Are you radical or just impulsive?

Are you radical or just impulsive?

by Dale Coad

   We just celebrated a fantastic retreat with the theme, "Thriving in Change."   Our colleague and retreat speaker Don Exley focused on God's passionate love for us facilitating powerful encounters with Jesus.   Our extended communion service in the historic Wesleyan Chapel at Epworth was as intimate experience as I have ever had with Jesus.   Where do we go from here?

   With 20128 looming on the horizon, can we take those power encounters and incorporate radical new ideas that are pregnant with possibilities with any surety that we've heard from God?  Something may be crying out for change but is it God's mandate or our own discontentment?   How does a believer distinguish between a Divine mandate versus an impulsive need for self-validation masked by a false sense of Spiritually?

   At the retreat we establish clearly that Jesus must be at the very core of all of our changes for us to thrive.   As Colossians 1:15-17 MSG declares, 

"We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen.   We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created.   For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels--everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him."

   How often do we pursue a radical change in the culture of our field only to find out the change must first take place with us?   Some of our radical ideas will be become self-validating with time while others will serve only to reveal deep needs in our walk with Jesus.   The difference between being radical for Christ versus being impulsive to meet our own needs is revealed in our walk with Jesus.

   Are we authentic in our love for Jesus?

   Does his character shine through us in our relationships with others?

   Are we moved with compassion seeing the needs for others around us as Jesus was moved?  (Matthew 9:39)

   May we be radical for Jesus in 2018 for His sake and fully discover everything that He has purposed for us this year!

Caribbean Retreat on St. Simmons Island, Epworth Retreat Center (Click on link)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pgwkc8uwglvwxiv/Caribbean%20Retreat%202017_11%20Worship%20in%20Historic%20Chapel.mov?dl=0

Caribbean Retreat Rope Course (Click on the four links below)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nahgxxmyadjvnue/Caribbean%20Retreat%202017_11%20Ropes%20course%20Video%201.mov?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2qwllcfvdv87l7a/Caribbean%20Retreat%202017_11%20Ropes%20course%20video%203.mov?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/am9bjgly6ar25ds/%21%20Caribbean%20Retreat%20ROPES%20Video%204.mov?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/g87gdxrcu69c39x/%21%20Caribbean%20Retreat%20ROPES%20Video%202.mov?dl=0

God's Favorite Kid

God's Favorite Kid by David Speer

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children (Ephesians 5:1 ESV)

I grew up in a very loving home with parents who were pastors and grandparents on both sides that were church planters.   But somehow growing up, I only received that message of the first part of the verse above.   Be imitators of God.  It didn't take long to realize that I was not up to the task when I tried to live that out from the mud-puddle depth of my own efforts.   I was acting like I didn't have a Heavenly Father, essentially trying to "DIY" it (Do It Yourself).

Christians who live as spiritual orphans (those who "DIY" it) can only live out this verse in their own religious, legalistic effort.   Some of the symptoms that will be experienced by "DIY'ers" include fear, worry, doubt, burnout and feelings of insignificance, among others.   Thankfully God did not design us to live that way.

Recently I looked a little deeper into the word "beloved" or "dearly beloved," as some version say.  I discovered that in the Greek this word could also mean "favorite" (See Strong's g0027).   Have you ever thought of yourself as God's favorite kid?    Me neither!   But what would change in our outlook and daily walk with our Father if we did?

If we were to think of ourselves as God's favorite kid, it wouldn't take long to come to the realization that He is crazy about us and loves to care for us.  King David must have had a similar realization when he penned the words of Psalms 139:17 NLT 'How precious are your thoughts   about me, O God.   They cannot be numbered.' 

However, I think it's difficult for us to think along the same lines as David when we come face to face with the reality of our fallen nature, especially when combined with our American cultural tendency to "DIY" in everything.   But if we look a little earlier in Ephesians 2:8-10, God underscores the fact that we are not a "DIY" project!

What if we were to live from the wellspring of the revelation that we are God's favorite kid?   Fear would be replaced with faith.   Loneliness could be exchanged for His Presence.   Weariness would be traded for rest.   "Just another face in the crowd" would find itself "in Him."

Mourning could be turned into dancing.  Pain would be given purpose.   Doubt could be transformed into obedience.   You get the picture.   Every "promise in the book" takes on new meaning when you read it with a thorough understanding of what it means to be a "beloved" child of God!

