Category: International Ministry

Counterfeit Gods. Reflections from 1 Kings.

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Kings 12

After Solomon’s death, the kingdom of Israel was divided. Judah (and Benjamin) followed Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, while the other ten tribes of Israel followed Jeroboam, an Ephraimite who had been a hard-working servant of Solomon. Jeroboam feared that the Israelites would turn back to Rehoboam if they went to Jerusalem to worship God, so he set up counterfeit gods and counterfeit temples, counterfeit priests and counterfeit feasts.

Isn’t that just like Satan?

Satan doesn’t create his own stuff. He’s not a creator; he’s a fake trying to look like the real thing, and he copies what is true in order to draw people away from it. He disguises himself as an angel of light, and so do his followers (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

God created mankind to worship Him. When we aren’t worshipping Him, we will worship other things, created things rather than the Creator Himself.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Romans 1:18-23 ESV

There are still people all over the world who are worshipping idols, crafted objects made to resemble a supernatural being, but the majority of Americans think we’re above that. Most red-blooded Americans wouldn’t dream of bowing down to worship a golden calf or a stone Buddha. Oh, friends, but we are worshipping all kinds of counterfeit gods. We worship at the altars of money, fame, and sex. We worship at the altars of food, fame, fortune, and phones. We worship at the altars of Amazon, Facebook, and YouTube. These counterfeit gods are trying to steal our allegiance from the One True God, the only one who is worthy of our worship, and we’re falling for it.

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of our worship. You are the one who created the sun, moon and stars, the earth and the seas and all that is in them. You are who created me and every man, woman, and child on the face of our planet. Open our eyes to the counterfeits that we have made with our own hands, the worthless things that we are setting before our eyes day after day. Forgive us, Father. Create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. For Your glory we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

That Other Nations will Bless the Lord. Reflections from 1 Kings 10.

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Kings 10

It’s hard to imagine how much has changed in our world since I began teaching English online in December of 2018. I am so grateful for technology that allows me to have face to face conversations with people who live on the other side of the world, people who don’t live in towns full of churches and radios that freely broadcast Christian media.

Like I said one morning last month to some precious online sisters, “The great thing about living in America isn’t that we’re rich. The great thing about living in America is that we have freedom to worship our great God.” I pray that our nation would be known not for our lavish lifestyle but for our love for the Lord, not for our abundant wealth but for our abundant wisdom, not for our sports and movies and hospitals but for our kindness and integrity and generosity.

The Queen of Sheba blessed the Lord because she was impressed by King Solomon’s wisdom and wealth. I wonder, “Are other nations drawn to know and bless the Lord because of America’s wisdom and wealth?”

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, May we use our wealth to point the world to You, rather than to ourselves. Help us to remember that everything we have is a gift from Your abundant goodness. You know all things. You have all wisdom. Solomon’s wisdom didn’t come from books. It came from You. Bless our nation with wisdom. Bless Your children with wisdom, that others might be attracted to know You, the source of wisdom. For the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Brought to the King’s Table like one of the King’s Sons: Thoughts from the life of Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 9.

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 2 Samuel 9.

I’ve loved the story of Mephibosheth since I very first read it. I hope you will love it, too.

“And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”

And he said, “I am your servant.”

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?”

Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.”

The king said to him, “Where is he?”

And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.”

Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. And David said, “Mephibosheth!”

And he answered, “Behold, I am your servant.”

And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?”

Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.”

2 Samuel 9:1-10a

It reminds me of my 2024 Word of the Year, “ENOUGH” and the refrain of Dayenu, a traditional Passover song, “it would have been enough.” Click here to read the full lyrics.

  • If David had allowed Mephibosheth to continue living in Israel, Dayenu, it would have been enough.
  • If David had given Mephibosheth a daily allotment of bread to eat, Dayenu, it would have been enough.
  • If David had given Mephibosheth a small plot of his land, Dayenu, it would have been enough.
  • If David had given Mephibosheth a single servant, Dayenu, it would have been enough.
  • If David had allowed Mephibosheth to eat at his table once a year, Dayenu, it would have been enough.

