Power of Total Commitment

Leila Naylor Morris wrote 1000 of gospel songs and it is amazing gift for such a lady. One of her hymns gives me inspiration for this New Year, it says, “Sweeter as the years go by, sweeter as the years go by, Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus’ love is sweeter, Sweeter as the years go by.”

To be a sweeter year, we need total commitment or serious resolutions for New Year. We need to know there is power on total commitment. It will totally change our lives, our attitudes, our minds, and our practices. The Bible says, “If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.” (Deuteronomy 23:21)

A story of, “A Promise Is A Promise To Lincoln” by Martin M. Hyzer inspired me a lot to magnify the power of total commitment, here is the story: “One day, President Abraham Lincoln was riding in a coach with a colonel from Kentucky. The colonel took a bottle of whiskey out of his pocket. He offered Mr. Lincoln a drink. Mr. Lincoln said, “No thank you, Colonel. I never drink whiskey.” In a little while, the colonel took some cigars out of his pocket and offered one to Mr. Lincoln. Again Mr. Lincoln said, “No, thank you, Colonel.” Then Mr. Lincoln said, “I want to tell you a story.”

“One day, when I was about nine years old, my mother called me to her bed. She was very sick. She said, ’Abe, the doctor tells me that I am not going to get well. I want you to be a good boy. I want you to promise me before I go that you will never use whiskey or tobacco as long as you live. ’ I promised my mother that I never would, and up to this hour, I kept this promise! Would you advise me to break that promise?”

The colonel put his hand on Mr. Lincoln’s shoulder and said, “Mr. Lincoln, I would not have you break that promise for the world! It is one of the best promises you ever made. I would give a thousand dollars today if I had made my mother a promise like that and had kept it like you have done. I would be a much better man than I am!”

I encourage you to make serious New Year resolutions and make total commitment to keep it and practice it throughout the year so that it will be a sweeter year for you and us.I encourage you also to take a listen my sermon of four biblical New Year resolutions which will suggest or inspire you for this new year. Audio file was a little corrupt but the message is fine. Its New Year gift for you.

Forget not to Celebrate Christmas

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-16)

Every year, I encouraged young people to sing lots of Christmas song during December because Christmas season will be over very quick and have to wait another year to sing joyful Christmas songs. It is also very meaningful for everyone to celebrate Christmas with fellow believers at church instead of secular Christmas parties without Christ. If you miss Jesus, you miss everything. I read a story of an old shepherd which gave inspiration not to miss to adore and worship Jesus: “The story is about shepherd who was a youth on that first Christmas night. And now he is old and as his grandson sits on his knee he recalls that night, "A long, long time ago, when I was a little more than a boy, I was out on the Judean hills one night with some other shepherds, keeping watch over the flock. And an angel of the Lord came upon us and the glory of the Lord shone roundabout us. And we were very afraid. But the angel said, "fear not... for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord... you shall find the baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." When he had said this the old man’s lips quivered and ceased to move and there was silence. Then the grandson turns and looks with wide, puzzled eyes into his grandfathers face and says, " But, grandfather is that all? What did you do when you heard the good news? Was what the angel said really true? Was the Christ child ever really born?" The old shepherd sadly shakes his white head and answers, "I never knew. I never went to see. Some say that it is all a myth. Others say they found in Him, the light of God and the power for life. But for me I could never be quite sure. Because I never did go to see."

Go to your church to lead Christmas Celebrations, dedicate your time to be volunteer to help out to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, bring your family to go to Church to worship our Savior Jesus Christ. Also with the love of Jesus Christ, help the poor, feed the hungers, cloth the naked, and witness the good news. We have received the good tidings of great joy, and it is our time to spread this greatest news to the world. May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Words from hero of Faith

Story of hero of faith, Polycarp (2nd Century), inspired us to stand strong in the midst of hardship and storms. The words he spoke in front of thousands of bloodthirsty people came out of his blood and commitment. I hope that you will be inspired by reading this history.

