tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51021092726599079492024-03-14T02:07:17.541-05:00Guatemalan JourneyA more-than-middle-aged mom of four, moving to Central America. . .as my kids say, "What's up with that?" I invite you to travel with me as I attempt to understand the movement of God in my heart and in my life. It promises to be quite a ride!Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.comBlogger552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-31987567706249750642023-09-03T09:03:00.000-05:002023-09-03T09:03:40.398-05:00Am I doing what I say I believe?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8TODw2gURr32lkH9twhPq6kcAzIbV5BIx1LlbK5ONBIPb4tGQKxWFi-RjvW75t4GWiyT9CCH_g0x0nGQUgsvN0YUjDbOdjI9YrReR2xcW2fTFuLonvhmZ20vNu5nlO4LwsIYkCJwBiXrDgGnL-YubuoTVibpdsLsZgNzHDF1I-UFJ3yf8dWLh3cXQvFg/s561/hermano%20pedro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="561" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8TODw2gURr32lkH9twhPq6kcAzIbV5BIx1LlbK5ONBIPb4tGQKxWFi-RjvW75t4GWiyT9CCH_g0x0nGQUgsvN0YUjDbOdjI9YrReR2xcW2fTFuLonvhmZ20vNu5nlO4LwsIYkCJwBiXrDgGnL-YubuoTVibpdsLsZgNzHDF1I-UFJ3yf8dWLh3cXQvFg/s320/hermano%20pedro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My journey to Guatemala led me to the hospital/orphanage dedicated to Hermano Pedro. I learned this story of a simple, humble Fransican monk for whom the orphanage was named. Born in Spain, he emigrated to Guatemala in the early 1600's. After studying, without success, to be a priest, he became a Fransican brother. <p></p><p>Known as the "St. Francis of the Americas", Hermano Pedro had a love for those who were ignored and abandoned by society. This included the poor, the homeless, the imprisoned, and the disabled. While not "smart enough" to master the theology required for the priesthood, Hermano Pedro was a master at the theology of living out what he believed. He began a hospital, convalescent home, school for the poor, and spent his life serving Jesus who he saw in the least of these.</p><p>Hermano Pedro is a constant challenge to me. I tend toward the intellectual, spending years investigating Scripture and the "right theology" I found there. Moving to Guatemala, that's been all well and good. The people we serve, though, could care less about theology. </p><p>Our residents and those we serve have challenged me to look less at orthodox concepts and ideas about God (right thinking). They need and want to know Jesus, to know who He is and why knowing him matters. They seek more than words. They need to actually meet him.</p><p>I have learned here, that my love must be shown before anyone will listen to my ideas. Many have heard the Sunday school lessons, or the catechism about him. Few of those we serve, though, have experienced his love in action.</p><p>That is the challenge Hermano Pedro sets before me. It is not really a challenge from him, but from the Jesus who came poor, humble and rejected by his society. Am I willing to live out daily, what I believe? Concretely in action, not just in words.</p><p>Each day this looks different. Some days it is helping a child with autism learn to communicate. Other days it is teaching a mentally challenged child to read. It might be giving a sandwich to the homeless man who come to my door. Maybe it even looks like taking time to treat the market vendor as a person with dignity, not just a functionary who I am forced to deal with.</p><p>This is the challenge of Hermano Pedro and the Jesus he followed. Am I doing what I say I believe? Am I serving my Jesus in the least of these, treating them with dignity and respect, not pity and "charity"? Am I walking the talk?</p><p>This is my challenge, and yours. How are we doing?</p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-18736072490906753512023-05-04T09:14:00.000-05:002023-05-04T09:14:19.759-05:00I could never do that. . .<p> This is such a common phrase spoken by many Christians. At times it is said in judgment of a person who has fallen short in some way--usually one of the "big" sins like adultry, child abuse, abortion. It may be smaller sins though, like smoking or drinking, or stealing a pack of gum. Whatever it is, when we say this we are elevating ourselves above the person being judged.</p><p>Other times it is said in admiration, "I could never do what you do. I'm too ________________." Fill in the blank: weak, tender-hearted, attached to my children, etc. This is the one I hear too often directed toward me and I grieve for the person each time the say it.</p><p>To me, it reflects a lack of understanding of God's will in our lives. What the person, hopefully, really means to say is, "I don't want God to ask me to what you do." That I'm okay with. There are many things I don't want God to ask me to do, and I've told him so. Very often the things God asks of me are these very things I dread.</p><p> And in surrendering to these things, like being divorce, or leaving behind grandchild to grow up in my absence. In holding my desires and dreads with open hands, I have experienced the presence of God in ways I never would have imagine. What seems like loss, has become gain. God is faithful when we are obedient.</p><p>The next time you are tempted to say, "I could never. . ." stop and ask yourself what is really behind this statement. Henri Nouwen has wisely said, "We are not judged by how we compare to others, but how we conform to the will of God."</p><p>Don't use this attitude to put down or elevate anyone. We are all given different callings, When we obey we are enabled, equipped and empowered to carry out the callings with peace and joy. Don't limit yourself, or your God, and wait and see what happens. You might not believe it!</p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-42446193717602445502023-04-02T13:29:00.000-05:002023-04-02T13:29:09.628-05:00San Pedro is so different. . .<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA1aU5oz_s2MTWD4KhyX5nycJDliHV2mmY23ya2jLV1YfZz69mfozMIU-mqfo1TEuXuaWLnZaOK6J5u3-36MffEAUb_LMzPDImNjEXiXFd0lqWwzGQgW4j19PTYBAUswIbwVSgRaQi5W1AW5vjhVUWx3u-XjCBFBxTgXaZ5aJanFAa02mxp3eNm085w/s4000/20230402_105623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA1aU5oz_s2MTWD4KhyX5nycJDliHV2mmY23ya2jLV1YfZz69mfozMIU-mqfo1TEuXuaWLnZaOK6J5u3-36MffEAUb_LMzPDImNjEXiXFd0lqWwzGQgW4j19PTYBAUswIbwVSgRaQi5W1AW5vjhVUWx3u-XjCBFBxTgXaZ5aJanFAa02mxp3eNm085w/w291-h388/20230402_105623.jpg" width="291" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />It's Palm Sunday. Once again I am struck by how different San Pedro, where the men and I live, is from Antigua. Nothing is more striking than the differences I see during Holy Week. The activities in San Pedro grow out of faith, while those in Antigua seem to come from a delight in pagentry.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, we have processions. In fact, they pass in front of both my house and Casa de Esperanza. But they are strikingly different from those I have seen, and come to dread, in Antigua. (I just realized that, since I moved to San Pedro, this is the first year we are freely remembering Holy Week. Activities in the three previous years had by greatly limited by Covid. Perhaps that is why they have struck me so deeply this year.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">These processions are not done for tourists--we have none. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNQmjpzrIntoRdM5iBf2V4V8S_0AlXSCmZ84vuk88WDPKKvo6elpgy6vPvRApQpFfPJEPXeWDpvz1yzFzbDuUTcOIRljiVDAhn8sMN8ttddJBPmzRoz42mLUXt04juSWhX8p4k_sUV_vDGtqyrRLHXowNIdYoOY2DhKSiXzUiPgRhJW-ilt7ZNuFIGg/s4000/20230402_105219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNQmjpzrIntoRdM5iBf2V4V8S_0AlXSCmZ84vuk88WDPKKvo6elpgy6vPvRApQpFfPJEPXeWDpvz1yzFzbDuUTcOIRljiVDAhn8sMN8ttddJBPmzRoz42mLUXt04juSWhX8p4k_sUV_vDGtqyrRLHXowNIdYoOY2DhKSiXzUiPgRhJW-ilt7ZNuFIGg/w274-h365/20230402_105219.jpg" width="274" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The alfombras (carpets make of sawdust and other vegetation remembering the palms Jesus rode over entering Jerusalem) are so much simpler, mostly done by families in the early hours of the morning.They are not done for show, as most participate, rather than watching like I do. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIypMwfEXnUKef54h0FLy7z5L584PH_f53Jb8GOpsu9GV8ccAAamdQ0agwdkbJ0auoMqCQf-g7Jov2Jra-4oOfQm7igezH_kvVvn1t7BnP51Uogq7B1TL5jP8mE4XzUA0gTfl5seErJjA5wOQLMB9b6p_NDR1A7E9NxA09Szd-2jdcUnM2ZgJj-fadZw/s4000/20230402_105708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIypMwfEXnUKef54h0FLy7z5L584PH_f53Jb8GOpsu9GV8ccAAamdQ0agwdkbJ0auoMqCQf-g7Jov2Jra-4oOfQm7igezH_kvVvn1t7BnP51Uogq7B1TL5jP8mE4XzUA0gTfl5seErJjA5wOQLMB9b6p_NDR1A7E9NxA09Szd-2jdcUnM2ZgJj-fadZw/w384-h288/20230402_105708.jpg" width="384" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The participants, for the most part, are my neighbors, not adorned in purple robes (though some are) but mostly in street clothes. The leaders of the processions belong to confraternities (parachurch organizations), and some do contribute for the privilege of participating, but it is not a requirement here. The only requirement is the desire to honor the sacrifice of Jesus.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">While it is true that some believe they are doing penance, paying for their sins, by carring the andas ("floats") with statues, many I have spoken to participate in gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Publically proclaiming that they want to follow him. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">While doctrinal differences divide the Catholics and Evangelicals here, I think we have much to learn from each other. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Catholics can teach us much about the price paid to repair our broken relationship with God. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I fear that too often we have made salvation dependent on nothing more than saying a prayer. I see this with mission teams that lead folks in a sinners prayer, but do nothing more to teach them about the Jesus they have supposedly asked "into their heart". Little, if anything, is done to assure that they have had a change of heart, not just said some words. Most times, nothing is done to teach them to follow Jesus. Too often they are converted but never discipled. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As Evangelical, I am concerned that inadvertently we have, in many ways cheapened the sacrifice of Jesus, by focusing on OUR individual salvation, when in reality it isn't about us at all. It's about our willingness to be disciples and live as he did, not about what doctrine we follow or dogmas we cling to. It is not just about our "eternal security" of going to heaven, but about the charge which Jesus left us to make the Kingdom of Heaven become a reality here on earth, as was God's intention in creation.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zr_jQTqqiqPVovsddr9TmEUujW_js0I6R7TK6gEiprnUmh5n2-46LwqnhiG_u4UZlcImraQ3tWA8HmTLgnwzqe5c-DlR48NbsphwAFhjnWecu486Ehv6hHL6E1IfnxItAzk6pNJaDVngo_37ovnL-M6Cj25j50UwFSsStGQYgw0Ers--NWHtYuHmQw/s4000/20230331_171745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zr_jQTqqiqPVovsddr9TmEUujW_js0I6R7TK6gEiprnUmh5n2-46LwqnhiG_u4UZlcImraQ3tWA8HmTLgnwzqe5c-DlR48NbsphwAFhjnWecu486Ehv6hHL6E1IfnxItAzk6pNJaDVngo_37ovnL-M6Cj25j50UwFSsStGQYgw0Ers--NWHtYuHmQw/w323-h431/20230331_171745.jpg" width="323" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Even the andas carrying Mary do not offend me as they once did. (BTW, here in San Pedro, Mary follows Jesus, and the "float" is much smaller and the processional simpler.) These portrayals of Mary always focus on her sorrow as she watched Jesus suffer and die for us. It reminds us of her faithful presence with him. Seeing this can provoke our own sorrow in recognizing the price paid to reconcile us to God. Too often, I fear, we pass over Good Friday in our hurry to get to Resurrection Sunday.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So I ask you this year, as we prepare to celebrate the greatest "overcoming" of all time in the Resurrection, to take time this week to focus on the events leading up to it. Learn from Mary to take some time so "stay with" Jesus, to watch and pray with him, as he asked the disciples to be with him in Gethsemane. Open our hearts to feel his struggle, as a man, as he faced his impending death. To repent from all the ways in which we do not faithfully follow him, maybe even run from him, that created the need for his death. To appreciate what it cost Jesus to reunite us with God. Then we will truly be able to experience the joy of the Resurrection.</span></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-16365270863083666822022-12-29T10:40:00.000-06:002022-12-29T10:40:34.384-06:00A Good Word for 2023At the end of every year I ask God for a word which will carry his message to me through the coming year. Often it is is beautiful, descriptive word. This year He has somewhat surprised me (though looking back on my writings I don't know why I'm surprised) with a short yet very sweet word, "Yes." <div><br /></div><div>"Yes" to Him and all He sends my way in 2023. "Yes" to being fully present to the people He sends into my life in the coming year. "Yes" to surrendering all that I am, each and every day, to His presence and His purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>While all of this sounds very "holy," in reality it is terrifying if I let myself think about it. I often joke that if God had told me in 2010 what I would be doing in 2022, I would have told him, "No thank you. Send someone else." My joking, however, often reveals my fears and insecurities. Sadly, I'm afraid, even as I joke about this, in my heart I have to acknowledge the kernel of truth hidden here. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1g9FUJCYj_FkQpLVOGIhL5EsUm5vyDPz50BcBbiGeVIPtesZD-qqfeu-ekfLhv_RfklxeX1lSsxxQrRyt3QmWZIldBEO4ylBPIAVr1FiUJWaS5VLYhMVNOuk1mwmzuIFCIhbp7rAC0AWoUZOtqMsghGSuG8B1n07rtlpWNfoxq8wRx7H_oy4Nxxd3Q/s3840/Quotefancy-875-3840x2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1g9FUJCYj_FkQpLVOGIhL5EsUm5vyDPz50BcBbiGeVIPtesZD-qqfeu-ekfLhv_RfklxeX1lSsxxQrRyt3QmWZIldBEO4ylBPIAVr1FiUJWaS5VLYhMVNOuk1mwmzuIFCIhbp7rAC0AWoUZOtqMsghGSuG8B1n07rtlpWNfoxq8wRx7H_oy4Nxxd3Q/w482-h271/Quotefancy-875-3840x2160.jpg" width="482" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This life God has chosen for me is more challenging than I would have chosen for myself. There are great joys in what He has called me to do, but there are things that are difficult as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>Living far from family is one of the most difficult, as I watch my grandchildren grow and see my children's lives moving on without me. Don't get me wrong. They welcome me into their lives when I am there, but it is hard when I'm not to keep up on what is going on. It is even harder to support them as I would like. It seems, rather than getting easier as time goes on, it is harder as I realize what I am missing.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I'm honest, I have to admit I find running a ministry, doing all the administrative stuff, difficult and somewhat uninteresting. I have the heart of a teacher, of a discipler, and often am at a loss as to how to lead well those who God has entrusted to me, both residents and staff. Managing finances and fund raising are well outside the scope of my natural abilities, and present daily challenges as I try to find better ways to manage the resources God has given us, particularly in the context of an ever increasing cost of living.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is in these challenges, in these areas where my natural abilities do not suffice, that I find God the most. He has put together an amazing team to back me up, both in our Board in the US and the staff we employ here in Guatemala. He has brought residents to us who have become my second family. Finally, I have friends and supporters in two countries who encourage me and hold me up in prayer. None of these things I could do on my own. I know He is faithful.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZDScu1jL3X66qhKmWriZGJZQGtWuhcmxUdz9y9GqiPx3IuRtFzNFJKdzWSS7G7rNGRbfegrrk5IbFQdn8ooJYR6XnyyGkZ-AhRhX1Oei7JJrbyi_fNtpCYTb7n1dPyR8ThFyi6IZpNuhmUcRYN0NuIismJP1kpMuiXT26Idxau4DEgNYLSbDDitxzQ/s3840/Quotefancy-4165601-3840x2160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZDScu1jL3X66qhKmWriZGJZQGtWuhcmxUdz9y9GqiPx3IuRtFzNFJKdzWSS7G7rNGRbfegrrk5IbFQdn8ooJYR6XnyyGkZ-AhRhX1Oei7JJrbyi_fNtpCYTb7n1dPyR8ThFyi6IZpNuhmUcRYN0NuIismJP1kpMuiXT26Idxau4DEgNYLSbDDitxzQ/w453-h255/Quotefancy-4165601-3840x2160.jpg" width="453" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>So I say "Yes" to all God offers me and requires of me in 2023. Will you join me?</div><div><br /></div>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-69062106595583482582022-12-29T10:38:00.000-06:002022-12-29T10:38:30.049-06:00Joseph and the Gift of Holy Confusion<p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We often talk about Mary's "Yes" to God, but Joseph's "Yes" was just as critical to God's redemptive plan. Scripture tells us very little about Joseph, except that he was a just man, faithful to the law of God.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Imagine, then, his confusion at finding Mary to be with child. He was betrothed to her, which in Biblical times was as binding as marriage. According to the law, he must divorce her, or he would be seen an breaking the law by having relations with her during the period of engagement. How could this have happened? How could she betray him as he worked to prepare a home for them?