What a picture this is of what Jesus has done for us!

Jesus has given us more than a meager portion of bread and a scant cup of water. He has given us the living bread of His Word and the living water of His Spirit. He has prepared a bountiful table before us. He has filled our cups to overflowing.

Jesus has given us more than a corner in a godforsaken land. He has brought us to His own banqueting table and spread His banner of love over us. He has even gone to prepare a place for us in the glories of eternal heaven.

Jesus has given us more than a mere human servant. He has given up His own life for us. He Himself has washed our feet, laying down His own life in our place. He has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and to walk with us as our ever-present counselor and comforter.

Jesus has made us more than His slaves. By His own blood, He has made us His friends and His children. He has invited us to live in His home and to eat at His table forever and ever.

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;”

1 John 3:1a ESV

Have you received this gift? If not, what are you waiting for?

If so, who does God want you to share it with?

The gift of salvation is the gift that keeps on giving. Our Father’s table is large enough to fit people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. Let’s go out to the streets and bring them in to join us at this feast.

Advent Day 8 – Let My People Go That They May Worship Me (Moses, Exodus + Luke 8)

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Luke 8

Please forgive me for being behind in posting my daily advent devotionals here, but it’s been amazing to see God’s perfect timing in my lateness.

I’m loving reading the advent devotional in “From Creation to Christ” along with a daily reading of a chapter of Luke 7.

Today’s advent devotional was about God calling Moses to lead the Passover.

This morning when I checked my phone I was dismayed to see a message from a precious sister in Asia saying that her church’s Sunday worship service had been interrupted by police, and her husband, along with several other leaders in the church, had been arrested. Please, friends, pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

One of the best ways we can encourage our faith family is to be faithful to share the gospel ourselves. If they are faithfully worshipping God under such constraints, why are we so remiss when we enjoy such freedom?

And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, [Jesus] said in a parable, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.”

As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.

Luke 8:4-16 ESV
Go Down Moses – Let My People Go – Paris’UD Choir
God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen

Advent Day 6 – All Nations Will be Blessed Through Faith in Messiah Jesus (Jacob’s Ladder + Luke 6)

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Luke 6

Wednesday night, our family read the sixth advent devotional in “From Creation to Christ” along with Luke 6. If you don’t have your own copy, you can order your own a Kindle version instantly, while you wait for the paper copy to arrive.

When we read the story of Jacob dreaming about a ladder set up on earth reaching to heaven, let’s pay careful attention to Genesis 28:13-14, where the Lord repeats the promise He had made to Abraham, Jacob’s grandfather, telling Jacob that, “The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

I was reminded of Galatians 3.

“And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” … Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. … But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

Galatians 3:8, 16, 25-29 ESV

Friends, though there are many children of Abraham, there is only one ladder by which anyone can reach God, that is Abraham’s one offspring, Christ, the Son of God.

Then, turning to Luke 6, I noticed in verses 17 and 18 that “[Jesus] came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.”

According to Got Questions, “Tyre and Sidon were Gentile cities north of Israel.” And in Luke 10:13, Jesus compares the cities of Galilee (Chorazin and Bethsaida) with these Gentiles cities, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” (You can read more about Tyre and Sidon in Matthew 11:20-24, Matthew 15:21-28.)

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6) It is by faith in Him that we can come to the Father now and for all eternity. All the nations will be blessed through the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through Messiah Jesus, the Promised, Long-Awaited Seed.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will use me to bless the nations of the world. Draw all men to Yourself by faith in Jesus Christ, Your Only Begotten Son. Send Your children out to preach the good news in the corners and in the marketplaces, from the rooftops and through the airwaves. Bring the nations in! We want heaven to be filled with every nation, tribe, people, and tongue to the praise of Your glorious name. In the Name of Jesus Christ who is the Only Way to You, Father, we pray. Amen.

O Holy Night in English, Arabic, and Hebrew

A Prayer from Hannah’s Prayer in 1 Samuel 2

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Samuel 2.

