Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 10-19-06

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Hebrews 4:14

On Wednesday nights our church is going through the book of Hebrews. It is such an encouragement for me to read and remember how Jesus is better that all who we could compare Him to. He is higher than the angels and better than Moses, for He is both apostle and high priest (3:1). He represents God to us (apostle) and us to God (High Priest). What a blessing and a privilege, that the very Son of God gave His life so that we could know God and be known by Him.

I re-read the sermon "The Weight of Glory" by CS Lewis this week and commented on it in my blog. Another section of this sermon that I didn't comment on, is about being known by God and how that includes welcome, a reception into his presence. Christ humbled himself unto the cross and now acts as our bridge, our High Priest that allows us to be known and received by God. What an amazing and humbling thought. As the writer of Hebrews states, it is motivation for us to hold firmly to our faith!

Nostalgia, Beauty and Longing

The last couple of weeks I have been quite melancholy. It isn't too surprising. Being introspective is very much a part of who God made me to be. And one of the things that I frequently reflect on is longing, that desire for something that lies just beyond your reach.

There are longings that are unhelpful at the least. I can't say that I never get trapped by these, but there is another type of longing that is within every man. We were not created for this fallen world. God has placed eternity in our hearts and there are twinges of this truth within us.

This afternoon I was reading a sermon by C.S. Lewis called "The Weight of Glory." It is a wonderful piece of writing and I would recommend that you read it. I could quote the whole of it as it gives so much to think about, but for now I would like to share a couple of excerpts from quotes that encouraged me today in regard to my longings.

"I am trying to rip open the inconsolable secret in each one of you - the secret which hurts so much that you take your revenge on it by calling it names like Nostalgia and Romanticism and Adolescence...the secret we cannot hide and cannot tell, though we desire to do both. We cannot tell it because it is a desire for something that has never actually appeared in our experience. We cannot hide it because our experience is constantly suggesting it, and we betray ourselves like lovers at the mention of a name. Our commonest expedient is to call it beauty and behave as if that had settled the matter. Wordsworth's expedient was to identify it with certain moments in his own past. But all this is a cheat. If Wordsworth had gone back to those moments in the past, he would not have found the thing itself, but only the reminder of it; what he remembered would turn out to be itself a remembering. The books and music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things - the beauty, the memory of our own past - are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never visited."

"Apparently, then, our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation. And to be at last summoned inside would be both glory and honour beyond all our merits and also the healing of that old ache."

"At present we are on the outside of the world, the wrong side of the door....But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in."

"Meanwhile the cross comes before the crown and tomorrow is a Monday morning. A cleft has opened in the pitiless walls of the world, and we are invited to follow our great Captain inside. The following Him is, of course, the essential point."

Journey, update 10-10-06

"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying, 'One sows and another reaps' is true. John 4:35-37

I've been thinking about seasons lately. As fall unfolds my thoughts have turned to the harvest. In the physical world around us it is easy to see when it is time for harvesting a crop. We can plan, four months until the harvest, for we know the growing cycles of our crops. In the spiritual realm it is a little different. Jesus was pointing out to the disciples that they had missed all the signs. The prophets had pointed to that very moment. The seeds had been sown, Jesus was center stage and there was a harvest waiting. The season of the harvest began with the advent of Jesus Christ and the final harvest waits for His return. In the time in-between there are many fields growing at different rates.

Here in my adopted country I long to see the time of the harvest. But right now seeds are still being planted and the crop is still growing. Some grow quickly and are harvested for eternal life, but with the patience of a farmer the seeds must continue to be sown and the fields tended until the day when the Lord makes the greater field ripe for harvest.

Fall colors, pumpkins and memories...

Fall takes the place of priviledge as my favorite season. I enjoy the crisp cool air. I find the chill in the mornings and evenings refreshing. I love the smell of leaves burning and fall baking. And I enjoy the colors. Here in Hungary the leaves have begun their seasonal show changing from green to a variety of browns and golds. They lack the brillant red, but a beautiful crimson vine grows here that adds red to the season.

Apart from the weather and the scenic display, Fall remains my favorite season because of my memories. One of my favorite childhood memories is walking from my home to my grandparents home. In my memories the sky is blue from the winds that pushed away the morning fog. The streets of our small town were lined with beautiful trees that put on all the colors of the season. There was often the lingering scent of leaves being burned mixed with the memory of pumpkin pie waiting at the end of the journey.

When I attended High School a frequently played country song crooned a refain that said "the song remembers when." It talked about memories forgotten or set aside until a song that was linked to that memory started to play and then you remembered as if you were there in that time or place.

