Deputation

What's So Thrilling About Hay?!

9:57 AM



A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of praying with a lady from my home church.  They minister to troubled kids through their ranch.  They teach children about caring for horses, and at the same time share Jesus with them. She told me that they were praying the Lord would provide hay for their horses.  I suppose once you have so many horses, hay can become quite expensive.  She shared that they had been praying and God had brought them hay several times.  I decided to take her prayer request seriously, and asked God to give them more hay.  In fact, every time I saw hay (which happens to be quite frequently in Oklahoma) I would pray that God would give their family hay. I saw her and her husband several days ago, and was so excited to hear about how things were going that I blurted out, "Do you have hay?" as soon as I saw them! I told them I had been praying for it every time I saw hay.  She smiled as her husband looked at me and said, "yes!"  They had just recently received a phone call from a man who told them that he had hay for them.  He told them he would bring them 2 bails a day, and then whenever they needed more he would bring it over!  

What's so thrilling about hay? Not much, but I love the awesome God who made the hay, and is willing to listen to a simple person like me. :)  Just a simple request from one girl in this world, and the great God of heaven chose to answer.  Wow!  What a God!!  Now every time I see hay, I'm gonna thank God for hay!  

Deputation

You Never Know

9:52 AM



You never know how God is going to use you.  Last Wednesday we were at my wife's home church for their prayer meeting. As we took our seats a young teenage boy walked in and sat a couple rows in front of us.  I had never seen him before and naturally assumed that he was a visitor. During the announcements my wife leaned over to me and said, "I know him.  When he was a kid he used to come into the skating rink were I used to work all the time. His dad used to drop him and his brother off."  After preacher's Bible study we all got together for a time of prayer. I made my way over to the young man and introduced myself.  After we got done praying, we got to talked for a while after church. He told me that he wanted to get his life straightened out.  His dad was in the Hospital with cancer and he was going though a tough time.  I had the wonderful privilege of leading this young man to the Lord.  After he accepted Jesus as his Savior, I got to introduce him to the pastor.  You should have seen the big smile on his face.  That was Wednesday...


Thursday morning his father passed away. I got news of his father's death Sunday night.  Rushing over to the house to pray with the family was a sobering experience.  Who would have guessed that his father would pass away the morning after his salvation.
You never know how God is going to use you in someone else life.  Remember what you do affects those around you.

Devotionals

Recipe for Prayer

11:27 AM



Prayer is one of the most powerful yet simplest acts of the Christian Life. The Bible admonishes us to, "Pray without ceasing." But, to be honest, how many of us find ourselves caught up with the every day business of life that we don't put the time or focus into praying. Some people talk of "your prayer life", but we don't even have a prayer time. Here are some simple steps to help you in your praying throughout your
day.


Adoration: Praise "...Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name..."


God wants to hear you praise Him. He likes it when you tell Him how powerful, smart, and strong He is. Ok, wives you all know that your husband has an ego. You know that confident smirk he gets when you start to brag on his big muscles (even if they're not) and his handsome face. He eats that stuff up. God is no different. He loves to hear you praise him. Even if its just a phrase before you cook dinner; or a comment after a long hard day in the office; or some recognition after you turned that assignment in on time. It doesn't matter when He just wants to hear you praise Him.


Submission: His Way "...Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven..."


God likes it when you recognize how smart he is. He created you. He designed you. And He knows what is best for you. When you take time out of your day to recognize His wisdom, He enjoys that. Every situation that is confusing or frustrating at times is a design of God by His wisdom. Part of faith is trusting God knows what he is doing even when the circumstances seems disastrous. Welcome God's will in your life, whether life is going great or your are in the middle of something difficult. Trust and acknowledge His will.


Provision: Needs "...Give us this day our daily bread..."


How good we often times are at this one. Many times we have no problem telling God what our needs are, but let me draw out one point: daily. God has no desire for us to worry about the future for He is very in control. He says, "Pray for those daily needs that you have, and trust that I can provide today." Don't worry about what the future holds. Trust God for your today! That raise, relationship, or retirement will come in
God's time. Be content in the today.


Confession: I Forgive "...And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors..."


Those two words that seem to get stuck in the back of everyone's throat: I'm sorry. Hard to say, but sweet to hear; I'm sorry keeps every relationship vibrant and alive. Your relationship with God is no exception. It's interesting though that God says that He will forgive you according to how you forgive others. I have harder words for you: I forgive you. God wants you to keep an open line with Him. "Nothing between my soul
and the Savor..." the song writer wrote. But how is your forgiveness to others? God's watching.


Protection: Safety "...And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:..."


Do you have kids that are scared of the dark? Thank God for those little inventions called night lights. Its amazing how a little bit of light can comfort the trembling soul. God says in His Word to pray for "light" in your life. For where light is present darkness flees. How many car accidents have been avoided because of a 15 second prayer of safety? How many injuries have been missed because of a praying mother for
her kids? God's protection is everywhere, and He commands us to pray for the light.


