A Test of Spiritual Maturity

During a recent trip to Washington, DC, my precious wife pointed out this quote engraved in a newly opened memorial. Feeling greatly inspired, my camera was quickly retrieved. However, this quote should be modified with a challenge not to the stamina of man but rather an introspective view of one’s spiritual standing that stems from one’s relationship with Christ. For the ultimate test of one’s Spiritual maturity and relationship with Christ is his response to the trials of life.

How convenient it is to talk the talk and even walk the walk of a follower of Christ when the pastures are green and the waters are still. However, the ultimate test lies not amidst such times of comfort but when walking through the valley of the shadow of death. It is at those times when fear is on the rise, men’s hearts failing them, in the face of failure, when rejection is all around that the measure of one’s spiritual maturity is tested to the core. Who are you really following and for what purpose?

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We recently had the joy of hearing the testimony of a young Korean father who works in evangelism here in the United States. Five years ago, the Lord led him to this country as a missionary. With much fear and trepidation and yet a faith in the Lord and reliance upon God’s Word, he commenced a season of training for the work God had called Him to.  Two weeks into the training, great fear, discouragement, and doubt began to overwhelm his soul. Here he was, all alone in a new country, amidst new people and a new culture. How he longed to be back in the safety of his Korean comfort zone on the other side of the world. How he longed for relief. Fear and anxiety began to build. However, not knowing where to turn but unto His Lord and Savior, he cried out, and with tears streaming down his face, this young man poured out His heart to the only One who could help. And God encouraged His heart. Through the grace of God, he pressed forward against his feelings, enduring the hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. God had called Him to this work and God would lead Him through.

And to God be the glory for now five years later, hundreds of people, families,  and communities have been reached with the Gospel and many Christians and churches equipped and discipled to go forth bearing the precious seed of the Word. Why? because one man chose to press on by faith though through the pathway of adversity. This is Spiritual maturity!

What is God calling you to walk through? Press on fellow Christian! God’s will for your life will not lead you where His grace cannot keep you.

Consider your Perspective

The Washington DC cherry blossoms are a beautiful reminder of the rewards that come from looking at life from a new perspective. The countless unique photos that are taken every year as people meander around the DC tidal basin is truly amazing. Below are but a few of the different perspectives one can obtain of the blossoms & monuments of DC.

How are you walking through life – from what perspective, through what lens? How prone we are to view life, view blessing, trials, people, etc from our ever so limited vantage point. Or perhaps through the lens of fear, pain, mistrust, envy, discontentment, etc. However, it is when we climb up upon the Rock that is higher than our circumstances and see through the lens of God’s Word and from His vantage point that we begin to understand how His Sovereign hand works through people and events in our life to form the character of Christ in us. .

He is at work on behalf of His children conforming them into the image of His Son – all things work together for good. He makes all things beautiful in His perfect time!

Towards the Victor’s Crown

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal. 6:9) Consider for a moment your state in the race of life. Are you pressing on? Are you distracted or entangled? Are you weary? Do you fear what lies ahead? 

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal. 5:7-9)

Consider what may be hindering you from pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. Brethren, “…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

My precious wife and I left the first Family Encouragement Weekend this year inspired and motivated to press on. With only a few months of marriage behind us, the teaching we received provided powerful insights into building upon the foundation which was established in our marriage. Meaningful fellowship, council, and advice from couples of all ages and timely principles expounded upon through the messages and testimonies were a true strengthening of our relationship with the Lord and between one another as husband and wife.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:14) “…Run, that ye may obtain." (1Cor. 9:24)

Three more FEW Conferences are scheduled for 2012! Find out more info at: www.FEWconference.com. 

And be sure to visit theWilkesTeam.com, the Staddon family blog, and the Neely Team blog for additional reports on this dynamic weekend!

Bearing Precious Seed

Early this year, our journeys took us to a New England state rich in American history – Connecticut. In a region once abounding in farmland and orchards, glimpses of a once predominant agricultural life are prolific amidst quaint colonial style towns graced with tree lined main streets, cobblestone walkways, centuries old houses, and common greens. The every day setting of these now modernized towns still bear that yesteryear feel of such destinations as Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg.

In one such similar style town of Wethersfield, CT wherein General George Washington once traversed and with houses pre-dating the 18th century,  there remains two seed companies with lifespans dating decades, even a  century back – Hart Seed Company and Comstock, Ferre, & Co. The latter of the two holds the honor as the oldest continually operated Seed company in America with an inception date of 1820.

What a thrill it was walking down the aisles of this historical place. With list in hand, my precious wife carefully selected a wide variety of heirloom seeds for this year’s garden. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, lettuce, etc. Each packet was selected with care with hopes of a bountiful harvest this fall. 

There has been much anticipation in our home for working towards providing a significant portion of annual groceries through fresh and canned vegetables from our garden.

With a country wherein food resources are becoming more volatile and quality deficient, an opportunity is arising for families to work together for the purpose of meeting pressing physical needs in the family and community. And as the physical need is met, the door will open for the seed of the Word to be planted into into the needy hearts of those around us.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. (1Cor. 3:7)

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps. 126:6)

What a challenging thought to realize that He has given us but a short time upon the earth. He has entrusted each of us uniquely with specific gifts, talents, and callings for the expressed purpose of living heartily, not for men but the Lord so that others would see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. How are you sowing for the kingdom of God?

Welcome to InHisPerfectTime

On this day 6 months ago, the Lord ‘In His Perfect Time’ united us in marriage. The circumstances God leads His dear children through are for the purpose of preparation and His glorification. The path of the just is as a shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Prov. 4:18). We know not the future but through walking by faith, the same way in which we received Christ Jesus (Col. 2:6), we are equipped for greater works. All things then truly work together for good (Rom. 8:28) towards the completion of the good work He has begun in each one of His children.

Seeing this worked out in the God ordained, gospel centered, institution of marriage is a day by day opportunity to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pet 3:18). We rejoice in His abundant goodness to us.  The wonderful news that the Lord has blessed the womb of my wife with a precious little life, has been a cause for such great  joy while also a humbling realization of God’s love in bestowing such a blessing (Ps. 127:3; 128:4). Though so undeserving, God continues to give His children His unmerited favor. He is faithful.

Learning to let Him lead has a profound impact on marriage. For as a husband and wife devote themselves to the Sovereign will of the Lord and loving Him with all their heart, their devotion, love, and oneness towards one another will grow.

We are so grateful for the path our Lord has us on. Though we have only just begun, we have much anticipation for the journey ahead. Below are just a few photos from our first six months together. We look forward to sharing and growing with you as we look towards that glorious day when our faith will become sight and Christ appears in glory.

Until Then…

Looking forward to sharing with you soon! Until then….

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1Cor. 15:58)