Can you imagine what it was like for the church in Smyrna as they watched their beloved and aged pastor burn at the stake? Polycarp was his name. he was a disciple of Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle John. One could tell it immediately because he possessed the same tenderness and compassion as his mentor. Polycarp was Bishop of the church at Smyrna (present day Turkey). Persecution broke out in Smyrna and many Christians were fed to the wild beasts in the arena. The godless and bloodthirsty crowd called for the carcass of the leader – Polycarp.

The authorities sent a search party to find him. He had been taken into hiding for some Christians but the Romans tortured two young believers until they finally disclosed his location. When the authorities arrival was announced there was still time to whisk Polycarp away but he refused to go saying, “God’s will be done.” In one of the most touching instances of Christian grace imaginable Polycarp welcome his captors as if they were friends. He talked with them and insisted they eat a meal. Ha made only one request before being taken away – he asked for one hour to pray. The Roman soldiers listened to his prayer. Their hearts melted and they gave him 2 hours to pray. They had second thoughts as well and were overheard asking each other why they were sent to arrest him? Other authorities also experienced a warmed heart when Polycarp arrived.

The Proconsul tried to find a way to release him too. “Curse God and I will let you go!” he pleaded. Polycarp’s reply was: “For eighty-six years I have served him. He has never done me wrong. How then can I blaspheme my King was has saved me?” The Proconsul again looked for a way out. “The do this old man, just swear by the spirit of the emperor and that will be sufficient.’ Polycarp’s reply was: “If you imagine for a moment that I would do that, then I think you pretend that you don’t know who I am. Hear it plainly. I am a Christian.” More entreaties by the Proconsul Polycarp stood firm. The proconsul threatened with the wild beasts. Polycarp’s reply was: “Bring them forth. I would change my mind if it meant going from worst to best, but not to change from right to wrong.” The Proconsul threatened, “I will burn you alive!” Polycarp’s reply was: “You threaten with fire that burns for an hour and is over but the judgment on the ungodly is forever.” The fires engulfed him.

The witnesses noticed his faith and joy. He was finished off with a dagger. He was buried for the cause of Christ on February 22, 155 A.D. It was as much a day of victory as it was a day of tragedy. Polycarp illustrated the power of knowing Jesus intimately. Intimately enough to follow Him into the flames. As Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Renewal of Commitment

Commitment is the key to successful life. It is a driving force to achieve any goals we are targeting on. It is also the power to accomplish our dreams. When we started with commitments of new years’ resolutions, we have plenty of energies and enthusiasm to do our church activities. We have accomplished many tasks in the beginning of the year because of the freshness of our commitments. If we know it well and make continual commitment, we will definitely win many souls for Christ.

Like physical check up every year, we should have “Spiritual Check-Up” in our lives. It is important to check our spiritual health frequently in order to have a healthy Christian life. We must be healthy Christians, growing Christians, and serving Christians so that Christ will be magnified and glorified through our living testimonies. If we have diagnosed with any spiritual diseases, we much immediately seek healing from God otherwise we will unknowingly give bad impacts to the community.

The Lord wants us to serve people as His hands and feet in this world. The Lord sends us to the end of the world to preach the Gospel and to teach them to be His disciples. Read Joshua 24 and learn how the people of God renewed their commitments. With the challenge of Joshua, they repented and cut off all their sins, they chose God as their only Savior, and made new commitments together. If you have time, listen my message အသစ္တဖန္ဆက္ ကပ္ျခင္း based on Joshua 24 on this blog. Hope that your commitment will be renewed and come forward for His ministries.

I am sad.....

One of a Christian Bookstores near my place is having a discount sale up to 50% off regular price. It is good for customers but I am so sad that the store is closing at the end of this month. I asked the sale person and he said that more people are buying books on internet and their sale has declined. They have no other way except close the store.

I am so sad that Christian bookstores are closing, shrinking, and vanishing in our communities. When I was in Daly City, California, I used to go to Western Christian Bookstore closed to our house and I really enjoyed reading and buying books there. I was so sad that store closed and vanished. My family moved to Union City and found another huge Christian bookstore at Hayward with all kinds of Christian books and religious supplies. Many times I have purchased books, gifts, and music from there for myself and also for our church. I was so sad that store closed and vanished again.

