Live like Jesus here in this world

God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:16-19

Joy and Gladness

But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!” Psalm 70:4-5

May Your Glory Shine

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth. Psalm 57:9-11

Help those in Need

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. Isaiah 61:1-2

Our Salvation

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. It doesn’t matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. Galatians 6:14-16
We have eternal life only because of the sacrifice of Jesus. His death on the cross gives us new life. This is our salvation, may we never forget or take for granted the work of the cross!

Total Reliance

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters . . . so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God. Psalm 123:2

This verse is a description of entire reliance upon God
The danger is lest no longer relying on God you ignore the lifting up of your eyes to Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden halt, will you realize how you have been losing out. Whenever there is a leakage, remedy it immediately. Recognize that something has been coming between you and God, and get it readjusted at once.

Look Up

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Joyful

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. Psalm 119:1-3

Endurance!

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

Living Life

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4

South Africa

We are leaving for South Africa on Nov. 29. Planning to help with abandoned babies in a safe house and assembling Christmas packages for families in need. Please pray for us as we prepare by raising funds and seeking God for wisdom and grace. Through your help and prayers we can accomplish so much for the children in South Africa.

What are We Craving?

Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15-17

Shine

For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

As the sun shines through the trees only parts of the trees are illuminated. Those parts with nothing in the way to block the sun.
Lord, may I have nothing in the way to block the full sun of your presence. More of you and less of me.

God's Choice

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.Ephesians 1:3-5

Faith in God, not in the Situation

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”Daniel 3:16-18

The issue here is not faith in deliverance from the furnace, but faith that God has control of the situation. In our finite minds all we see is the problem & one solution. God sees every solution within His miraculous power & chooses what's best for us. Have faith in God.

The Marvelous Work of God in Christ

"The salvation of God does not stand on human logic, it stands on the sacrificial Death of Jesus. We can be born again because of the Atonement of Our Lord. Sinful men and women can be changed into new creatures, not by their repentance or their belief, but by the marvelous work of God in Christ Jesus which is prior to all experience." Oswald Chambers

Captives of the Lord

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Paul's secret joy was that God took him, a red-handed rebel against Jesus Christ, and made him a captive, and now that is all he is here for. Paul's joy was to be a captive of the Lord, he had no other interest in heaven or in earth. It is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. The Victor ought to have got us so completely that it is His victory all the time, and we are more than conquerors through Him. Oswald Chambers

A Sacrifice that Honors God

But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23

A heart of thankfulness to God produces uncontainable praise. We cannot help but cry out to Him in praise when we realize all He has done for us. Every step we take should be an act of worship to Our Lord and Savior. Our sacrifice is one of praise and adoration to our King.

The Key to the Missionary's Devotion

. . . they went forth for His name’s sake . . . —3 John 7

Our Lord told us how our love for Him is to exhibit itself when He asked, “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17). And then He said, “Feed My sheep.” In effect, He said, “Identify yourself with My interests in other people,” not, “Identify Me with your interests in other people.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 shows us the characteristics of this love— it is actually the love of God expressing itself. The true test of my love for Jesus is a very practical one, and all the rest is sentimental talk. Oswald Chambers

Our Future is in His Hands

But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Psalm 31:14-15

Chage the way you think

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2


In learning to walk with God, there is always the difficulty of getting into His stride, but once we have done so, the only characteristic that exhibits itself is the very life of God Himself. The individual person is merged into a personal oneness with God, and God’s stride and His power alone are exhibited.

Where no enemy can reach

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62

Better than Life

I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalm 63:2-5

The Big Picture: God's love remains Forever

The Lord is like a father to his children,tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. Psalm 103:13-17

Compared to eternity, our lives are so short. Make decisions based on eternity, not in this life but the one to come. Lift up your eyes and focus on the big picture!

He waits for us to wait for Him

Therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship] Isaiah 30:18

Partners in Spreading Good News

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

He is our shield and glory

LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3
God answers when we call. He causes us to hold our head up high. He is for us, who can stand against us.

God's Glory revealed

How clearly the sky reveals God's glory! How plainly it shows what he has done!Each day announces it to the following day; each night repeats it to the next. No speech or words are used, no sound is heard; yet their message goes out to all the world and is heard to the ends of the earth. Psalm 19:1-4

A Sacrifice of Prayer

15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:15-17

Sacrificial living, praying not for myself but for my brothers & sisters in Christ. May God draw you to Himself and give you revelation knowledge & understanding to know Him, serve Him, love Him. In Christ alone!

Prayer: May you know Him better

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

He chose us in advance

God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.

Take time to Listen

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Today, if only you would hear his voice,” Psalm 95:6-7

How long does it take to hear the voice of the Lord? Only a second. He speaks so clearly when we take time to listen. Today, I will hear you voice, O Lord.

