well as tracting and conversing with the people of Caye Caulker, a number of people sat around to listen. Christians and non-Christians alike heard the gospel of grace, many of whom were encouraged. 

We then took to the streets, even into the industrial area and shipyards where we handed out bibles and tracts. 

As we departed a Christian, man met us by the dock and encouraged us, thanking us for our bold witness there. This certainly gladdened our hearts. 

We then boarded our boat that would ferry us back to Belize City and gave out tracts and Gospels of John once on. We watched in amazement as God used this time to have people read the materials, which certainly caused us to rejoice. Nearing the city port, God emboldened Peter to exhort the people by way of recapping the gospel and calling on them to get right with God. Many of the folks on the boat then thanked him as they off boarded. It was truly amazing to see! 

We then travelled to Belmopan where we joined up with the Zeiter family (our sister Stephanie’s parents) who had invited us for dinner. It was a time of sweet fellowship and rich discussion on the things of God. It was so encouraging to here of their travels and how God by His providence brought them here through death defying trials and miraculous means. 

This morning we said our goodbyes to Abram and Margaret Thiessen, who warmly opened there home during our stay up North. Truly, they have been a blessing to us. 

We now will travel to Belize City, this time to board our flight home. Home where once again we will be united to our church families whom we so love and adore. 

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with my final thoughts that I have already posted to the Soul Winner Facebook Page: 

“This ends our first Belize journey. Our desire was first of all to see God glorified by lifting His name and word above all, while here. Second, to encourage the church as we labored beside them. Thirdly, to be vessels used to win souls to Christ. 

Not by means such as dramatic skits or ways in which emotions are stirred and responses are later proven to be other than genuine. Nor to try to “fit in” with the culture. Rather, we preached Christ crucified and disseminated true gospel literature to the masses, trusting in our sovereign God to supply the increase. 

A big thanks to our brothers Nate Steuer, a true missionary and ambassador of Christ as well as his pastor, Gideon Richards.”

THANK YOU for your continued support!

For His Glory ALONE-

Nate & Sheila

Complaints From Belize…

I was born and raised in a family full of critical-complainers. I too, am a highly critical-complainer. I’m not saying that my parents were bad parents, or even being critical of them, except to say that they were sinners …and so am I. It’s interesting how generational sins continue on…

That being said, this morning I was very convicted as I sat down to lead devotions with the family. We have been going through the Old Testament and are up to Numbers 11. We followed Moses from the burning bush, through the plagues of Egypt, across the Red Sea into the wilderness with 600,000+ critical-complainers. Today we read about their complaints about the food they were being served by God. I say served because they did not have to search, hunt or pursue it. It landed right in there lap every day. From Heaven!

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” –Exodus 16:4-5

The manna was described as “coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium” (Numbers 11:7) and “its taste was like wafers with honey” (Exodus 16:31). Sounds pretty good to me. Wafers, honey, yep it actually sounds like yummy cookies! But…

“the people became like those who complain…“Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” (Numbers 11:1, 5-6)

Who will give us meat?

There is nothing at all to look at except this manna?

Hmmm. I would be happy enough that all I had to look at was manna. Served up fresh each day right to my front porch. I’m not a hunter so the thought of suiting up, sitting in a tree stand all day, shooting an animal, skinning it, cutting it up, etc. has no appeal to me (no offense hunters!). I like the easy road. So, if you’re going to deliver fresh food to my front porch each day…count me in!

But not them!

It’s so easy to want to stay on the front porch and be served, rather than serve.

What a great insight into the nature of man. No matter how good he has it, it can “always be better”. Right? I can’t tell you how many times I have believed that lie. Even this morning. It’s 59 degrees here and I am complaining that my fingers are numb and that it’s freezing cold!

Hmm, to our friends in Canada 59 degrees is a heat wave! LOL.

It’s all perspective.

What perspective are we approaching things?

If we approach things through Gods perspective than we take joy in that “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17). When eating manna we remember “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and give thanks to Him!

The chief end of man is to bring Glory to Him and enjoy Him forever!

“Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

“That God in all things may be glorified.” (1 Peter 4:11)

What we don’t see in Scripture that God owes us anything. He is not our servant. He is not our butler. He does not have to (nor is He required) to do anything for us. Oh yes, there are promises in His Word for those who rebel against Him…

“But they rebelled against Me and were not willing to listen to Me; they did not cast away the detestable things of their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt Then I resolved to pour out My wrath on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.” (Ezekiel 20:8)

Mans rebellion + Gods promise = His Wrath

“They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made for themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and have sacrificed to it and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’ The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation.” (Exodus 32:8-10)

Mans rebellion + Gods promise = His Anger & Destruction upon man

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” (John 3:36)

Mans disobedience = Gods promise = His Wrath

…and there are promises for those who obey Him…

“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5)

Mans obedience + Gods promise = His possession

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

Mans obedience + Gods promise = Bear much fruit

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31)

Mans obedience + Gods promise = His disciples

We are called to serve God. We are to bring Glory and honor to His name. He came as an example for us…

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8)

He took on the nature of a servant. He is God. He is King. He is ruler. He deserves to be served, but yet He came to serve…

“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

In doing this we are to follow Him. We are to serve and not be served. If we are serving we are not complaining, crtitical, grumblers but lovers of others and their interests become first in our lives and we “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) thus far proving we are His disciples.

This is a lesson I am still learning. As God continues to sanctify me He burns away these areas of chaff in my life.

Before our devotion time this morning a dear brother sent me Ephesians 4:29 “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” And I quickly sent him back Proverbs 10:19 “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”

God in His perfect Wisdom quickly rebuked me. He showed me that my complaining about the temperature (among other things) was not profitable to the hearer, not edifying and was transgression. I love how He gently reminds me to repent. He always guides and leads when we follow Him…

He leadeth me: O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught!

Whate’er I do, where’er I be,

still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

 

Refrain:

He leadeth me, he leadeth me,

by his own hand he leadeth me;

his faithful follower I would be,

for by his hand he leadeth me.

 

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,

sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,

by waters still, o’er troubled sea,

still ’tis his hand that leadeth me.

(Refrain)

Lord, I would place my hand in thine,

nor ever murmur nor repine;

content, whatever lot I see,

since ’tis my God that leadeth me.

(Refrain)

And when my task on earth is done,

when by thy grace the victory’s won,

e’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,

since God through Jordan leadeth me.

(Refrain)

Anytime I am prone to complain I think about Matthew 12:36 “every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”

Grumbling, complaining, etc. is nothing more than careless words that we will give an account of in the day of judgment. WOW, a good reminder to keep silent. I pray that I can continue to keep silent when these temptations to critically-complain come.

I praise the Lord for all that He has brought us through here in Belize. There is a ton to complain about by I choose to praise Him instead!

What about you?

That we might get off our front porches and go serve our King!

In His love and for His Glory ALONE-

Nate

God With Us.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel’, which translated means, ‘God with us.“ -Matthew 1:23

On December 25, I was given a gift. Not the kind of gift I wanted, though.  A big box filled with yummy smelling lotions? No. A Dunkin Donuts coffee fountain? No.

The “gift” of a sick child.

As I had my nose buried in my email early that morning, I heard Shiloh’s voice; usually annoyingly perky first thing in the morning. Instead of her usual bouncy voice saying, “Hi mom!’; I heard a gravelly voice coming from her mouth, saying…”mom, I have bumps.”

This statement should have gotten my immediate attention. However, if you know “our Shiloh” J…sometimes there is a bit of drama associated with her statements.

I glanced up at her and said “good morning” in a rather monotone voice, really quite distracted by the correspondence I was answering.

I had to look at her again to verify what my quick glance told my brain.

Shiloh had huge lumps on both sides of her throat.

Her statement that she had bumps was certainly spot-on.

Oh my. This was a new one.

We were getting ready for church, and I tried to figure out how we would get her to the doc.