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But he was kind as well as just. He did not want to publicly humiliate Mary, though by the law she deserved it. He did not want to be cruel, but he must obey the law. He decided to divorce her privately, though this would leave Mary and her child to live the lives of outcasts to their society. After struggling with what to do, he finally reaches a decision and falls into what I imagine was a fitful sleep.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="713" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuW4r0A_x6oIf2YP2NuoR-4SoqfoYgKjOdLVdrWgEVUMWiTEU8f8zCPkvZZ5xkz4954znoaZSvPKuydGN5HXq1BpD7HKbViFTUZ66u3xcnos9QsgcjnoEwClHytDOTw9RCrA4FSjBUqYxklNZ6NJ6YY3yec1F-W7shb25PJZRlg3P8lwUyySRyfDW4FQ/w399-h503/the-angel-visits-joseph-mike-moyers.jpg" width="399" /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then an angel comes to Joseph in a dream, not when he was awake and struggling, but after he had reached his decision. The angel comes to reassure him that Mary had not strayed and that she would bear the Son of God. He is told he must marry her, though that would make him appear to have sinned also. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The brief account of this in Scripture makes it seem so neat and easy. But the reprecussions were immense. He would bear the shame of this child with her. Wouldn't it be easier to just dismiss the dream as nothing more than his unconscious imagination. Then he could go ahead with his kind, yet just plan. After all, it was only a dream.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But Joseph recognized the voice of God in this dream. He says "Yes" in obedience though it would cost him his reputation. He said "Yes" to loving as a father a child that was not of his flesh. He says "Yes" to trusting God and Mary that this is God's Son. Later, he would say "Yes to becoming a refugee, fleeing from Herod with the baby and Mary, once again directed not consciously but in a dream. And he says "Yes" to the fearful, seemingly impossible task of raising the Messiah, his God and King. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How he must have struggled. The life he planned had been turned completely upside down. How he must have been terrified by the implications of his obedience. Yet he says "Yes" and follows through in obedience. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How very different the life of Jesus would have been without the "Yes" of Joseph. This almost forgotten "Yes" had great impact on the future of the Messiah. Joseph says "Yes" and then disappears. </span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuW4r0A_x6oIf2YP2NuoR-4SoqfoYgKjOdLVdrWgEVUMWiTEU8f8zCPkvZZ5xkz4954znoaZSvPKuydGN5HXq1BpD7HKbViFTUZ66u3xcnos9QsgcjnoEwClHytDOTw9RCrA4FSjBUqYxklNZ6NJ6YY3yec1F-W7shb25PJZRlg3P8lwUyySRyfDW4FQ/s900/the-angel-visits-joseph-mike-moyers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuW4r0A_x6oIf2YP2NuoR-4SoqfoYgKjOdLVdrWgEVUMWiTEU8f8zCPkvZZ5xkz4954znoaZSvPKuydGN5HXq1BpD7HKbViFTUZ66u3xcnos9QsgcjnoEwClHytDOTw9RCrA4FSjBUqYxklNZ6NJ6YY3yec1F-W7shb25PJZRlg3P8lwUyySRyfDW4FQ/s900/the-angel-visits-joseph-mike-moyers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><p></p><p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-72849393221395376452022-12-23T07:26:00.001-06:002022-12-23T07:26:21.048-06:00Be it done unto me according to Thy Will<p> As Christmas approaches I have been thinking a lot about the miracle of Incarnation--God taking on flesh to become fully man. Taking on flesh in the way we all do, through conception, implanted in the womb of a teenage girl in Israel by the power of the Holy Spirit.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERo4g2GlEA9aDWU2zYwsUuNFhgWrJH86chMghHpqWSXA59Dn9cZyn8P6YZ8xRvMWqHdfbAh52YhC87-sOBTn0i0wR-rF6jEIJGlYdyHfGXPSuBnAvxI11_tA6ps6ZYpc3Wj6L5RynQsXYW1jl1i9RQN0em3Ml86kb9gXRmYNts--iqwdmmFIamZDR_Q/s1920/2013_03_09_0710-2.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERo4g2GlEA9aDWU2zYwsUuNFhgWrJH86chMghHpqWSXA59Dn9cZyn8P6YZ8xRvMWqHdfbAh52YhC87-sOBTn0i0wR-rF6jEIJGlYdyHfGXPSuBnAvxI11_tA6ps6ZYpc3Wj6L5RynQsXYW1jl1i9RQN0em3Ml86kb9gXRmYNts--iqwdmmFIamZDR_Q/s320/2013_03_09_0710-2.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br />Think of it:<span> God shrinking down into the size of a zygote, growing hands and feet, arms an legs. Trusting himself, in human form, completely into the care of a young virgin. Dependent on this woman for his very survival, counting on this woman to take the first step in reconciling the world to Himself.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUInoQsQWsGHNLv4qrJSViwW-qEOmsFrY51oIRd4UDRszX-0Vb53zKlYvMZttolG6LQxLrWULLPdUR_lPrTGhG-4T6FOZKZWRIxgHPi0D10yqBpjuuDGf3Asnxy_BTRbvBlhN4JJw0ZfnbQIlfKoGrRSllcYtM4ajIvB22_E3uZcS78_YumNJ0GWGKAQ/s635/The-Annunciation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUInoQsQWsGHNLv4qrJSViwW-qEOmsFrY51oIRd4UDRszX-0Vb53zKlYvMZttolG6LQxLrWULLPdUR_lPrTGhG-4T6FOZKZWRIxgHPi0D10yqBpjuuDGf3Asnxy_BTRbvBlhN4JJw0ZfnbQIlfKoGrRSllcYtM4ajIvB22_E3uZcS78_YumNJ0GWGKAQ/s320/The-Annunciation.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>As Eve said "no" to God and "yes" to her own plan, Mary comes to say "yes" to God and surrender herself to His plan. <p></p><p>I believe it is not a stretch to say I am a Christ-follower because of the wholehearted "yes" of a woman. Yes to God, to an uncertain call, to an impossibility. Yes to surrendering reputation, risking rejection, even death. Yes to a life without guarantees. What a brave and bold young woman.</p><p>As Jesus surrendered himself to death on a cross, Mary surrendered herself to giving life to Jesus. </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, use Mary's example to teach me to say a wholehearted yes to You call.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21vvvnQEvY1dYXoyT3rlns1CLYQEVYq6xtu8y3kfKd8sWGegx-Fid5Mv0PH79ALlwmYxrh9RztPhy0Bz6CMqzvCQrzPLrlym6S1CI9TEvENf8UHkM24jxbOOY76seIpD5WMb69mWl0al96ebosaqALnFUDKlIqSneMoVFhexLVqTLktBk7yJWmJAL7A/s1000/flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.u4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21vvvnQEvY1dYXoyT3rlns1CLYQEVYq6xtu8y3kfKd8sWGegx-Fid5Mv0PH79ALlwmYxrh9RztPhy0Bz6CMqzvCQrzPLrlym6S1CI9TEvENf8UHkM24jxbOOY76seIpD5WMb69mWl0al96ebosaqALnFUDKlIqSneMoVFhexLVqTLktBk7yJWmJAL7A/s320/flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.u4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-20850867877367312252022-08-28T12:30:00.000-05:002022-08-28T12:30:08.948-05:00No more half-hearted "yeses!"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuntBOgjLQHJT5QWfNGgLBH8rnbYegyxdxVtiYNAGjVqGjYNUUCL-z_VXsuMiQIPtguo28N-ODRU0PGtdmR46fVRJC_ZrLExtEDeuwGMdoJz1Lbh8pb-J7PXbGjfco35chnrzCiH6vMmoZnZImbYfZCwzc7urcOGcoC6fIvC5IcU9npqymh5JCQz43Q/s548/d622kc-f7637bb5-1a75-41ef-a736-e24e0f83700c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="548" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuntBOgjLQHJT5QWfNGgLBH8rnbYegyxdxVtiYNAGjVqGjYNUUCL-z_VXsuMiQIPtguo28N-ODRU0PGtdmR46fVRJC_ZrLExtEDeuwGMdoJz1Lbh8pb-J7PXbGjfco35chnrzCiH6vMmoZnZImbYfZCwzc7urcOGcoC6fIvC5IcU9npqymh5JCQz43Q/s320/d622kc-f7637bb5-1a75-41ef-a736-e24e0f83700c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Twelve years working in Guatemala and leading a ministry has taught me many things, by the grace of God. He has used His Word, experiences and His people to reveal the darkness still hiding in me.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That may sound strange coming from someone many call a "missionary," but shouldn't be surprising considering that all sin and fall short of God's glory. And our failures (falling shorts) usually are founded in our lack of obedience--our failure to say "yes" and carry through with what we say yes to.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToXWk14CECuEFH0AVm6YCHT3nuchvMBo3JNKDxLe26g3kABEXTFuTNDHj4eeolrYBtRk6gs7JUMkqrMjF9aqz2eMpqtos-AA1NBDmhZEzk_qDT5Kiy1mvwLuuxEqm0Gtl8--z6ArIalZ58SC7OBe_wiqwozcpujELui2TV6LG_rhNXHqGaeRZstXW2w/s1588/il_1588xN.773601339_3s2o.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1588" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhToXWk14CECuEFH0AVm6YCHT3nuchvMBo3JNKDxLe26g3kABEXTFuTNDHj4eeolrYBtRk6gs7JUMkqrMjF9aqz2eMpqtos-AA1NBDmhZEzk_qDT5Kiy1mvwLuuxEqm0Gtl8--z6ArIalZ58SC7OBe_wiqwozcpujELui2TV6LG_rhNXHqGaeRZstXW2w/w200-h150/il_1588xN.773601339_3s2o.webp" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sometimes I just "forget" what I have commited to due to busyness and inattention. More often though, I only partially commit to what I am asked to do, or need to "think about it" more and delay my obedience.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Giving a whole-hearted yes to Him when I realize I am stalling is the only way to really obey. He showed me this one Sunday when I was attending a house church and had been profoundly touched by the sharing and encouragement of its members. At the end of our time together, the leader asked, "What will your 'yes' be to God this week?"</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaXJnIhAox2RkodzfPJTo5VCX0Z4hbSYh9WiAYToF4vnarbwqAXrSRRylLklr8aR2mP_9SQ-f_EvgKp3o-FTs46-iGTmKKMrUsmNXGcuq8eqCruEjhqRL4KNnlVWRgxyNhhoz-SpsybTKiF1vFa7hMzDMDTCX79GZUB6nTfviQs5eesnqplw2_Oa2gQ/s683/rohan-makhecha-408608-unsplash_2018-12-30-23-47-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="683" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQaXJnIhAox2RkodzfPJTo5VCX0Z4hbSYh9WiAYToF4vnarbwqAXrSRRylLklr8aR2mP_9SQ-f_EvgKp3o-FTs46-iGTmKKMrUsmNXGcuq8eqCruEjhqRL4KNnlVWRgxyNhhoz-SpsybTKiF1vFa7hMzDMDTCX79GZUB6nTfviQs5eesnqplw2_Oa2gQ/w200-h200/rohan-makhecha-408608-unsplash_2018-12-30-23-47-36.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />In that moment I was convicted of how I was presently saying "yes" to a leading of the Holy Spirit, yet postponing doing anything to carry out what He had prompted me to do. In that moment He revealed to me my tendency to giving Him a "half-hearted" yes, which didn't require anything from me but made me "feel" like I was being obedient.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In this case, as a ministry we were being led to purchase a permanent home for our women. I had already gone through the total dependence in faith required to purchase the men's home, and honestly, never wanted to have to do that again. So, in fear and fatigue I was dragging my feet. In my heart I was thinking (unconsciously), "Can't you just be satisfied with what we have already done?" Nick's question immediately brought this darkness in me to light and demanded my repentance. And, as I am obedient, I continue to be astonished at His provision and strength as we pursue this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The home is not paid off yet, but I trust that it will be by January 2024 when the contract expires. We are doing things to help make this happen (that's another blog) but recognizing that what we do is futile if God is not at the center of it. So I try to listen, discern, confirm and act as He reveals.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD15xTqRTbS80Qom2vCSxWgaWQcBrFEDL63xdvYcJ-loKft7S1VnYp3LPVwbarpioXCR2VT2EhHPJI8bJpjx9qJF_UtxtRwuz_dyDxXt8EvzLKYU6pNfa2RlQdjmqh8EBUtPnWxAmNUzbu39dEY70C6479suOj_Iagd1W8nMz2qVXfVEX44AkpjTVWQ/s941/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="941" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD15xTqRTbS80Qom2vCSxWgaWQcBrFEDL63xdvYcJ-loKft7S1VnYp3LPVwbarpioXCR2VT2EhHPJI8bJpjx9qJF_UtxtRwuz_dyDxXt8EvzLKYU6pNfa2RlQdjmqh8EBUtPnWxAmNUzbu39dEY70C6479suOj_Iagd1W8nMz2qVXfVEX44AkpjTVWQ/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This is not the first time I have given God a half-hearted yes. Looking back at my life, I see a pattern of holding back on Him. I pray this will be the last time I pretend to obey and fail to follow through. No more half-hearted "yeses" from me!</span></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-27967519855121398252022-07-14T11:42:00.001-05:002022-07-14T11:42:48.320-05:00Am I a SJW?<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx02zoqMXoW8g6S9JzwKGGIIbbbgEvimXWBeTinsayBpL6-Ix2J9kPUkWEndXW8tgwQe6yu6tBRUBFTcZcqQ1aziu2624MqjnG0wzpBUbsfXYO4j_WwjXtaJMT2MYhhnv9niJIyfN-r9SA-Hao75FMaJ-rf22VU1zmGPRe718CJyf3VgRXNWFwdqi2w/s900/social-justice-warrior-gift-will-work-for-social-justice-kanig-designs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx02zoqMXoW8g6S9JzwKGGIIbbbgEvimXWBeTinsayBpL6-Ix2J9kPUkWEndXW8tgwQe6yu6tBRUBFTcZcqQ1aziu2624MqjnG0wzpBUbsfXYO4j_WwjXtaJMT2MYhhnv9niJIyfN-r9SA-Hao75FMaJ-rf22VU1zmGPRe718CJyf3VgRXNWFwdqi2w/s320/social-justice-warrior-gift-will-work-for-social-justice-kanig-designs.jpg" width="267" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our ministry works to bring about respect, dignity, equality and justice for those who the world ignores or rejects, especially the disabled and elderly. There have been times when I've been labeled as more of a Social Justice Warrior than a missionary, because our focus is on sharing the Good News of Jesus through our actions--to build a relationship with people before asking them to begin a relationship with our Jesus. I have many reasons for this, which I believe are Biblically sound, but that's another post.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Living outside of the US, I have to admit I was unfamiliar with the term, and even had to look it up. Wester's Dictionary defines a Social Justice Warrior (or SJW) as: </span></p><p><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.64px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></em></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3b3e41; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.64px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Social justice warrior</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"> and </span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3b3e41; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; font-variant-numeric: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.64px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">SJW</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #3b3e41; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; letter-spacing: 0.64px;"> are typically used with sardonic [mocking, cynical] application, referring to a person who is seen as overly enthusiastic about issues of fairness in the treatment of matters of race, gender, or identity.</span></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Though I am passionately concerned about economic equity and the dignity of all people, especially those with disabilities, my primary goal is to enable all people to know who Jesus truly is (not just as a religious icon), I don't think this term quite fits. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While I am not involved in the struggle for the just treatment of the three groups named above, I see the just treatment of all people as a Biblical requirement not a social construct or a political position. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">If I say each man is made in the Imago Dei, or the image of God, and I believe Jesus when He says,</span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: arial; font-style: italic;">Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-style: italic;">" (Matt. 25:49.MSG)</span> I am afraid to do otherwise.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgh05xdf-pO-XwyjZNWkTSEwTyK4bERJxHyk--ecxELaLkHjKex-hpK5-BQq7Rw6v7F5lbRw7DWqev5VBf9_XesPGcdoF-Rew_1z-SJWNGUQvWogybhMakn9wlgUgsEChgN3yIpPc1SJNt3afXLWFQlRLSUXFhHTGZLkRIgi-vMlVfcJMJJbEgj77Qw/s691/sheep-and-goats-matthew25-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="691" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgh05xdf-pO-XwyjZNWkTSEwTyK4bERJxHyk--ecxELaLkHjKex-hpK5-BQq7Rw6v7F5lbRw7DWqev5VBf9_XesPGcdoF-Rew_1z-SJWNGUQvWogybhMakn9wlgUgsEChgN3yIpPc1SJNt3afXLWFQlRLSUXFhHTGZLkRIgi-vMlVfcJMJJbEgj77Qw/s320/sheep-and-goats-matthew25-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Today I came across a devotion from the writings of Henri Nouwen which explains my heart better than I could:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><blockquote style="color: #38761d; font-family: arial; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It [Christian social action] is not an anxious human effort to create a better world. It is a confident expression of the truth that in Christ, death, evil, and destruction have been overcome. It is not a fearful attempt to restore a broken order. It is a joyful assertion that in Christ all order has already been restored. . . those acting within the house of God point through their action to the healing, restoring, redeeming, and re-creating presence of God.</span></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe the view expressed by Henri is the basis of all Christian social action and the impetus for the human service activities of our ministry. It may lead us into the social and political sector, redeeming these under then authority of Jesus. It takes us outside the walls of the conventional church, In fact, sometimes it is the conventional church structure we must confront.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8qh9Sf_hbbVYxWG1ctvHOnyGJTAL2YCMBCaaZKBgSYNapwiSLGfsFHapSRecklInVJ4-5VTDIZ8YSFFVy9iBiDWS9b9hrLMDwWogWtVqik_wd_bmfQZIMdXX83BwYY4YGkTaMcdjX9G70WFjhprDYc0onX9ICcOsH6zXNHQuTQTJkg4CW8KyuhQsg/s1111/cant-attend-church.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1111" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxL8qh9Sf_hbbVYxWG1ctvHOnyGJTAL2YCMBCaaZKBgSYNapwiSLGfsFHapSRecklInVJ4-5VTDIZ8YSFFVy9iBiDWS9b9hrLMDwWogWtVqik_wd_bmfQZIMdXX83BwYY4YGkTaMcdjX9G70WFjhprDYc0onX9ICcOsH6zXNHQuTQTJkg4CW8KyuhQsg/w400-h240/cant-attend-church.