Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 71

Too Easy to be a Christian

I’ve been home two days from a mission trip to Bangladesh. In addition to unpacking, washing clothes, and showing photos to my husband, I’ve been reflecting on what God showed us on the other side of the world.

For instance, the Bengali believers are “all in.” Unlike our American culture, the environment in Bangladesh does not allow for “lukewarm” or casual Christians.

A few weeks ago, two Christian men in Chittagong were beaten and left for dead because of their faith in Jesus. And this is not an unusual occurrence. Persecution of all kinds is commonplace.

Many new believers are rejected by their families. Jobs are lost. Homes are burned. Friends turn their backs.

The Bengali believers expect this persecution. And they still choose Jesus. In fact, they cling tightly to Him. In some cases, He is all they have. But He is also all they need. In a country that is about 90% Muslim, there is no middle ground or room for indecisiveness.

Things are too easy for American believers. We can call ourselves Christians without fear of any real backlash. We can go to church on Sunday and live like we want the rest of the week.

I think God is trying to tell me something. I’ve been reading Francis Chan’s book “Crazy Love.” Chapters 4 and 5 hit hard on this topic. Chan proposes that a “lukewarm” Christian is really not a Christian at all. That seems to be what the Bible says.

Jesus Himself encourages us to “count the cost” of following Him (Luke 14:25-35). Am I willing to give up everything to follow Jesus? Are you?

Bangladesh Journal #2

This is our last day in Bangladesh. I had big plans to share regularly about what God is doing here. But we’ve been busy witnessing what God is doing here!

Each morning, I’ve been awakened at 5:30 by the Muslim call to prayer. It’s also been God’s call to me. To pray for millions of people who have religion, but don’t know God. Millions who desperately need what only Jesus can give.

We’ve encountered illness and desperate poverty. The physical needs feel overwhelming. But God keeps reminding me they are nothing compared to their spiritual need.

What a great irony. The physical needs here create an open door to share Jesus. But in America, our material abundance masks our spiritual need. We are self-sufficient. Independent. Our ears are closed to the Gospel.

Many of you have been praying for me over the last 10 days. Thanks you! We have felt your prayers. God has given us many opportunities to pray with people and to tell them about Jesus. At least two people have been saved! We have planted many seeds. And God has used us to encourage the believers here.

Here are a few ways you can continue to join us in prayer today:

- Pray for spiritual strength and joy for those who remain here to share the Gospel

- Pray for protection for the Bangladesh believers. Many have suffered severe persecution.

- Pray for the new believers, that God will grow their faith and fill them with courage to take a stand for Jesus.

-Pray for the Spirit to move through the cities and the villages. Pray for the veil to be lifted from hearts and Truth to reign.

Tomorrow we begin our journey home. Please pray for safe travels and that God would continue to press the need here onto our hearts.

Bangladesh Journal – #1

Thursday, February 20, 2014, 6am

Yesterday was our first full day in Chittagong, Bangladesh. I could write about many things – sights, sounds, smells – but it was the faces of three women that dominated my thoughts and prayers when I woke in the night.

Yesterday morning we traveled up the river in handmade boats to a village to visit one small family of new believers. They warmly welcomed our group into their two-room house made of tin and bamboo. The neighbors packed in tight to get a glimpse of the white women. We shared Bible stories and songs and Jesus. They asked about our families and served us tea, cookies, and a delicate fried pastry. A teenage girl, maybe 16, stood on my right. We shared smiles and small words of greeting. At that age, she could have been married with a baby. A world away from the one I know.

In the afternoon, we visited the Light of Hope Center where we wildot each later today. A 15 year-old girl named Shanti used our visit to practice her the English she’s been learning there. She asked each of us our name and our favorite color. At the center, Shanti and her friends get a basic education and learn skills like sewing. All of the girls at the center come from poor families. Some live in the slums that line the railroad tracks not far away. The center gives hope and love and most of all Jesus. Shanti’s future is brighter because of it.

When we left the center, we stopped at the railroad tracks and walked a short way down the rails. Children flocked around us. Some of the women nodded as we smiled at their children and spoke kind words we knew they didn’t understand. But their was one. One mother that stared back with open hostility. She’s the one that’s on my mind the most. I wonder what she thinks of us – white, western women who don’t know need or desperation. Who have never known hunger or worried about what will happen to our children.