I was listening to a random selection of songs this week and a song started playing that took me back to the year I bought my house in Florida. In my mind I was suddenly back in my front yard, raking up oak leaves on an unusually cool Saturday in October. I remembered all of the dreams that I had for my life. I finally had my own home. I had a job that I loved and I could remember my complete contentment in that moment. (Believe it or not I actually even like raking leaves).

All of a sudden I found myself very homesick and wondering what in the world I was doing half-way around the world from a life and people that I love. So, I decided I needed a distraction. I made pumpkin cookies, from scratch. (No canned pumpkin here, they actually turned out really well). It was nice to do some Fall baking and it gave me time to think.

Sometimes I find myself mourning the life that I left behind. And it's ok. There are sacrifices to this life. But God was also so gracious to remind me of His character, His love and the reason I have chosen the path that I am following. I'm going to miss Fall in my own home, with my oak tree leaves and my family close by. But Christ is in every way worth the sacrifice. So I'll cherish the memories, enjoy the pumpkin cookies and press on to toward the goal for which Christ has called me.

A Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day?

"I went to sleep with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Have you ever had one of those days where Murphy's Law reminds you that it is alive and well? This morning was one of those days and it is only 10:30 AM.

It started with my kitten. He got into my cupboard where I keep my dishtowels. Then there was this loud noise from outside and he got scared, tangled in the towels and he lost the ability to control his bladder. SO, I gather all my dishtowels and head for the washing machine. I start the washer and head to the bedroom to iron my clothes for the day. I also lit a candle to counteract the smell I now have in my nose.

When I walked back down the hallway I found that I am now standing in several inches of water. My freshly ironed pants are soaking up water and I am staring at the hose from the washing machine as water pours onto my floor. I grab some towels and try to stem the tide of water. Yuck.

So I get the majority of the water up and I get my mop out. I turn around and the end of the mop knocks my candle off the shelf. (It is a small room!) I grab for it just as it comes in contact with my shower curtain. It just singes the curtain as I get the flame out, but the candle itself is broken and now hot wax is everywhere, burning my hand (not bad) and coating everything including my flat iron which has fallen off the shelf and broken (sad).

So I get the major mess of water and wax cleaned up. I'll have to figure out how to move the washer later because there is sure to be water under it and later mildew. But I now I have to change (into wrinkled clothes - no time to iron) and I'm already going to be at least a half hour late for school. I grab the gel to put in my hair, no time to really try make it behave. The bottle top is loose and now I have really greasy looking hair. Augh.

By the time I change and look at the clock again I realize that with the time it takes to get there I'm going to be well over an hour late. I HATE to be late, especially when I have greasy hair and wrinkled clothes. I'm grumpy, haven't eaten (which never helps the grumpiness) and I am in no mood to face Hungarian. Which really is a shame since I spent hours on my homework last night and think I wrote a pretty decent assignment. But rather than add the morning's frustration to lessons that are going pretty well I decided to stay home, spend some extra time this morning in conversation with the Lord who controls the whole universe as well as Murphy's Law mornings and then study extra hard on my own.

So I guess I won't move to Australia (you have to read the book). And maybe it won't be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day in the end.

Where He Leads Me

September 30, 2006

Sometimes God takes me down paths that I probably wouldn't have chosen for myself. Paths where I feel unequal to the task, unprepared for the road before me.

I want to share an entry from a devotional I have been reading. The entry below from "Voices of the Faithful" powerfully captures the essence of my thoughts over this past year. BTW - I recommend this devotional highly.

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"Call" is a word often reserved for great and lofty aspirations. The words describing the experience of God's call are not easily found. The word "missionary" can bring about the same thoughts as "call." Christians sometimes see missionaries as superhumans who are so perfect in their spiritual walks that God pulls them out of the mundane to do extraordinary things.

In my case, that's not true. The mission call in my life has been the most humbling experience I have ever had. Why? Because I've come face to face with expectations and have fallen short. God knows full well who I am, but sometimes I still wonder if He knows how vulnerable and frail my faith is.

I'm a new missionary, green and wet behind the ears. I haven't seen a whole village accept Christ or thousands baptized in a row. I don't even know the language yet! And I'm a little scared, becuase I don't want to fail God. I don't want to fail my spouse, my kids, or all those wonderful saints who are praying for my family. I especially don't want to fail the people I've come to help.

It's hard to remember that it's not me who has to do the work, but that I am just supposed to be available to God so He can do His work. I'm realizing that I don't have to be a superhuman to do God's will, but I do need a heart that trust Him where He leads me.

