YVONNE'S BLOG

ELECTION DAY PRAYER

2008-11-04T06:23:00.000-08:00

DAILY

Help us be faithful to your call Lord!

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.”

Help us see the urgency to be faithful and bold with your message of salvation. I pray that those we encounter would listen and turn from their “itching ears” doctrines to you in repentance and faith . . . before you openly unleash your judgment upon our nation.

13 “Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals,

I shudder at the thought. Oh that our country would turn now! On this day of election, I’m praying bold prayers for our land, believing you for help to faithfully speak out for you, and hoping to be used for your glory.

Albert Mohler has written a fantastic prayer guide for this election day here.

THOUGHTS ABOUT WITNESSING

2008-10-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

A friend asked me to post some conversation starters I use for witnessing to people about Jesus. With every situation being different, it was a little hard to come up with just “one-liners”. It really starts in a conversation first with God. And it always helps to be prepared like at the check-out line with the cashier you tend to see again and again. Sometimes they are people we have never seen before and will never see again, so then it’s helpful to have some things on hand to give if they seem responsive to what you shared with them. I’m no expert on this but am passionate about telling people the truth. Here is a list, though not well-written or complete, of a few of the things that come to mind for witnessing. I’ve also included below a few brief encounters with people fairly recently.

* Pray first.
Open doors are something I pray for regularly. I pray for easy ones, hard ones, for open eyes to see where God would use me, and for passion. This could be my last day and I want to use it wisely – or it could be the last time I’ll see or have a chance to speak with the person God puts in front of me. I have to keep asking for a heart like God’s to share this precious message.

* Have something to give.
I keep a stash of our church business cards, pens, flyers like for Fall Fest, and books of John (that we order from The Pocket Testament League) in my purse, since they are great conversation starters. Often I’ll write my name on the card and depending on the situation sometimes even my phone number.

* Start talking.
If it’s the supermarket, Costco, the fruit market, Starbucks, post office, or wherever you go, find the familiar faces and extend an extra kind word. Instead of “How are you?”, I ask them how their day has been so far and I use their name. People tend to give a more detailed and honest answer when asked this.

Basically I just start with natural conversation and then if I’m able I throw out hooks to see if they will spark an interest in the other person. I’ll talk about my church, about God, how I loved getting in the Word that morning, what his word says etc. If they mention any words like “blessing”, “God”, "the Lord", then I see that as an open door and often ask them if they know the Lord; or if they mention God or church, I often ask them if they are born again and go from there. If it’s the first time meeting someone, I think it’s easier to have a conversation about the gospel up front rather than holding it back and agonizing over the best time to bring it up at a later date.

* Be willing to look stupid to others.
When it comes to the gospel, God is so faithful to give boldness, and speaking to people about it is not something I fear as much as I may perhaps speaking to a large audience – because this is his message, not mine. That's what I love about sharing the gospel. I've been given nasty looks at times for bringing it up. As long as we are not personally offensive in our manner of sharing the truth then we can rejoice that God will reward us for being faithful.

* Memorize key verses
As many times as we memorise the verses, isn't it true that we also forget them if we don't revisit and rememorize?

* Memorize a method for sharing the gospel
My favorite is using The Umbrella.

A couple ways to look for those open doors . . .

* Service Professionals
If we are paying for their service then they are great to talk to (the appliance repair guys, outside construction workers, even the ladies at Happy Nails etc). You know if they are working on something for a while, then there’s time, so I usually start by offering them a soda (or whatever) and asking normal acceptable questions like if they have kids, if they live in the area, how long they’ve been in the country etc. If they are responsive, I may try to open the door by asking them if they’ve had a churched background. Whatever answer you get is usually a good indicator of where they’re at and you can continue with more questions like, “Do you know who Jesus Christ is?”

* Telemarketers
If I listen to them for any amount of time, I give them a word of praise for how they are doing if it’s true, and then ask them at the end if I can share the best news in the world with them. Then I give them a verse like Romans 6:23, and end with a warm comment like, “Something to think about”. It’s amazing how many conversations this has sparked (and how many have been offended but can’t say anything back but “Thank you” and end the call).

* Facebook
When those old friends come back into your life and want to know how you are doing, tell them. Tell them about your new life in Christ but keep it brief and intriguing so they come back for more.

A few recent examples of witnessing . . .

* Noelle at Starbucks
After paying for my coffee and seeing that the store wasn’t busy, I offered the three ladies there a book of John with the cover “A Story of True Love”. Noelle was the one who immediately took an interest and told me she had never read it before and it turns out she had never been in a church before. That opened the door for me to share the gospel with her. A few weeks later, I was in there and invited her to Compass again to hear about Preparing for Judgment Day. She eagerly took it and told me she really needed it, and her boyfriend had been wanting to start going to church. She said she was getting off early so would attend that night.

* Eric from FedEx
He said he was willing to wait while I repackaged my computer in the empty box he delivered and to take it with him. So I offered him a soda and while he was waiting made conversation. He was from around here so I invited him to our church. He took the card and I asked him if he was born again. He told me he wasn’t but he had an aunt who was praying for him. So I gave him a book of John and told him the gospel in about three minutes as I handed him my fedex package. He was very grateful and promised to read the book of John. This all happened in the middle of a Partners meeting. It was so funny because I almost forgot my partner, Michelle, was there and when I turned around after he left, her eyes were wide with amazement (probably at how easy it is to share with people). The next time Eric delivered a package, he came twice because the first time we weren't there. So when he came I handed him Fall Fest flyers and he said he was going to invite his whole soccer team.