Talking to our Pastor’s wife after service, I did not know how we would get Shiloh the medical attention she needed. The regular hospital was closed. Yes, closed. Until Tuesday. (It was currently Sunday)

There were no doctors in town that we could get in touch with. Everyone was on holiday.

We were told the Emergency Room at the Hospital (more like what we would call an “Urgent Care” center in the States) would be open; but that they would not accept anyone who was not at death’s door.

But, later that afternoon; on faith…my husband gathered up Shiloh and one of her lovies; to go find some medical care.

Praise the Lord…the Emergency Dept agreed to see Shiloh.

A few hours later, Nate texted me to let me know Shiloh had a tonsil infection.  She was prescribed antibiotics and a pain medication. The doctor let us know that we need to be watchful now of her. More recurrences may mean she needs her tonsils out. Which they cannot do here.

But, that is for another day.

God with us.

A month or so ago, I was studying the book of Isaiah. When I came to the familiar passage in Chapter 7,

“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, And she will call His name Immanuel.” [God with us] ~Isaiah 7:14

You know, I cannot count how many times I have heard that passage preached. Surely around the time Christmas is celebrated. But, it never really dawned on me; the depth (and still I am not seeing all of it…) of what that one verse says.

“The Lord Himself…will give you a sign…His name will be [God with us]…”

Even as I write this out, I am in wonder that the Creator of all things…would do such a marvelous thing.

That even in His Name, He is Helper, and Friend.

I have so needed to understand that truth.

He is with me.

No matter what.

Even in a Third World Country. When my young child burns with fever and her body is racked with infection.

In the midst of this ghastly circumstance with Shiloh, there was an undertone of yet another issue brewing. Eliana (our 4 year old) had developed a nasty chesty cough. The sound of her cough gave away the fact that her lungs were filled with “gunk”. (is that too technical of a word…?!) J

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that the very next day, Nate was scheduled to make the 4+ hour trip to pick up Mom and Jim from the airport in Belize City….?

So, off to the doc again. This time with Eliana.

I am so blessed and thankful for the medical care that we have received here.

They immediately gave her a nebulizer treatment.

Sent her home with 4 meds, including a steroid and some hefty cough medicine.

God was with me.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you.” ~Isaiah 43:2

[Did anyone else notice that passage says “when”, NOT, not “if”???]

Nate went to the airport to pick up our family. (they made their flight…which was a blessing in itself. Since they fly standby, sometimes they get “bumped”)

Ready for this?

The next morning, Josiah was not acting right. You know, how moms just know…?

He was super cranky. And just not his happy-go-lucky self.

I noticed a red mark on his leg. Not entirely unusual, in itself…but somehow the Lord drew my attention to it. In the midst of all the other bug bites and itchy spots on his lower legs, this area looked somehow different.

I felt it. It was warm. So was the rest of his leg.

This scared me.

But…. God is with me.

Off we go, ONCE AGAIN, to the medic. (if anyone is counting…YES, this is three children in 4 days to the doctor)

My poor lower case “j” was diagnosed with cellulitis. (a very serious skin infection, which could easily develop into  staph infection, if not properly treated)

I was given a grave warning by the medic. Josiah needs his antibiotic every 6 hours, precisely. The doctor prescribed a strong antibiotic, along with a steroid, pain med, and Benadryl.

Did I mention yet that Nate and I were scheduled to go on a 2 night getaway? A few days after Josiah was diagnosed.

I must say it was looming in the back of my mind ….maybe we would not be able to go.

I hated the thought of leaving 3 sick children with my ever willing family.

After the first day on antibiotics, Josiah’s leg did not look any better.

I was scared again.

Meanwhile, Eliana was coughing and gagging as much as before.

Shiloh still had a bit of fever, though her glands were less swollen. Oh, and I forgot to mention, Shiloh also had an infection under her fingernail. Which was not healing. At her ER visit, they managed to get some of the pus out, and clean it up a bit. I think we were all hopeful that the finger would heal on its own.

Her finger continued its ominous red swelling, punctuated by oozing bits of yucky stuff.