Recognition: Honor "...For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen."


Often times little children like to parade around mommy and daddy's knees with a colorful picture in their hand. The colors don't match, in fact they are not even in the lines, but that doesn't steal from the proud look on the child's face. Woe to the parent who ignores that child and pushes them aside for other less "more important" tasks! All that child wants is a little recognition for their accomplishments. Your heavenly Father
has the same desire. He longs to be recognized for is work. My wife and I before we fall asleep at night, the last thing we do is pay our Father recognition for all He has done for us that day. He deserves it. He is marvelous and great!


Take some time for prayer today. Not just in your "prayer time", but all day insert God through your prayers. Invite Him to live the day with you. Prayer is simple, yet prayer is so very powerful. If I could encourage you in one word today: Pray. - Daniel

Devotionals

Faithfulness Before Greatness

11:14 AM



Psalms 101:6
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me:
he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Who doesn't want to be great? No matter what the field of interest no body wants to be a failure. And deeper still no one want to be average. Who is it that we lift up in society? Those men and women that rise above the status quo. Those who are proficient in their field. The favorite sports plays are of last second shots as the buzzer is sounding in the background, the grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth, and the winning touchdown pass in overtime. The favorite biographies are of men and women who faced adversity and overcame tragedy in their moment of opportunity. Greatness. So many desire the title, but do not realize what it takes to achieve that quality.

There was a young boy who at an early age in life was captured and taken hostage to another country. His parents were most likely killed in the attack with the destruction of the town he called home. Miles away from home in an unfamiliar land this young boy, scared, nervous, and probably intimidated, made a crucial decision in his life. He decided to engage his faith that he had been taught as a boy. His name was Daniel. You will find as you read the book of Daniel the journey of a boy who develops into one of the most famous Bible characters we read about today. Daniel goes through cultural changes, kingdom shifts, and incredible pressures in his years of captivity. We find a glimpse of his greatness in Daniel 6:10. The Bible states, "...he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel had developed a walk with God through the years....

There was another young boy many years before Daniel. He was the youngest son in the family. His older brothers were all men of war and they were his heroes. Growing up, everyone had to do their share in the home to keep things running. Coming from a big family, there were many responsibilities that had to be taken care of. This young boy was assigned to be the shepherd. He was to tend to his father's sheep in the pasture. What a design by God, for it was there that David developed a walk with God. David grew up to be the greatest king that Israel has had. When you read the Psalms you can't help but feel the intimate relationship that David had with God. So what made him so great?

Sin had filled the earth. In short time from Adam and Eve's sin darkness had corrupted the entire human race. God was going to destroy the earth because of its wickedness, but there was a man who found God's favor. This man came from an amazing family.
He may have very well known Adam himself, for Adam was his great great great great great great....grandfather. Noah discovered something early in his life. He discovered how to walk with God. The Bible says in Genesis 6:9, "These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God." Because of Noah you and I are alive today! I'd call that great! 
So what's the point? So these men "walked with God"? I submit to you that David had no idea that he would be king when he started consistently doing right. Daniel had no idea that he would have to stand for right. Noah when he went out to pray didn't know that he wold be building an ark to save the planet. You see it was the consistent doing of right that enabled them to do amazing things. Let me make a couple of observations. 

1. Greatness doesn't come randomly to anyone. No one wakes up one day and all off a sudden they're great. So many times we as individuals live in a fast paced, microwave society where everything has to happen now. May I say that greatness doesn't just appear, but is developed.

2. Greatness is in doing the simple fundamental things regularly. Longevity is becoming more and more a lost quality among men. Where are those people who hold a position at a company for decades? Men want quick fame and quick recognition without putting in the time to deserve such grandeur. It is the ball player that shoots hundreds of free throws in practice that when the game is on the line will hit that shot. No body sees the practice, but the one shot will be remembered. No body sees you read your Bible or pray on a daily basis, but when someone has a need and you have the answer you will impact that person. No one saw the
thousands of times Daniel prayed, but after the lion's den, the whole country was to worship Jehovah God.

3. Greatness is not attained by pursuit of grandeur, but rather by faithful, unsolicited
service. Notice that neither Daniel, David, nor Noah were looking to be great. They were simply doing what they were supposed to do, being where they were supposed to be, and living how they were supposed to live. God is the one who promoted them. You cannot attain greatness on your own. In fact, greatness is not even a prize to be won. It is a byproduct of humble service to God. You see God deserves all the glory for everything in our lives.