I am a book lover since I was very young. Bookstores and library at Mogok, my hometown in Myanmar, knew me well as regular customer. My room turned as library with my favorite books. I was so sad that there was no Christian bookstore there. I prayed to God for having Christian bookstores for the hungry readers in the communities. It was like falling into treasurer chests when I came to USA and found Christian bookstores everywhere. I said WOW! And praise the Lord.

Now I am sad, one of another nearest Christian bookstore at Newark is closing on October 30 of this year. I am sad not for myself only, but for Christian community. Christian bookstores should be existed among us as Christian witness. I believe that they are not doing only for business but also doing great ministries to spread the word of God.

Berean Christian bookstore in San Jose, which is about half an hour drive from my home, is the largest Christian bookstore I have ever visited. I used to go there because I get 10% clergy discount. I am sad because the store is shrinking. I am sad to see empty shelves, reduced items, less books, and empty spaces. I also go to LifeWay Christian bookstore at Mills Valley where I get 20% clergy discount.

“Men are what they read,” was one of my favorite wisdom quotes and I am following it by choosing, purchasing and reading good books especially spiritual books It impact a lot on my life and also in my ministries. I am glad that there are many online Christian bookstores, audio books, video books, electronic book, books on applications, and so on. But I do not want Christian bookstores vanish from our communities. I am praying for all Christian bookstores to stand strong and continue to serve effective ministries of Jesus Christ. Remember it in your prayer if you are also a Christian books lover.

God is Working

When God works He goes all the way

Martin asked us to pray for his church congregation as they were looking into the possibility of building a church. Cost was a concern as they have only 40 members. Here is God’s answer to his request:

"When we moved here there was about six to ten people meeting o Sabbath at the Company Leaders house, currently we have about 30 - 40 people attending (Praise the Lord).

This presented us with a dilemma because after we moved out of the elders house even the place where we are now renting is now too small. We started to pray for another place where we could meet. We were looking for a larger place to rent but no luck. One day we found out that there was a local J.W. church for sale for $139,900. Our Church elder said that we should look into it, but with only $15,000 in the bank for a building fund it was impossible.

To make a long story short there was a miracle and we now own a church building DEBT FREE! The price was negotiated to $100,000 and there was a $50,000 donation promised to us if we could raise the other $50,000. Within two days $20,000 was contributed from the conference, $15,000 donation from one of our elderly member, and our $15,000 in the building fund made it there.

We were discussing at the business meeting that we still need to get a Piano. By the end of the meeting one of the members that was not present there called and donated $5,000, so now we will even have a Piano. When God works He goes all the way. " Martin, June 1999.

30th Anniversary Burmese Christian Family Camp

This is 30th anniversary celebration of Burmese Christian Family Camp. We will be gathering at beautiful "Silver Spur Christian Camp" at Toulumne, California from September 5 t 7. Members from eight churches and fellowship plus inviting special guests will be there. Here are speakers for this camp:

Rev. Dr. Latt Yishey (San Francisco)
Rev. Zauya Lahpai (San Jose)
Rev. Sammy Myo-Sett (Concord)
Rev. Harold Ho (Fremont)
Sayama Christine Ang (Fremont)
Dr. Garrick Law (San Francisco)
Dr. Victor Hui (San Francisco)
Dr. Jimmy Chao (San Jose)
Dr. Raymond Mu (Manteca)
Naw Bawk Lazum (San Francisco)

There will be Children program and youth program you can participate. They are very special. Also you will be experienced inspired and enjoyable evenings with many popular activities every night. Contact your pastor or leaders to join this year's camp.

Give of Your Best to the Master

We had sung this hymn, "Give of Your Best to the Master" countless of time since we were young. Almost every consecration service or youth camps of retreats, we used this hymn as dedication song. It encouraged and inspired throughout my life to use God-given talents for His ministries. I am so thankful to God for whenever I see young and talented Christians serving God with their talents and Spiritual gifts. I also admire and thanks to many Gospel songs composers who challenge young people to serve God in their songs with powerful lyrics. The lyrics and poet touch many people's hearts those who sing and hear the music.

The bible says, "Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the generations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods."