The Bible is a treasure

I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.Psalm 119:162

The daily discoveries in Scripture are words of life to me. Read the Bible as if your life depends on it. There are rich treasures to help you walk today in victory.

A Thankful Heart

I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens. May your glory shine over all the earth.

We are called to live in peace

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NLT)

Peace comes from Christ. We are told to let peace rule, not strive for, work toward, just let it rule. Sometimes we make it seem harder than it is. God made a way for us to live at peace in every situation. Let peace rule.

God never changes!

"You are my King and my God. You command victories for Israel. Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.

God is the same, He never changes, yesterday, today and forever. He is the One who gives victory!

God Chose Us

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." Eph.1:3-8

We can trust everything He does!

Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does.He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Psalm 33:3-5

South African Children

"We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone."
These children inspire me, they have such simple faith in God. In the midst of poverty and crime, they rejoice and delight in Jesus. Our hope is in Him alone. Lord, help us to walk in that truth.

Tune Your Ears to Wisdom

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.Cry out for insight,and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Lives Built on Him

6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

He is the foundation on which we stand. To build a strong faith and a thankful heart requires study of God's word. The Scriptures teach us not only the promises of God but also the heart and personality of God. When we spend time in the Bible our foundation becomes more solid and complete. All other ground is sinking sand.

He Will Sustain You

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

Trust is difficult, there is so much risk involved with trusting another person. They may fail us. But God is not like us, He will never let us fall. Cast all your anxious thoughts and concerns on the Lord, don't hold back anything from Him. He is dependable, trustworthy, and constant. His love never fails.

A Lighthouse

"I am God. I have called you to live right and well. I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe. I have set you among my people to bind them to me, and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations.” Isaiah 42:6 (Message)

We are each a lighthouse to the nations. Let your light shine brightly to those around you today. Can they see the light of Christ in your life? Shine so that others can see God's work in your life.

For His Glory

“Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Matthew 11:4-5 (NIV)

These are the works that Jesus did while on earth. We are told in scripture that we will do greater things than these. Can you imagine, if we allowed God to work through us to the fullest what we could accomplish for the Kingdom! O God, use us for your glory!

Where is Your Place?

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 (NIV)

A lonely place has no distractions. Finding a place to pray and tuning out the world to focus on our Lord in prayer is critical to hearing His voice. Where is the place you feel at peace and your soul is at rest? Give God your special place and see if He will not speak to you so clearly.

Every Step I Take

“Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.” Deuteronomy 8:11 (NIV)

Is there any one moment in any day that you are not aware of God and His purposes in your life? If He is truly Master and Lord, we should never take a step without consulting Him. Every move I make belongs to you, my Lord.

South African Adventure

Go and See” These are the words God spoke to me concerning South Africa. An invitation was extended 9 months ago, please come and help us. How do I say no to an unwed mothers ministry, abandoned babies, and troubled teenagers in need of training. Yes, we can make a difference! Jesus is the answer in each situation. You and me reaching out and giving what we have, this is the Gospel in action. “Here am I Lord, send me.” We are going to South Africa July 19-26, please help us by praying and by giving to this project. Together we can do so much more!
Give by mail: 830-13 A1A N Suite 336, Ponte Vedra, FL
Give online at: Act4thenations.blogspot

NEWSFLASH

“Mosaic Live” in Changchun China September 18, 2011. The first event of its kind is designed as a tool to reach college students through drama, music, and dance.
Be a part of this incredible event by going with us or by helping us go with a financial gift.

Instant in season

"Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not." 2 Timothy 4:3,
The lesson here is to always be prepared to share, exhort, and encourage others. We must be quick on our feet with a ready word. What is God showing you today? Maybe it is for someone else and not just for you. Living instant in season, living 'in the moment' while raising teenagers is a great example of this. It was as if my children tried to catch me off guard with questions and comments. I had to be always 'on' prepared to give the right answer and not allow them to shake me. This was great training for a life devoted to God and His people. Instant in season is living like God. To Him the past, present and future are all happening at the same time. There are no time limitations for Him. To be fully effective Christians we must live 'in the moment' prepared to give an answer to every person we meet. Today, Lord, I will walk alert and ready, instant in season, ready to share the Word of God.

A Solid Foundation

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. Luke 6:46-48.

It would be so nice if we could learn everything from God all at once. but a foundation is not built in that way. There are many steps to properly lay a foundation. The Lord speaks and directs us one step at a time. When we obey, we are given another step and another. A solid, strong foundation is secure and in times of wind, rain, storms we will stand strong. Listen to Him and do what He says. Sounds easy, right?