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Has your disability or a family members disability</b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>prevented you from attending church?</b></span></i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wherever it takes us, it is our sincere attempt to make the Kingdom of God present and visible to all people. May we be found faithful.</span> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b>An afterthought:</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><i>Why to those of us who claim to follow Christ feel the need to diminish the work of others who have a different approach to advancing the Kingdom of God? Have we forgotten that the same Spirit gives differing gifts according to our particular call? We can do better.</i></span></div><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><p></p><p style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></p><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-76332485214310226652021-06-05T11:25:00.001-05:002021-06-05T11:25:19.106-05:00What CORONA-19 Has Taught Me<p>As I reflect on what I've learned and realized in the last 15 month, since the pandemic basically shut down Guatemala, and placed limits on my freedom, I have needed to confess, as well as celebrate, many things.</p><p>First, I realized how attached I am to the things of this world. My freedom to move about freely, to buy what I want as well as need, to be independent and live as I want. I like my life my way--and was hit smack in the face with the challenge to be content in all things--even lock-down and wearing masks. I confess I discovered just how much I am of this world, not just in it, and needed to (and continue to need to) repent. </p><p>I realized how attached I was to my activities, maybe even more than to the people in my life. I was forced to trust God to keep my children and grandchildren safe, though they were far away and my mother's heart immediately wanted to go to them--as if I could do something to protect them. I learned my own helplessness and struggled with resentment.</p><p>I was forced to see God's hand in this pandemic, even if it didn't fit in with my image of who God was supposed to be. I don't believe He caused it, though He certainly permitted it. I have seen how God has used this time of isolation to build my relationship with Him, making me less dependent on the somewhat artificial community of "church" and more dependent on the true community of the world-wide family of believers. In the last year and 3 months I have called and Zoomed with more family (biological and spiritual) than I had in the last 10 years I lived in Guatemala. I was forced to be responsible for my participation in community and not rely on an institution to provide it.</p><p>Did I miss gathering with other believers for worship? Absolutely. But when participating in the services of my home church here began to feel burdensome (it's much harder to pay attention when a service is in two languages, and the repetition leads to distraction--somehow it's different in person), I connected with churches I knew across the US. I have come to love and appreciate that we are the <i>universal </i>Body of Christ as well as local gatherings.</p><p>I have been challenged to do everything without grumbling: when I had to plan my outings because we could only drive every other day and not all on Sunday, When I have to wear a mask even though no one is within 100 yards of me (yes, in Guatemala masks are still required). When my temperature is still taken every time I enter a store or public building, and my hands are chapped from hand sanitizer. I am learning to count it all as joy, because I am alive.</p><p>In October I unknowingly contracted the virus, only finding out when I went to get test to return to Guatemala after a short visit to renew my visa after the airport here opened once again. My short trip turned into two weeks in an extended stay hotel in Houston. I was advised by a doctor friend in Houston on the best protocol of care, supplies were provided for me by by good friend Judy, and I learned that Walmart delivers. In all I never suffered, only losing my sense of smell and having mild headaches for a few days. This was shortly after two of my friends, much younger and in better health than I, had died from the virus. </p><p>This could have turned out so much differently. While it took me a while to recover my normal energy level (you don't realize this when cooped up in a hotel room), I suffer no long lasting effects. That, too, is a miracle to me, since just yesterday I hugged a fellow missionary (again much younger and fitter than I) who is still periodically requiring oxygen, though he had Covid last August. </p><p>So I have learned much about God's provision, not only for my health and strength but for our ministry. At a time when many ministries and nonprofits were closing (at least temporarily) God provided generously for us through you, His people. We not only were able to continue our ministry full-force, but were able to extend ourselves to providing food for the elderly in San Pedro, the community where we are located. I watched as God created ministry for the residents of Casa de Esperanza when I had failed to figure out how to do so. I watched as our staff unselfishly worked a week at a time to limit the coming and going of outsiders to our homes. We were cared for in more ways than I ever could have anticipated.</p><p>I guess to sum it up, during Covid-19, I have gained insight into just how big God is, and how small I am.</p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-21907545806375869252021-06-01T11:15:00.000-05:002021-06-01T11:15:28.052-05:00Family time <p>While my recent trip to the US was to renew my visa and attend the disbursing of ashes of a former co-worker, I manage to have a number of great visits with my children living in Omaha.</p><p>Going out to eat seems to be the go-to activity for the grandsons--who amaze me at how much they can pack away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYzh_lEzT5RvaSc4_zVDQJJHurLRHB-RL1SzICDso2-ckabVYNRMur8f6G7_DFKwose0EZJLfTCeVjWydVKKT0k6gzmizC-KZhTHERVWR17nTjjQELCtbxH5InI0P92UzIagORKz6w_j_/s602/Joel+Eliy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYzh_lEzT5RvaSc4_zVDQJJHurLRHB-RL1SzICDso2-ckabVYNRMur8f6G7_DFKwose0EZJLfTCeVjWydVKKT0k6gzmizC-KZhTHERVWR17nTjjQELCtbxH5InI0P92UzIagORKz6w_j_/s320/Joel+Eliy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Eliy who is now five has decided that Village Inn is our favorite place because he loves the pancakes and French fries (yes, eaten together!). He is a great conversationalist, coming up with ideas which continue to amaze and surprise me. He'll be starting Kindergarten in the fall, and is more than ready. I am so proud of the great job Joel, a single dad, is doing raising him.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvR8QZaZzkoulQqV3pxotYJ4IK0ckPikfH_ctFc_DJhMf66vw52sLLMELhnYrJaxX9OIaxEodNgNJZrMSwp5vwQVEC0KkWe23EDwcfROljBMPi_-19IccYvsGLfWPYBBfIMq87Ggxk9tU/s281/Zach+futbol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjvR8QZaZzkoulQqV3pxotYJ4IK0ckPikfH_ctFc_DJhMf66vw52sLLMELhnYrJaxX9OIaxEodNgNJZrMSwp5vwQVEC0KkWe23EDwcfROljBMPi_-19IccYvsGLfWPYBBfIMq87Ggxk9tU/s0/Zach+futbol.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>It's hard for me to believe that 15 year old Zach is in high school playing soccer on the Millard West J-V team.. I got to see a few of his games while I was home. His busy schedule makes it hard to catch him, but we did squeeze in a few quality visits.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnREHogxl3RgF-K_8OgXrbdATlhky32rJwReKdMCynSlueT94CYtp44x5suM9rTKT2P6d0nKGxv_jPaFUTpFZV4M_OJ0PizcKk8TbZH5n-Cne8Xd7F1hqoiQ9pK0F9o6BYZSKFLOnaQW/s960/Jeremy+team+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQnREHogxl3RgF-K_8OgXrbdATlhky32rJwReKdMCynSlueT94CYtp44x5suM9rTKT2P6d0nKGxv_jPaFUTpFZV4M_OJ0PizcKk8TbZH5n-Cne8Xd7F1hqoiQ9pK0F9o6BYZSKFLOnaQW/w383-h288/Jeremy+team+2.jpg" width="383" /></a></div><br /><div>While my daughter-in-love, Lindy, is finishing another year teaching at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Omaha, my son Jeremy has been busy coaching Nathan's soccer team. I have been so proud of Jeremy's work with these boys, and recently found out that both he and Zach are also serving as buddies for a special needs soccer club. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Nj_9SFpZM0Nb0NSKCCCRKMtf6KqJVYnez7ENuX8ChskxMV03DmjnO-LLeRfEJWno1I6ZnBLmFBPLM05GlQBdhsxHfWn1-m7cbveTi9mCpGzGZpJLX9lkPzxwWMY2LBevGVvQYA25e9k3/s883/Zach+and+Nate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="883" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Nj_9SFpZM0Nb0NSKCCCRKMtf6KqJVYnez7ENuX8ChskxMV03DmjnO-LLeRfEJWno1I6ZnBLmFBPLM05GlQBdhsxHfWn1-m7cbveTi9mCpGzGZpJLX9lkPzxwWMY2LBevGVvQYA25e9k3/w389-h292/Zach+and+Nate.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><div>Though Nate and I couldn't go to his usually grandma place, McDonalds, because the dining rooms were still closed, that didn't stop us from having our regular restaurant date. Nate introduced me to a new (to me) restaurant, Jimmy's Egg, where ne managed to outdo his younger cousin, Eliy, in the quantity of pancakes he can consume.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiJPjbBcdc6VSfWLz-a1yknTSMlg7PIIO9Z87AC8VkPd-l_YJNz-Lt9wuHF0WJ8J1cftHnrXT7xCpB3syQ6DC5av7UPNzx24xXJ8zuXIC1DLLG5kp9hpcP56CGxw5Ruth_pGLjpaIqhCY/s1470/awesome+brother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiJPjbBcdc6VSfWLz-a1yknTSMlg7PIIO9Z87AC8VkPd-l_YJNz-Lt9wuHF0WJ8J1cftHnrXT7xCpB3syQ6DC5av7UPNzx24xXJ8zuXIC1DLLG5kp9hpcP56CGxw5Ruth_pGLjpaIqhCY/s320/awesome+brother.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Mikayla, Bryan and Owen surprised me a few months ago with the news that another child is soon to join their family. Owen was excited to begin sporting this new shirt with the news. This will bring the total number of my grandchildren to five, but will add a granddaughter to the mix! I have to admit that I am excited to begin buying little dresses and frilly things.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be coming to Omaha again in August to help Mikayla out during the last month of her pregnancy. I am so pleased she invited me to do this, and am looking forward to spending concentrated time with Bryan, Mik, and Owen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Big brother, however, was not so excited by the news that he would have a baby <i>sister,</i> insisting that we only "have boys in our family."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftuHHAWUqLETeEn4mFAh-wpKj43Eo6xV1F7ar-pA9F3d21cNGuEEA6B-Sdsx68rPIRopH79maLmVcIknfEZjQUNIhrewdp_zzyIKqYDBOSvedRu1qY4X0G2OfJ5vI4Kk78A0b11VLbl0Z/s2048/owen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="991" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftuHHAWUqLETeEn4mFAh-wpKj43Eo6xV1F7ar-pA9F3d21cNGuEEA6B-Sdsx68rPIRopH79maLmVcIknfEZjQUNIhrewdp_zzyIKqYDBOSvedRu1qY4X0G2OfJ5vI4Kk78A0b11VLbl0Z/s320/owen.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>A milk shake and the fact that Iron Man's baby was a little girl is helping him adjust to this news.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ25_lL4f8h4gtEJt9sKKcgFwHDRHv7pn8cOsdYYx_PMondGUcf8-D9D-MozesHZHT5lzYpJjvPmOf1ZztD1bHsxCrUpImfUZl5luef1wHabCLPkxRI_ko1dzMu4ldAfzbGjv7btsGx6dQ/s515/186489932_10164914210655532_6579587907809317588_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ25_lL4f8h4gtEJt9sKKcgFwHDRHv7pn8cOsdYYx_PMondGUcf8-D9D-MozesHZHT5lzYpJjvPmOf1ZztD1bHsxCrUpImfUZl5luef1wHabCLPkxRI_ko1dzMu4ldAfzbGjv7btsGx6dQ/s320/186489932_10164914210655532_6579587907809317588_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My son Jon, who lives in California, was the only child I didn't get to see this trip. He has had a hard time lately, but is valiantly dealing with the death of his long time fur baby and totaling his car, both within a few weeks of each other. I miss seeing him a lot. Maybe a "California dreaming" trip needs to be in my future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I am grateful for the time I get to spend with my family, it seems each time I return to Guatemala it gets a little harder to leave them. Each trip I realize how much I am missing as their lives go on without me. I have to admit, it's the most difficult part of serving in Guatemala. I trust God to care for them, and am so proud of how my children are living as adults and how my grandsons are developing. I realize, though, how little I am a part of their everyday lives, and that's painful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The "family" I have found in Guatemala helps fill this void, but, honestly it's not the same. For those of you who are thinking, "I could never leave my children," please don't share that with me. It's not that I don't love my children as much as you do, but God has called me to surrender them to His greater plan and purpose. What type of selfish legacy would I be leaving them if I failed to do this because it hurt too much?</div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-50128465694169113512021-02-19T09:45:00.002-06:002021-02-19T09:46:50.185-06:00Where is my loyalty? What is my first love?<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I have always hated the term "Christian Nationalism." As I see it, there is nothing Christian about nationalism, which is defined as "<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;">identification with one's own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations." Let me explain.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><b>Nationalism</b> reinforces the idea of "me first." How can I, as a follower of Christ, hold to that belief when Scripture tells me clearly: </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><i>"</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: verdana;"><span class="text Phil-2-3" id="en-NIV-29395"><i>Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,<span class="text Phil-2-4" id="en-NIV-29396"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"> </span>not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Phil. 2:3-4) </span></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana;">How can</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana;"> I say "America first" in the same break as I say "Jesus first?"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana;">I strongly believe in <b>patriotism</b>, which is "</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana;">devotion to and vigorous support for one's country." I see this exercised by the respect the Guatemalan people have for their flag, their national anthem, and their history and tradition. And the contrast I see between the nationalism of the US and its lack of patriotism is striking.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Are the values of the US the values that we find in the Bible? Not the theoretical values of the Constitution, but the day to day values seen in the way of life of the US.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you are not a Christ-follower, this doesn't matter. You are free to believe and act as you want. If, however, I claim to follow Jesus, I am mandated to think with the mind of Christ, not my own wisdom. Too often, God's way of thinking and acting does not make sense to me, but that is what I am commanded to do. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>When I say, "I surrender all," what do I mean?</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Do I include my identity as a citizen of the US? Remember, surrender does not mean renouncing, only submitting something to the will of God.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What is my first and primary identity? That of an "American"? Or that of a Christ-follower? I fear too many of us have forgotten or forsaken our primary identity as Christ-followers to be seen as good "Americans." </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">When I surrender all, do I surrender my security and my life-style for the good of others? Am I willing to surrender some of my comfort so others can live with minimal safety and have access to minimal resources to meet their needs? Do I worry more about my future than about the present struggle of those who are lacking the basic necessities of life today? Do I think more about the monetary inheritance I will leave my children, than the spiritual legacy I will leave behind?