Written by Nicole, in Africa (Devotion for September 22nd)

Journey, an update 9-30-06

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9a

This verse was an encouragement to me this week. How encouraging it is that God is looking for the one who needs His strength. It is interesting that in the context of the passage the verse is used as a rebuke to the King, Asa, who acted foolishly and chose to rely on men rather than on God. May it never be said of me. I want to keep my eyes fixed on Him from whom my help comes.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 9-21-06

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

This verse has been rolling around in my mind for awhile now. The particular reason it has stayed with me is the phrase, "a voice behind you." God gives us His Word to teach us about His will. He gives us the Holy Spirit to provide checks and nudges in our life. And He often asks us to step out in faith. He told Abraham to step out and go to a land that He would show Him. Sometimes God asks us to move out and once we are moving then we hear His voice behind us, confirming "this is the way."

I must admit that I would prefer a roadmap, marked with the destination, route and convenient stopping points along the way. Sometimes following His will here in Hungary seems so vague. I am often functioning, not based on a list of activities, but on a selection of opportunities. It is comforting to know that God holds the roadmap and keeps me on track even when I step out uncertain of what lies ahead.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 9-13-06

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25-26

I mentioned in my update e-mail last week that I had a gas leak in my apartment. I had known about it and been working on getting it fixed for weeks but hadn't been able to get anything done about it. I was able to have my parents send a Carbon Monoxide monitor with my friend who was coming to visit. I wasn't too surprised when the alarm went off as soon as I plugged it in, but I was surprised at how high the reading was.

The whole process got me thinking about how Co2 is a silent killer. You can't see it or smell it and the effects of it sneak up on you. Slowly over the last month the air that I breath, the air that gives me life, was being removed from my apartment by an asphyxiating gas. You know that it often happens in my spiritual life as well? Slowly over time, without my even noticing, Jesus, who is the source of my life, can be slowly removed from my day to day thoughts and activities. Sometimes Jesus is pushed from the center of my being to the outskirts. He waits on the sidelines for me to realize that trying to live in my own strength is like breathing high levels of Co2. It compromises my very ability to live and I don't even realize that it is happening.

I am glad for the Holy Spirit, my alarm system, who warns me when I am breathing in dangerous substances rather than living in the true life that Christ provides.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 9-6-06

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Just down the street from where I live they are tearing down an apartment building. As I walk by I can see into rooms that used to house families, I can see doors hanging off hinges and most disconcerting, I see stairways that lead to nowhere. If you were on the stairway going down you end at a 6 story drop and if you were going up there is no more roof, just the sky.

I was thinking this week about those broken stairways. Standing on one of those steps you would be trapped, with nowhere to go. Mankind is in that same position, but Jesus bridges the gap between men and God. He becomes the stairs that allow us to reach our destination. While the building with gaping holes and broken stairs inspires thoughts of sadness, the thought of How Jesus made a way for us brings such joy. He is the way and He can build something new and wonderful when we surrender our life to Him.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 8-30-06

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

But God is so much more than a list of do's and don'ts. He is Holy and desires for us to live in holiness, but He is also grace and mercy. Christ is the one who gave himself in our place, His mercy granting God justice for sin and our forgiveness. It is so much beyond what any man can imagine that we don't have to earn our standing with God. To accept that gift is precious. And then to live as imitators of that love is our response. It isn't as clear cut as a directive of do exactly this, but it is so much better. The God who created us has a specific and special plan for each of our lives and we find that plan by simply imitating Him and walking in His love.

It is a good reminder to me as I look at where God has brought me from and what He has brought me to. He is leading me in that same love that sacrificed on my behalf and my job is to imitate Him and live a life of love.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 8-22-06

This is what the LORD says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16

The devotional book that I am reading has been focusing on contentment as the theme for August. As I have been reading the stories and thoughts and prayers of others I have been greatly challenged, humbled and encouraged. I have read about contentment in want and contentment in plenty, about contentment in the midst of blessing and in the midst of sorrow. But the overall message that I have seen is that contentment comes from an eternal view. It is seeing the Big Picture and evaluating life in perspective.

I thought about the verse above and how God says to find the good way and walk in it. The good way leads to truth and hope and a promise of eternity in the presence of the Lord who loves us and gave Himself for us. I lose sight of how to be content when I take my eyes off of the destination and the goal and see only the short stretch of road before me. Or sometimes I see only the path that is behind me and all the other paths that I can not go back and travel. When I take my eyes off the big picture my soul is burdened and my heart is heavy. I want to see with eternal eyes and walk in the good way. And the key to the puzzle? God says to ask. I need to be asking God to lead and guide me, to teach me to obey and walk in the right way. Then I can have rest and contentment whatever my circumstances.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 8-9-06

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." John 7:37b-38

I've been rereading a book called Splash the Living Water by Esther Burroughs. The first chapter impacted me the same way this time as it did the last time I read it. The message repeated throughout the chapter: "...And she was thirsty."