* Our old neighbor Christina
Just in conversation over time, I had invited her to church and asked her if she knew the Lord and told her I was praying for her. It was always in passing and she worked a lot so it was hard to get more than a moment with her. The night we found out she was moving out in the morning, I knew it was my last chance so I awkwardly asked her if anyone had shared the gospel with her before and she said no. Then I asked her if she would come over and give me 20 minutes to share it with her and she agreed and her life has never been the same. It had been a terrible day circumstantially for me up until this point. Not only did I get to share the gospel with this neighbor who I hardly ever saw but that very night she repented and put her trust in Jesus!!!

* Michelle, who Christina went to live with
After Christina moved in to rent a room from Michelle and her family, she invited them to church and they began attending but would always leave immediately after the service. I had talked with Michelle over the phone once and it sounded like God was already doing a work from what Christina had told me, however they were not involved. There was one week that Michelle had frequently been on my mind and in my prayers so the following Sunday I caught her before she and her husband left. I took a little risk and asked if she could come over that week so I could share the gospel with her. She agreed! When she came, we sat down while the kids played, opened the Bible, drew the Umbrella version of the gospel and it became clear that she believed up to that point that she was saved by her good works. The good thing was that she repented immediately and left a brand new person in Christ!!!

One of the best gifts we get out of sharing the truth and seeing someone respond is a new brother or sister in Christ and a friend for life! Many times, it's not like that and we find that certain people end up avoiding us because they don't like our message. It always encourages me when I think of the analogy that we are just like waitors and our job is to bring the food to the table. As Christians, our job is to simply deliver the message and we are not responsible for whether people like it or not. And for those of us who are spreading the gospel, it's a win-win. It will make a difference . . . an eternal one! Let's all increase our efforts, one day at a time, and get more excited about storing wealth in the kingdom that lasts forever!

It would be wonderful to hear other's thoughts too. If you read this, please leave a comment about your witnessing experiences!

SUFFERING & CELEBRATING

2008-10-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Let's become imitators of these godly men, as the Thessalonians were, even as they faced the real test of severe suffering. May we think like Peter, who referred to his body as a tent he would soon put aside (2 Peter 1:13-14), so that whatever suffering are to face will be simply be to us a temporary stepping stone into our permanent life with our permanent bodies.

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." 2 Corinthians 5:1

This is something to get excited about!

TRUE AWE

2008-10-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

Not only is our God awesome, he is terrifying!

"But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath." Jeremiah 10:10

Try being nonchalant in the face of this awe-ful and powerful God!

Jeremiah wept over these kind of people who ignored God and happily went about their business. Oh if only my neighbors would wake up today and face the truth that hell is real and your wrath is coming; that today is the day of salvation!

Equip me Father with a heart like Jeremiah’s, with boldness and readiness to find every open door to speak your words every day I am alive on earth.

JUST WAITING

2008-08-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Ps 130

2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. Ps 131

I’m encouraged this morning to wait on our LORD today, to still and quiet my soul, and not allow any anxiety to creep in over circumstances. I will trust like a child, and learn contentment.

WHERE'S YOUR GAZE?

2008-08-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

Solomon and the psalmist have their focus in two completely different directions. One, a king on earth, was seeking fulfillment here through earthly things, and the other, a psalmist, lifted his gaze and focused on the true King of heaven.

“I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless.” Eccl 2:1

“I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven.” Ps 123:1

The problem with Solomon’s gaze was that it led him to nothing but emptiness. Everything that is important to the world seems to magnetically pull for our attention, and may please us for a time but ultimately is futile. How we all have been pulled this way at some point or another.

Today, let my eyes be ever toward you LORD! Only you satisfy my heart! I lift up my soul to your seat of judgment where I find mercy and strength to follow you better and love you more today.

BREATHE THE LIGHT

2008-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Ps 119:130-131

We can all give thanks that God didn't make this life confusing for us, he LIT the way! His word to us is full of everything we need to live godly lives today.

Thank you Father for the privilege as your child this morning to open my mouth and TAKE A DEEP BREATH of your holy word. Help me to BE SATISFIED in you alone!

I praise you also for the light of your word to us this weekend through Pastor Bobby to take our Christians lives to the next level. Help me grow in every discipline but mostly to love and serve you extensively more. How much MORE you have done for me. I could never repay, only humbly thank you.

TWO KINDS OF HELP

2008-08-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory. Ps:108:12-13a

How much better to “take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” Ps 118:8 We can save ourselves the torture of anxiety and even endless heartache by resting in the promise that he will help us. Easier said than done, but what victory we can have! How much better to rise above whatever struggles we are facing and to soar like eagles because we have confidence in our King!

Father, help me avoid needless anxiety today by trusting you are with me and to keep firm confidence in the one who helps me, rather than turning to any person to fill my needs. Help me be bold with your truth in your strength today. Give me open doors! Let me be your reflecter!

WHEN HOPE IS MISSING

2008-07-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

Such raw pain! Such fierce despair! There’s NO MENTION OF HOPE in Job’s words today (and is almost absent in psalm 88 as well). This blameless, upright man who feared God and shunned evil, wanted to die. Yet at this crossroad of faith, we see Job begin to pour out his heart before God. We see him ultimately choose to remain faithful to his Creator in the face of extreme tragedy.

