Some Random Thoughts.
We've been in-country for 3 weeks now; enough time to learnt to get around, drive on the left, buy groceries without getting mugged and settle into our new home.
From a spiritual perspective I have felt God speaking to me very strongly at times. Twice during church services and once this past week as I was praying about what we were really doing in PNG. So what is God saying to me you ask? I think God might in some ways be saying the same thing to all of us (in context of our specific lives) Two things.
1. Remain humble. If we allow God to promote us it works a lot better. When we try to promote ourselves and present "who we are" as a means of gaining favor, position or respect, we are left to our own efforts to make good on the deal. Frankly every time I have tried to impress people over the years I generally end up making a fool of myself --- lesson learned --- hopefully. My favorite (unofficial) definition of humility is, "having nothing to prove." How often are we driven to prove who were are, what rights we deserve or what we believe? By making a conscious effort to eliminate the need to prove anything we truly pen the door to allow God to supply the proof. So far this "word from the Lord" has severed me well on a couple of occasions. The scripture for this is "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and in due time, He will raise you up."
2. God can do more than we ask or think. I have a strong desire to see lives changed. People saved, healed, delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God reinforced the idea of obedience as the key to a release of the anointing. This is somewhat tied into humility as it keeps us dependent on God, instead of us just going about seeking our own fame and fortune. Jesus said, "I only do what I see the Father doing." Jesus never missed an opportunity and he never failed at His ministry to people. God assured me that I would see His life-changing power touch many people if I would commit to obedient service, only doing what I see the Father doing.
I share these thoughts that you might glean something of value for your own lives and ministries,
Well in the "gee that's different" category, we have gotten used to driving on the left, and paying 2-3 times the cost for most items here. a 12 oz can of Coke can cost up to $2. We bought a large, freshly butcher cockaroo (chicken) for 12.00. However a lunch out ranges from 15-35 Kina (US $6-$15). It is almost cheaper to eat out. I mentioned in a Facebook post that only in a country with roundabouts (that drives on the left) do you take the first left to go left, the second left to go straight and the 3rd left to go right.
Favorite dish so far...Chinese Clay Pot. A clay dish with broth, rice noodles, fresh vegetables, steamed prawns and chicken. The soup is heated in its own clay pot to boiling and then a raw egg is dropped on top and served. The dinner mixes the egg in and the broth is hot enough to cook the egg like an egg drop soup. Hamburgers really are not hamburgers, and a lot of sandwiches get served with a fried egg on top.
In the "I'm not sure why they call it that" category, we live about 12 miles out of town on Magi Highway. It isn't - well sometimes. There are no speed limits or stop signs (kind of reminds me of the old AC/DC song "Highway to Hell.") Max speed possible is about 90 KPH - average speed 30 KPH. 18 mile trip takes about 35 minutes on a good day, due to road conditions and traffic.
Security is always a concern. So far we have not had any issues but we have to stay aware of where we are and whats going on around us.
Duty calls, more later...
Be blessed, take some time to worship today.
Steve