How often do I look around and see people involved in normal, everyday activities and forget that many of them are dying of thirst. Many are thirsty and don't even realize that they are trying to quench their thirst with things that only dehydrate them in the end. But there are some, who search for the drink to quench their thirst, who are looking for the living water. Am I aware of their thirst? Am I aware of those moments when God puts them into my path so that I can offer them a drink? May I see with His eyes and stand with glass in hand so that the sentence may read, ...and she was thirsty, but now her thirst is quenched by the streams of living water."

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 8-2-06

The Jews were amazed and asked, "How did this man get such learning without having studied?" Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me." John 7:15-16a

I want to share with you a quote and some of my recent thoughts that relate to it.

"The Bible is not a book for the faint of heart - it is a book full of all the greed and glory and violence and tenderness and sex and betrayal that befits mankind. It is not a collection of pretty little anecdotes mouthed by pious little church mice - it does not so much nibble at our shoe leather as it cuts to the heart and splits the marrow from the bone. It dies not give us answers fitted to our small-minded questions, but truth that goes beyond what we even know to ask." Rich Mullins.

Are you ever surprised by what God says and how He speaks to a room full of people, but really He is speaking just to you? Are you ever amazed at how the Word that you have heard maybe a thousand times can go straight to your heart and penetrate the depth of your soul? I am amazed by the teaching of Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of the Word of God. It is like a mirror into my very soul, used to refine my life and make mold me into the woman that I long to be. And I am astounded when I see God take His Word and use it to change other people's lives as well as my own.

I was reminded this week of the power of the Word. The message it contains can change the life of the lowest of low who is so far gone that society doesn't even acknowledge his/her existence. And the truth it reveals can change the life of the person who appears to have it all together but is trapped by the mask of success that they wear. It is the message that gives hope to the broken and joy to the rescued. It is God's gift to us and I urge you, even as I remind myself, that if we will seek God in the pages of His Word then He will meet us there.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 7-26-06

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deed among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise! 1 Chronicles 16:8,10,23-25a

My thoughts are swirling around in my head today. I am in awe of our great God.

I stand in awe of what sacrifice He made to show his great love for us.

I am captivated by this love that seeks me, this love that draws men out of darkness to light.

A love so great that it doesn't wait for a response. A love that pursues us and gives hope to those lost in despair.

How great is our God that He chooses to love us! He is so worthy to praised and I will proclaim among the nations what He has done!

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 7-17-06

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." John 6:28-29.

This is what we desire for the campers that we are working with. That they will realize that the work that God requires from them is belief in the saving work of Jesus.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 7-7-06

Wait for the LORD; be strong, take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

"Where God's glory is gaining a foothold, Satan will not sit idle. Die to self.... Be desperate and dependent. Walk by faith, embrace the unknown and watch the deliverance of God."*

God is teaching me more and more what it means to be desperate and dependent on Him. I wait for the Lord and wait to see His glory revealed.

*From Voices of the Faithful, July 1

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 6-28-06

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. Eph. 1:7-8a

How great is his mercy and how immeasurable the love of our God! May I learn to live in that love, giving grace and demonstrating love to a world in desperate need of redemption.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 6-21-06

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. 2 Timothy 2:8a

Last Sunday the sermon was on this verse and it went straight to the core of all my thoughts. Remember Jesus Christ. Doesn't that put all of life in perspective? When life isn't exactly as you want it to be, evaluate it in light of Jesus. Remember who He is and what He has done. Remember that He is alive and able! He is raised from the dead. Remember that he was also descended from David. He walked this earth as a man. He understands the struggles we encounter. Remember Jesus Christ. Great advice for Timothy and for me.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 6-1-06

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

I love the whole chapter of 2 Corinthians 5. The chapter begins by talking about how we long to be taken to be with God, that we are awaiting our true home. And while we wait we "make it our goal to please him." Yesterday in church I listened to the testimony of a woman who was paralyzed, from just below the arms down, when she was just 15. I listened to her talk of her journey to find God, her struggles with her situation, her anger and how she found grace to go on. It was very convicting. I kept thinking of all the little things that I complain about (in my head, even if I never say it out loud). I was challenged once again to find that "first love." To remember what it is like, when in awe of the love demonstrated on the cross, I make every effort to please Him. My desire is to live no longer for myself, but only and always for him. And living for Him is a daily choice of putting aside my flesh, which has died, and picking up His life, choosing to cloth myself in His grace. This is my prayer and I believe the challenge for everyone who seeks to follow in His steps.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 5-22-06

Jesus Replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. Luke 9:58

Rich Mullins wrote a song some years ago that said, "And You did not have a home, there were places You visited frequently...but You did not have a home...birds have nests, foxes have dens, but the hope of the whole world rests on the shoulders of a homeless man."

