It’s that simple. I love coming home from work everyday with a little boy who’s ready to “show off” in some special way. I love seeing my pregnant wife smile at me.

That’s what I’m thankful for today.

While up here, I have been able to refresh a bit. The first day I was just exhausted. I couldn’t focus on ready, journaling, even sleeping. Since then, I have been able to get my thoughts out of my head on paper. I have been able to draw to get all of my conceptual thoughts. I have made a list of things to pray about which includes well over 12 very large and critical items. That’s a lot to pray about so I have decided to just trust. I’ve decided that God will work everything out. I’ve laid out my concerns and he can do with them what he will.

Leah and I have had some great conversations after Abel goes to bed:
- We went through a spiritual gifts book
- I shared with her some of the dynamics (stresses) of my job (including some of my diagrams)
- We realized that we’ve both kind of stopped believing that our prayers actually do anything
- We’ve connected and dreamed about our futures

It has been great to get away from “normal” life. I think every person needs to get away to get an outside perspective on everything.

Peace.

But, when the criteria I use is God – things change. The playing field becomes level. When I think about the fact that God created and designed each person, I see that the value for every human being is equal. Then I think of the commands of Jesus – he has commanded all people to love Him and love their neighbor. When God speaks, he speaks to every human being equally. He speaks to the core of who they are – their heart and soul. He addresses humanity based on how he created them.

So how do I address the culture-shock that I feel when I see the poverty in Uganda while I live in the affluence of America? While understanding that the value of every person is the same in whatever nation they live in, I remember what Paul said in 2 Cor. – “…but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.“

These words struck me right now…be not wise in your own eyes [then] fear the Lord [then] turn away from evil.

When those things happen, your body will be healed.

It’s more about when we acknowledge God for who He is…we will then understand who we are and we will be in a position to receive healing.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he l will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

This is a call to intercession for those who are free in Christ…

Ugandan children in the north have suffered 20 plus years of slavery. They have been the target of a demonic war for there souls. First it was the Lords Resistance Army. Recently, children have been the target of the witch doctors.

“Jesus said, Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” Luke 18:16-17

In January and February this year, between 50-60 children have been abducted by witch doctors in the Lira district of northern Uganda and sacrificed to demonic spirits. Two weeks ago the Favor of God staff went to a village called Palabec. Two schools had been shut down because of curses put on the children. Favor of God went in to reclaim that village back to the Lord and reclaim the children back to Jesus.

The spiritual warfare was intense. Many children were freed from demonic oppression. Many people came to know the power of Jesus. God showed himself in Palabec, but for Christians, that is one battle in a larger war. Children will still be targeted.

My heart has been going out to these children and it is atrocious to me that the children are persecuted over and over again. I believe that we, as believers, need to stand in the gap for these children for protection. Jesus said let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God needs children in Uganda to freely come to him and i believe that when that happens the power of His Name will be spread over the land and overflow into other nations.

Please pray with me for protection for these children. Please pray with me for freedom. Please pray with me that Christ’s power will show stronger than any demonic power.

Please pray.

“…for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” jam 1:3b-4

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” jam 5:11

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” jam 13b

I can’t say that I’ve ever sought after the life of Job. Who wants those kind of trials? But, honestly, I don’t know why. Job had to persevere a lot and yet his faith never wavered. He was a man strong in steadfastness. Provers 19:22 says, “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.”

I’ve determined recently (in moments of Kingdom-perspective) that trials are a privilege. They are an opportunity. They are affirming in the fact that God’s love is “steadfast …to thousands of those who love [him] and keep [his] commandments.” deut 5:10 God must love me enough to put me through trials to build my faith. It’s a growth spurt. It hurts, but I embrace it. I desire to be as strong as Job in godly character.

I realize this is a bit ambiguous as to the application in my life. I present it as a glimpse of my thoughts.

Any thoughts?

The biggest things that have come out of these conversations is the need to live each day in God’s power and also needing to understand his sovereignty and plan. When you understand the big picture the little picture isn’t so stressful. It makes a lot of sense, but the application of that takes a pretty intentional, un-distracted focus on God. That part of it…I’m not always so good at.

Physical exercise is another way to deal with the stresses. This one I’m also not doing well with. I’m just getting fatter (minus the last week). I’m not actually accomplishing anything by “eating” my stresses away because the stress is still there. It seems obvious, but it’s not always easy.

Turning off or clocking out at a specific time was also a recommendation. I do believe this is good, and for me this comes down to priorities in life. If my priorities are God, family, then work; then when I let work overtake my life – I’m not living according to my priorities.

My conclusion is that focus on God and keeping my priorities straight are what are going to keep me on “the straight and narrow.”

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father

from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

that according to the riches of his glory

he may grant you to be strengthened with power though his Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ my dwell in your hearts through faith —

that you, being rooted and grounded in love

may have strength to comprehend with all the saints

what is the breadth and length and height and depth

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge,

that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 2:14-19