(1 Chronicles 16:23-25). Mostly young people are talented in music, singing, and dancing. God has change the stuff of Moses to be a powerful tool to divide the sea into two; God used Paul's handkerchief to heal the sicks; and Jesus used a small meal of a kid and feed thousands of hungry followers. Still God is using many Christian music to convert many prodigal sons and daughter.

I always give thanks to God for many talented young people in our church who faithfully serving God with their musical talents. I believe God has given every church with dedicated musicians. Worship services and religious celebrations been always made alive because of inspirational music.

"AGAPE Music Band" of our church is planning to have another "Musical Concert" along with "Burmese Food Festival" this month. They will sing lots of praise songs, gospel songs, gospel rap, and also perform praise dance. Come and join us if you are at Bay Area that weekend.

Fanny Crosby's "Soul's Poem"

One of Fanny Crosby’s hymns, based on a combination of the thoughts in Ecclesiastes 12:6 and Revelation 22:4, 5 was so personal that for years she never let others see it. Professor Kenneth Osbeck says its revelation to the public came about this way.

“One day at a Bible conference in Northfield, Massachusetts, Miss Crosby was asked by Dwight L. Moody to give a personal testimony concerning her faith and Christian experience. At first she hesitated, then quietly rose and said, “There is one hymn I have written which has never been published. I call it my soul’s poem. Sometimes when I am troubled, I repeat it to myself, for it brings comfort to my heart.” She then recited while many wept, “Someday the silver cord will break, and I no more as now shall sing; but O the joy when I shall wake within the palace of the King! And I shall see Him face to face, and tell the story—saved by grace!” At the age of 25, Fanny Crosby’s wish that the face of Jesus would be the first she would ever see was realized.”

Frances Jane "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1915) was an American hymn writer and poetess, who wrote over 8,000 hymns during her life. One time a preacher sympathetically remarked, "I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you." She replied quickly, "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I should be born blind?" "Why?" asked the surprised clergyman. "Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior!"

Gospel Music Show

(Click on the image for larger view)

"How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" (Psalm 137:4). I was so sad to read this psalm that the people of God hanged their musical instruments on the willow trees and unable to sing the Lord's songs amidst the difficult situation in foreign land. Unable to sing or play instruments because of political oppression, unable to perform because of financial hardship, unable to praise God because they were away from their home country. So sad, they felt that they were away from the presence of the Living God.

How about you my friends, will you be kept quiet and not praising God amidst the storms of life? Do not feel that Living God is away from you. He is always with us, near us, caring us, guiding and blessing us with His presence. So, Join us on August 15, to sing, to shout, to praise, and to dance together at Little Theatre, Daly City. (Check on the flyer for detail information).

God's wonderful protection

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and

the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his
direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw
close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah, he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to
forget what God can work in our lives, sometimes in the most
surprising ways. And remember with God, a mere spider's web becomes a brick wall of protection.

The Power of Holy Spirit (Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2009)

Dwight L. Moody’s Experience

One day in New York—what a day! I can’t describe it! I seldom refer to it! It is almost too sacred to name! I can only say God revealed Himself to me! I had such an experience of love that I had to ask Him to stay His hand! I went to preaching again. The sermons were no different. I did not present any new truth. Yet hundreds were converted. I would not be back where I was before that blessed experience.

—Dwight L. Moody

Greatest Unused Power

An American with an English gentleman was viewing the Niagara whirlpool rapids, when he said to his friend: “Come, and I’ll show you the greatest unused power in the world.” And taking him to the foot of Niagara Falls, “there,” he said, “is the greatest unused power in the world!” “Ah, no my brother, not so!” was the reply. “The greatest unused power in the world is the Holy Spirit of the living God.

—A. J. Gordon

Filling Is Answer

Paul tells us to live victoriously and to avoid excesses of the flesh. Moody once illustrated this truth as follows: “Tell me,” he said to his audience, “How can I get the air out of this glass?” One man said, “Suck it out with a pump.” Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass.” After many impossible suggestions, Moody smiled, picked up a pitcher of water, and filled the glass. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then went on to show that victory in the Christian life is not by “sucking out a sin here and there,” but rather by being filled with the Spirit.