Thank you Father for speaking through Job’s life today. Thank you for not abandoning us in our deepest darkest hours because of the eternal HOPE we cling to in Jesus Christ. Just like you heard and recorded Job’s laments, you hear us when we cry out in pain with broken hearts. Sometimes we are slow, like sheep, not always understanding - and even sometimes wishing death over moving forward, but ultimately we know your voice and choose to follow you.

SACKCLOTH TO RICHES

2008-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

READING

This story stirs such emotion in me. Earlier we see faithful Mordecai wailing loudly and bitterly in the city and wearing sackcloth and ashes after hearing the king's edict to annhialate the Jews. After such a death sentence, one could have lost hope. However God's plan was greater and he chose to use this man who humbled himself to play a great part in his plan.

Now Mordecai is wearing a crown! 15 Mordecai left the king's presence wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.

I admire this man's faithfulness and his humility before God. It's also exciting and comforting to see that God heard his prayers, used him in his grand plan of lovingly restoring his people, and exalted him to such a high place in Xerxe's kingdom.

Father, thank you for hearing our prayers today! Thank you for giving prosperity and hope in place of our dark clouds! Thank you for your divine love toward your people!

COLOSSAL POWER

2008-07-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

READING

"For a full 180 days he displayed the vast wealth of his kingdom and the splendor and glory of his majesty." Esther 1:4

Evidently the power and splendor of King Xerxes' wealthy kingdom would take your breath away. What a extraordinary show he must have put on for all to see and admire. Imagine six months of gloating over one's power and colossal wealth.

In contrast, all of King Xerxes' "stuff" is like dirt compared to the eternal power and glory and splendor of our King in heaven!

"You alone are to be feared." Ps 76:7a

"What god is so great as our God?" Ps 77:13b

Awesome, holy, omnipotent God, you stand alone!

"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." Ps 77:12

WHATEVER THE COST

2008-07-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

"One day I went to the house of Shemaiah . . . He said, "Let us meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and let us close the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you—by night they are coming to kill you."

"But I said, "Should a man like me run away? Or should one like me go into the temple to save his life? I will not go!" Neh 6:10-12

Oh to have such courage! Self-preservation would have been a natural response but Nehemiah overcame this temptation and identified that this man was not sent by God. Nehemiah was committed to his God-given task whatever the cost.

Father, please help me to also vanquish whatever temptations come my way today. Help me have the same courage and unwavering commitment to your purposes.

LOOKING UP

2008-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Psalm 70

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. Ps 70:20

Many of us have experienced bitter troubles, but like the psalmist, we can cast our eyes upward to the King of kings and Lord of lords, who will work it all out for good for us. Father I anticipate the good you will do in my life today! Even if you do not bless, I will praise you because I am redeemed.

TO BE HEARD

2008-07-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

PSALM 66

18 If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;
19 but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.
20 Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!

These words bring tears of joy. Oh I am so grateful for God's love for me!
Psalm 66 brings to mind the time Jesus told Nathanael that he saw him under the fig tree. I envision that Nathanael was praying there and later how he must have felt to physically hear the words from the lips of Jesus the first time they were face to face, "I saw you". And here we are given the same assurance, as long as we have confessed our sin before God, he hears us! What joy!

AS ZEALOUS AS EZRA

2008-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

"For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel." Ezra 7:10

Father, thank you for revealing yourself in this snapshot of your chosen servant Ezra this morning. Thank you for godly leaders you have given us to emulate, here in the Word and at Compass. May our zeal be as holy as Ezra’s and may your gracious hand also be upon our lives.

A REMEDY FOR SCARY THOUGHTS

2008-07-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

PSALM 56

A few nights ago my daughter came to me asking me how to get the "scary thoughts out of her head" as she was trying to sleep. It was a simple remedy . . . I turned on the word of God in her room (the Bible on cd), and she fell asleep listening to God's truths that she has grown to love.

"In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." Ps 56:4

Praise God for the power of his word!

NOTORIOUS REPENTANCE

2008-07-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

2 Chronicles 34

I love this account in 2 Chronicles 34. Hilkiah the priest had just made the discovery of a lifetime when he wiped the dust of the much forgotten book of the law in the temple of the LORD! Here in restoring the temple, and prior to that king Josiah's actions to remove pagan influences from the land, one might think there should have been great rejoicing in this find. Yet Josiah's response is sobering and evidently the only acceptable one before God.

"Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book."

The king did not miss a beat in humbling himself before God, even taking corporate ownership for the sins of their fathers, and our God of heaven heard him.

27 "Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD."

Father, each time your laser beam of truth uncovers sin in my life, may I respond like Josiah. Help me to never be complacent about sin but to express repentance that is as notorious as my sin!

WHO WE SIN AGAINST

2008-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

PSALM 51

When we sin, we hurt ourselves (in that our sin is always before us), we hurt others, and most of all we hurt God. “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.” David’s sin surely caused tremendous pain to others (and even death), yet here he is attributing his sin and his evil as against God alone.

Reading this in the reverse also ministers to me. When I am feeling hurt by someone else’s sinful actions that have unecessarily caused me pain, I’m finding it helps to take the focus off myself when I remember that the other person’s sin is really against God alone. May I grieve more over the offense against my King than the circumstantial pain it may cause me.

WHICH RICHES?

