Choose Wisdom--April 2018

Easter Sunday in Chiang Mai

Sharing testimonies at our church dinner

Sher and Rajni doing Reader's Theatre

Proverbs 2:1-6 

"Turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding, and if you call for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you  look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the the knowledge of God, for the LORD gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Proverbs 1:7  "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Knowledge."

Ezra on train ride at mall close to our house

"There are 2 paths before you; you may take only one path.  One doorway is narrow.  And one doorway is wide.  Go through the narrow door.  For the wide door leads to a wide path, and the wide path is broad; the wide, broad, easy path has many, many people on it; but the wide, broad, easy, crowded path leads to death. Now then, that narrow door leads to a narrow road that in turn leads to life.  It is hard to find that road.  Not many people manage it." (Matthew 7:13-14 The Voice)
The Bible makes it clear that there are two paths. Can we keep focused on this thought-- that we are choosing life or death with each decision we make.   And then, of course, the idea that decisions affect only us is a lie.  Sin ensnares not only the sinner but also those in its wake.  We are all leaving a legacy of life or death, blessings or curses (Deuteronomy 30:19).Herein lies our responsibility to choose wisely.  We impact those who follow us.  How are our decisions and actions impacting their lives?  What kind of example are we?

Birthday Celebration with my Bible Study

 "These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David's son, Israel's king--written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going; A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality." Proverbs 1:1-4

I am currently reading a book on the two "women" of Proverbs 1-9--wisdom and folly.  It has really made me think a lot about wisdom and folly--and the choices we make.  This book is by Donna Gaines. (Choose Wisely, Live Fully)  

Cheevit Cheeva--Korean ice cream dish

                                                      Ezra thinks it's quite good!

 We celebrated my birthday with a nice dinner out and this special Korean shaved ice cream.  It was delicious!  As you can see, Ezra would give it a high rating!  Audrey had a special birthday (30th) this year, just a few days after mine.  Matt arranged for a surprise party for her at their home.  

                                                         Audrey's 30th Birthday Party

Donna mentions that our lives are t he product of our choices.  She talked about some people's view of life being like a game show.  A contestant stands before two doors.  She does not know what is behind either door and thinks that her fate relies on guesses, luck, and wishful thinking.  We do not know what each day will hold, but we do know who holds each of our days in the palm of His hand, and as believers in Jesus Christ, we can navigate life with a great deal of certainty.  God has given us His Holy Word to gain wisdom and make wise choices in this life.  The principles of Scripture will guide us--if we are willing to spend time in meditation and study.  The Holy Spirit within us will illuminate and direct our understanding.  

Randy Alcorn wrote in his book, Happiness, "When we seek holiness at the expense of happiness or happiness at the expense of holiness, we lose both the joy of being holy and the happiness birthed by obedience.  God commands holiness, knowing that when we follow His plan, we'll be  happy."

We had a great time with Dave's brother Doug and Cathy

We were very thankful for Doug, Dave's brother and his wife Cathy visiting with us in February.  It was so good to see them and have them see where we live and minister here.  We appreciate them making the trip.  They also spent some time on their own in southern Thailand (the beach) and in Bangkok.  The ox cart ride was part of the "package" at the elephant camp.  I kept asking myself, "Really, I paid money for this?"  It was a unique experience--and I was thankful for that, but it was not the smoothest of rides! :)

Easter dinner for The Gathering

What a joy and blessing from our Heavenly Father that we could be here with sweet Ezra.  He is such a joy as he is growing and developing--and understanding so much more each day.  May we treasure each moment we get to spend with him and Matthew and Audrey.  God is good!  Please pray for Dave and I as we attend the International Church Conference in Vietnam in April.  We will be traveling with our good friends--pastor and wife of the German church here.

Donna Gaines concludes: "We should study God's Word to know Him!  When we approach our time in the Word as an opportunity to commune with the Father we will find ourselves growing in grace and in the knowledge of Him.  We will obtain His wisdom, counsel, and divine direction for living."  Check out the blessings of Wisdom and the curses of Folly in Proverbs  chapters 1-9.  
      "Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them
       on the tablet of your heart.  So you will find favor and good repute in the sight
       of God and man.  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on
       your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make
       your paths straight." (Prov. 3:3-6)
We so covet and value your continued prayers for us as we minister here.  Please pray:

• That we will be salt and light to everyone with whom we come into contact.
• That we will have opportunities to share a reason for the hope we have in Christ.
• For continued good health and strength to do the necessary tasks
• For the Lord's peace and discernment for challenges that arise 
• That we will love and serve the people of our Gathering Church with Christ-like love.
• For Dave as he preaches each Sunday to such a diverse group of people
• For the women in Bible study that we might grow in the knowledge of His Word--and apply it to our lives.  (What good is your faith?)
• Pray that we will gain insight and fresh ideas for ministry with international churches at our conference.
• Please pray for Matthew, Audrey and Ezra as they minister with Faithful Heart Foundation.
• Pray that we will value and treasure the time we have with Matthew, Audrey, and Ezra