I've been thinking about the definition of a sojourner today and by my own description of myself (Sojourner is my e-mail name) I am only a temporary resident. I'm just passing through. Just like Jesus. He came to do a job, he never planned to stay. He came to go to the cross to show us the depth of the Father's love. He was "homeless" by choice as He left His home in heaven to sojourn upon the earth. What an example He set!

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 5-14-06

I will exalt you, my God and King: I will praise your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. Ps 145:1-5

"The wonder of the cross shall be my meditation.* " I've loved the this song and particularly this opening line from the first time that I heard it. I've been thinking a great deal about the meditations of the heart recently. Sometimes, I find myself trusting in my own strength, rather than in the indwelling power of Christ, simply because I am not meditating on Him but instead I'm thinking about me. What do I need to do today? How am I going to accomplish this or that. How am I....

The simple truth is that if I want to make the right choices, if I want people to see Christ in me overflowing from me, then I must let Christ be my mediation. Fixing my eyes on Jesus, wrapping my thoughts constantly in His truth, the reminders of His goodness, the evidences of his grace. So today, the wonder of the cross and of the One who loved his enemies enough to die for them shall be my meditation.

*The Wonder of Your Cross, Robin Mark, Revival in Belfast II

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 5-4-06

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:14-15

With my background, growing up in a "Christian" nation and hearing Bible stories from the time of my earliest childhood, sometimes I forget how radical the message of Jesus was in his day and still is today. I was reading the verse referenced above and I wondered if the people carrying the coffin stood still out of pure shock. Touching a coffin, having contact with death, made a person unclean in the eyes of the law. How it must of shocked them when Jesus walked up and touched the coffin! But Jesus did the miraculous. Instead of taking the uncleanness of death onto himself, in His holiness he gave life back to the boy turning the unclean to clean, and bringing life from death.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 4-27-06

A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Luke 6:17b-19

As I was reading this passage I was captured by the description of power coming from Jesus. The people recognized that there was power in Jesus to heal them and they sought him out, following him all over the region to be touched by that power. Today, the multitudes don't seek Jesus. They have been blinded to the power that is within him, the power available to touch and heal their lives. And that is the reason I am here in Hungary, that I may share the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the POWER of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

But too often I think that I am so "familiar" with Jesus that I fail to remember the power that is in Him. Power to bring light from darkness. Power to work evil plans for good. Power to heal, cleanse and forgive. Power to change lives. If I will remember the power in the name of Jesus then I can rest assured that He is able to work out His plan even when I do not see the results and I can be encouraged that He will accomplish all that He desires.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 4-18-06

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down...Since ancient times no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:1a,4

This week as I reflected about the sacrifice of the cross I thought of all the years that passed after the exile from the garden spent waiting for redemption to arrive. I read about Simeon and Anna waiting in the temple to see God's promised redeemer. Imagine them, these two individuals symbolic of so many people, their very lives spent waiting, yearning to see the one who would bring forgiveness. And as I thought of the cross I was again awed by the sacrifice and the love of the Savior. How amazing that we have a God who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him! God, whose love is so personal and so deep that He gave His Son for our Redemption.

I also reflected on of Isaiah 65 where God says that He revealed himself to those who did not ask for him and was found by a people who did not seek
Him. And I thought about Hungary, a people who do not know Him, and of all those who do not seek Him. And I pray that even these people, who are not looking for Him, that they will find redemption in His name.

A friend sent me a CD and I've been listening to it over and over and contemplating the truths revealed. Most of you know that I God designed me to grasp truth in a deep way through music and allegory. The song that has been on my heart this week is by Caedmon's Call and it says, "Can you tell me the story, of all of your Glory, and your rising again. 'Cause I'm in love with the mystery, of how our sad history, can turn out for good."

A godly man once told me that when he is old and dying that he doesn't want people to tell him that everything will be ok, but he wants them to tell him the story of Jesus. This week it was so good to bask in the story of the Redeemer. To see the ugliness, the hatred, the rebellion, the perversions and the bitterness of man compared to the unfailing love of God. To see the love so deep, the mercy so rich and free, the grace that is greater than all my sin. "Can you tell me the story? I need to hear it again. I need to hear it again."

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 4-6-06

What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked him. Mark 10:51

I find this passage in Mark interesting. Knowing the man's need Jesus could have walked directly over to the roadside where Bartimaeus was begging, but he didn't. He continued passing by until Bartimaeus called out, above the protests of the crowd. I love verse 49, where the same crowd who had rebuked him for crying out tells him to cheer up because Jesus is calling him. The directive, cheer up, makes me think that his cries must have evidenced his desperation.

And Jesus knew exactly what this blind man desired, but he asked "what do you want me to do for you?"