God is with me.

Nate and I left Sunday afternoon for our getaway.

My capable in-laws at the helm of what seemed to me like a sinking ship.

😉

(10 minutes into our trip, our van broke down. Turns out, it was just a simple thing, ended up not being an issue.  But, since I love to worry about things, this was a perfect opportunity.)

God is with me.

We had a fantastic time away together.

Thank you Mom and Jim, for your tireless love!

Upon our return home, Eliana’s cough had worsened. We took her back to medic. They prescribed a stronger antibiotic, and said “no running, and no sleeping with the fan on.” until her chest clears.

Meanwhile, our Pastor’s wife had been given some essential oil, which she had used on their daughter when she had a bad cough and cold.

Shiloh had to go to the doc this week to have her finger looked at. Sadly, they had to remove her nail.

which they did with no anesthesia 😦

God is with me.

She is once again on antibiotics and pain relievers for a season.

Poor sweetie. She has been a trooper!

Josiah is completely better from his infection, Yay!

At one point, our refridge was overrun with medications for these little guys!

We had a wonderful visit with our family! Thank you Lord!

Oh… and I guess now is as good a time as any to thank the Lord for Cheyenne’s upcoming marriage to Alexander.  In JUNE!

My heart bursts simultaneously with thankfulness, and wonder at how fast the time has gone!

I would be lying if I said I was not just a bit sad to see her leave. But, I know the Lord has brought them together. That is something Nate and I have prayed for over the years…Godly spouses for our children.

It makes it easier to let her go. All the way to CANADA.

God is with me.

Like the old hymn says…

“prone to wander, Lord I feel it,

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart, Lord, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.” [Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing]

I am prone to forget. To forget and disregard what the Lord has done for me. And continues to do. Daily. Moment by moment. Breath by breath.

But, in spite of that,

God is with me.

~Sheila

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah” ~Psalm 68:19

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s WAR

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.“ -Ephesians 6:12

The spiritual warfare here these past few weeks has been so intense that it’s palatable.

Let me share just one of the many attacks that we have been facing…

The Lord provided for us to have our newest van wrapped for His glory.

I heard about a guy up north that did this and proceeded to contact him. We met, he got measurements, gave me ideas, and we parted ways. A few days later, I got a proof…

I replied to him with a few changes and he said he needed a deposit of half down to start the process. Well, that seemed reasonable, so I sent the deposit into his bank account. After he received it, I heard nothing more from him. No returned calls, emails, or texts. Nada.

The battle had begun.

So, I drove up north to locate him and admonish him to complete what he promised to do. No success. I asked around about him, only to find out that he was a scammer!

The battle continued…

So, I posted a question online to someone he scammed and immediately he called me. I asked him to either finish the job or give me my money back.

The battle intensifies…

Long story short, he returned the full deposit (praise God!) in this brown paper bag…

…full of scrunched up $2 bills…

…500 of them!…

   

Have you ever tried to exchange 500 $2 bills for $50’s and $100’s? Well here, the banks look at you like a criminal trying to launder money!…a whole nother story.

The battle continues…

Once I received the deposit back, I contacted a “reputable” sign guy who had given me a quote prior. He said he would do the job for the same price as the scammer quoted. Glory to God!

He has a nice little store on the main road, in the capital of Belize, with a nice little staff who works for him. It all looked good. I gave him the deposit and ideas, He gave me a receipt and we parted ways.

The battle brewed again…

About a week went by and I had not heard from him so I emailed him. He gave a few excuses and then sent me a proof a few days later…

I sent him some changes…including changing the flowery background and removing the image.

He sent another proof and we sent some more changes until finally it was ready to print…

The battle erupted…

He promised me the job would take a full day and that he would have it done Saturday evening. That worked out perfect for me because I was just getting out of a men’s retreat. I could pick it up after the retreat and head home!

The battle increased…

I got there Saturday evening to find out he didn’t even start the job! What? Huh? Am I missing something here? Nope, it was not even touched. Long story short, promises were made the next 12 days, with little to no progress to show for it.