2008-07-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

PSALM 49

7 No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-
8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-

To live for the accumulation of corruptible things and earthly wisdom is foolishness. This is how I would be living my life if the hand of God had not intervened in my life a little under 13 years ago. Reading this psalm leaves me with a renewed resolve to be content today with God’s earthly provisions, and to eagerly anticipate the jewel of eternal life with the King. More importantly, may I never take for granted the precious gift we have in Jesus Christ who paid an unimaginable high price for our lives! He gave us life!

WHICH KING WOULD YOU FOLLOW?

2008-07-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

DAILY READING

Ahaziah had an opportunity to lead his people in righteousness in keeping with the model his grandfather Jehoshaphat had set for him, yet he chose to listen to wrong counsel. “He too walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother encouraged him in doing wrong.” v3 Did he realize that his choices were evil? Perhaps he was in denial? Did he forget about the LORD most high, the great King who is seated on his holy throne?

When I think about my own circumstances and my own need of wise counsel, I take great comfort and joy that I am to follow the One who owns the kings of all the earth. Whenever anxiety tries to lure its way in, I will rather be still before him, knowing he is God. Praise him, the LORD Almighty is with us!

A CHRONICLES VICTORY

2008-07-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Daily Reading

2 Chronicles 20 could have ended in tragedy as a result of the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites approaching to cause destruction to Judah. Thanks to the king’s response, it ended in a miraculous victory that they could rejoice in for the rest of their lives.

I love the way king Jehoshaphat immediately turned to the LORD, drew all his people together to corporately fast and inquire of the LORD. People came from every town to seek God. How exciting not only to read about the mighty deliverance God rewarded the people with, but their obedience as soon as they were faced with alarming news. May my life reflect such devotion and this same heart of seeking him daily!

A CONVERSATION WITH MY SOUL

2008-07-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

Psalm 42

The psalmist's appetite for God in this psalm is the benefit of his trials. He is clearly suffering and mourning over troubling circumstances, "all your waves and breakers have swept over me", yet before falling into despair he catches hold of himself by speaking truth to his soul and praise about the one his soul loves. "By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life"

How much more do we need to take the reigns of our thoughts and command our souls the way the psalmist does. "Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

ASCRIBING TO HIS POWER

2008-06-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

Psalm 29

David took time to write this beautiful psalm solely worshipping God for who he is. The same voice that spoke us into existance is the same voice that controls the elements. Here is the picture of a frightening thunderstorm, yet David finds this an occasion to ascribe this kind of power to God’s majestic voice.

I’ve had the blessing of experiencing several mighty thunderstorms in Australia as a child and they truly are frighteningly majestic! We may not see many thunderstorms here, but we can set aside times of praise like this. If we have our eyes open like David, we can see this same voice of his power and glory evident and actively working all around us.

I’m glad that God’s splendor and power doesn’t end with the elements but it also touches our lives, benefiting us with peace and strength. I take comfort and joy today in knowing that this same kind of powerful hand is on my life.

A CHRONICLES CELEBRATION

2008-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

I am reading through the Bible and have started commenting on a passage here and there. Today it's on 1 Chronicles 29

The joy and excitement in the air of these few days for the Israelites is quite contagious. “They ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD that day.” (1 Chron 29:22a) How could one not have great joy in the presence of the eternal king! This meal was the culmination of their prior activities of wholehearted giving to the treasury of the temple, of David’s memorable prayer, the assembly’s corporate praise, and abundant sacrifices to the LORD.

It’s interesting that David’s prayer preceded these events, setting a wonderful tone for all that followed.

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Several years ago I memorized this prayer, and these words have been timely reminders to me again and again of who truly owns all wealth, greatness, power, and strength. It has influenced how I give. May our lives mimic this picture of Israel’s obedience and wholehearted devotion to God. And may our giving reflect the heart of David’s prayer!

PEACE

2008-04-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I read this devotion & journal entry by Hannah Whittal Smith (below) and since then her prayer has become my own. Thanks to the trials God has graciously allowed in my life over this past year, this is more my heart's desire than ever. Some circumstances may never change (there's no guarantee because we can't see around corners) but praise God that our hope is not in them; it is in the Sovereign God who holds the universe in his hands! How I have wasted time and strength giving in to anxiety over my unmet desires, in other words, saying I trust him, but not living it out. I want to be completely moldable and in his hands so my life will glorify him in the way he intends. He is the one who has overcome the world so I choose to trust him with my whole heart! Just like Horatio Spafford could say, "It is well with my soul" after his four daughters drowned, we can claim this same "supernatural" peace too!

Won't you join me in owning this prayer this too?

ALL ON THE ALTAR
As much as I have objected to it and disapproved of it in the past, I have been brought to the point of entire consecration. I find that the soul which wants to live the life hid with Christ in God must be entirely given up to Him—and definitely given up too. I must present my body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto Him, which is my reasonable service.
And I do! Lord Jesus, here and now I definitely yield myself up unreservedly to you. All that I have and all that I am, both now and in the whole future of my life, I lay upon your altar. Everything is yours, and I am yours to follow you wherever you may lead me.
Oh Lord Jesus, let this be a reality! Bring this consecration about in me and through me, and keep it. You know my utter weakness, and to you I commit myself in this. Oh I ask you, let me never, never, never, draw back from the transaction of this moment. Let me never for a moment take back the slightest thing of all I have now consecrated or surrendered to you. Make it a reality.

—Journal, March 30, 1868

Smith, H. W., & Dieter, M. E. (1997). The Christian's secret of a holy life : The unpublished personal writings of Hannah Whitall Smith (April 6).