The patience of our God is an amazing thing. He will wait and he will pass by the place where you are a hundred times waiting for you to recognize your need. He knows that we need Him, but he waits. Will we set aside our pride and come in humility and faith to make our need known to Him? He is waiting, asking "what do you want me to do for you?"

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 3-30-06

When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him. Mark 9:14-15

This verse caught my attention this week. Sandwiched between the transfiguration and the child with the demon it would be easy to overlook, but the word "wonder" caught my eye. The people were overwhelmed with wonder when they saw Jesus. It reminded me of a quote, a prayer, that I would like to share with you.

"Dear Lord, grant me the grace of wonder. Surprise me, amaze me, awe me in every crevice of your universe. Delight me to see how Your Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not His, to the Father through the features of men's faces. Every day enrapture me with Your marvelous things without number. I ask not to see the reason for it all; I ask only to share the wonder of it all." Rabbi Heschel (Quoted in Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel)

May you see the wonder of the mystery of the love of Christ evident in your life today.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 3-22-06

And because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Eph 2:4-7

I heard a really wonderful reminder of the great grace of God in a sermon last Sunday. God knew exactly what I needed to hear. Sometimes I forget how much God loves me. I forget that He loves me just as I am and that it is not what I can do that makes me precious in His site.

The great mercy and love of God is a mystery that I can not begin to fathom, yet it is a mystery that gives my soul rest. God's love is so wide and so deep that it follows me to the very end of the earth, from the lowest valley to highest mountain top. His love gives me a reason to sing when I am weary and his great mercy makes me fall on my knees with gratitude that a God so great would plan the reconciliation that I have received through the cross of Jesus Christ.

I heard a phrase in song this week that has been the refrain in my head today. "God's compassion is my story, it is my boasting all the day. Mercy free and never failing, moves my will, directs my way." May the mercy of God direct my steps and may the world see the amazing, abounding, endless love of the God who loves me and the God who loved them even before they drew their first breath.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 3-16-06

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart, before the "gods" I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and faithfulness, When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and stouthearted. May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth. May they sing of the ways of the LORD for the glory of the LORD is great. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, your love, O LORD endures forever... Ps 138 1-5, 8a

By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me - a prayer to the God of my life. Ps 42:8

The loving-kindness of the Lord our God is great. It is amazing how He is able to work with the frail human heart to bring Glory to His Name.I am amazed how He answers when I call and how He strengthens me with His strength and power when my own strength has no ability to carry me through life.

He is my Rock and my Refuge. He even gives me the song of His love that becomes my prayer back to Him.My prayer is that He will be glorified, in me and among the nations, that all would know His compassionate love and His great mercy. I long for the day where His name and His renown is the song of every man, woman and child.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 3-8-06

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, His love endures forever." Ps. 136

If you have a chance take some time to read this Psalm this week.

What an amazing description of the many, many ways that God's love and goodness endure toward us!

How amazing that God's love endures, in spite of our weaknesses, failures, rebellions and wandering hearts.

He is so good.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 3-1-06

"Let's get one obstacle out of the way quickly: our erroneous belief that God's will for us is tighter, narrower, more constrained and certainly more boring than our own. We have allowed the thief of humanism to convince us that God's will is sacrificial at best. God's will for our lives is so much broader than ours that the two are incomparable." Beth Moore, Voice of the Faithful, March foreword

I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free. Ps 119:32

I read this quote and this scripture within hours of each other and it set my mind to pondering. First, I reflected on the quote. How true it is that I often believe that God's will for me is less (more difficult and less rewarding) than what I would have chosen, when in truth it is so much more wonderful, that I can't even begin to imagine the fullness of it!

Then I thought about how I look at the Scripture and the Christian life. The Psalmist says that he runs in the path of God's commands. I could envision when I used to turn my horse loose in the arena after she had been cooped up in a stall for days. She would run, exploding into action, as soon as I turned her loose. Her head high, tail extended, she would eat up the ground full of the joy of freedom. I think that perhaps my small view of God's will for my life means that I generally walk, sometimes crawl and at best jog in the path of His commands. But I seldom RUN. But I want to run in the path of His commands, for the life and the freedom that He has given me is beyond measure.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 2-22-06

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and glory.Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. Ps 63:1-4

I mentioned previously that I have been surprised at the adjustment necessary coming from a humid climate to a dry climate. I never expected this challenge as I still remember how it took me months to adjust to living in a humid climate when I first moved to Florida. :) Since I have been in Hungary my body has been thirsty! My skin is dry and I use a great deal of lotion. My hair is dry and I am using extra conditioner. My eyes are dry and I am using extra eye solution for my contacts. I even bought a humidifier for my room. My body longs for moisture. I was thinking about that feeling as I read this verse. I won't be satisfied with just a drink of water, my whole body is thirsty for moisture. In the same way, I thirst for God. My whole being longs for his goodness, his grace, his mercy and his love. And I don't just want a little drink of Him. I want to be immersed in Him!