One day he sent me this pic…

…as a reason why the job was not done yet (yes, he sliced his finger big time while working on the van).

He would send a picture when asked for one, but each time there was very little progress, and many days in betweeen…

The battleground was raging…

I was in awe at the lackadaisical way this man was running his business. Finally, I gave him an ultimatum-have it ready by 9 am tomorrow or remove everything and return my $$.

He must have thought I was kidding, because that morning I showed up before they opened and greeted him as he drove up in my van (yes, he was using my van for his own personal use!). That’s a whole nother story! So he said “I need more time.” I told him he had until noon. I sat there in his office and watched him the whole time. Guess what happened?…He and his employees started working feverishly to get it done…

As I type this I am sitting in his office awaiting my completed van to take home…and it’s 3:10 pm. Welcome to Belize time! Ha. Ha.

In the middle of watching and waiting, an ex-employee barges in the office drunk and starts tearing up their office…

WATCH VIDEO HERE

The owner and another employee had to subdue him in a head lock and call the police. I videotaped the entire thing for the police. CRAZY STUFF.

(INSERTED UPDATE: They worked on the van until 1 am!)

(it never was officially done until 10 am the following morning!!) During this time I was able to have a super conversation with the owner (who worships at the masonic temple) and his employee about their salvation. He had lots of great questions and I was able to point him to Christ using the Scripture he put on the side of the van! WOW, it proved to be a great tool!)

Sheila has always been such a huge blessing to me. A true completer. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful wife. She reminded me (in the midst of all this chaos) that if we were wrapping our van with photos of ice cream or something worldly, then it would have been done in a day. But we weren’t. We were placing God’s holy, precious Word on it. Sharper than a two-edged sword, which will not return void and has the power to salvation! A war started when we decided to place His Word on our van!

When I asked the owner why it took over 13 days to complete a one-day job, he scratched his head and said, “You know Mr. Nate, I have been trying to figure that out.” I shared about spiritual warfare with him, and the battle that rages for the souls of man.

The enemy hates it. He has used everything in his power to thwart, wreck, sidetrack, confuse, mislead, deceive, lie, and destroy this work being done. It has truly been a major spiritual warfare attack.

The battle still rages…

…5,280 Garifuna Bibles to be distributed…
…Weekly preaching, reaching, teaching…
…Monthly preaching tour through the country…
…A van with Scripture all over it running around the country…
…Hundreds of signs, stickers, magnets, etc. with Gods Word on them going up monthly…

The GOSPEL is moving forward!

The enemy is not happy.

BUT, we know WHO is on the throne.

He is in control.

He is fighting the battle.

He is King.

He is Conqueror.

GLORY TO GOD!

Praise God, the van has been completed…

Please continue to pray as we walk through His battle here in Belize.

What battle is raging in your life?

Who’s fighting it? You or God?

How can we pray for you?

For His Glory ALONE-
Nate

 

Tools

“I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the Lord; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart” -Jeremiah 24:7

A few weeks ago, a big dump truck stopped at the end of our driveway.  You know, one of those big ones that haul dirt and rocks and stuff to and from construction sites.

As I sat at the table, looking out at the big behemoth rumbling in the distance; I thought out loud..’ maybe he is broken down.’

Well, here in Belize, disabled vehicles are not a particularly rare sight, but with no AAA or Highway Courtesy Patrol equipped with gas cans and granola bars…Lol….these folks figure out how to make things go again.

(and surely some vehicles look as though maybe they would rather be put out to pasture.)

As I watched some guys scurrying around the big truck, I said jokingly to Shiloh (our 6 year old, who takes things very literally….)’Shiloh that truck looks like it is broken down. Maybe you could go help them.’

She gave me an exasperated look, shrugged her slender shoulders, threw her hands up in the air and then pathetically down to her side; and said…”MOM. I don’t have any tools!”

Her blonde ponytail swung rhythmically back and forth and she sauntered away from me. Surely she was wondering how her mother, who seemed reasonably smart, could think she could repair a tandem axle dump truck, in the Belizean heat, before she finished her homework…with NO TOOLS.