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.

SISTER'S WEDDING . . . SYDNEY FAMILY

2008-01-27T01:46:00.000-08:00

A FEW SYDNEY MEMOIRS

2008-01-24T02:06:00.001-08:00

Well here we are, so happy and rested in Australia. Yes I survived the 14 hour plane ride with our three children but could not have been more relieved to see family on the other end. Eric arrived one week after us and every moment has been quite an adventure.

So far we have been roaming around Circular Quay and the Opera House; spent an afternoon splashing around the impressive Olympic Aquatic Center & parks, where we learned what a water baby Jack is; experiencing Sydney's NYE fireworks from my sister's rooftop; visiting churches (there is truly no place like our CBC home), enjoying the beautiful beaches here; savoring each great thunderstorm; snorkeling; preparing for my sister's wedding tomorrow morning; and plenty more.

Of course we were delighted when my cousins, Bernard & Tanya, offered to loan us their extra car for the month. God is so good! While I am learning not to panic through Sydney's extremely narrow lanes, Eric is doing a stellar job driving on the left side and finding his way around these complicated city streets.

The children adore being with my Australian family. What a blast they are having exploring my mum's backyard; gathering veggies, discovering giant spiders (ten times the size of our Calif. ones), and avoiding the "mozzies" (mosquitoes). Jack quickly learned to sleep in a bed, even though we do find him sleeping in odd places at times. Sofia-Maree turned a corner with the ocean and learned to jump waves at Manly beach. Braydon turned three and enjoyed all the attention from having his first real family birthday party (with cousins & all).

And how could I not add that today is extra special . . . my man and I celebrate our nine year anniversary! I love you Eric!

We are praising God for this wonderful time and can't wait to be back with our CBC family again soon.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-06T22:26:00.000-08:00

We are celebrating so many good things God has done in our family in 2007. Here are a few . .

~Sofia-Maree, who just turned five, started kindergarten in the fall and is a great pleasure to homeschool. She loves to read and blesses us daily with her art creations. In November she entered an American Airlines coloring competition and won first place! This sweet servant-spirited child is always helping at home!

~ Braydon is almost three and keeps us humored daily with his endless energy, clever imagination, and his funny little animation voices. He is always happy to play his much-esteemed sister's games. They are the best of friends! We are reminded daily that Jack is "his" baby brother.

~ Jack , is almost 18 months and has a language all of his own. He is such an easygoing, friendly, hugable, loveable little guy; just the kind of baby that makes you want another.

~ It has been a topsy-turvy year for Eric work-wise, and despite the long, crazy hours of working, his perserverence without complaint is truly admirable. Such humbling circumstances have found us more grounded than ever in the things that count the most; our dependence on the Lord in prayer, and gleaning from the word together. These are the times we are cherishing the most.

~ Yvonne is loving the new adventure of homeschooling, the rewarding work of coordinating the Partners ministry, her Women's Bible Study is a favorite day of the week, park dates with friends, and Voice Over classes.

~ Yvonne and the children are also looking forward to visiting family in Sydney, Australia for the month of January. We are so excited for God's provision so that Eric can now join us, yet we are still trying to get a seat for him (January is completely booked to AU). God-willing we will be able to celebrate our anniversary in Sydney where Eric proposed nine years ago. Other great news is that we will get to meet our newborn nephew (Glen & Nikki's 2nd child).

~ Lastly we can't express enough just how thankful we are for our friends and our church family at Compass Bible Church.

Have a wonderful Christmas and may you burn brightly for Christ in 2008!

The Foust Family

God grant you
The light in Christmas, which is faith.
The warmth of Christmas, which is love.
The radiance of Christmas, which is purity.
The belief of Christmas, which is truth.
The all of Christmas, which is Christ.
-Wilda English

EMPTY CUPS, FULL HEARTS

2007-11-19T12:42:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share the following as a word of praise for my husband . . .

It's Sunday evening and I am so joyful that Eric is coming home from work that I try to prepare an extra special dinner for him. We have not eaten dinner together since Wednesday because he has been working almost nonstop and I've missed him tremendously. By this time, I'm wiped out and forego the nice presentation I had hoped for, disdaining the thought of clean up so I succumb to paper plates, paper napkins, and plastic utensils.

When Eric arrives, everyone greets him with great excitement and news of the day. After he gets comfortable we sit down to a hot meal and he prays but before eating he turns his chair toward mine. Oh, here it comes, I am going to cry. He takes my feet upon on his lap, takes lotion and massages my feet. He does this every evening he is home from work (usually on the couch) so why would would I cry this time? My husband has not slept more than two hours in a row since Thursday night, he is literally almost passed out from exhaustion, he is unwell, and he probably hasn't eaten a meal all day because he rarely stops to take a lunch break at work. Yet he chooses to give all he has to show me his love.

It's Monday now and it still brings tears of gratitude to think of the sacrifices my husband is making for our family right now. It's difficult but he never complains. I am ashamed that I can't say that about myself. He could easily come home, eat and collapse in bed, yet he foregoes his own need of sleep and serves me instead. I am humbled and moved with gratitude to God for blessing me by Eric's model of servanthood and continual tenderhearted affection toward me.

His behavior reminds me of Jesus' words about what our response should be to God in Matthew 16:24b,

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Through my reading, I have also been reminded that as Christians, we must be like empty cups. We must be emptied of the junk the world throws our way. For instance, people around us say that we must get our needs met before we can love others or we must draw boundaries so that other people will not walk all over us. This is wrong! We should not hold back from others who don't treat us the way we would like, or wait to be shown love before we can demonstrate love and service to them.