His love truly is better than life and I long to glorify Him.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 2-15-06

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God - Eph 1:1a

By the will of God. A powerful statement.

Have you ever thought about the fact that you are who you are by the will of God?

Paul was an apostle by the will of God. I am serving in Hungary by the will of God. You are where God has led you by His will and His plan.

Nothing happens outside of God's sovereign will. He designs circumstances and allows circumstances for His glory and our good.

I was thinking this morning about one of my favorite quotes about Aslan from the Narnia chronicles by C.S. Lewis.

"Safe? Who said anything about safe? 'Course He isn't safe. But he's good."

As I've looked at the world around me this week it is good to remember that God's will for my life might not be safe and comfortable but whatever He has for me is ultimately good because He is good.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 2-7-06

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... Heb. 12:2a

I heard a great sermon last Wednesday about the basic strategy behind our enemies attacks. No matter whether the attack comes from within our circle of friends or from outside or through the circumstances we find ourselves in, the goal of the attack is to get us to take our eyes off of Jesus.

I've been thinking this week about how often and how easily I take my eyes off Jesus. When I get frustrated with language study, when things don't go the way I think they should, when I am running behind and my bus doesn't come...etc, I often find I have taken my eyes off Jesus and have them on some other thing. It only takes a moment for my perspective to change. In fact, even when I am focusing on keeping my eyes on Jesus I am surprised to realize how often my eyes have somehow drifted to a situation instead.

Thank the Lord for his infinite patience with me! Just think of how amazing life could be if I really did "FIX" my eyes on Jesus, every moment of every day. This is my prayer.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 1-31-06

How is it you don't understand...then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matt. 16:11a,12

In this passage the disciples misunderstand Jesus' meaning. I was thinking about language learning this week and how if you don't know one word, or don't understand the options for alternative usage of a word, you can get the whole meaning of the sentence wrong. As I looked at this passage I was thinking that even more than that, you can understand the language and still miss the real meaning. How many people have read the Bible but missed the message of the cross, never understanding that they can accept the free gift of salvation?

I am praying that God speaks to my heart the truth of His word. That I won't just see the surface of His teaching but will continually learn of the height and depth and length and breadth of who He is. I am also praying that I will have opportunities to share the good news of Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf and that my communication will be clearly understood.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 1-23-06

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matt. 11:28-29

Physically I haven't been feeling great this week and I was definitely feeling weary when I read this verse yesterday. The first thing that caught my attention was the word REST. All of the changes of living in a new country, from climate to language to culture and everything in between can be draining, physically and emotionally. Rest sounded pretty nice. :) Then I thought about the rest of the verse. Specifically the phrase, "Learn from me." What an example our Lord set! During his ministry on earth he was living in a land stained with sin. That alone must have made him weary. He was constantly the center of attention, both from people who longed to be near him and his enemies who wanted to destroy him. You can't read the Scriptures without realizing that his days must have been physically challenging. "Learn from me." Jesus had his focus on his Father's will and on His Father's heart. Gentle, Humble, Full of Love....

I need rest for my soul and I need to find it by seeking Jesus and His example. My desire is to know Him more - to love Him more. I have nothing to give unless it first comes from Him.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 1-17-06

When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matt. 8:10

I've read this verse many times in my life but when I read this recently I paused. The word "astonished" stood out to me. Jesus was astonished with the faith of the Centurion. What a commendation!

I started thinking about how small my faith can be. A million times over God has proven Himself faithful in my life. A million times over He has come through upholding every promise that He has made. Yet, sometimes I let fear rule and I don't allow faith to guide my thoughts and actions. I want to have the faith that this Centurion had, faith that God is powerful. Faith that by His Word, God will accomplish all that He has planned. Faith that I can trust His plans for me today and tomorrow and forever.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 1-9-06

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Heb. 12:1

This week after all the joy of having my parents here for Christmas and all the fun, I came back to the reality of life in a strange land. One day in particular I was feeling pretty down. I was walking to the bus stop and the sky was gray, it was raining, the snow was all melting, I was wet and cold and feeling sorrowful over the separation from my family and friends. Then God whispered to me "look, there is a great cloud of witnesses around you calling to you to just hold on."