I laughed so hard at her statement. And her attitude. I am sure she was wondering why in the world I would say such an absurd thing. But, I am glad I did, because her answer gave me pause.

“I don’t have any tools.”

Do I have tools?

For my everyday life?

Well, yes.

And I don’t mean the butter knife I use as a screwdriver. (oh, ooops…did I say that?!) Or the tape measurer I broke trying to measure fabric. (sorry honey…~)

Or the empty powdered milk can as a stool. Or the pointy rock I use to dig holes to plant my cuttings.

I mean tools for my spiritual life.

Do I have *real* tools?

Do I use them? (the next hard question…)

Well, the answer is yes…and no.

Yes, I have tools, but no….I do not always use them. Or even sometimes I misuse them.

I have been pondering this since that day when Shiloh made her priceless perception.

My toolbox. As I thought and prayed about what is truly in my toolbox, I came up with 5 things.

This is by NO means an exhaustive list. Nor is it meant to be a smug recounting of how I implement all of these continuously.

Just some thoughts from a regular, average, run-of-the-mill mother of 6 on the Third World mission field, whose husband is often gone on ministry purposes.

While said woman’s husband is absent, she has plenty of opportunity to fling open the crate which safeguards the implements which will be of use to keep said woman peaceful and sane, with her eyes on Jesus, not on the tarantulas and scorpions and giant cockroaches which are seemingly ever present…

My Toolbox:

Knowing God

My Bible

Prayer and fasting

Worship

Fellowship

–Knowing who God is. I am not saying God is a tool…but that as believers, knowing who He is; is seriously my starting point for believing every Word in His Word.

Wrong ideas about God are not only the fountain from which the polluted waters of idolatry flow; they are themselves idolatrous.  ~A.W. Tozer

One of the best books that I have ever put in my brain is The Pursuit of God, by AW Tozer. This book was recommended to me by a Pastor many years ago, and it has been a blessing to me.

“Thus says the Lord the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no god besides me'” -Isaiah 44:6

-My Bible. Is God’s Word hidden in my heart? I was going through some deep waters several years ago (which I was not handling well….), and someone I love challenged me with this thought…”Sheila, you know so much Scripture, why don’t you apply it?”

Ouch.

Moving on…

Well, not moving on just yet. You know, one of my biggest reasons for not getting in my Word daily years ago, was that I simply did not have time. At that point, we had a 6 year old, a 2ish year old, and I was expecting baby number 3. And we homeschooled.

I was often feeling poorly, because of the morning sickness, and just was pretty tired.

So, I prayed about it. No guilt, no answering to anyone but the Lord. No checklist including Bible reading.

I sought the Lord and asked Him to help me “find the time” 😉

Pretty soon, I started waking up reeeeeaaaaaaallllly early in the morning. And I could not get back to sleep.

(Let me just insert here that I am not a morning person. When I was a little girl…my mom had to do all sorts of mean things to me…to get me out of bed. Turning lights on, singing obnoxious happy ditties about shining sun and birds singing. Not to mention the classic “yank the covers off the bed” trick.)

Ok, just so we are clear.

How early is early? Well, for me it started at 4:00 am. ( I know….!)

But, I could not get back to sleep.

So, like little Samuel who kept going to Eli the Priest when hearing the voice in the night (1 Samuel 3:2-10); I finally figured out that this was the Lord’s answer to my prayer!

This was found time!

He had made a way for me to have some quiet time to read my Bible, before the rest of the household was up. To this day, the wake-up call from the Lord continues. Sometimes, He wakes me at 2 something, sometimes 3 something, but usually it is right around 4:00 am. (full disclosure: I don’t always get up when He calls me! But, I know I am only stealing time from myself when I do that!)

“Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart” -Psalm 37:4

–Prayer and fasting. One thing that has kept me focused over the years is by keeping a prayer journal. Well, I guess that sounds vaguely trendy…but trendy I am not. I am just a forgetful wretch that often can’t recount the wonderful blessings in my life.