"For whoever wants to save his life will lose it" v25a

Isn't it enough that we have a Father in heaven who showed us love by sending Jesus to take away our sin? He already knows our needs and will hear us when we humble ourselves and pour our hearts out to him. If we empty ourselves before him, God will not leave us empty! Peace comes when we choose to surrender our burdens to the one Person who can perfectly handle each one.

". . . but whoever loses his life for me will find it." v25b

Isn't it amazing that God has given us eternal life! How much more should we live for him, with an unshakable hope in our sovereign God, in spite of our circumstances. The way my husband demonstrated such love and service to me in spite of how he was feeling, motivates me to love God and others more even in times of great difficulty.

"What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." v26-27

Alert Little Ears

2007-11-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Two and a half weeks ago our daughter turned five. Before heading down to SeaWorld to see Shamu, we took her to the mall to get her little ears pierced. Since then I have been reflecting on how teachable children are and how engaged their little ears really are. Who would have thought that our daughter would teach us and delight our hearts so much.

Let me share a few ways . . .

Any time Sofia-Maree sees one of us or hears of someone else sad or ill, she drops everything and disappears for some time only to emerge later with a colorful card adorned by pastel butterflies, flowers, rainbows, little people etc and filled with words of love to cheer that person up.

Recently when we were out, I had a brief opportunity to speak with someone about the Lord. On the way home, Sofia-Maree asked me about it then commented, "Mommy, it makes me so happy that you gave him that because he needed to hear the gospel!"

There's nothing this girl loves like giving back to God. She regularly puts the majority of her $1 weekly allowance in her "Giving" jar (and sometimes she does this with gifted money).

And her joyful giving to others . . . The first time she was ever taken out to spend her allowance savings, it was by her Grandma and she picked out a gift from the $1 section for everyone in the family except herself. Then she was worried that she might have missed someone and started through her list of friends until Grandma brought up that she should pick out something for herself.

How often she takes a load off me by helping me with her younger brothers. Frequently I will come downstairs to find that she has dressed Braydon, made his bed, and sometimes she has even fed him breakfast! She gladly does housework like vacuuming, sets the table, helping me unload the dishwasher, cleaning mirrors and tiles etc.

Last week a dear friend of ours came to babysit, who had never changed a diaper before. No worries, our daughter was right there to give her step by step instructions. (Conversely, I also discovered afterward that she is very good at making up new rules. That night she informed Christina that she and Braydon only had to eat two carrots at dinner time, could eat dinner while watching their Veggie Tales dvd, and that she was allowed to eat two and a half cookies for dessert. Huh??? Of course I had to keep from laughing when Christina shared this with me later.)

And last week in the car, I was chiding Braydon for fussing over being woken up from his nap to go somewhere. The problem was that he had played about in his nap time rather than lying still to sleep. With the sweetest little voice Sofia-Maree chimed in, "Mommy, can I please tell Braydon something?" Then from a sweet to a sweet-authoritative tone, she continued, "Braydon, when I was a little girl, your age, I used to do the same thing. But I didn't have brothers. You have to stay in bed because then you're obeying Jesus." Too cute!

I'll never forget another incident in the car when Sofia-Maree was our only child. She was not even two years old with a growing but small vocabulary. I had explained to Sofia-Maree that her hands and feet were made to use for Jesus; to show his love to other people. I really had no idea what she understood from what I was telling her. Then over a week later we were in the car when I experienced a moment of sadness and found myself sniffling as I was driving. From the backseat, I heard her little voice say, "Mommy sad?" to which I answered, "Yes, a little sad." Then I thought I heard the words, "Jesus' hand!" Of course I had to clarify because I had never heard her say the name Jesus before. "Sofia-Maree what did you say?" As I turned to glance at her, I could see her reaching out toward me as far as she could to offer me her tiny hand. A second time she spoke the words, "Jesus' hand!" Oh! Who would have thought that God would send the love and comfort of Jesus to me through the hands and heart of my little girl!

I marvel at this goodness from the hand of our Father. Children are one of his most beautiful gifts in this life. May we train them up in righteousness for his wonderful name's sake and be in awe of him for all eternity!

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy
name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your
life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies
your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5

SHINE LIKE STARS!

2007-09-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." Philippians 2:14-16

Movie stars have often been referred to as "royalty" by the press, and are often treated by them as if they were demi-gods, by erecting statues in their honor, by preserving their footprints in cement, by museums enshrining their artifacts, and Halls of Fame to salute their deeds. Every month the Hollywood Walk of Fame unveils new stars in their illustrious sidewalk. While movie stars shine by capturing our imagination on screen, godly people transform our lives. As children of God, the people we hold in high esteem are those who shine by their pure and blameless lives, who work hard for Christ to hold out the word of life to us.

While we may not be striving to get a star on a sidewalk or our face on a billboard, we do have the opportunity to shine as godly people, by becoming a celebrity to one person . . . in God’s kingdom. We can have an enormous effect on others as we hold out the word of life through discipleship, one person at a time. With each person we disciple, we become stars who shine brighter and brighter for God’s glorious kingdom.

The word shine in this verse is translated from the Greek word “phenos” which is derived from “phos” and means “light” or “fire” as in the kind of heavenly light that surrounded angels when they appeared on earth. What a beautiful metaphor for how we appear as we share truth with others together with the spiritual purity of our lives.