4. Greatness is not ours to glory in, but it is God who deserves our praise. If it were
not for God working in your life, there would be no "greatness" as man terms it. God is looking for the faithful man that he can use to do his work. He is looking for a humble man who realizes that everything that he becomes is because of an almighty, merciful God who decided to use them. What an honor to be used of God. It is He who gets all glory and praise. So many times we abuse what little success that God allows us to have for our own glory. What a shame.

5. Greatness is really defined then as God using you in supernatural ways for His
glory. I so want to be used by God, but God is looking for faithful men who will do the simple things consistently. Faithful means being full of faith. God designated a whole chapter in the Bible of faithful people in Hebrews 11. What makes them so special? They were found faithful by God so that He could use them in supernatural ways.

Let us strive to be faithful in our service to Christ so that He might find us able to be used of Him. What an incredible honor and opportunity! - Daniel 

Deputation

The Mission Hallway

10:31 AM



Sunday, January 22, we had the awesome opportunity to be at Maranatha Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.  It was a sweet and short trip over there from Ponca City, so we jumped in the car with our frappiccino and headed off.  Upon arriving at the church we found the sweetest people.  You know you can always tell when you have like-minded Christians around.  We felt at home right away, and began practicing for our special music. 

 The service was great!  We enjoyed special music, lots of singing, and Daniel’s preaching.  At the conclusion of the service, Daniel and I found a special hallway in the church.  In it, there are over 130 (we counted) missionary letters with each family’s prayer letter and picture.  It was quite obvious that the heart of this church was missions.  Daniel and I stood there in amazement as we looked at the pictures and read the letters of the missionaries in that hallway.  The strange thing?  We didn’t know but 2 of those missionary families.  Sometimes I think it’s good to see that there are more people reaching the world than we think!  


What an encouragement it was to fellowship with the pastor afterwards, and hear that 7 of his church members have left to go start their own churches both here in the States, and abroad.  We left that night blessed, challenged, and pumped to continue on this journey that God has so wisely planned for us.

Deputation

Enjoying the Journey

10:02 AM




Deputation!  We’ve heard so many things about that word, including the question: What is deputation?  Deputation is a simple word for traveling around the country presenting our work in churches in hopes that churches will catch the vision for our mission, and either prayerfully or financially support us in that mission.  

Deputation for me?  Is the journey God has me on today.  People ask, Where do you live? I say, wherever God has me on that day.  Home?  It’s where my husband is for the moment.  I guess practically speaking you could say our home is our sweet lil red honda civic, and yet- there’s so much more to a home than even our car can contain.

How many people have the opportunity to travel the country and sight see? Not many, and with deputation, we get to!  I heard of one family calling their deputation, depuvacation- putting the words deputation and vacation together.  I believe it’s true tho- with an positive outlook on everything you get to do, deputation can be a whole lot of fun!!  

My personal favorite part is that I get to spend all day long with my husband!  I never have to say good-bye.  Aren’t I spoiled???  I am, I really am.  Whenever I think about us having a long car drive, I always remind myself- Heather, you get to spend the whole day with the Love of your life!  How many people would love to have the whole day with their love?

Finally, deputation is a season.  It’s a once in a life opportunity we have to travel around to different churches, and share with them the burden God has given us to reach South America.  What a gift!  At times I do get anxious to have my own place, a house where my husband and I can relax and share, but until then, I’m determined to enjoy the journey! - Heather

Popular Posts

  • Where are the dreamers?
    I sat in my chair, sipping my coffee and reading this amazing book, the Book of life, the Word of God.    And as I did, I came acros...
  • Amazing Love
    "Where are you from?" he asked. "Los Estados Unidos," I replied. (The Unites States) "How long have you been ...
  • One Broken Heart
    We halt and holler “anything but this!    Anything but this mire, this fire.”  Everything within wants to fight as we face the fierce. We p...
  • What Can I Do?
    What can I do? What can I do for God?  I'm not good enough... I'm a sinner... I fail all the time... God could never use me... Tr...
  • Trust His Heart
    I flipped out the light switch in my kitchen and walked into the living room.  Out of sheer habit, I walked over to the french doub...
  • Mouse Attack
        What's the only possible thing that's worse than being sick in bed with the flu?  Having a MOUSE in your bedroom!  I'...
  • Four Souls Forever Saved
    One Saturday morning, we were in the middle of our outreach meeting.  My husband got up from his seat and walked outside.  In the middle...
  • Cecilia's Story
    Preacher and Mrs. Christy, their baby Joshua, and Cecilia On one of our first Saturdays here, my preacher's wife, Mrs. Christy ...
  • I am Loved!
    Several weeks ago in our many travels, my husband dropped me off at Bojangles to grab our lunch, while he filled the car with gas.  It wa...
  • The Chef
    Yesterday, I got to go out visiting with my husband.  While I was excited to get to go visit all the new visitors that came to our church ...

Like us on Facebook

Flickr Images