Whatever the circumstances may be that you are facing, our prayer is that you would be encouraged and remember that as God's favorite kid, you never face it alone!

Quick, throw out the sea anchor!

Sea anchor drogue in rough seas

Dale Coad

Quick, throw out the sea anchor!

October 1, 2017 Prayer blog by Dale Coad

What do you experience in the middle of a storm?   

I am in the middle of a series of storms that are frankly overwhelming.   Working in the Caribbean, there is a strong emotional link between the human tragedies in all of the islands and our own well-being.   Our whole Caribbean ministry team affirms that God is good and that God is in control while the news media screams: "Irma, Jose and now Maria are wreaking havoc in your area and causing indescribable pain and loss to those whom you love."    How do we deal with our faith that God is in control when the unprecedented numbers of storms allege otherwise?   We need to throw out our sea anchors!

Sailors who face violent storms know that a great danger to avoid is having their vessels smashed broadside by powerful waves.   The sea is unforgiving.   Their best defense is to turn the bow of the boat into those crashing breakers. But how does the crew gain enough control from those powerful forces to do so?   Oftentimes, it's sea anchors.

A sea anchor is a device used to stabilize a boat in heavy weather.    It creates resistance to the storm. When attached to the stern, it slows the boat for better control. So, with so many storms thrashing Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, St. Maarten, Barbuda and Dominica to name a few, how do we find our sea anchors?   How do we deal with the dissonance of the clarity of our faith in God when the confusion of life's circumstances scream otherwise?

In Psalms 73, Asaph found his clarity when he faced his own dilemma.   In v.1, he affirms his faith in God, "Truly God is good in Israel, to those who are pure in heart" while revealing his emotional state in v. 2 "But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped."

What was Asaph's dilemma?  He was perplexed. "I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (v.3).    God's people saw the wicked prosper also and they were asking the same hard question, "Does God realize what is going on?" (v. 11 TLB).   "Have I been wasting my time?   Why take the trouble to be pure?" (v. 13)

In the middle of his storm (of faith), he realizes that concentrating on his perplexing thoughts would not bring any relief (vv.13-16).   His only relief is when he allowed God to put things back into eternal perspective.   "But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end" (vv.16-17).

In that moment in time, Asaph threw out his sea anchor.   He slowed down.   He faced the ongoing waves that threatened to batter his vessel.   He understood the danger of losing his faith at such a critical time, "I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you" (v.23).

In the very last moment, right before Asaph slipped down the treacherous slope of skepticism and dismay, God took hold of his hand.   God was still God!  In that vulnerable split second, he suddenly declared, "Whom have I in heaven but you?" (v. 25)   Though our strength may fail us, God does not.   "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart" (v. 26).    God strengthened his heart!

As Asaph, when we're "so close to the edge of the cliff" (v.1) in a precarious place in our faith, we need to throw out our sea anchors.    Don't panic.   Slow down.   Seek God's perspective.   Center your trust in God.   He is greater than the storms.   "Look!   Those who left you are falling apart!   But I'm in the very presence of God" (v. 28).   Let's make God our refuge in the storms.   As Asaph declares with renewed faith, "I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge" (v. 28).

Fear is NOT a word on my tongue because God is God!

Paul and Lana Duda

Fear is NOT a word on my tongue because God is God! by Paul Duda

Psalm 139:1-6   "O Lord, You have searched me and known me.   You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.   You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.   For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.   You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it."

This is a Psalm of David the great warrior king of Israel.   One whom God called and anointed to lead His people.   For those who carry the mantel of leadership this psalm speaks to our lives.  I have heard the psalm used to preach a message of repentance and examination by God.   It is true that God does know our hearts in and out and He knows our future and yet He still called us.

The psalm comforted David's heart because despite his shortcomings and failures as a man, he knew God loved him and called him.   God knows my sitting down and my standing up.  Every thought that I think, God understands, even when I am far off.   When I feel apart from God or in a dark place, God knows my path and is acquainted with all of my ways.  God knows it all even when I don't see or fully understand.

Sometimes I think we are hard on ourselves, second guessing our own actions, attitudes or motivations, fearful that there is some carnal motivation in our lives and ministries.    It is true we still live in a body of flesh with its desires and wants, but the direction and calling of our lives is fixed on Him.