Those are the women on my mind today.

This morning, we are going to visit a women’s prison where we’ll share some things we’ve prepared. More faces, more women to pray for.

 

 

Will You Pray for Me?

While you read this, I’m in the air somewhere between Chicago and Istanbul. I’m part of a seven woman, short-term mission team to Bangladesh. (For more info and honesty about my apprehension check this earlier post.)

Packed and ready!

For the next 10 days, we will work with believers who operate a center for girls. An article from Commission Stories describes The Light of Hope Learning Center as “a day shelter where impoverished girls receive education, basic health care, moral instruction and life-skills training, as well as earn a small income through creating handicrafts.” And of course, they teach them about Jesus. (Read the article more information about the work there, our trip, and opportunities to help.)

Will you pray for us? Here are a few specific needs:

Pray for the team’s health and physical safety – Malaria, food and water borne illness, and political unrest are real possibilities.
Pray that we can connect with the girls and their families – We are going into a very different culture. I long for them to see that we care about them even if we struggle to communicate.
Pray that God will use our strength, skills, hands, and hearts to meet needs while we’re there.
Pray for the team members’ relationships with each other.
Pray that God will give us discernment and wisdom for every situation.
Pray that God will clearly show us how we can be ongoing advocates for the work there.
Pray however else God leads!

My plan is to blog while I’m there, but access to internet will be spotty. Check back when you can! You can be our mission partners. We return February 27th. In the meantime, will you pray? If so, let us know in the comments!

14 Ways to Show Real Love

It’s February 13. People are busy buying gifts for their Valentines. Those tokens of love will amount to about 196 million roses, around180 million cards, and – my personal favorite – roughly 58 million pounds of chocolate. I imagine quite a few “I love you’s” will be tossed around too.

How will you express your love? It’s easy to buy a gift and say a few words. But, the Bible’s definition of love sets the bar much higher.

The apostle John said it this way: “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18, NIV). So, if love is action, how do we love? Below are 14 ways from Scripture that you can actively show love to the people you love.

Help them out of a tight spot – When Jesus attended a wedding with His mother, she asked Him to help the hosts when they ran out of wine. We may not be able to miraculously solve a problem, but God has gifted us in other ways to help. (John 2:1-11)
Get them help when you can’t help them – A paralyzed man received healing from Jesus because his friends dropped him through a roof at Jesus’ feet. They were willing to do whatever it took it to get help for their friend! (Mark 2:1-12)
Pray for them - The Bible is full of people praying for the ones they love. The church prayed for Peter in jail (Acts 12:5). Jesus prayed for the disciples (John 17:6-19). Paul prayed for the Ephesian believers (Ephesians1:15-23).
Rebuke them when needed – Sometimes the best way we can love someone is by confronting their sinful, destructive behavior (Proverbs 27:6, Matthew18:15-17).
Freely forgive offenses – Jesus eliminated the limit on forgiveness when Peter asked how many times he should forgive (Matthew 18:21-22). Some hurts seem unforgivable, but with God’s help it’s possible to “promote love” through forgiveness (Proverbs 17:9).
Humbly serve them – Jesus set the example (John 13:1-17). He calls us – His followers – to also humbly and graciously serve others (Gal 5:13).
Meet their physical needs - Scripture is clear. If we see a brother in need, have the means to help but don’t, our love for God should be questioned (1 John 3:17).
Rejoice and mourn with them - We show deep care for others when their hurts and joys are also ours. Don’t hold back. Let the tears and the cheers flow! (1 Cor 12:25-26).
Show kindness to someone they love – King David expressed his deep bond of friendship for Jonathan by caring for Jonathan’s crippled son Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13).
Intercede with others on their behalf - Could your influence help a loved one? Barnabas smoothed the way for Paul with the Jerusalem church leaders (Acts 9:27-30). Paul wrote to Philemon appealing for Onesimus the runaway slave (Philemon 8-11).
Help two loved ones work out their differences - Does strife exist between two people you love? Be a mediator and help them mend their relationship. Paul asked the believers in Philippi help two women in their church (Philippians 4:2-3).
Introduce them to Jesus – Does a loved one desperately need to know Jesus? Share the Good News! Andrew introduced his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:35-42).
Encourage and disciple them in their relationship with Christ - The author of Hebrews tells us to “spur one another on to good works” and “encourage one another” daily (Hebrews 10:24-25).
“Lay down your life!” - Seems pretty drastic, but that’s exactly how Jesus showed His love for us (John 15:12-13). The basic principle has much broader application than actual physical death. Jesus calls us to unselfishly seek put others ahead of ourselves.