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">These are hard questions. But life in another country has forced me to face these in my own life. Please don't say that I have the "luxury" of doing this because I live outside of the US. My ability to serve is dependent on the fact that I come from the US and benefit from the prosperity of my homeland. But my ability to survive on the mission field is not based on the economic security I receive from the US, but my daily ability to survive is based on the fact that I follow Christ, oftentimes into places I don't want to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-family: verdana;">Some of these "</span><span style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">dilemmas" are simple. Is it my American guilt or the conviction of the Holy Spirit when I pay $4 for a latte, and yet pass by women on the street with white flags indicating they have no food for their families? Do I need my coffee more than they need my $4? </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Other dilemmas are more difficult. How do I respond long term to the 23 year old, polite and respectful young man who is living on the streets and comes to my home every few days, asking for "pan" (bread)? Do I give him bread with refried beans and feel I've done enough? Or do I offer him a hot meal on my doorstep, and sit with him while he eats it? Do I try to help him with the impossible task of finding work when he only has a 3rd grade education, or do I help him complete 6th grade, where he might have a chance of finding a job which will provide enough for him to rent a room? </span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">What is my responsibility to this man, who I believe Jesus has brought to my door, when he falls outside of my "scope of ministry," but more importantly, outside of my comfort zone? I'm still trying to figure that out. </span></p><p><span style="color: #202124; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Please pray for me that I am open to God's guidance in responding to this and the myriad of needs I face each day. It's far too easy to say "Reason to Hope first" and ignore those God brings into my life who don't fit in to "what I am called to do."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-5423840648864979792021-01-27T20:26:00.000-06:002021-01-27T20:26:19.505-06:00If I've learned anything. . .<p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> <span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">People often ask me what it is like to live on the mission field. I have never known how to respond until today. It is HUMBLING. I have learned how little I understood about myself, the world, and God. Today in my quiet time God put together some ideas that have been rolling around in my head for a while. I am sharing them with my friends not our to condemnation but confession. This is what I have learned, and to not share it with you would be selfish. So here goes. .</span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Living in Guatemala, I often reflect on the role of culture in shaping my beliefs, attitudes, thoughts, and actions. The longer I am here, the less I am shaped by the culture of the United States, and the more I am shaped by the culture of Latin American, especially the culture of poverty. Yet, I am neither fully “American” (though it is my passport country) nor am I Guatemalan. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Yes, I and grateful to the United States and all the opportunities it has provided me. But I love Guatemala for the way it has opened my eyes to how those same opportunities have blinded me—to the fact that we in the US are not more deserving or superior than those of other nations and that success and material gain have become our idols (how much of the success of a government is measured by the state of the economy, and how much is measured by how Jesus, in the form of the “least of these” is treated?). I learned about Manifest Destiny in school, but never saw it in action until I lived outside of the US. Too many of us think that the United States is now God’s chosen nation.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">A nation, including Israel, was not chosen because it was superior to other nations, but chosen because God had a specific purpose for it to fulfill—the coming of the Messiah. If in any way you believe that the US is chosen by God, favored above other nations, stop and ask yourself what God’s purpose for the US might be, and whether or not it is fulfilling it.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We say we “were/are” a Christian country because the nation was founded on Christian principles. I don’t argue that for a minute. But that is Law, Old Testament do what is right in action. But did the US even have a change of heart and turn to live, not on Christian principles and traditions, but on the desire to truly follow God? That I don’t see so much. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We ask God to bless our desires and efforts, and tell him what he should do rather than ask what we should do. The reaction to the last election by many who follow Christ has shown me just how far we have to go. God permitted the new administration to be elected. Stolen or won honestly, he permitted it—just as he permitted Assyrian and Babylonia to conquer Israel. The challenge now is to live as Christ-followers no matter who is in office, or what restrictions may come. That is the history of Christianity in most of history and the world. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So maybe, instead of complaining about it, we need to stop and ask God “WHY?” Not with self- pity, but with a real desire to understand what he is doing in the world today. I don't think it is clear at all--but he can give us clarity if we seek it. As Blackerby teaches--look at what God is doing and then ask him how he would have us join in.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I love the United States. I am proud of the fact that both my father and my son have served as Marines in defending liberty. But I love the world, too. I see just how insulated I was to the suffering of the world, even though I often chose to work in areas of poverty in the US. It is possible to love the country of your birth and still love the world. The kingdom of God goes far beyond the borders of the United States, and I long most to be a good citizen of that kingdom.</span></div></div>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-23993240842982188382021-01-24T07:58:00.000-06:002021-01-24T07:58:21.236-06:00In the world but not of the world--HOW?<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVsoVkOlV6UuswVlmUNy8xT6Fs80v8TRvqGYMAnuHrPFm_ZkAIJi513MlDQ5NjyWJ9eTDLHNWnRA-HsiC90P5pwTlYYxraHp_p4RAenUs_SSh1Gep4NTlP-OuaT7zC3PJUHkG8wfBQpDW/s978/world.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVsoVkOlV6UuswVlmUNy8xT6Fs80v8TRvqGYMAnuHrPFm_ZkAIJi513MlDQ5NjyWJ9eTDLHNWnRA-HsiC90P5pwTlYYxraHp_p4RAenUs_SSh1Gep4NTlP-OuaT7zC3PJUHkG8wfBQpDW/s320/world.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />We are told to “be in the world but not of the world.” True, some are called to withdraw from society to be able to live a life totally dedicated to God. For most of us, though, the call is to stay in our same communities, jobs, social and political activities and live a life totally dedicated to God in these “worldly” places. To reveal the presence of Jesus into places where he might not otherwise be recognized. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Though I live on the “mission field,” the truth is that for what most people is “the ends of the earth” has become my “Jerusalem”--my ordinary life, my regular neighborhood. So, while being a missionary might sound exotic or even romantic, and my “world” might look very different from what it was in the past, the challenge remains the same. To live in this world but not be attached to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I have tried many ways to do this, some more successful than others. Today I realized there is a simple answer: to “seek first the kingdom of God” and trust him to take care of everything else. To be transformed by the RENEWING of my mind by God's Word and his Spirit. To realize I don't have it all together, and don't have all the answers, and continually (renewing is an active verb) be looking to him to enlighten me--open the eyes of my heart to the truth.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This leads me to live life from a different paradigm—one in which everything is measured by it’s “eternal merit”(a lesson taught to me by one of my favorite pastors). Where every action s evaluated by it's ability to further the Kingdom of God here on earth. It is a life viewed, through a different lens in which everything is filtered through the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">True, God is much more than just love—he is justice and truth. Too often I try to step in for God and exercise his justice for him, or make others believe the truth as I see it. (God is absolute truth. I am aware, though, how often my understanding of His truth is flawed.) I speak boldly and with conviction, but I do so far outside of the Spirit of Love. Often it is from fear, frustration or even anger, being disgusted with the way things are going or what others are doing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Any time, however, I step out of love in speaking the truth, I am of the world. Any time I try to exercise God’s justice for him (he can do it very well himself, thank you) and take matters into my own hands to try to make people do what I believe is righteous, I am of the world. Just like Eve in the garden, or Abraham with Hagar, I am telling God that he is not enough, doing enough, or doing it fast enough.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This does not mean I adopt a passive stance toward life. I am still involved in the world—I am in the world. I show up, am present, in the social, moral, political and familial events of the world. I am involved in the culture and society in which I live, trying to reveal Jesus’ presence, often in the most difficult and ugly places. But I am detached from the outcome. I leave this in the hands of my Father, who does not call me to be successful, but only to be faithful (Thomas Merton).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">God is present in each moment of our lives, even the most sinful and most difficult. The problem is that we often fail to recognize him, and seldom respond in a way which acknowledges his presence. I want to change this in my life. I will seek first the Kingdom of God, live as a resident of this kingdom, and leave the rest to Him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-85833120753364305682021-01-14T11:13:00.002-06:002021-01-14T11:13:45.516-06:00Vultures or eagles<p> <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Vultures or Eagles</span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For weeks I’ve been watching the birds circling over the mountains as I pray each morning. They have made me want to soar like eagles. They reminded me of eagles.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, as I sat watching them fly in circles, in organized groups, I came to a horrible realization. I don’t know if we have eagles in Guatemala, but even if we do, I don’t think they fly in groups, even if the do fly in circles (I really do not know much about eagles). I was struck between the eyes with the reality of what I was seeing.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given what I know about Guatemala, the birds that I had been so romantically watching and longing to be like were most probably vultures! Why had I not known this earlier?</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My frame of reference growing up in the Chicago was to look for eagles. If they were in Chicago, I never saw one, but they were our national bird. Even the Bible tells us we can soar as on wings of eagles. My experience had taught me, “See a big bird, think of an eagle.”</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vultures were totally foreign to my life prior to Guatemala. I remember the first time I saw a flock of vultures scavenging a trash heap on the way to Santa Maria. I was scared and revolted at the same time. I actually felt nauseous , though could not bring myself to look away. Their was something fascinating about these awful creatures. (I’m sure they do fill some plan in God’s creation, but in my limited experience, they indicated death. Thank you to the westerns I had watched with my Dad on TV as I was growing up.)</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What this experience has taught me is how easily my past experiences and the culture in which I grew up color how I interpret what I see and hear. It’s almost automatic, and surely was unconscious in this case. I believe this is where prejudices come from. Our prior experiences cause us to try to construct meaning out of what we see and hear, but we are limited in our ability to interpret the facts correctly because we have only the lens of our personal past through which to view them.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How often do I think something is good and beautiful, only to find out on closer inspection it is ugly and dangerous. Isn't this what sin is like?</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From our human experience and our physical appetites, something can look beautiful and appealing. Because we are drawn to it, we pursue this desire, thinking we are heading to our best. Only too late do we realize that what we are seeking is a predator, seeking only to pick over our bones.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is where God’s commands are designed to protect us. Because of his perspective which is so much higher and clearer than ours, he can distinguish the vultures from the eagles before we are able to. He gives us law to put a barrier between us and the vultures, and asks us to trust him not to go closer.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And we must decide. Will we trust and obey his greater and grander frame of reference to lead us, or will we rely on our own puny perspective to guide us? The choice is ours.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray I am humble enough to make the right one.</div><div class="yj6qo" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-32274772895688608332020-12-29T15:49:00.000-06:002020-12-29T15:49:36.962-06:00What does it mean to be blessed?<p>I am often saying to people, "God bless you" or "have a blessed New Year." Today God has led me to reflect on what I mean by this, as well as how those I say it to might interpret it.</p><p>In Western society we have distorted the meaning of being bless as having good fortune, getting what we desire, or living in comfort. We are so accustomed to wealth and a life of relative ease (in comparison to most of the world) that we have developed an incredibly low tolerance for pain and even inconvenience. </p><p>Few of us feel blessed in 2020 due to the inconvenience and uncertainty imposed on us by the Covid pandemic. Our lives as we have known and liked them have drastically changed. We find ourselves frustrated, fearful and filled with discontent. Yet, for some of us, 2020 has been a year of great blessing and we have learned to be quiet, be alone with God, and begin to understand what it means to live with God's favor.</p><p>I have learned this distinction living in a country of extreme poverty, among people who have very little in the way of material possessions, comfort, or convenience, yet believe themselves (correctly) to be greatly blessed by God. It is this Biblical blessing I wish for you this coming year.</p><p>In searching for the meaning of being blessed, I first, of course, look to Scripture. The passage in the Bible where the word "blessed" is used most frequently is found in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus himself tells us what it means to be blessed. Careful examinations of this Scripture shows me just how much I have distorted the meaning of being blessed, exchanging it for temporal comforts and pleasures, and forsaking the offer of those things which last for eternity.</p><p>Seldom to I wish for others to be "poor in spirit," "persecuted for the sake of righteousness," "mourn," or live as one who is "meek." But these are who, along with the merciful, those who long for justice and peace, and remain pure of heart in a world of darkness, are those who are called "Blessed" by Jesus. (Matt. 5: 3-10). </p><p>He goes on to say, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." (Matt. 5:11) How can I wish these things for those I love and care for? But isn't this exactly what Jesus is saying we should see to be and desire to have present in our lives? </p><p>How can any of these things make me "happy" (a word often used to demonstrate the meaning of blessed)? </p><p>Don't we often used the word "blessed" to refer to those good things in life which we do not deserve, and identifying these things as signs of God's love for us? The problem with this is that the things of the "good life" can make us self-sufficient and proud, depending on ourselves while giving lip-service to the provision of God in our lives. The more I have in terms of material possessions, the more I seem to "need" just a "little bit more." </p><p>Can God give us good gifts materially? Of course. He gives us these things, though, as a means of serving Him. We are blessed so we can bless others, not accumulate more for ourselves. This was the challenge Jesus posed to the rich young ruler in the Gospel (Matt. 19:21). It would seem that his possessions are precisely what kept him from following Jesus. This too can happen to us when we are comfortable and secure in our lives in this world. Perhaps this is why Jesus spends so much time in the Beatitudes to teach us what it means to be blessed spiritually, and eternally.</p><p>Blessed does not mean we will be comfortable, or secure. Rather, Jesus promises us that if we embrace the life style He identifies in the Sermon on the Mount that we all be shown mercy, comforted, and filled with good things. We will inherit not only the earth but the kingdom of God, and be privileged to be call children of God. We will become holy, and more like Him.</p><p>This, then, is what I wish for you. To be blessed with all the blessings promised by Jesus, and experience the satisfaction of growing closer to Him daily. This can be done, regardless of our circumstances, if we set our heart of the things of God. </p><p>May you be blessed and be a blessing to others.