The thought was so powerful that I almost stopped right there on the steps to the bus platform and looked around to see them. All those faithful men and women who have traveled this road before me, those who have fought the fight and finished the race are watching. What a GOOD GOD that I serve to provide just the right encouragement when I need it! The melancholy I was feeling wasn't gone but my focus was changed. I am in the middle of a battle for the souls of men and women and battles require sacrifice and determination. What a powerful reminder that this isn't a short sprint to the finish line on a smooth track but an endurance race over many miles of rough terrain. And I am not alone. Along the race course there are fans cheering me on, there are saints and angels watching from heaven, there are saints on earth praying for me and providing encouragement and there is my Lord, taking my hand and reminding me that in the end, it will be worth it all.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 1-1-06

Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Sam. 7:18b

The above verse was in my devotional yesterday and it reflects my thoughts as I venture into 2006. I don't know why God has chosen me to be His own child and I don't know why He has called me to be His representative in Hungary but I am so very grateful that He loves me with an unending love and that He chooses to work in and through me for His glory.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 12-20-05

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Such a beautiful sacrifice! The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. This Christmas I have been thinking about what that meant to Jesus, to leave heaven and make his dwelling in the flesh, among men. That He came down to us and allowed us a glimpse of His glory, that He gave himself for us to become our reconciliation with the Father, that is the gift that makes Christmas so special.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 12-12-05

'Listen, O High priest Joshua and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. See the stone I have set in front of Joshua! There are seven eyes on that one stone and I will engrave an inscription on it,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.' Zechariah 3:8-9

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

I've always loved Christmas. The tree, the lights, the music, the joy...what a wonderful thing to celebrate our Redeemer's advent on earth. But the thing that I love most about Christmas is the amazing love of God. For Christmas is really all about the cross. From the angel's announcement to Joseph it was clear that as amazing as the birth of God in the flesh was, it wasn't the birth that was the focus, it was the purpose of the advent. It is the very meaning of His name! He would save his people from their sins. His death would remove the power of sin, in a single day, in a single act, but the sacrifice began at the manger. That overwhelming love, giving of Himself, being made in human likeness, being born with the cross in mind, dying that we might live, THAT is worth all the praise and glory and wonder that we can give to Him. What a wonderful gift. What a wonderful Savior.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 12-2-05

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. Ps. 119:73-74

This verse struck me in my reading this week. "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me." What a statement! The author is asking God for understanding of his word and then asks that those who love God would see him and rejoice because of what God has done in his life. The psalmist trusts God by putting his hope in God's word and wants it to be so noticeable that it brings rejoicing in the lives of other believers. This is a desire of my heart. As I learn to follow my Savior, as He leads me step by step, may I bring Glory to His name and rejoicing among the saints!

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 11-21-05

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Eph. 1:16

This Thanksgiving week I have so much to be thankful for!

GRACE - What an amazing thing to have grace for every failure! God's grace is more than I can truly comprehend!

LOVE - The Love of God far surpasses my understanding. Love that gave His only Son in my place. Love that doesn't measure by human accomplishments. Love that is poured out on even the most unworthy in fullness and reckless abandon. Oh THE LOVE OF GOD leaves me overwhelmed for the joy of receiving such a gift.

YOU - If you are receiving this e-mail then you have had an impact on my life and I am so thankful for you. For my family who have cared for me, for friends who have come alongside me, for supporters who give so that I can follow God's call, for prayer warriors who fight Spiritual Battles so that God can work through me in this place...YOU are my praise and my thanksgiving to God. As Paul wrote in Ephesians, "I have not stopped giving thanks for you."

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 11-10-05

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Eph. 1:18-19a

In my reading this week I was challenged to take a deeper look into what motivates me. What is it that maintains my passion to follow Christ when the day is rough? What is it that keeps my faith alive, living and active? What is it that makes me want to traverse all the obstacles in my path and not simply take the easy road?

HOPE. The hope of glory. The hope of the kingdom where all is right with the world and Christ reigns. The hope of my inheritance. The hope of others joining with me in this great promise. What is it that makes me want to pursue Christ wherever He leads? Not merely head knowledge of these truths but the HOPE of them. Hope is a word that implies a future fulfillment. I could also substitute the word anticipation. The anticipation of glory, of heaven, of the kingdom, of my inheritance.

As I face so many changes and challenges, this thought has been a powerful reminder. Why am I here? It is because I have a hope that gets me up in the morning, keeps me going through the day and gives me peace when I lay my head down at night. It is because I have been called to hope. I have been given an inheritance that I can anticipate more than a child anticipates Christmas morning, for this hope will never disappoint. The inheritance that I have is worth sharing. The anticipation of the kingdom is worth living for, in spite of all the obstacles here and now.

My hope for you...that you may live in the anticipation of your inheritance and desire to share the joy of this great gift with everyone around you.

Journey, an update from Rachelle Sperling 10-18-05

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins . Colossians 1:13-14

What an amazing and precious truth! From the depths of the darkest dungeon of the ruler of darkness, from the bondage of the chains of my own sin, God has delivered me! He brought me out of darkness, filth