Don't judge yourselves harshly but be sure that God know all!   Even the apostle Paul said he didn't judge himself.  Even though his conscience was clear, that did not mean he was without sin.   We don't know the forces that work against us, the demonic beings that seek to destroy or deter us from fulfilling His will.  How often as a missionary have I been grateful for the faithful intercessors that have called our names before God pleading for help and protection in the face of enemy hordes   Now that's something to be thankful for.

David borrows a picture from warfare when the king is surrounded in front and in back by faithful soldiers to protect their leader.    Ready to give their lives, they advance in front and guard the rear so that the king may move forward to victory.   What a wonderful God we serve.   He not only called us to do something we could never do on our own but He has hedged us in, in front and behind.   He is our defense and our rear guard.   As I look back at my life, there is so much to be thankful for, surely God has made my lines, my path to fall in pleasant places.

That is not to say that is has been without trials and heaviness of heart at times.   I know that pain of a disabled son and its impact on our family.   I understand feeling backed into a corner making decisions I would never have made voluntarily and directive forces beyond my ability to control.   One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 31:14-15.   I like David have said "You are my God" and I trust in you.

We have such a privilege to be not only sons of God but called to serve.   The declaration "you are my God" is emotionally deep and wide for my wife and I.   We choose to trust Him in the good and the bad.   "Our times are in your hands," as David said.   I have come to believe that this means my minutes, hours, days, weeks, years and my end are all under His control.  When we felt we would die from exhaustion or hurt, God was there sustaining us.   When were rejoicing in the tremendous victories God gave us in Cuba, we saw His satisfaction and felt the warmth of His smile.

Finally in the last two verses of this passage we see that our Lord God knows all.  God knows us completely, even our thoughts.   God has us hedged in!   He has been not only our protection but also for our defense, both in front and behind us so.   We will not run away.   He is our retreat.   When the pressure or the pain gets too severe, we may be tempted to fled from Him but in His love, He has hedged us in!  This knowledge is too wonderful for us.

David had a hard time comprehending the goodness of his God and all that God had done for him.   It was too high, too marvelous, too exhaustive for his finite brain to understand.   As I reflect on this, my faith tell me it's all true!  

He is everything.   He is responsible for us as we carry out His plan.   He guards us.   He protects us.   He anoints us.   He blesses us and even protects us from ourselves.

He give great victories and orchestrates "our times" and carries us through to greater victories.

In light of His greatness, fear is NOT a word on our tongues because God is indeed God!

With love and respect, Paul Duda

A Biblical Response to Suffering

A Biblical Response to Suffering by David Speer

David and Kristen Speer 
Assistant Area Directors Caribbean General

One of the deepest weaknesses of our day is the inability to deal with calamity as a normal part of life.  Because we often spend so much time trying to create our own heaven on earth (comfort, security), when a situation occurs where we suffer, we are prone to think that God is mad at us or that we have done something wrong.  I find that even as a missionary, I am not immune to that same tendency.

In the last few chapters of Acts, we see a great example of a better way to respond to suffering.   Paul was falsely accused and arrested and then spent years being coerced by the governor for a bride to let him go.   When a new governor finally heard his case two years later, Paul was forced to appeal to Caesar to get a fair hearing.   While on the way to Rome to appear before him, the ship Paul was on was caught in a terrible storm that was so bad that no one ate for weeks and then ultimately shipwrecked on the island of Malta.  It was cold and rainy that day, so the people of the island built a fire for those that were on the ship.   When Paul added some sticks to the fire, a viper jumped out and bit him!

In the midst of all of his suffering, Paul kept his attitude in check and his connection to the Holy Spirit stayed strong in spite of the things he had endured.   He didn't blame God or focus on his situation but instead looked for opportunities to demonstrate the Spirit's power in the midst of hardship.   The result?   The people of Malta heard the good news and witnessed a demonstration of the Spirit's power to heal.

The reality is that suffering is a normal part of life (John 16:35).   So what was it that kept Paul keenly focused in the midst of so much difficulty?   Truthfully, I find it hard to choose just one or two examples from his writings because they are full of passages that would serve to give us strength.   But one of the passages found in Romans 8:35 NIV, 38-39 ESV, that I think goes right to the heart of the matter and helps us refocus says, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?....For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I believe that at the bottom of every incorrect response to suffering you will find some kind of fear--fear that you are suffering because of something you did or didn't do, fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, fear of disaster or failure.   It is only when we are confidently resting in the fact that we are the dearly loved children of a good God that the fear will be driven out and we will be enabled to look past the momentary trouble and focus instead of the opportunities around us.