Let’s pray and worship the Lord together with Hannah and believers around the world.

My heart rejoices in You, Lord, for You have raised me up from the ash heap and set my feet on the solid rock of salvation in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

I rejoice in You, my God, for there is none holy like You. There is none besides you, Father. Indeed, there is no rock like our God.

Keep me humble, Father. Let me not become arrogant or proud. Help me to remember that You are a righteous judge, knowing and seeing all things, both visible and invisible. Help me to see the log in my own eye. Keep me on my knees in humility before Your throne of grace.

Increase my faith, Lord. You break the bows of the mighty, and You give strength to the weak. You make the full hungry and the hungry full. You give children to the barren, and You take children from those who have many. The number of every man’s days are held in Your hand.

You have given Your only Son, Jesus Christ, that we may be forgiven and redeemed and receive the gift of eternal life with You. Make us ambassadors for Your kingdom, sharing the good news to all four corners of the earth and making disciples of all the nations.

You, Father, are the giver of every good gift, of children and wealth and power and wisdom. Help us to be good stewards of these gifts. Make us instruments of Your peace, blessing the needy with all that You have blessed us, our time, talents, treasures, and testimonies.

The whole world is in Your hands, Father. We pray for the leaders of our nation and the nations around the world. Guide them. Grant them wisdom. Give them strength. Humble and exalt in Your perfect wisdom and timing, and help us to trust and worship You no matter the cost.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we pray. Amen.

Instruments of Your Peace

Foreigners Made Citizens of Heaven – From Abram to Ruth to Me

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Ruth 2

Ruth, a widowed Moabite woman, found safety in the providence of God and in the fields of Boaz, her Israelite kinsmen redeemer.

Have you ever considered the fact that God called Abram, a man living in Ur of the Chaldeans, to come to Canaan and be the great father of the Israelite nation? God could’ve chosen someone already living in the Promised Land, but He didn’t. God called Abram to leave his people and his land and to go to a land that he would show him, and he did.

God chose a foreign-born woman, Ruth, to be the great grandmother of King David, the forefather of Jesus Christ Himself. God could’ve chosen Naomi herself, a Jew, but He didn’t. God called Ruth to leave her people and her land and to follow her mother-in-law back to her land, and she did.

And now, three thousand years later, God chose me, a young woman running from God, blaspheming His name, scoffing at His followers, to carry His Word across the world wide web to foreign nations around the world. He could’ve chosen my sister-in-law who grew up in church, but He didn’t. God called me to wake up before dawn, to turn on my computer and teach, morning by morning, and I’m trying. 😁

Heavenly Father, have Your way with me. Help me to trust You and walk humbly with You, my God. You are the God of Redemption and Power, the God of Holiness and Second Chances. You are the Tapestry-Weaving God of Life and Purpose. We worship You, Lord, and thank You for Your mercy. Help us to reach out to the foreigner dwelling among us for Your glory, never forgetting that You desire the worship of people all over the globe. We want to be faithful to make disciples of all nations. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Are you looking for a family friendly advent devotional? Two years ago I got in print what had been in my heart, head, and mouth for the last decade with my own kids. I hope it blesses you. It’s available in paperback or ebook versions. Download a PDF of all 25 ornaments free here.

“From Creation to Christ: A Family Advent Devotional Tracing the Story of the Savior Through Scripture, Stories, Songs, and Pictures”
by Kim Endraske

Day 11 of the Devotional is about Ruth and Boaz. Enjoy!

Share Jesus Without Fear

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 2 Corinthians 4

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

Have you ever heard of the book, “Share Jesus Without Fear” by William Fay? This book solidified my belief in asking questions and genuinely listening to the person’s responses as an effective method of sharing the gospel. The book also encourages you to share the gospel directly from the scriptures, by suggesting seven key passages for the person you’re sharing with to read themselves. In fact, I’ve written these passages down in the pocket New Testament Bible that I carry with me in my purse. My only complaint about the book is the title. I’m STILL afraid to share — but I pray every day that the Lord will give me strength to overcome that fear.