As Paul stated in this verse, an important part of becoming blameless and pure excludes two things. Our lives will not shine if they are marked with complaining and arguing, or as my two year old would say, “No whining!” While both of these come naturally, a pure and blameless lifestyle doesn’t; as I have rediscovered in my own life this past week. It is a decision we must make to allow no inner debates or secret contentions within us, otherwise we will not be effective in the crooked and depraved generation around us. Paul felt so strongly about this exhortation that he based the value of his labor upon it. He was counting on the Philippians so that he could boast on the day of Christ that his work was not for nothing.

Partners is one ministry at Compass Bible Church that provides a powerful way for us to shine like stars and to also be able to boast on the day of Christ. Partners opens the door for every one of us to hold out the word of life in a more intimate setting if we are willing to labor in the way that Paul did. It is a wonderful setting designed for each partner to know the Lord more deeply through one-on-one learning and accountability.

Our culture measures the accomplishments of celebrities by household name recognition and their performance in the media. As Christians, our goal is not to achieve this kind of cultural “royalty” or even household name recognition but to store up accolades in heaven. This begins by sharing our lives with others one person at a time and continuously holding out the word of life. The best legacy we can leave is our investment in those we disciple, one by one.

"Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Daniel 12:3

Just as real stars in the universe cause us to look up in awe of their beauty, we are to shine as stars by our pure and blameless lives enough to cause those around us to lift their faces in awe of Jesus. Our joy is in knowing that in God’s kingdom only one name is recognized, Jesus Christ.

http://www.partnersprogram.org

This was an article I wrote a couple of years ago for the Partners newsletter.

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

2007-09-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling nostalgic not just for my beautiful hometown of Sydney, but for my family there. This was taken in 2005 on a ferry in Sydney harbor with the Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background. Watch for pictures in the slide soon!

MAKING PLAY DOUGH!

2007-07-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

. . . and they made it from scratch!

Braydon says he is making a peanut butter sandwich and Sofia-Maree is making a Christmas tree with decorations (in sunny July?). What the pictures won't tell you is that as they play, my two oldest children are singing these words:

Jesus loves me, he who died

Heaven's gate to open wide

He will wash away my sin

Let the little child come in

Jesus take this heart of mine

Make it pure and wholly thine

On the cross you died for me

I will try to live for thee

I am so encouraged by their little hearts!

MY HONOR OR HIS?

2007-07-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

"And you said, "The LORD our God has shown us his glory and his majesty"

Deut. 5:24a

This verse was the laser beam of sunlight I needed this morning, thanks to Spurgeon's devotion. How true it is that we naturally have a tendency to want our own honor. If our road is only smooth, we may only see a little of God's glory. I am finding that through these deep waters, I am being made aware of my weaknesses and my great need for sanctification. In this trial, my emotions may kick and scream but ultimately by a decision of my will, I yield to the King of kings and Lord of lords! " . . . they who do business in great waters,' these see his 'wonders in the deep.'” I am learning to say to him with more passion than ever, "Anything, anyplace, anywhere, anytime, I will follow you Lord." While I never would have naturally signed up for self-emptying of this kind, God is revealing his great lovingkindness to me and I am being shaped for the "outshinings of his glory".

Here are more words from the "prince of preachers" that spoke to my heart this morning:

"Man’s eye is not single, he has ever a side glance towards his own honour, has too high an estimate of his own powers, and so is not qualified to behold the glory of the Lord. It is clear, then, that self must stand out of the way, that there may be room for God to be exalted; and this is the reason why he bringeth his people ofttimes into straits and difficulties, that, being made conscious of their own folly and weakness, they may be fitted to behold the majesty of God when he comes forth to work their deliverance. He whose life is one even and smooth path, will see but little of the glory of the Lord, for he has few occasions of self-emptying, and hence, but little fitness for being filled with the revelation of God. They who navigate little streams and shallow creeks, know but little of the God of tempests; but they who “do business in great waters,” these see his “wonders in the deep.” Among the huge Atlantic-waves of bereavement, poverty, temptation, and reproach, we learn the power of Jehovah, because we feel the littleness of man. Thank God, then, if you have been led by a rough road: it is this which has given you your experience of God’s greatness and lovingkindness. Your troubles have enriched you with a wealth of knowledge to be gained by no other means: your trials have been the cleft of the rock in which Jehovah has set you, as he did his servant Moses, that you might behold his glory as it passed by. Praise God that you have not been left to the darkness and ignorance which continued prosperity might have involved, but that in the great fight of affliction, you have been capacitated for the outshinings of his glory in his wonderful dealings with you."

Spurgeon, C. H. (1995). Morning and evening : Daily readings (July 19 AM).

JACK TURNED ONE!

2007-07-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the baby of our family on July 11, one year since he was born. What a delight he is to each of us!

Baby Penguin!

2007-07-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is a true story written for my children by Jacqueline Johnson.

Here is this little story: Our friends have a five year old Downs Syndrome boy who was having a fabulous time at Sea World. In an instant his parents realized he had wandered off and in a panic they began to run in every direction, calling his name. After a few minutes others joined in. Finally, he was spotted….head to toe wet and muddy….running to his dad who scooped him up in relief and hugged him reassuringly! Upon arriving home they tucked him into his warm bed and opened up his back-pack … out popped the cutest little live penguin they had ever seen!!