</p><p><br /></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-70642800563598205862020-12-29T15:47:00.002-06:002020-12-29T15:47:27.804-06:00Liberation from my disappointment<p> <span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">My wish for you for 2021 is liberation from the disappointment of 2020.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I wish you the ability to forgive “the reality of 2020” for all the things you perceive it has robbed you of and look for the transformation God has brought about through challenging our life-styles.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There are many disappointments which want to carry themselves over from 2020 into the new year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Of course, the pandemic is the first that comes to mind and the fears we have associated with it. Whether it is fear that this is a conspiracy of a shadow government, and attempt to control people by use of masks and quarantine, a fear of contracting the virus itself, or the fear of what is happening to the economy because of the shut-down, we need to let them go. None of this surprised our all-powerful God, and I have to trust that He will make all things work together for our good if we love Him and surrender and follow the purpose for which He created us. I need to trust in His love for me, and allow His perfect love to cast out fear of the effects of the past and the possibilities of the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I have stubbornly refused to use the term the “new normal” because I won’t embrace the way we are having to live right now as the way we will live in the future. I prefer “inter-rim normal” as it indicates we are in a time of transition. I doubt we will ever return to the life-style we lived prior to 2020, but I trust that the “normal” we are creating for the future will be passed through God’s hands. I may not like it, but I will surrender to it—since really all my fears, complaints and arguments will change nothing . My self-focus only leads me into a self-preservation stance which serves to harden my heart toward those I am called to love.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The election of 2020 was another major disappointment, no matter which side of the aisle you choose to sit on. One of the telling “disappointments” for me was watching the first debate with some of our staff who, shocked at the disrespectful behavior of the candidates asked me, “These are the people who run your country?” I can find little to respect in the campaign, election, or transition of 2020. I also find little to respect in the way many of us Christ-followers have responded to these situations. So the election has produced a deep disappointment in me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I am disappointed by the lack of fellowship forced on us by the closing of churches, the halt of meeting in Bible Studies and just the fun activities of being part of the Body of Christ. Some feel that this is destroying the church. Perhaps God is using these times to transform the His church. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Rather than relying on a pastor to “feed” me, as an adult, I am forced to feed myself on the Word, and disciple those under my authority, whether they be children, employees, or residents. I can no longer give over to the institution of the church those things which are required of me as a member of the church. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Fellowship has looked different for me this year. The organizational fellowship fostered by the institutional church has enabled me to take little responsibility for the fellowship of believers beyond just showing up. I have been forced outside of my comfort zone to reach out to people to connect with them on a more intimate level than ever before. I may have fellowshipped with fewer believers during the shut-down, but the encounters I have had have been richer and more meaningful—have been more life giving—than any group activities I have attended in churches. I am grateful for Zoom and Facebook Video Messenger which have given me the ability to see those I reach out to, whether in Guatemala or far away. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I am sorely disappointed in the way the pandemic has affected those who are most vulnerable: children, the elderly, the homeless, those with disabilities. The structures of government, social services, education and even the church have failed to care for those who are easily forgotten. Again, though, I see how, as a society, we have handed over to institutions those responsibilities which rightfully belong to families and to the Body of Christ. I have personally been challenged to find new and creative ways of reaching out to these disenfranchised groups. It is much harder to do now, it requires more of me personally, but it is not impossible. I am learning how to die to myself, to my own comfort, to serve those around me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">But: <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 58.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 76.5pt 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>”<i><span style="font-family: "Academy Engraved LET Plain";">What if the challenges of the current moment are actually offering us an invitation to let go of our ideas of freedom and mobility and to consciously participate with reality in a new way?” ~~Richard Rohr</span></i></b></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Can you consider this for just one moment? Will you open yourself to the possibility that God is calling us to die to our ideas of what life <b>should </b>be and live in the moment of the life that IS?<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Please don’t think I am asking you to ignore the disappointments you have suffered at the hands of 2020. Far from it. I am asking you to join me in acknowledging the disappointments, feel their pain, lament them to the Father, and surrender 2021 to His good pleasure. I am asking you to no longer hold on to the hurts of 2020, but embrace with hope what the Lord has for you in 2021, trusting that His heart toward you is good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Happy New Year! Let’s make it the best year yet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-45660670581062231672020-12-16T12:19:00.003-06:002020-12-16T12:19:50.905-06:00Christmas Cookies as privilege<p><i><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Note, the pictures from Guatemala in this article are from a Facebook post by a fellow missionary, Lydia Renáe de Ramos. Her photos and reflections convicted me today.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Today I started the 2020 Great Cookie Bake-off for our ministry here in Guatemala. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgZuVvGIW8KhgO4kuhyphenhyphenOpKzoBjZ27M1AoIvHqr-dULkoXY6DRTP9IuWTJi4UGFf1uS0oIIbGGpUqpvEgFI5c3Gtcv_TGxvwNca47TmRFyVGFpqwE15sBFFXYEFZLKsTt1AIb_lvTHDfUj/s659/mixer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgZuVvGIW8KhgO4kuhyphenhyphenOpKzoBjZ27M1AoIvHqr-dULkoXY6DRTP9IuWTJi4UGFf1uS0oIIbGGpUqpvEgFI5c3Gtcv_TGxvwNca47TmRFyVGFpqwE15sBFFXYEFZLKsTt1AIb_lvTHDfUj/s320/mixer.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It has become tradition to have cookie decorating parties in each of the homes, with invited guests. Sadly, this year it will only be our staff and residents in attendance. While many seem to forget the threat of Covid, it is very real when working with people with weakened physical stamina like the disabled. But we will make the best of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">First come the sugar cookies so they are ready to frost. As I was finishing up the first batch to put in the refrigerator, I was inwardly grumbling that I miss my dishwasher, and hate having to do all this clean up alone (though I know Dani's wife, Rosi, would be here in a heartbeat to help if I asked her).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Suddenly I was stopped short, convicted by my unconscious addiction to the privilege I have taken for granted as someone who has lived primarily in the US. This is not to say that I did not work hard for what I had, but my work paid off in the ability to live in luxury compared to most of the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I still do--live in unconscious luxury that is. Just this morning I shared a post on Facebook written by a missionary who attends our church here. It was about helping build a home for her neighbor. (You can read <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lydia.sawler/posts/3325762304217694" target="_blank">her post here</a>--well worth your time.) It was a reminder of how much we have as people of wealth in comparison to the rest of the world. And within an hour, I forgot this conviction, and was complaining about having to wash dishes by hand, in my kitchen sink, with hot and cold running water. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvIN3SsL_e-ysUARo_Iq__3n8b58-oUe_eSQ4wtf3GdcFTA0H5fcZeXqawaJ2FGTLTn025uIpepRyRLf_MGwDM1_S_Qo52D4cRa_saDEqUNykHkFjLhpMd6SW6419QzOOxXNIzhgUZZpP/s1172/20201216_110354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="1172" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvIN3SsL_e-ysUARo_Iq__3n8b58-oUe_eSQ4wtf3GdcFTA0H5fcZeXqawaJ2FGTLTn025uIpepRyRLf_MGwDM1_S_Qo52D4cRa_saDEqUNykHkFjLhpMd6SW6419QzOOxXNIzhgUZZpP/w396-h223/20201216_110354.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">While my kitchen is not elegant by US standards, I have a stove (with an oven) and refrigerator. These are luxuries in Guatemala and I never want to forget this. I live in privilege. I also have the resources to buy the ingredients, a Kitchen-aid mixer (bought 2nd hand from a missionary leaving the field) to mix the batter, and an electric oven (gifted to me by another missionary moving back to the US) to bake in which is even <i>self-cleaning</i>.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">For the 57 years I lived in the US, I never thought any of these things were luxuries, but absolute necessities (and throw in the benefit of a dishwasher on top of that). I had visited empoverished countries on mission trips, but somehow had missed letting these experiences change my perspective and my heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">If you are reading this on your smart phone or computer, you ARE privilged in comparison to the majority of the world. This does not mean you do not work hard to have what you have but that your work has paid off in providing things for you that most of the world does not even know exists or can only dream of if they do. It does not mean we should feel guilty for the good things God has given us. It does mean we need to remember that He gives to us not to make us rich but so we can share with those who have needs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Still not convinced? Look at these comparisons of my kitchen with the original home of the lady who received a new home in the post above. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XW0hp6XK92SYg4u3xPM7ED-4l_BVWZSNCmQnrmw3VA2YqWmPceE9zQe0E5nluFRAqSWvyMwp_2Ma6H8hhLxyTNQIxfx02GxkGXgQljOIyAT3zMTzvT5Xr71lbEJPOJPTDsbp8pTrPnlN/s960/Flory+washing+dishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XW0hp6XK92SYg4u3xPM7ED-4l_BVWZSNCmQnrmw3VA2YqWmPceE9zQe0E5nluFRAqSWvyMwp_2Ma6H8hhLxyTNQIxfx02GxkGXgQljOIyAT3zMTzvT5Xr71lbEJPOJPTDsbp8pTrPnlN/w293-h390/Flory+washing+dishes.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <i> Flory's original kitchen sink</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i> Yes, she's using a stick to clean the pan</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i> Sponges and soap are luxuries here</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHd1mMCOLJJ4cyjZOgPmXriuGO1OBHeQafsMVsalNUYh0uUwTOSxkeDKRz5dXyGkadP8q3nFR_ZhzAOQcpcKjMB6gcG7v21kf1alpjgEGoHhNIHIreXFcok6iAqi_wmlROofrJR0lFI-2/s960/Flory%2527s+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHd1mMCOLJJ4cyjZOgPmXriuGO1OBHeQafsMVsalNUYh0uUwTOSxkeDKRz5dXyGkadP8q3nFR_ZhzAOQcpcKjMB6gcG7v21kf1alpjgEGoHhNIHIreXFcok6iAqi_wmlROofrJR0lFI-2/s320/Flory%2527s+kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Flory's "stove"--a fire pit </i></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, here a a few glimpse of her new home for comparison.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E7rCF9hlt8cSzOEz8IJuBDvMuozOIa_U8g2wMRtuJj92W_5MhuVvARW0Li4HHgY0YYnJL_TzCQPSAQo6lKTLmLz_IXmwd5Ntm32OZaZ-7-Y3E42SDuFLfAvWVsJIn6c1zpKnQzm1Wqut/s960/Flory%2527s+new+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7E7rCF9hlt8cSzOEz8IJuBDvMuozOIa_U8g2wMRtuJj92W_5MhuVvARW0Li4HHgY0YYnJL_TzCQPSAQo6lKTLmLz_IXmwd5Ntm32OZaZ-7-Y3E42SDuFLfAvWVsJIn6c1zpKnQzm1Wqut/w371-h278/Flory%2527s+new+house.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8x0DId3c__lm5KS9jxUz24BV59CEeb3NWWyjkc9ON-Uc5ilfZi9_LLfMXWZEWZpR-lr7aZ1SHMKsEYpzUxTNnQ-yGccLzyVBTsERgCnyS8XYaO5A9WmTABb0njs7A5YMnhMjTeggdguNU/s960/Flory%2527s+new+kitchen+sink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8x0DId3c__lm5KS9jxUz24BV59CEeb3NWWyjkc9ON-Uc5ilfZi9_LLfMXWZEWZpR-lr7aZ1SHMKsEYpzUxTNnQ-yGccLzyVBTsERgCnyS8XYaO5A9WmTABb0njs7A5YMnhMjTeggdguNU/s320/Flory%2527s+new+kitchen+sink.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <i> Enjoying her new kitchen sink</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Y2moyah3QDLo1VH1Qe-3ozd2hixLIDjITUNg-RbXqMy5yjyxDtH6i1wnhPt0j6eI1b98Rd752TgEqbTHqeHhJkkp6Cy_hSXP-sDlpYxREN7ywnaF6D6w6ml53QKbnlYPkISlUMRG_9Y/s401/Flory%2527s+new+stove+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="230" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4Y2moyah3QDLo1VH1Qe-3ozd2hixLIDjITUNg-RbXqMy5yjyxDtH6i1wnhPt0j6eI1b98Rd752TgEqbTHqeHhJkkp6Cy_hSXP-sDlpYxREN7ywnaF6D6w6ml53QKbnlYPkISlUMRG_9Y/w224-h390/Flory%2527s+new+stove+2.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Her new wood burning stove</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p> </p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-36919274412213259992020-11-26T09:33:00.000-06:002020-11-26T09:33:39.370-06:00Authentic Thanksgiving<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8lDbYrJ3flBKw2LuxZZnac1_OXbFb9VoAvMsH_OGttaskdxRIc5dQYM0GBDKWgOc6rPxnic7HPxC_D9rloeMdZLm_KDe8mJJczYoBxMCO-JN_XF-pOvOj-9FkFfBwZaqEWBvO-Qafkcl/s330/Thankfulness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8lDbYrJ3flBKw2LuxZZnac1_OXbFb9VoAvMsH_OGttaskdxRIc5dQYM0GBDKWgOc6rPxnic7HPxC_D9rloeMdZLm_KDe8mJJczYoBxMCO-JN_XF-pOvOj-9FkFfBwZaqEWBvO-Qafkcl/s320/Thankfulness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> "Happy Thanksgiving!" How many times will we say this today? Think about it, though. Do we really consider what this means? <p></p><p>To say "Happy Thanksgiving" has become no more than a social ritual by which we unthinkingly greet each other during late November. It has the potential, though, to be so much more. Done thoughtfully, Thanksgiving has the power to change us.</p><p>Another word for thankfulness is gratitude, which comes from the Latin (and Spanish) word <i>"gratis"</i> which means "free." So what does gratitude have to do with freedom?</p><p>When we are grateful we realize that all we have has been freely given to us by the God who created us and loves us. Sure, we may have worked hard for what we have, but we need to remember who provides the resources for our work. The things we use in our work all, in essence, come from creation. Not one of us has the power to speak anything into existence. We all rely on something which exists as the basis of our work. We only build upon what God has given us.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqLt_Wjw8aPYDk0pQy_X9LjqcHJt5B2rDpVxrsy1lbZi7HqVhD3LknbKwlMD8oC7nXr-nIJ0FXCB6nBTHhC6RbfkNa5bp0HdLwh1FUEIfGN0Q7Zq6MB9i3TaiJqO8AnVTeqmEsQm9CrZy/s714/from+His+abundance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqLt_Wjw8aPYDk0pQy_X9LjqcHJt5B2rDpVxrsy1lbZi7HqVhD3LknbKwlMD8oC7nXr-nIJ0FXCB6nBTHhC6RbfkNa5bp0HdLwh1FUEIfGN0Q7Zq6MB9i3TaiJqO8AnVTeqmEsQm9CrZy/s320/from+His+abundance.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Even our "intellectual" work depends on concrete items for its expression. Then, too, we need to remember Who gives us the intellect, ability and strength to work at all. Our very life itself is a gift freely given to us by the Father who loves us.</p><p></p><p><br />To be thankful is to recognize that I don't deserve what I have, and have a responsibility to share what I have with others. To give freely as it has been given to me. Pretty counter cultural, huh?</p><p><br /></p><p>A second way in which thanksgiving (gratitude) frees us is to break the chains of anxiety, worry, stress which so strongly bind us in the 21st Century. When I contemplate why I am thankful, realizing that all I have and all I am is a free gift from my Father, when I seriously and consciously recall all He has done for me throughout my life, I realize that I have nothing about which to be concerned. God does not change. He Who has been faithful in my past will be no less faithful in my future. God's got this (whatever it is that causes you stress). Thankfulness helps us not only to believe this, but to find the freedom that comes from experiencing it.</p><p>Can I encourage you today to make Thanksgiving more than a holiday ritual, but to begin today to make gratitude a way of life? I know this is my goal.</p><p>So, when I say Happy Thanksgiving to you today, I will recall how blessed I am that God has brought you into my life. I will be grateful for how you impact me and our ministry. I will praise God for you and your very existence, and the fact that you choose to be my friend. You make my life richer, and I don't deserve (gratis) all that you are to me.</p><p>So:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(255, 164, 0); color: #ffa400; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: xx-large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="display: inline; font-size: xx-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSGujvrqWfLPx2BkgppBcVYZheczPtv3njBTq6IMpKMqsXRvuNCB2a8o41GEfXI5V032DoCnl-ppznOSLk3lpmP_kUZJagshd3niOvZaS3cX80cbfcDrE3ZkQiP8Aw1zgNgQuGAYjQUQ3/s1200/Thanksgiving+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSGujvrqWfLPx2BkgppBcVYZheczPtv3njBTq6IMpKMqsXRvuNCB2a8o41GEfXI5V032DoCnl-ppznOSLk3lpmP_kUZJagshd3niOvZaS3cX80cbfcDrE3ZkQiP8Aw1zgNgQuGAYjQUQ3/w436-h292/Thanksgiving+table.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><p></p>Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-843935167175936352020-07-01T15:17:00.002-05:002020-07-01T15:17:34.144-05:00To love without expectations<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