Wow! Buying a card and a box of chocolates is a lot easier. But Hallmark and Hershey doesn’t say love like real love in action. Show somebody you love them today!

Who can you show love to today? How will you show it?

 

 

Everyone Wants a Coat Like Joe’s

The Super Bowl wasn’t so super this year. Not only did my team lose, it wasn’t even a fun game to watch. It was simply too one-sided.

As usual, the commercials helped to keep things interesting. But something unexpected grabbed the attention of America. Did you see it?

Joe Namath’s coat.

As quarterback for the New York Jets in the 60’s and 70’s, Namath’s fondness for fur was well known. Apparently, this 70-year-old football legend didn’t want to disappoint his fans when he tossed the coin for this year’s big game at Met Life Stadium. He reportedly bought the $3,000 coyote and fox coat just for the occasion.

Namath – or rather, Namath’s cost – immediately caused a firestorm on social media sites. In fact, before the game was over, the coat had it’s own Twitter account. Some – like PETA – hated it. But many, many others wanted a coat of their own.

The Manhattan storeowner who sold Namath the coat said business has been booming since it debuted at the Super Bowl. According to an article on NYPost.com “The publicity has helped Kaufman’s business. He said he’s had at least 30 media inquiries, made some sales Monday morning, and ‘Inside Edition’ was planning on a piece.”

Wow. The hoopla over Joe’s coat sadly demonstrates our culture’s obsession with “stuff.”

The Broncos may have gone down, but Joe’s coat went viral.

I know of another coat that caused a big uproar too. In fact, its owner’s name was also Joe. But this Joseph didn’t run down to the local furrier for his coat. It was a gift from his dad, Jacob.

Joe’s brothers were none too happy about it either. The “richly ornamented robe” incited jealousy because it reminded the brothers that their father had a favorite. And it wasn’t them. Then their jealousy turned into action and they sold Joseph into slavery (Genesis 37: 3-28). And it all started with a coat.

What is it about “stuff?” We want more. We glamorize it. We envy others’ stuff. We fight over it. We even kill for it.

Jesus knew that love of stuff would draw us away from God, that whatever we “treasure” would capture our hearts (Matthew 6:19-21) – and apparently our social media accounts. Jesus’ brother, James, bluntly described those who succumbed to earthly desires as “adulterous” and friends of the world (James 4:1-4).

Loving stuff is serious business for a believer. Left unchecked, it will determine our motives and dictate our actions. We must deal with it decisively. Here’s James prescription in bullet points (James 4:7-10):

Submit yourself to God
Resist the devil
Draw near to God
Turn from our sin (wash, purify, grieve, mourn, wail)
Humble ourselves before God

Praise God! When we come before God in humble repentance, He will lift us up!

Self-examination time. Has a love of stuff taken God’s rightful place in our hearts? Do you “want a coat like Joe’s?” Where do you struggle?

 

12 Favorite Bible Verses for Comfort & Encouragement

God’s Word is amazing! In the Bible, God reveals Himself, His will, and His ways to us. But that’s just the beginning of its mighty depths.

In my last two posts, I’ve given two different Bible verse “lists.”

The 5 Most Challenging Bible Verse
Top 10 Verses for Preppers

Let’s keep this theme going just a bit longer. Today, I want to share a list of verses that have been a source of comfort and encouragement for me.