—Mrs. Ruby Miller

BCANA 2007 at Chicago (Flashback)

BCANA Biennial meeting and Burmese Christian Youth and Young Adult Conference

(Click on the image for larger view)

Burmese Christian Association of North America (BCANA) planned to hold Biennial meeting and Youth & Young Adult Conference as following schedules:

Theme for the events:

“The Lord God is My Strength”

(Habakkuk 3:19; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 28:7)

Youth & Young Adult Conference

Date: June 26-28, 2009

(Starts June 26, 12:00 pm and ends June 28, 2:00 pm)

BCANA Biennial Meeting

Date: June 26-29, 2009

(Starts June 26, 5:00 pm – ends June 29, 12:00 pm)

Place: Adoniram Judson Memorial Baptist Church

1272 N. Glendora Ave. Covina, CA 91724

http://www.ajmbc.org/

Registration: $ 25.00 (T-shirt Included)

Conference Speakers:

Bible Study Leader: Rev. U Myo Maw

Devotion Leaders: Saya San Lwin, Rev. Lone-Wah Lazum,

Rev. King Mang, Sayama Aye Aye Thaw

Theme Presentation: Rev. Dr. Biak Hlei Mang, Sayama Hsi Mu Shein

Worship Preachers: Rev. Dr. Yawba Lasaw, Rev. Henry Ang,

Rev. Zauya Lahpai,

Revival Service: Rev. Dr. Latt Yishey

Youth Program: There will be special speakers invited by youth.

Special Programs:

Sightseeing trip on June 27, - 1-5 pm

Talent Show on June 27, 7:00-9:30 pm

Dinner meeting with Burmese Pastors June 28, 5:00-6:30 pm (Facilitator: Rev. Samuel Saw)

Recommended Hotel:

Hampton Inn West Covina (626) 967-5800

BCANA Secretary William Min Sein said, “motel rooms (2 double bed/4 persons) close to the events have been reserved at group rate $89.00 par night. Please book in to get this rate no later than June 3, 2009 under BCANA or William Sein.”

Recommended Airports:

Ontario and LAX Airports are recommended for the easiest

pick-ups for the hosts. For pick-up from airports, please contact Rev. Than Oo (626) 915-7001 and Rev. Livingstone Zan (909) 816-0822.

Please contact William Min Sein at (646) 761-2698 or williamminsein@yahoo.com for information regarding this special event.

In Christ,

Pastor Latt Yishey

President, BCANA

I have been so cruel to you and you were so kind

Lenten Devotional- Day 40

God’s Word: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” (Romans 5:8-10)

Story: We had practiced long and hard for this Annual Easter Musical. Over 200 people were involved in the production. More than a thousand would be coming to each of the four presentations. Orchestra, choir, actors and soloists were involved. A cross stood to the side of the stage. At the final rehearsal, a movie critic and a journalist both said they would score us 9.5 out of 10. However, we did not know that this musical would have a profound effect on one of the main characters in the presentation.

Jay, an amateur actor and a bit arrogant, was asked to be the Roman Centurion who would flog Jesus. Of course, he did not mind. He loved acting. He bragged to friends that he would do a good job beating Jesus. The first presentation went well for Jay. He could distance himself from Jesus on the cross. That night, however, he could not sleep. Memories of the flogging he delivered rushed through his dreams.

The next presentation was not easy for Jay to handle. It was hard to beat a man like Jesus in front of thousands of people. Guilt overcame him. The third presentation was more difficult yet. The audience, still thinking he was a professional actor, were shaken as he whipped Jesus. This time, however, as the blood dripped down from the cross, he suddenly realized that this blood was shed for him. Jay realized that this Jesus was dying on the cross for all the cruel acts he was doing. And Jesus was doing it out of love for His people. As He heard Jesus cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Jay almost broke down in front of the audience. It was hard for him to contain himself and after the drama, he collapsed in anguish.

As Jesus was dragged by his fellow soldiers, the audience detected Jay's voice crackle as he yelled, "Crucify him, hang the man!" He dabbed a tear from his eye. "Jesus" cried out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Then, "It is finished!" The lights cut, the roll of thunder could be heard and it grew very still. All could hear the sobs of the disciples and Mary, kneeling by the cross. Jay, too, was quietly crying out, "Jesus, you did this for me? You died on this old cross so I can have new life? I have been so cruel to you and you were so kind. The blood on my hands was a sacrifice for ME! I'm sorry for what I've done. Forgive me, please! I give you my heart and life. I am finished with my own struggles. I want you as my Savior and Lord!"