What COVID has taught me<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago I was in a relationship with a person who, in my opinion, was difficult to love. I prayed repeatedly that God would allow me to love them as He did, but seemed to get nowhere. Finally, I asked God, “How would you have me love her/him?” Immediately the answer came: “without expectation.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I realized that much of my frustration in this relationship was that the other was not acting as <b>I</b> thought they should. I had set standards for them to meet which were not mine to set. I was not called to <u>improve</u> them, I was called to <u>love</u> them. No more, no less.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did this realization make the relationship easier/healthier/more fulfilling? Not really. What this insight did was significantly decrease my frustration, which in turn made me more accepting and patient—more able to respond to their needs without worrying about my own needs being met. In short, it made me more loving.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d love to say that the relationship blossomed into a close life long friendship, but that has not been the case. To preserve my own spiritual and mental health I have needed to set firm boundaries, but, rather than impede the friendship, these limits have freed me to be able to respond lovingly to this individual when the need arises.<o:p></o:p><br />
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All this is only background to what God is revealing to me about my relationship with Him. How many times am I dissatisfied with my life because it is not living up to my expectation of what it would be? Unconsciously, I think this sometimes leads me to resent the life God has given me, since it is not what I expected. </div>
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You see, I believe God loves me without expectations. Before anyone says we are called to righteousness before a Holy God, let me say I agree. But to make His love dependent on my righteousness is a lie that comes straight from my enemy. Even as we sing, “Just As I Am,” we put expectations on His response to us coming to Him. Yes, I am broken, but if You love me I will do better. We don’t really experience His radical love for us, just as we are. His invitation to righteousness is not to make us good enough to be loved by Him, but to lead us into the glorious life He has promised us. His love is without expectation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So what does this mean in light of what we are experiencing with the COVID crisis? I believe most of my current unsettledness (frustration?) comes from the fact that I am not able to, at this point, live the life I expected to have. We cannot travel (at least those of us in Guatemala can’t) freely. We can only drive our cars on certain days. At my age, I can’t go into the market and I am denied entry into some of the few stores which remain open. I cannot teach or spend time in our homes, since I am the one out and about in the community, providing transportation and getting what we need. I spend much of my time alone. I cannot live my life as I think I deserve. Life is not living up to my expectations and I struggle daily to not surrender to resentment over what I cannot do and do not have.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b><i><span style="color: red;">Vi</span></i></b><span style="color: red;"><b><i>siting our women from a "safe" distance</i></b></span></td></tr>
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I came to Guatemala to work at a large orphanage with children with disabilities. Our ministry to those with additional needs has grown beyond what I had ever expected, and it is scary to be responsible for all of this. It was more than I expected, but somehow, I managed to adapt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, we once again have “retooled” our ministry to meet the most pressing needs around us. I hadn’t planned this, and was/am not prepared for this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suddenly, without my asking, donations were coming in as I shared the great need for food for the poor who were suffering from the shut down of much of the country. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Really, God? Really? This isn’t in our mission statement. This isn’t what our ministry was started for. Really, You now want me to start giving away food? I have had no idea how to do this. </div>
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We started “small” and “safe,” giving out food to the elderly in collaboration with the social services of the town when our women’s house is located.<br />
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We partnered with the national police in our town, asking them to take food to those we knew needed it, even after curfew hours.<br />
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Our staff took food to the people in their home communities they knew to be in the most desperate need.<br />
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And, as I shared what we were doing, more donations came in. In the past two days, we have given out over 1000 lbs. of beans, rice, and a fortified hot drink to over 200 families from the doorway of my home.<o:p></o:p><br />
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I have had to learn how to purchase large quantities of100 lb. bags of beans and rice, (as well as manage donations of these from other ministries) and the bags to pack them in.<br />
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I have enlisted the guys from Casa de Esperanza to pack beans and rice, and the staff (along with Moises) have been pressed into service helping to give food as people come. <br />
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I have ineptly tried to figure out how to get the food to those who need it—and God has brought so many people to the door of my home that we have had to have sign ups and assign hours to come to receive food. I am doing things I have never done and are beyond my capabilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In my heart of hearts, I found myself saying to God, “This isn’t what I signed up for. This isn’t what I expected my life serving you to be like. This is too much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I said this, I recognized that much of my unrest, discomfort and unsettled feeling was because God wasn’t living up to my expectations of Him. My God has been too small, too safe, too comfortable. I had not “surrendered all” because I still had expectations of what it was okay, and not okay, for Him to ask me to do.</div>
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Now, moving forward, I will love Him without expectation, and repent when I don’t. I will surrender ALL, especially my future, to how He is working in my midst and inviting me to join Him in doing. Since our God always does more than we can ask or imagine, I can’t wait to see what He will do when I stop limiting Him with my expectations. Care to join me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-15514451511021293502020-06-02T11:00:00.001-05:002020-06-02T11:04:34.610-05:00Heal our land. . .<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Today in my prayer time (Sunday, May 24), God led me to a passage that I have often prayed over the United States and Guatemala, 2 Chron. 7:14.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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A beautiful prayer but I fear I have misused it too often, taken it out of the context of Scripture and directed it towards others, rather than myself. Today I was convicted that this is directed toward ME, not those “out there” who do not know Christ, and who do not recognize their sin. Toward me, who “proudly” wears the title of Christ-follower<o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">--yet fail to recognize my personal sin and the ways in which I contribute to communal sinfulness.</span></div>
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I realized:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The context:</b> This was written when Solomon was dedicating the temple. It was the promise of God to His people at the time of one of their greatest victories—the completion of the house of God. It was given as the “remedy” to difficult times. Verse 13 is important to understand the passage correctly. It says: <i><span style="color: #0070c0;">“When I shut heaven so there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send plague to my people. . .”</span></i><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Application:</b> This fits our times better than at almost any time in my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The drought we have experienced for years here in Guatemala, especially in the northern part of the country, and the hunger it has produced. The pandemic, which may be on the downturn in the US, but is still spiking here in Guatemala. The “promise” of hordes of cicadas hatching, which cannot help but affect agriculture. Yes, this promise of God fits our situation well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The audience:</b> <br />
<span style="color: #0070c0;">“<i>If <b>my</b> people, who are <b>called by my name.</b>”<b> </b></i><b> </b></span><br />
This is not for those outside the body of Christ. It is directed toward me, telling me what I must do if I want to see God heal our land. Too often I have prayed this over those who support abortion on demand, over prostitution and human trafficking, over those who would ignore God completely. And I was wrong. I am to claim and pray this verse over myself and the church. And ask God to empower us not to change society, but to change ourselves, since this is what the verse commands us to do.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The mandate:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">will humble themselves <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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How many times have I thanked God that I am not like “those sinners out there?” That I am chosen by Him, dedicated to Him, serving Him—doing the “right things.” Have I asked Him to lead <i>them</i> to repentance, when I should be asking Him to reveal my sinfulness to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Has this attitude of “we Christians are better people than those who do not follow Christ invaded my subconscious and reflected itself in the way I have treated those outside the body? What does this say about the true condition of my heart? IT IS PRIDEFUL. It gives me the glory, when the glory is due to Him who saved me without my efforts. Who does not need me to reach the fallen world, but chooses to use me to reflect His love, His compassion, and yes, His justice, to those who are far from Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This realization of my own sinfulness and my desperate need for His forgiveness should humble me. Should destroy the “us/them” mentality which has invaded the church and reminds me that: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">and pray<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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What does it mean to pray? Is it doing devotions, Bible study, reciting a list of petitions? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I am not a scholar or an expert on prayer, but from observing myself and others, I fear that we have made prayer a practice rather than a pleasure. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Think of it. When I pray I consciously enter the presence of the Lord God, Creator of the Universe; my Creator, my Redeemer and my Sanctifier. The fact that I can do this is incredible; should fill me with awe and excitement. I fear too often I treat it as as chore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And what does it mean for me to pray? The definition I learned in my childhood, from the Catholic catechism we had to memorize, still is my favorite. Prayer is “lifting the mind and heart to God.” However I do that. Simple as that. No formula, no books, no rituals, sometimes no words. A friend of mine talks about taking time to enjoy God. To become aware of His presence which is always around me. To step into a holy moment when I surrender my mind and heart to the One who created it so He can heal, renew, empower and direct it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How often do I make it an exercise rather than a relationship? I need to consider how I pray.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">and seek my face<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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This one is harder for me to describe, since I am not a Bible scholar. But Jesus gives me a hint of what this is when He tells me if I pray in His name, my prayers will be answered. This is not tacking on “in the name of Jesus” at the beginning or end of my prayer, but sincerely, humbly and fearlessly asking Him to show me HIS will, not mine. Then surrendering my heart to that will. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Can I disagree with His will? Absolutely. I think Jesus did just that in the Garden of Gethsemane. He also showed me what to do when I disagree—to share my heart and thoughts with God. And rarely, as in the case of granting more life to Hezekiah, God will grant my wishes. More often, though, He will change my heart to submit to His wisdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do I really seek God’s face? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">And turn from their wicked ways<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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I often think of the great sins of abortion, adultery, violence, racism and hatred which plague our countries when I pray this. Today I am convicted that these are not the things which need to change for my land to be healed, but my own sinfulness, which while less dramatic, is just as wicked.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are the idols I hold? What are those things I strive for in place of striving to bring God glory? I have often said that the idols of the United States are pridefulness, comfort and convenience, and I still believe this is so. I think most of our sins can fall under one of these three headings.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What this pandemic and the restrictions it has brought has revealed to me how strongly I cling to these idols myself. Living on the mission field, they are not as obvious as they were when I was still in the States, but oh, they are there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here we are under extremely stringent restrictions. As I write this, we are under 64 hours of lockdown here in Guatemala, where all businesses are closed, and we are forbidden to leave our homes. And how I want to rebel, because I’m not sure it will do any good in halting the spread of Covid-19. In fact, I fear it may worsen the situation when the country once again opens on Monday morning. But, in reality, what am I basing my opinion on? I am not a scientist. I am not as statistician. I am not even someone who understand systems and how they work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, living in a free country, I have a RIGHT to my opinion and to express it. Legally I do. Biblically, I’m not so sure. For me, sharing my analysis based on my relative ignorance, is exhibiting my pride in my insight and intelligence. Better than publishing my own opinion, I need to accept those situations over which I really have no control, and ask God to inspire and direct those who do. And my objection to masks is that they are uncomfortable and inconvenient. See how it all ties together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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(BTW, this does not mean I have to blindly submit to those things I believe are harmful. For example, the penalty for not wearing a mask in public here is $1000. That does not mean I have to wear a mask if I truly believe it is harmful. I can choose to stay home. I can go out without a mask and be willing to pay the fine. I still have freedom. What I don’t have is freedom from consequences).