Perhaps you’re going through a season of difficulty and trial. Or maybe someone who is close to you is struggling. The following 12 verses can be like a balm to your soul.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – God goes before and with us. We do not have to be afraid or discouraged because He will never leave or forsake us.
Psalm 9:10 – God never forsakes those who seek Him.
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength.
Psalm 73:25-26 – No matter what we lose in this life, we have God and He is all we need.
Isaiah 40:31 – God renews the strength of those who hope in Him.
Isaiah 43:2 – When we face difficulties, God goes with us.
Jeremiah 31:17 – Nothing is too hard for our God.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him.
Romans 8:39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 – The world may press us hard, but God’s strength and presence will not allow us to be crushed.
1 Peter 5:7 – God cares about us and every aspect of our lives.
1 John 4:4 – God is far greater than Satan.

These verses are merely a small sample of the amazing truths about God’s great love and care for us. I’d love for you to share your favorites in the comments below. Rest in His loving embrace today!

 

Top 10 Verses for Preppers

Are you a prepper? Are you armed and ready for anything and everything that may come your way?

Let me clarify. I’m not talking about World War 3 or comets hitting the earth. Oh no, this is far more urgent and important. The next time God gives you an opportunity to talk to someone about Jesus, will you be ready?

Sharing the Good News of Jesus with others can be scary for many of us. But, half the battle is simply being prepared.

Here’s some wise advice from the Apostle Peter:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15a

How can we prepare to share the Gospel?

First, we need to be ready to tell our own story – Be prepared to share your “story” (less daunting word than “testimony”) in 2 or 3 minutes. What was your life like before Jesus? How did Jesus break through to your heart and save you? Importantly, what is God doing in your life right now?
Second, memorize Scripture verses about salvation – Our personal experience is vital, but we need to be prepared to back it up with the authority of God’s Word. Jesus is not the only way because we say so. God says so and we should be armed with that truth. It’s also important to know verses by heart so we are ready any time and any where to share the Good News of Jesus.

My Top 10 List

There are some many verses we can use to share the Gospel message. But here are my favorite 10, in no particular order. And yes, I do know these “by heart!” Check them out and you’ll see why they made my top 10:

Romans 3:23 – Every person has sinned and is therefore separated from God.
Romans 6:23 – We have earned an eternal death penalty because of our sin.
John 3:16-18 – We were under condemnation, but because God loves us so much, He sent Jesus to provide a way of salvation.
Romans 5:8 – God showed His love for us by sending Jesus to die for us.
2 Corinthians 5:21 – Sinless Jesus, took our sin, so we could have His righteousness.
1 Peter 3:18 – Jesus, who was completely righteous, died for us, the unrighteous, so He could bring us to God.
Ephesians 2:8-10 – We cannot do anything to earn our salvation. God saves us by His grace through faith in Christ.
Romans 10:9-10 – We are saved through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
John 14:6 – Jesus is the way to God the Father.
Acts 4:12 – Jesus is the only name that can save us.

You may already know many of these passages. If you don’t will you commit to memorizing some – or all?! Here are a couple of helps for you:

Scripture Memory Tips
7 Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture

So, what do you say? Will you become a prepper? Do you have favorite verses to add to the list?

The 5 Most Challenging Bible Verses

Some verses in the Bible are easier to swallow than others. Even though I wholeheartedly believe them all, there are some I honestly just don’t like very much.

Let me explain.

Some verses, like “He gives strength to the weary…” and “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine…” cause me to throw my arms open wide and yell “Bring it on, Lord!”

But others cause me to sigh and take a deep breath and think, “Really? Isn’t that kind of difficult?”

Below are 5 verses that I find really challenging to fully embrace and live out every day. Oh, there are others too – and I may have a slightly different top 5 tomorrow – but these will definitely stay in at least the top 10 for the indefinite future.