The journaling started years ago, when  we attended a little country church. Every Sunday, the Pastor would teach Sunday School, but before he started, he would usually ask how the Lord has been working in our lives that week. It was almost always like I could seriously hear a chorus of crickets chirping. And for me too, I never would say anything. I was at a place in my walk that I saw the Lord working in my life, but would draw a blank when it came time to share.

This happened week after week, until finally one Sunday, I approached the Pastor, and said..’I know God is working in my life…when it comes to testimony time, it all slips my mind.’

You know what he said?

Ok, get ready for this cutting edge advice.

He said…’maybe you should start writing things down.’

Wow.

Yep. I got a little notebook and started writing things down that I saw the Lord do. I wrote down any verse that stood out to me. I wrote prayer requests.

Over the years, I have started highlighting things.

Here’s the dealio~~when the Lord answers a prayer that I have written down, I highlight it, and write the date in the margin, and a short testimony. Also, I highlight Scriptures that are given to me, or that the Lord impresses on me.

So, now, I can see very quickly, just glancing at all the highlighting in my journal…how good the Lord is, and that He does hear me, and does care.

Do not work so hard for Christ that you have no strength to pray, for prayer requires strength. ~Hudson Taylor

-Worship (I am not referring to only the singing of songs…either alone or congregationally). But, how I live moment by moment, for the glory of God.

All places are places of worship to a Christian. Wherever he is, he ought to be in a worshiping frame of mind. ~Charles Spurgeon

I read a good book several years ago (and still pick it up to read) called How To Worship Jesus Christ, by Joseph S. Carroll. Reading this book, was my initial understanding that worship is not simply singing.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men,” -Colossians 3:23

One of the Pharisees had invited Jesus to dine with him. So, Jesus came and reclined at his table.

“ And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He [Jesus] was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.” –Luke 7:37-38

The Pharisee was scornful.

Jesus explained to Simon…

“For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” ~Luke 7:47

Her worship did not involve singing.

The story of this woman, and her actions; and Jesus’ reaction; is one of my very favorite Bible passages.

Because, I too have been forgiven much.

-Fellowship the believers privilege. We gather to edify and encourage fellow pilgrims on our way to the Celestial City. Pray for one another. Bring dinner over on when they have a had a really rotten day. Call and TELL them you are praying for them. Better yet…pray with them right over the phone.

“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” ~Charles Spurgeon

-Sheila

 

 

 

 

“Judge Not!”