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #0070c0;">then</span></i></b><i><span style="color: #0070c0;"> I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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When we recognize our own sin—current sin, daily sin, then He will forgive us and hear our cries for help. I’m not talking here about the issue of forgiveness for salvation. Many believe this is once and done and I can’t disagree. I am talking about the daily need to hear Him say that even though I fall short way too often, He still loves me, accepts me, says that I am His. This is the daily repentance and forgiveness that brings me sanctification.<i><span style="color: #0070c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0070c0;">and will heal their land<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Today I notice that He says “their land” not “my land.” I realized God does not value the US any more than He values Guatemala or Iran. He does not place a higher value on US citizens than He does the immigrant. It is arrogance to claim we are a chosen country, that we are more pleasing to Him than others. We cannot say all sin is equal and cling to this deception.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We, as those who bear His name, need to meet the conditions He sets if we want healing in our land. IF we humble ourselves, pray, turn from our wicked ways and seek his face, He will heal our land. What this “healing” looks like, I can’t predict. It will not necessarily be economic prosperity or a return to the normal we knew prior to the pandemic. Whether we want to admit it our not, our societies have not been healthy. I can’t demand that He heal our lands to conform with my idea of what a healthy society will look like—there’s that pride again. I don’t know what living in a healed land involves or requires, but I know it will be good for He who will heal it is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-12751534642022637042019-08-13T23:16:00.002-05:002019-08-13T23:16:10.959-05:00Inquiring minds want to know--how is Pat?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After completing 9 years living in Guatemala, I reflect back on my life with amazement. When I stepped off the plane in 2010, I never would have dreamed that what started as Guatemala Grandma would have grown into the ministry we have today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To be honest, I often feel in over my head. I have strong earthly support from the board of Reason to Hope, my pastor(s) and my ministry friends and mentors. They help me clarify what I need to be doing, and how the ministry should proceed. Ultimately, though, I turn to our strategic planning team, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and ask them what to do. They haven't let me down yet. And daily I am aware that what I do, I do in Christ's power, because mine would never be enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I am busy. Busier than I thought I would be at this stage in my life. For some reason known only to the Lord, He opened the doors on two new major projects which I had not planned for in 2019, but seemed so clearly God-directed that I had to respond.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Entrance to our rental property<br />My door is to the left<br />Hijas del Rey is to the right</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About a year ago I moved into my own house in Panorama. It was previously rented by my friend, Judy Kerschner, and the owners agreed to let me rent it for the same price she had been paying for the last 16 years! It is located just outside of Antigua, on the way to San Pedro (where the men's house is located). I couldn't find anything else for this price. After so many years living in the men's house, it was clear I needed a place of my own, and their house needed to be able to run without my presence 24/7. This was a God-send.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>My house is to the right in this picture.<br />The building you see to the left is Hijas del Rey</i></b></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In December, the missionaries who lived across the driveway from me in our small "residencial" returned to the States, and the owner, who knew I had been called to open a home for women with special needs, asked if I'd like to use the house for the women. Again, the rent for the Antigua/Panorama area was incredibly reasonable, and two young ladies from Santa Maria were desperately in need of somewhere safe to live, so I moved ahead. We now have 4 (possibly 5) women who are with us permanently and they live where I can see them out my kitchen window! This has enabled me to be part of starting the home, without me actually living there. They are a delight, and so very different from the men! Much more sociable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I laugh that it took us 4 years to fill the men's house, and only 4 months to fill the women's but that was the case. I think it is because we are now "known" around Guatemala and people are continually coming to us for help. We could easily open two more houses if we had the funds available; the need is great, but God has not led us there yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>Our first meeting in Santa Lucia/Santo Tomas<br />I agree to do evaluations for the clinic<br />and only evaluations.</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">About this same time I was approached by the psychologist for the city of Santa Lucia Milpas Altas (which you pass through going from Antigua to Guatemala City). She asked if I could evaluate some special needs children who either were not in school or were not making any academic progress. I said I would be glad to evaluate them and make recommendations, but did not think I could promise to work with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Well, after meeting them and seeing their needs (like a 12 year old boy, electively mute, who was in a fifth grade classroom where he is bullied on a daily basis and given work far about his mental ability which he consistently could not do) I agreed to tutor there one day a week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Soon, preschool kids emerged, who, if we could provide early intervention to, would hopefully be ready to enter kindergarten and succeed, rather than fall farther behind. So, a. second afternoon a week was added.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">This is our building--an interesting location</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">In front of it is a childcare center</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Behind me (taking the picture) is the town cemetery</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">After a few months of this, a true "miracle" happened for Guatemala. The mayor and the city council offered us the use of a municipal building rent free! They pay all the utilities, and we have open access to it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>Before</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It was in rough shape, but gradually we have been fixing it up as funds become available (nothing fancy, just paint and laying floor tile provided by the city), and our number of "clients" at the center grows each week. I am hoping that in the future we can train and employ a Guatemalan teacher or psychologist to run this center, but again, we are praying for the funding which would run about another $500 a month. Would you specifically pray for this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><i>After<br />We're not fancy with borrowed desks<br />and saw horse and plank tables<br />but it is clean and bright and inviting<br />--and we even have a tile floor now!</i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">With the growth of our ministry, our financial responsibilities have grown also. But, I fear disobeying God more than I do exceeding our budget, and am happy to take responsibility for the overages by using my retirement funds. If I ask others to contribute to the ministry, how can I not?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes feel like I have bitten off more than I can chew, and am working harder than ever, but the rewards are great. Yesterday, two boys, age ten and eleven, clung to me when it was time to leave because they didn't want to go. One had just been kicked out of his private school just that day because he couldn't keep up with the math work which was about 2 grade levels about him. Their moms say that while they fight not to go to school, they ask when they can again go to see "Seño Paty." If I can be "Jesus" to these guys, how can I say no?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My health is good, and my energy level sufficient for each day. For a while, I was covering the weekend shifts at the women's home, but as we added more women, I realized this was pushing it, and we have hired weekend staff. I still fill in now and then when staff is sick or on vacation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I am attending a church which doesn't "feed" me, but gives me the "appetizer" and challenges me, as an adult believer, to feed myself. Seriously, I love Calvary Chapel Antigua, and am growing spiritually daily being a part of this fellowship of believers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I miss my kids and my grandsons--maybe more now than in the beginning. Their lives have gone on well without me, and I know I am missing out. But, my grandsons lack nothing, physically, socially, educationally or emotionally. I would be cheating them spiritually if I gave the example of disobeying God's call because I care too much for them--the height of selfishness, because it is really my heart I want to protect. My legacy to them, I pray is one of joyful obedience and trusting God's lead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Of course, I am over the moon when I get to see them, and as Friday drawn need, I feel the excitement building. </span><br />
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Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-36895025840958983632019-04-19T15:34:00.000-05:002019-04-19T15:34:40.823-05:00At the cross--Embracing Helplessness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Good Friday, and once again I contemplate the scene at the cross. My focus this year, though, is a bit different. While usually my eyes are on Jesus as he hangs on the cross for my salvation, this year my attention is drawn to those surrounding him.<br />
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We know there were soldiers and the Centurion in charge, and two thieves, as well as the Chief Priests and members of the Sanhedrin. Some, like the "good" thief and the Centurion, were changed by what they witnessed. Others, in their arrogance, continued to mock and ridicule and reject Jesus to the very end. Some, like Peter, had run away to hide in fear.<br />
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But there were a few who stood by Jesus to the end. A number of women are mentioned, some by name, along with John whose presence is implied by his gospel. These are those to whom my mind is drawn this year.<br />
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Why are they here? What are they thinking? What did it cost them to be here? What am I to learn from them?<br />
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The answer to why is simple. They stayed out of love and loyalty. They would not abandon their friend and son, no matter what the cost. But how could they? By loving another more than their own comfort, by loving until it hurt. By dying to self so another would not suffer alone.<br />
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Mary, the mother of Jesus, had spent most of her life being prepared for this moment. She had conceived him under the suffering of shame and reproach. She had been warned by Simeon, at an event that was solemn and celebratory, that a sword would pierce her heart. Later she had fled to Egypt with her husband and son to protect his life, leaving behind all that was familiar to live in a culture very different from her own. Suffering was no stranger to the mother of Jesus, but I don't think anything could have prepared her mother's heart to hear her son cry out, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"<br />
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Another Mary, the mother of James and John is also named as being present at the crucifixion. Just a few days before she had asked Jesus to give her sons a privileged position in his kingdom. All he had promised was that they would drink from the same cup from which he would drink. As she stood watching Jesus die in agony, was she horrified as she came to the realization of what she had really requested her sons would receive--suffering and death because of the kingdom?<br />
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And Mary Magdalene, who had been saved from demons herself, looked on as the work of these same demons claimed the life of the one who had freed her. Surely he could free himself if he wanted to. Did she wonder why he didn't do something? Did she feel guilt knowing that her sin and her salvation had brought him to this point? <br />
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Lastly we look at John. Why was he, among the twelve, the only one who stood by Jesus until the end? Did he feel anger and betrayal by the others? Did he feel abandoned by his brethren? All we know is that he was there, until the end. Among those there this day, he was the only one given a role to play by Jesus, the responsibility of caring for his mother. Did his presence there bring Jesus comfort and peace?<br />
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I think what all of these had in common was the experience of helplessness in the face of unbearable suffering. The willingness to forsake their own comfort to be present to another. Surrendering their self-protection to assure another knows they are not alone. <br />
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How often are we willing to do this? So often (too often) I hear, "I could never do what you do. I'm just too soft-hearted."<br />
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While my flesh wants to sarcastically respond something like, "Yes, I'm so lucky I don't feel anything!" in my heart I hurt for those who say this. Somehow they are trying to protect themselves from the pain of leaning into the pain of others. They lull themselves into believing that if they don't see it, they won't feel it. And it's true. They won't. A starving child will be no more to them than a picture on the television. The abandoned and forgotten will not even register on their radar. And their heart, rather than being protected, will become calloused by their self-protection.<br />
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It is only when I am willing to embrace the helplessness of being present to one who suffers that my heart will grow to learn what true compassion is. Only when I stand with those who are enduring the unspeakable will I learn to speak words of comfort, often in silence. Only when I identify with those who suffer at the hands of another will I begin to overcome my own numbness to the evil which is all around me.<br />
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Like Peter, I can run and hide and deny that this suffering has anything to do with me. And I will become less human. Jesus tells me what I do, or do not do, for the least of these, I do or do not do for him. So, when I refuse to stand with those who suffer, I am refusing to stand at the cross with Jesus. I deny him in ignoring the suffering of my brothers and sisters every bit as much as Peter denied him that Thursday night.<br />
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So, where do I want to be as my Lord suffers in his people? Am I willing to follow the example of my Savior as he embraced helplessness to suffer and die for me? (Remember, he could have done something to save him self, but he chose not to.) Am I willing to stand with those courageous women to share in the suffering of Jesus as he continues to suffer in his people? <br />
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I pray I will find myself with the women at the foot of the cross, helpless but present. Facing suffering head on, and by my presence creating a space where hope and life and resurrection can begin. I invite you to join me<br />
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<br />Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-78660559218101988782019-04-04T11:30:00.002-05:002019-04-04T11:33:18.842-05:00Short Changed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we are Christ-followers, by our decision and our religion, but we are not fully sold out to God, we are short changing ourselves.<br />
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Christ promises abundant life to those who follow Him. Are you experiencing this life? Is your cup overflowing with peace and joy? Are you longing for more, because you can't get enough of Jesus?<br />
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If not, you're short changing yourself. Go to Him. Ask Him to show you what you are still holding onto, what you still want to control, what you are still not ready to surrender completely to Him. He will show you. And it will hurt. Trust me, it might feel like a kick in the stomach, because you may not even realize you have been hold this thing back from Him. But, as with the rich young man who went away sad because he would not surrender his riches to follow Jesus, we will never experience the fullness of joy He offers if we hold anything back. If we let anything be more important in our lives than Him. If we hold on to our idols.<br />