Matthew 6:33 – I really like the last half of this verse about God supplying my needs, oh yes! But when we read the whole thing in the context of the passage, we see the primary topic is worry. Jesus said we spend too much time and energy worrying about our needs. We allow worry to keep us from pursuing Jesus and His Kingdom. The challenge: To turn off the worry and turn to Jesus. Or better yet, turn to Jesus to turn off the worry!
James 1:2 – James doesn’t waste any time with small talk in his letter. Essentially he says, “Dear Jewish believers, be full of joy when life punches you in the gut.” (My paraphrase of course.) Sounds unrealistic right? James says we can be joyful in spite of our circumstances because we know God plans to use them for our spiritual good and for His purposes. The challenge: To keep our eyes on the spiritual and eternal rather than the physical and temporary.
Romans 12:2 – God wants us to be like Jesus, not like the world around us. But truly, it’s like fighting a battle every day. Our culture constantly bombards us with values and behavior that is contrary to the character of Christ. The challenge: To strap on that spiritual armor, refuse to compromise, and yield ourselves to the Spirit’s transforming power. (Mandisa shares one battle story here.)
John 15:12 – Okay, let’s be honest. Sometimes our fellow believers aren’t easy to love. Plus, did you notice that Jesus said we should love each other “as I have loved you.” Well, Jesus gave His life for us, so this is really extreme. He wants us to be willing to die for each other. To put others’ needs ahead of our own. To honor others over ourselves. The challenge: To take off pride and selfishness and put on humility and selflessness in order to genuinely love others.
Galatians 2:20 – Wait a minute. My life isn’t my life? Nope. Jesus purchased my life on the cross and it’s His to do with as He sees fit. But if I can remember this, the previous 4 challenging verses suddenly get a lot easy to live out. The challenge: To consciously choose every minute of every day to give my life to Jesus.

Jesus’ way may seem challenging. But the reality is, He only wants what’s best for us. His way is abundant and satisfying and joyful. His way is life.

Please feel free to disagree with my list. Or add to it! What Bible verses do you find the most challenging and why?

The Hiking Boot Debacle

A couple of months ago, my husband and I took an anniversary trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands. We hiked and snorkeled and relaxed on the beach. It was glorious!

But one particular hike was more challenging that expected. The Ram Head Trail switches it’s way back and forth up a saddleback hill to the high, southern-most point of the island. Our tour book described it as a “steep, narrow, and slippery path, which can be tricky.”

However, since Wayne and I have done a lot of hiking, we felt confident we could manage this trail without a problem. We had plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen. We both had sturdy hiking boots – at least we thought we did.

That last sentence needs a bit of explanation. Even though we have done lots of hiking, it had been quite a few years since I’d gone. My good hiking boots had been sitting unused in the closet. Wayne encouraged me to buy some new ones. But I tried mine on and they still fit and felt great. “No need!,” I had insisted.

Big mistake.

Just before we started up the steep part of the trail, my right boot began to feel strange. When I examined it, I discovered the sole had come loose from the boot at the heel. With every step the sole flopped against the ground.

Wayne pulled a small bungee cord out of his backpack and we used it to keep the sole tight against my heel. And it worked! For about 50 yards. Then the front of the sole released its grip on the toe of my boot.

Wayne didn’t have any more cords in his pack, but he did find a piece of thin nylon rope right on the trial. We fastened that around my toe and started back up the trial. Although the sole slipped around a bit, it allowed me to walk without any trouble.

Then about 30 yards from the summit, the inevitable happened. The sole on my left boot came completely off. I picked it up and carried it the rest of the way to the top. With only a thin layer of fabric between the sole of my foot and the rocky trail, those last few yards were painful.

When I arrived, I plopped down on a large rock. Wayne wandered around taking photos. How I was going to get back down the trail?

“Wish I hadn’t left my sport sandals in the jeep,” I complained out loud.

“I’ve got mine,” Wayne offered. “Do you think you could wear them?”

Of course they didn’t fit my feet, but they did fit nicely over what was left of my boots. I tightened the Velcro straps as snug as possible and down the trail we went. The lug soles gave me all the grip I needed on the rocky path. And they stayed put!

My feet did look pretty strange. The few hikers we passed on the way down gave me weird looks. And it wasn’t my imagination. But Wayne’s sandals protected my feet and got me safely to the bottom.

Sometimes our lives are like that trail. The going gets steep and things start falling apart. We may even wonder how we’ll go on. But we don’t have to do it alone. God is always with us.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:28-31.

God wraps His strength around our weakness. He protects our tender places. When we cannot go on, He carries us. His strength. His protection. His loving care.

When was the last time God gave you His strength? Do you need His strength today?