I want to always be prepared to give away this pocket Bible, so I also wrote several key passages in the cover that are excellent for non-Christians or new Christians to study. I actually keep a second pocket Bible ready at home with these verses written in it, too, so when I give this one away, I’m already prepared to pop another one into my purse. I learned these passages from No Place Left ministries whose website has lots of great resources for evangelism and discipleship.

But, back to ‘Share Jesus Without Fear,” this book includes many excellent questions to ask to open the door for a spiritual conversation. Here are some questions that I hope might help you. I think these questions are appropriate to ask just about anyone given the right situation, whether a close friend or a stranger on an airplane.

  • Has anyone ever explained the basic beliefs of Christianity to you? Would you like me to share my thoughts with you?
  • Do you have any kind of spiritual beliefs?
  • Who is Jesus to you? Can I share with you who Jesus is to me?
  • Do you think there is a heaven or hell? How did you come to those beliefs?
  • If you died tonight, where would you go? If heaven, why?
  • May I share seven scriptures with you that changed my life?

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to meet you for coffee or a meal, asking them in advance if they’d like to meet up with you to talk about spiritual things. You might be surprised how many people would be willing to meet with you if you asked them! You’ll never know if you don’t ask.

Heavenly Father, I’m asking You to open doors for me to have a spiritual conversation with someone this week. I want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. I want to love my neighbor as myself. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and I want to do that, too. Please give me courage and wisdom to be a witness and ambassador for the kingdom of heaven. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

Pray for the People of Israel

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 2 Corinthians 3

But their [Jewish] minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is brought to an end in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart, but WHENEVER a person TURNS TO THE LORD, THE VEIL IS TAKEN AWAY.

2 Corinthians 3:14-16 LSB

Heavenly Father, I pray for the people of Israel. I pray that they will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and have their eyes opened and their sins forgiven. I pray that You will protect them from the schemes of the evil one and use this time of testing and trial for their good and for Your glory. I pray that their hope and trust will be in You, the one true God, and Jesus Christ Your Only Begotten Son, the God-man, whom You sent to take away the sins of the world. I pray that the followers of Jesus in the nation of Israel will be steadfast in sharing the gospel and making disciples where they live. And I pray that each of us around the world will do likewise. I pray for Jewish people all over the globe, that the veil will be taken from their eyes as they seek You, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth, and the life, I pray. Amen

Stones of Remembrance and Your Children

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 4

I grew up listening to my mom’s stories, stories about her life growing up on a dairy farm, how she and my dad planned a quick wedding before he went off to college out-of-state, how I was finally born three weeks past my due date, and many more. I’ve heard the same stories again and again, but somehow I can’t seem to remember all the details. I need to be reminded of these true stories that are important to my family’s life.

The Israelites had been miraculously delivered out of slavery in Egypt. They had spent 40 years wandering in the desert while the Lord miraculously fed them daily with bread from heaven. And now they are going to miraculously cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land of Israel.

Their children will need to hear these stories told again and again. They will need to be reminded of how God provided and God delivered and God led His people, not just so they’d know their people’s history but so they’d know their God.

Our children need to know how God worked in our lives, so they will trust that He can work in their lives, too.

Remember, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV) Let’s tell our children some stories about how the Lord has worked in our lives, setting up some Stones of Remembrance for them to know and trust God. This is one of many reasons I wrote the story of my Jesus transformed my life from Evangelical Atheist to Evangelical Christian.

I’d love to hear your stories. Leave a comment here so others can be encouraged by how the Lord has worked in your life.

Heavenly Father, You are the eternal, unchanging God. You have always been perfect, and You always will be. But, Father, we need change. We need transformation. We need to be made new creations by the power of Your Spirit in us. And so do our children and our neighbors. Please work in us and through us, give us courage and wisdom to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with whoever You place in our path. Let us not forget the Stones of Remembrance that You have given to us. May we remember You, and how You have led us, delivered us, and provided for us. In the Name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

All the Way My Savior Leads Me – Fanny Crosby