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We seem to think of idols only in terms of ancient pagan religion. I have learned much about idolatry, living in a country where the pagan gods of the Mayans are still worshipped, sometimes right along side of Jesus Christ. There are many definitions of idol, but my functional one is that an idol is anything which claims our loyalty and takes our devotion away from Jesus. It might be my work, my family, my finances, or even my ministry. For each of us it will be different, but each of us has idols in our lives. <br />
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How can you recognize them? It's not always easy, but I find that when God tells me I need to do something (and He does) and I say to myself or others, "I would do this, but. . ." whatever comes after the but is my idol. <br />
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(Please note. I am talking about what GOD tells me to do, not my emotions, not my desires, not my pastor or some author, but God Himself. We often imagine doing great things God has not yet called us to do. This desire to serve Him impressively can be an idol.)<br />
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Does it cost to surrender my idols? You bet. <br />
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Recently God showed me that my love of sleep has been an idol, if you can imagine that. I was using the excuse that I couldn't get up early to spend more time with Him because then I didn't have energy for the afternoon. Quickly I realized that by watching less Netflix and going to sleep earlier I could easily solve this resistance and still care for my body. But, oh, it stung. I realize, though, that it's all about choices and we choose what we value most. <br />
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So today I urge you, stop short changing yourself by holding out on God. You can trust Him to give you more than you can ask or imagine, but you have to trust first that His heart toward you is good. Let's learn from the rich young man that we do not need to go away sad, but can embrace the fullness of joy through our obedience and surrender to God alone.<br />
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<br />Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-64380793692780014902019-03-25T09:54:00.000-05:002019-03-25T09:54:42.447-05:00Revival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In preparation for celebrating the Resurrection this year (the 40 days of Lent), I asked God what He would have me do to prepare my heart to better know Him. What I needed to “give up.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe He told me to write. What? So what was I to “give up”? I was to surrender my resistance to writing, my fear that I have nothing to say, and my unwillingness to share what I write with others (mostly out of fear of disapproval).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I have been writing almost daily, and sharing what I write when He prompts me to. Today is one of those days to share, as I consider “revival.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I was studying Ps. 119 verse 25 <i>(</i><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320;">), </span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320;">I was struck by the word “revive.” Wasn’t that why I wanted to know God better, so I would have more life and vitality in my walk with Him?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I thought about how often, when I am in a church gathering whether here in Guatemala or in the US, I hear the call for revival. We will never have revival if we don’t want it, don’t see the need for it. </span><i style="color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Revival can only come when we ask for it.</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWiKKyswMS0aWi35PQUV_cSwzNUVf5iX5CfT6l88bh4QoltUp2chKKKAbOnQLCC6YAjqy-e72fglg50k26X0gMyPa4QTNnxI9iwcGaLen2StlTjATgb7elVisHGGphmLnvf3TppMYJyOA/s1600/empty+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWiKKyswMS0aWi35PQUV_cSwzNUVf5iX5CfT6l88bh4QoltUp2chKKKAbOnQLCC6YAjqy-e72fglg50k26X0gMyPa4QTNnxI9iwcGaLen2StlTjATgb7elVisHGGphmLnvf3TppMYJyOA/s1600/empty+heart.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I realized that I have listened to the call to revival as a call to the whole church. Today, I realized that revival comes only when we, as <b><i>individual Christ-followers </i></b>want to be revived. When we recognize just how “lifeless” (cleaving to the dust) at least some parts of our walk with God have become. When we desperately want more of Him. <b><i>Revival will only come when we admit our <u>personal</u> need for it.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I fear that I have given the whole responsibility for revival to the Holy Spirit. I ask Him to come into our midst, to overcome us with His presence. But, do I really want this? <b><i>Revival will only come when I am willing to pay the price to be personally revived.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #001320;">Verse 26 of this Psalm revealed to me the cost for revival to occur in my life: </span><i><span style="color: blue;">“I have told you my ways and You answered me.” (NASB) </span></i><span style="color: #001320;">That didn’t seem too hard until I started looking at other translations to see what it would mean to truly “tell Him my ways.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #001320;"><u>The Passion Translation</u> says, </span><i><span style="color: blue;">“I have poured out my life before you.” </span></i><span style="color: #001320;"><u>The Good News Translation</u> is even more pointed: </span><span style="color: blue;">“<i>I have confessed all I have done.</i>” </span><span style="color: #001320;"> If I really want revival, personally and corporately in the Church, I need to examine my walk, and let the Holy Spirit reveal to me every way in which my life is pleasing to Him, but also, and more importantly, every part of me which falls short of being who He created me to be. <b><i>Revival starts when I stop looking at others and willingly reveal my whole heart and life to God.</i></b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From this verse I realized that true desire for revival is marked by a personal awareness of my sin, a sense of urgency to confess it before God (and possibly to another), and a desire to repent—to change what I have been doing which is not pleasing to God. Can I do this in my own power? Of course not; I have to depend on the grace of God through His Holy Spirit to do this. But first, I have to desire it, now just superficially but desperately enough to cooperate with Him. <b><i>Revival happens when I stop singing about surrender and start laying down all I am before God.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am I willing to honestly and openly lay bare my heart before God? Am I truly willing to surrender whatever He asks? Am I willing to let go of who I am to become who He wants me to be? <i><b>Revival starts when I stop only praying and start willingly participating in being revived.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I write this there are 28 days remaining until Resurrection Sunday. My goal for these 28 days is to "pour out my life" before the Holy Spirit, a little at a time, each day. Will you join me?</span></div>
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Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5102109272659907949.post-82250688695630459242019-03-21T12:48:00.001-05:002019-06-23T14:10:53.900-05:00The Way of the Arrogant<style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXIT6KubqK9e7kc8Ya0YbJIpyKvZvb5uygGLXlhulicWpGBxCrk1H21vUgroB6rfudZ4kH0hYhbbd-kk6U9YJZBnmHti6RlpMsJmjTARjVTvEfs18Xp6f7HQ38myt6xpYZ6lhnBZzKdZp/s1600/hello-im-arrogant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="418" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXIT6KubqK9e7kc8Ya0YbJIpyKvZvb5uygGLXlhulicWpGBxCrk1H21vUgroB6rfudZ4kH0hYhbbd-kk6U9YJZBnmHti6RlpMsJmjTARjVTvEfs18Xp6f7HQ38myt6xpYZ6lhnBZzKdZp/s320/hello-im-arrogant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Today as I was studying Ps. 119, God brought my attention to the attributes of the arrogant. And I felt convicted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The traits I identified were the following: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "verdana";">They do whatever they need to do to prosper, even at the expense of others who are more vulnerable. They defy God’s law if it benefits them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "verdana";">They seek to satisfy their flesh, looking to feed their own appetites and satisfy their greed, even if it means ignoring the needs of others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "verdana";">They are a law unto themselves. They don’t see the need for God, or respect Him or His commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaz2tzdI_DyVfZSZizE8VopsT4JqwHwmu9dMmIbm1wFazyVfQCOaduciJsSWlDduN4eGBHn1E-Tq0_KylXVS8p1AeIlncexG0rhoXY1PMA_5R9gp4vbWKVbGcC0NthvuKhJK6BlmVYaw7/s1600/negative-b003-512.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="245" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaz2tzdI_DyVfZSZizE8VopsT4JqwHwmu9dMmIbm1wFazyVfQCOaduciJsSWlDduN4eGBHn1E-Tq0_KylXVS8p1AeIlncexG0rhoXY1PMA_5R9gp4vbWKVbGcC0NthvuKhJK6BlmVYaw7/s200/negative-b003-512.png" width="95" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";">In short, they feel comfortable in the world, at home with its values. They have a million justifications for why they live as they do, especially when they ignore God’s direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I immediately saw parallels to the (claiming to be) Christian church in America. But God quickly brought be up short. “Take the plank out of your own eye.” I realized I needed to examine my own heart before looking at anyone else. And if and when I address the Church, it needs to be out of recognition of my own sinfulness, not out of arrogance and anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp3YzcmZVFoCD-7r6nST9FVmKiDce0Nw77rXxoeASxYuZVQAXTMFfl2LU1MPuqv-j5pgpK9KBU5RosREDSBy0tzqe4iv72wN39qixVnHh5P3eLSSlZRtvScFYEKnCDLCILqtfib_ivRZB/s1600/superhero+woman+missionary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp3YzcmZVFoCD-7r6nST9FVmKiDce0Nw77rXxoeASxYuZVQAXTMFfl2LU1MPuqv-j5pgpK9KBU5RosREDSBy0tzqe4iv72wN39qixVnHh5P3eLSSlZRtvScFYEKnCDLCILqtfib_ivRZB/s1600/superhero+woman+missionary.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">It may seem strange that I, a <i>missionary </i>could be guilty of arrogance, but I think it is an ever present danger in our “profession.” So many people tell us how wonderful we are on a regular basis that we risk starting to believe our own publicity. I am not amazing. God is. And if anything is amazing, it’s that He choses to let me be a part of what He is doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">It is a constant temptation, too, to do what I think needs to be done.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">To follow the needs rather than God’s direction.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">How can meeting needs be against God’s will?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">It easily can.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Oswald Chambers tells us, “The need is not the call.”</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">We can try to convince ourselves it is, but the enemy can use needs to distract us from what God calls us to do. When I am need-driven rather than God led, I become a law unto myself.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEErosNPVH31t6xHmVDKXskipxc0YajT5OjFsG7Fpv9YBNU6BVi9ISmDxFrx27OGDXIl1fSt4uAGt26wZNnSPZz5Ouiqa1wvpzK_-Hd8CMajuuwVvV0GUCjo4B-n338K5sPHH6yJ1rLJcF/s1600/So+many+needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEErosNPVH31t6xHmVDKXskipxc0YajT5OjFsG7Fpv9YBNU6BVi9ISmDxFrx27OGDXIl1fSt4uAGt26wZNnSPZz5Ouiqa1wvpzK_-Hd8CMajuuwVvV0GUCjo4B-n338K5sPHH6yJ1rLJcF/s400/So+many+needs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I constantly need to check to see if in facing a need, I am responding with what God would have me do, or trying to ease my own discomfort in the situation (my appetites). I have to examine my motives to see if I am acting out of obedience, or from wanting more adventure and excitement in my life. The mission field can easily turn one into an “adrenaline junkie” because we do get to experience so many actual miracles, but that’s not why we’re here. We are here to do God’s will; no more, no less.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I may even convince myself that, of course God would want me to do a certain thing, because it is a need. But God may be calling someone else to meet that need and when I jump in and do something I am not called to do, I cheat the person who is called. I give them an excuse not to respond to God’s call on their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlUKmk2p3xM25eJo1iumy0i0hextRvavAb5Ux16vV41uMiOQgB4z7nwbwPpSUxvwM6B6bL8oKlW7Kz5Y7nO4dC2nopjcIcyT7howfTvnF9pav5LukuYunbM0Y2C9r7EgnjsJ60Oz-XXB-/s1600/not+superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlUKmk2p3xM25eJo1iumy0i0hextRvavAb5Ux16vV41uMiOQgB4z7nwbwPpSUxvwM6B6bL8oKlW7Kz5Y7nO4dC2nopjcIcyT7howfTvnF9pav5LukuYunbM0Y2C9r7EgnjsJ60Oz-XXB-/s1600/not+superman.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">One way I am tempted to do this is, when there seems to be a short-fall of money, immediately jumping in with my small retirement savings to fill in the gap.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">My Board is challenging me to let people know there is a need, while not pressuring or expecting them to do anything more than pray with me that the need will be met.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">God may want me to meet the need through my personal funds, but He needs to show me that (after all, why would I ask others to contribute to something I am not willing to support financially myself?).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">But I may be robbing someone who is led to meet the shortfall, by not even making the need known.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Ah, but I can do it myself.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">(I have no need for God; I am self-sufficient.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumVzyqlCd03UqnTxByendX6EL3gPpOQMCbrvn0qhTh4-kTd5GAxvStAXSp1-QVoCOnCXPOhyRSyIh-APDjIFKI5IhsNiTMzyTdrMcT-Bi3V0ULKiFfBnaHVpkubilhFgokt_k9bENAeCW/s1600/We+understand+your+needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumVzyqlCd03UqnTxByendX6EL3gPpOQMCbrvn0qhTh4-kTd5GAxvStAXSp1-QVoCOnCXPOhyRSyIh-APDjIFKI5IhsNiTMzyTdrMcT-Bi3V0ULKiFfBnaHVpkubilhFgokt_k9bENAeCW/s1600/We+understand+your+needs.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I confess my own arrogance.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">I confess my arrogance when I think I, because I am educated and from the US, know better how to address a situation than a Guatemalan national would. I confess my arrogance when I feel the need to immediately rescue someone from their struggles, rather than looking for what God might be doing in the midst of their situation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I confess my temptations to share stories which expose the lives of those I serve without their permission and without regard for their privacy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I confess the temptation to share a story because it will “bring in donations” rather than to help others see what God can is is doing in our midst.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I confess my arrogance when I wish God had called me to a ministry that was more exciting and attractive, because that would make fund-raising so much easier if there were more “emotional appeal” to what I am doing. (Seeing prosperity)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I repent of my self-sufficiency, of my desire for security, and the temptation to make a name for myself when all I should desire is to make His Name known to men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Please pray for me, and I give you permission to hold me accountable in these areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Sidenote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Many of you may not know, but MY first plan to come to the mission field was to wait until I reached full retirement age, get my retirement and Social Security, and come to Guatemala as a <u>completely </u>independent missionary. Not having to rely on God or anyone else to be able to do what God called me to do. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana";">You can see how that worked out. God has provided in so many impossible ways to meet all our needs, and I would have cheated our donors out of the opportunity to be obedient in their giving. I also would have cheated myself out of the opportunity to see that God <u>will </u>do more than I can ask or imagine if I obey Him. By the way, I would just now, this year, be coming to the mission field if God had not asked me to surrender my plan to His.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Pat Duffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098418575127851906noreply@blogger.com0