Living in China

Friends living in China learn to work with or around the system. There is an incredible network of communication, not cell phones or internet but one by one the word is passed around until all have heard. Karen (not her real name)is so bold with her words. She knows the limitations better than I, therefore she knows what to say and who to speak to. Karen truly believes her life is not her own, she belongs to God. She must watch her back every day but this knowledge doesn't slow her down in her pursuit of God and her desire to share the gospel of Jesus to people around her. We have it so easy here in the US, yet we are afraid to share our faith to our neighbors even though there is no threat of danger. Oh, to be more like our Christian friends living in China. Lord, help us to be more bold to share our faith. You are our reason for living, Lord Jesus!
Until all have Heard!!

Holiness

Colossians 3:12-14
"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it."

It is so hard to 'walk out' holiness. To dress in the wardrobe God picked out is a visual picture for me. Choices, every day we must determine to put on kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love for everyone around us, whether they deserve it or not. To be more like Christ should be our goal, He is our example of holiness,He was kind to the unlovable. Today, I will work harder to remember the wardrobe I'm wearing. Lord, help me to be compassionate and kind to every person I meet today.

Choices

Everyday we have choices to make, what to wear, what to eat, what to do. Everyday God places opportunities in front of us. We have a choice, are we aware of His divine orchestration in every step we take? Today let's choose to look for the ones around us who are hurting, lonely and in need. What can I do today to make a difference in someone's life? How can I demonstrate the power and love of God in a life today? Lord, guide us all!

Friends in China

Every trip we get to know more beautiful women living in China. We have formed lasting friendships and I am so glad to know each one. We go to be a blessing and help with the work there and we end up getting so blessed by these loving saints. Thank you my friends, I can't wait to see you again in September!

Foster Children in China

There are so many foster children throughout China in need of loving care. Abandoned and neglected, these children are potential future world leaders. We can help to love, educate, and provide for some of the most beautiful, innocent hearts in China by networking with foster care programs and by going ourselves to provide helping loving hands. This is the gospel walked out.

Jesus, in the midst of the storm

Mark 4:37-39 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

The storm was fierce enough that the waves were breaking into the boat, yet Jesus slept through it all. He had no fear of the storm. He knew He had the power to calm the seas.

Since we have the Spirit of God living on the inside of us and Jesus said greater things we will do, why are we afraid of the storms? If we truly knew and understood the power of the Almighty within us, we would see life from His perspective. Our life is not our own, we, in ourselves can do nothing. But when we exercise our faith and see as Jesus sees, the impact on every event in our lives will be mighty.

The key to this kind of waterwalking faith is that the purpose is not for us to be happy, to fix our problems, or to show how great we are. No, the purpose is to demonstrate the power of Almighty God by helping others so they will be drawn to Him.

Jesus didn't calm the sea for himself, He was fine with the storm, waves, water. He calmed the sea for the others with Him.

Faith to move mountains is not much faith, according to Jesus. Only a little faith makes a huge difference in the lives of the people around us. What can you do today to show someone the power of God? Let's see as Jesus sees. To Him be the glory!!

He will Rescue them

It will be a sign and witness to the LORD Almighty in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them. Isaiah 19:20

God Almighty is our hero. He lifted us up out of the mire and set our feet upon a rock. His very nature is a compassionate rescuer for those hurting and in need. When we give our lives over to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes and lives within us therefore we have the nature of God within , the nature of a rescuer, a hero.

Opportunities

Opportunities are always there, right in front of us. We just don't see them most of the time. I am more aware of this now while seeking God in planning trips for the rest of this year. Where can we be the most effective for the work of the Kingdom? There are so many choices. So many invitations to go. So much need out there in the world. When we are willing to go and do, God opens the doors of opportunity. We just have to see them. Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see.

What is a hero?

Heroes rise up in the midst of crises to help those in need. Heroes are more interested in rescue of the hurting than personal injury or failure. This world is desperate for heroes. God has designed each of us, His children, as potential heroes. Almighty God goes before us and prepares the way. He is faithful and we cannot fail when directed by Him. Heroes who cannot fail! What a powerful force in the earth! This hurting and dying world need you, a Hero in Christ!

Reaching

If you want to reach those who no one else is reaching you must do things no one else is doing. Andy Stanley

David Platt: Global disciple making

David holds a deep and abiding passion for global disciple-making. "I believe that God has uniquely created every one of His people to impact the world. Some may count it as idealistic, but I believe it is thoroughly biblical, rooted in Psalm 67:1-2, yet covering Scripture from beginning to end. God is in the business of blessing His people so that His ways and His salvation might be made known among all people."

Bold for Christ

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith. Romans 1:16-17

Once again I am challenged by my China friends to be more bold in sharing my faith with those around me. Think of all the opportunities that we miss because of our busy lives and agendas. A quote from my Chinese sister, "How can I not share the gospel?" She is compelled to tell of the greatness of our God.  Let's commit this week to be yet more bold for Jesus. He deserves our all. 

We're Live!

Thank you for visiting Act 4 The Nations!
May God richly bless you as you pursue Him whole heartedly.

For His name and renown,
The Act 4 Team
Isaiah 26:8