We are sometimes like that little boy. We see or hear something that captures our total attention. We get caught up in the exciting moment and throw “caution to the wind”. The something may not bad, but it keeps us from following the best. God has given us a safety in times like these by giving us a daddy and mommy to protect us IF we choose to stay close where they can see and hear us. Listening and obeying …especially when we are in new places…keeps us alert to danger! When we disobey by slipping away where we cannot be heard or seen, we not only hurt ourselves…we hurt others. That little boys daddy and mommy were afraid because they love him. That little boy had been in water somewhere and could have been hurt. That little boy took something that was not his (baby penguin!). That little boy made a bad decision on his own…without asking permission of his parents. That little boy made it dangerous for the baby penguin. We need to stay under the umbrella of “protection”. The umbrella keeps the rain and pain of life from hitting us and gives peace and protection IF we stay under the umbrella. When we choose NOT to listen and go off on our own we walk out from under the umbrella and the protection is gone. This is, of course, true for us as adults, but our little ones can certainly identify with this little happy and excited boy!

by Jacqueline Johnson

2007-06-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

When mommy was blogging . . .

someone was into the markers!

HOW TO CATCH A PENGUIN

2007-06-03T01:43:00.000-07:00

A little over a week ago an incident involving a little boy with down syndrome, occurred at SeaWorld that left such a smile on my face when I learned about it. It was evening and a family had just returned home from SeaWorld when they called to share this with our friends. The family told how their little boy had gone missing in the park. When they finally did find him, he was covered from head to toe in mud. No one knew where he had been. After arriving home, they opened up their son's backpack and discovered a penguin inside!

This little boy decided he would catch himself a penguin, even if it meant abandoning mommy and daddy, and getting down and dirty in the process. This was a calculated move and he went for it.

I can hardly resist praising the ambition in this child! In this case it was directed at fulfilling his own desires, however, there is another kind of ambition that is right to strive for mentioned in the New Testament.

"Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." 2 Co 5:9 NASB

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:12-14 NIV

What about you? What - or for whom- are you living?

Just in case you were wondering, the family did arrange to return the penguin to SeaWorld immediately. :>)

- Yvonne

SEIZE THE DAY

2007-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

The last few days, amidst my very blessed duties of wife, mommy, and ministry, I found myself feeling extra tired (due to a few sleepless nights). Unlike any other time in my life, I craved sleep. Then I read this morning from Spurgeon that if light and darkness divided time in the first day (Genesis 1:5), it is only natural to expect, "changes in my circumstances from the sunshine of prosperity to the midnight of adversity."

Of course those circumstances did not qualify for anything like a "midnight of adversity", but rather a feeling of sinking into the mire of the mundane when I really wanted to be heroically tackling the urgent and important demands of the day. Rather, this was the time for me to remember that whatever our sovereign Father ordains is wise and good! Regardless of the circumstances, I am learning that I need to crave contentment more than achievement, and to rejoice in His divine order.

"There is beauty both in sunrise and sunset, sing of it, and glorify the Lord. . . . Believe that the night is as useful as the day."

What if our three children could learn from us the song of thanksgiving even during adversity? At any given hour of the day in our home, one will hear the sound of our children singing, and Eric and I often hear them quietly singing themselves to sleep at night (yes even Jack, if cooing can pass for singing). What a delight! However, when Sofia-Maree gets an "owie" or Braydon misses his cherished nap and things don't go his way, how readily tears often replace the song.

May Eric and I strive to teach them to sing whether it's "the mingled song of judgment and mercy, trial and deliverance, of mourning and delight"! What a wonderful way to seize the day as we keep watch and hope for the absolute and greatest surprise of all, the return of our Savior!

"Every hour has its duty, do thou continue in thy calling as the Lord's servant until he shall suddenly appear in his glory."

- Yvonne

THE VOICES OF OUR CHILDREN

2007-05-29T21:59:00.004-07:00

I leave for work most days hearing the voices of our children calling, "Daddy, Daddy, I love you!" I return home to the same robust greeting. Our daughter may ask if she can pray, or our son will hold up my wife's ipod and say "holy holy Lord!". I may hear our daughter recite a memory verse, or our son attempt to sing "Jesus Loves Me".

These are small but powerful reminders of what God has blessed me with as a father. Along with that blessing comes a great resonsibility to teach and train our children in the way of the Lord. I am blessed with three beautiful children who make my day and bring me much pleasure and enjoyment.

When I listen to our children's voices I remember the blessing from the Lord as well as the command in how I am to teach and raise them. Take a moment to reflect on the following words in Psalm 119:9-16 and Psalm 127.

Psalm 119:9-16
"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word."

Psalm 127
"Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep toa those he loves.
Sons are a heritage from the Lord,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their enemies in the gate."

- Eric

WELCOME!

2007-05-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to share our lives with you and the great things God is doing in them on our very first Foust family blog site!

You can expect to hear whatever the latest Foust news is, peruse our pictures, and take a peek into our daily lives as we post our thoughts here and there. We heartily invite you to dialogue with us by adding your comments because we especially want to hear from you too. Look for new features to our site as we become more blog savvy.

Most of all our desire is to give praise to our mighty and awesome Creator!

Thanks for visiting.

With joy,
Eric & Yvonne

PS. A giant thank you to our friends, BOBBY & CHRISTA BLAKEY, for the inspiration and for sitting with us late at night to get us started! (Click on their links, "GODSONG MUSIC" and "BLAKEY BLOG" below).