It was like the lights went back on for Jay. He could scarcely believe it. He felt like a new man! God had heard his prayer. He had come to know Jesus, at the foot of the cross, in front of a 1,000 people or more. Jesus' blood was meant for him. He wiped another tear and felt joy come over him. As the choir sang the last selection, "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" by Ray Boltz, he knew he had to go tell the pastor, friends and family.- Shared by George Prins

Pray: Today in prayer, give thanks to God for His love and grace which changed your life. Give thanks also for forty days of journey with Jesus by readings of the word of God, prayer and meditation along with other devotional readers.

My Sacrifice Was So Small Compared to His

Lenten Devotional- Day 39

God’s Word: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you," is God's great promise to us”. (Hebrews 13:5)

Story: "I'm a surgeon in the Gold Coast, Australia," said the voice at the other end of the phone. "Your son is just being wheeled into surgery for a major abdominal operation following a surfing accident. I think it best that you and your wife come immediately."

Such words spoken in the middle of the night would be terrifying to any parent. It was 5:40 a.m., Good Friday. Our son, Josh, had been surfing with three friends in Australia for the preceding two months. Earlier that day, toward the end of a ride, the pointed end of the board had stuck into the sand and the blunt end dug into his stomach region, with all the force of the wave behind him. In great agony, he'd managed to crawl back on his board and swim to the lifeguards for help.

The hospital had diagnosed severe abdominal injury, along with the possibility of a broken back. With the likelihood of a ruptured intestine and the resulting leak of toxins into the body, surgery wasn't an option. What can parents do upon receiving such news on the other side of the world, but to get on their knees? I thought of God's love and never-failing presence, especially comforting when feeling helpless. Paul's encouragement to the people of the church at Rome came to mind:

Romans 8:38-39 - For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

When Josh learned of his parents' pending arrival, he was amazed at our dedication to him, that we would fly halfway around the world to be at his bedside.

On that Easter day, as I flew over the Pacific on the way to my son, I thought of our heavenly Father and the great lengths that He would go to, to be with us, holding back nothing, not even His only Son. My "sacrifice" was so small compared to His.

Just as I didn't question my trip to Australia to bring my son home, so too, does the Father not question what it takes to bring each of us home, into an everlasting relationship with Him.

Prayer: Loving God, You reach out to us with open arms, with a love that we so often fail to see. Help us to remember that You are always there for us, and just a prayer away.

Your problem isn't dying; you're already dead

Lenten Devotional- Day 38

God’s Word: "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3).

Story: A pastor visited me a few years ago, and he was in real turmoil. "I've been struggling to live a victorious Christian life for 20 years. I know what my problem is. Colossians 3:3 says: "For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.' I've been struggling all these years because I haven't died like this verse says. How do I die, Neil?"

"Dying is not your problem," I said. "Read the verse again, just a little slower."

"For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.' I know, Neil. That's my problem. I haven't died."

"Read it once again," I pressed, "just a little bit slower."

"For you have died--" and suddenly a light switched on in his understanding. "Hey, that's past tense, isn't it?"

"Absolutely! Your problem isn't dying; you're already dead. You died at salvation. No wonder you've been struggling as a Christian. You've been trying to do something that's already been done, and that's impossible. The death Paul talks about in Colossians 3:3 isn't something God expects you to do; it's something He expects you to know, accept and believe. You can't do anything to become what you already are."

Meditation: Thanks to the incredible redemptive work of Christ in your life, your old self has been replaced by a new self, governed by a new nature, which was not there before (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your old self was destroyed in the death of Christ and your new self sprang to life in the resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). The new life which characterizes your new self is nothing less than the life of Jesus Christ implanted in you (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4). - Dr. Anderson, Freedom

Pray: Today in prayer, thanks Jesus for what He has done for you and me. Meditate upon the journey of Jesus to Calvary, and thanks again for how He suffered there for you and me.