You know, it’s funny how many times I have had that yelled at me. God-haters always feel “judged” when God’s Word comes to bear on their souls. Sins that are loved now become suspect under the light of His Holy Word. Conviction is met with resistance. This is what the gospel does when it is preached to unregenerate mankind. Who wouldn’t feel “judged” when their sin is illuminated? The Bible says they’re already judged… “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” –John 3:18 The problem is that outside of Christ, sinners do not see their state before God. They see one side of the picture. They see God as “LOVE” but do not see that God is wrath as well… “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” –John 3:36 It’s not until we see all of God’s attributes, that we see who God is and how He sees us. The more I preach throughout Belize, the more I see how one-sided people are. They only see one side or attribute of God. They only see one side of who He is. So in reality they are the ones “judging”. They are judging God to be “loving” and one who overlooks all their sin. One who will not punish sinners. One who will not send anyone to hell. So much so, that some would even teach that hell doesn’t exist. God has shown me a great deal from this “one-sided” thinking. You see, I am prone to see things one-sided myself. See the picture above? What do you see? Well, if you wanted to get technical, there is long hair, a ponytail, blue shirt, and Caucasian skin. There are many things here. But is it a male or female? Hmm…that’s a good question. A question we cannot answer with this view. Now if we go around to the front… We see clearly that it’s a male. Our pre-suppositions originally were that it was a woman. Why? Well, if we take societies standards, most women have long hair, are slender built, etc. So we take those items and impose them on this situation. Is that right? Well in the case of finding out truth it is. If we simply want to make a claim or statement based on only half of the picture, it’s a dangerous thing. That’s what many do with God’s Holy Word. They see half of the story. They see the half that is spoon-fed them by society, friends, family members and even pastors. So many will make statements about God and His Word that simply are not true. Then, when confronted with what God’s Word actually says, they say it’s a lie. Are we believing lies today? Are we believing people over God? Romans 3:4 tells us “let God be found true, though every man be found a liar.” When we listen to man, we very well could be listening to lies. When we listen to God (and His Word) we are appealing to TRUTH. The Bereans never settled for man’s word… “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” –Acts 17:11 Did you catch that? They “received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” We MUST take everything said by others (including our pastors) and examine the Scriptures to see whether they are true or not. If we do not, then shame on us. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” –Hosea 4:6a So, we have now addressed the problem of seeing things through a one-sided lens. Recently, we had Josiah (our youngest son) in the park with us during outreach. He has a head full of cute curls. Someone was standing there with me and saw the back of Josiah and said “Is that your daughter?” He was immediately embarrassed when Josiah turned around to reveal that he was a boy. This is a humbling thing. To take a presupposition and make it conform to truth when the truth is exposed. When the gospel is preached, it takes people’s presuppositions away by showing them the truth. This also happens when we judge people or situations incorrectly. This man thought Josiah was a girl, until he found out otherwise. What he was (curls, long hair, etc.) led him to believe what he saw to be true…but it was false. Often, I do that same thing. I judge a situation or person before gathering all the facts. About 7 months ago, we were at the park preaching and three Caucasians (one woman and two men) came through the park right towards me. Immediately I judged them. I told myself “Here comes your rejection for the day!” I judged incorrectly. They in fact came to encourage us. To pray for us. Excited that the gospel was being preached. My presupposition was all wrong. It was quickly corrected when they opened their mouths to speak to me. Today we all minister throughout Belize together. Praise God! A wise man once told me, “Believe HALF of what you see and NONE of what you hear.”  I wasn’t totally sure of what that meant until a few months ago. The Lord showed us many unseen things. Some very disturbing things that should not be occurring in God’s ministry. From the outside, everything looked great. It appeared that God was “all over” the ministry. But through God’s grace and spirit I was able to see what truly lied behind the facade. Similar to what Jesus saw in Matthew 23… “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” You see, the Pharisees looked (on the outside) to “appear beautiful and righteous to men” but Jesus said they were “full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” God always looks at the heart. We look at the outside. Quite often, I find myself looking and judging. Those times the Lord shows me I was wrong. Other times, I see and believe only to find out that I was also wrong in what I saw. Imagine living in the days of the Pharisees. Seeing their “beautiful and righteous” appearance. It would  be hard not to judge them as holy individuals, devoutly devoted to God and His Word. But in reality, they were not. They had everyone fooled. Unfortunately, here in Belize there is much of that going on. Ministries that have all the trappings of following God, serving God and pleasing God, yet behind the veneer is nothing more than dead men’s bones. Praise God for the Holy Spirit to reveal these things to His Saints. Without the Holy Spirit, I would have been dead in the water here. He has guided us and directed us into the paths of truth and steered us away from error and deception many, many times. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” –John 14:26 The Spirit keeps a Christian in check. When something is said, or taught, written, etc. The Spirit either confirms or denies based on HIS WORD. The more we know His Word, the more the Spirit can lead us in paths of Truth. I still have a tremendous amount to learn about God. Who He is. His character. His life. His Son Jesus Christ. My admonishment to (myself) and other Christians, is let’s not be so quick to judge based on sight, but based on the leading and guiding of the Spirit of God and His Word. My Pastor (Gideon) recently preached on Matthew 7:1-6 and judging. It hit me right between the eyes. I pray it is a blessing to you as well: https://youtu.be/FTGFdS0d9dc?list=PLY9U1pdlwcbS6bMRY0_QsmpTJS-ZfaA3g Keep fighting the good fight of faith! For His Glory ALONE- Nate