Author Archives: Todd

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Philippians 3:20

Are you struggling to keep from fuming in the heat of this social climate like I am? Everyone has experiences that might justify outrage, but anger that leads to sin is itself sin (Matthew 5:22).

Christian sibling, our citizenship is of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and our duty is that of ambassadors of grace (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are to be so confoundedly forgiven that we cannot help but forgive those around us (Romans 5:17, 1 Timothy 1:14). Yet, in this social climate where hate breeds hate and malicious vengeance masquerades as justice, many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace (Hebrews 12:1). If I, as a retired police officer, allow my blue-blood to boil when I see a police mannequin hanging in a noose I squelch my outflow of grace. If I am so patriotic that a burning flag ignites my wrath I have allowed my human experience to claim part of my spirit. If what makes life matter to me is predicated by the hue of its packaging then I discredit the Creator’s majesty. If my concept of grace is limited to those who sin like me then I have forgotten from Whom it comes. 

Many of us find ourselves so entangled in our human characteristics, relationships, and experiences that we render ourselves incapable of representing grace.

We were never promised an easy time on Earth. Quite to the contrary, we are assured persecutions of increasing severity and frequency (references) until the world is judged in fire (2 Peter 3:7, 10). Jesus promised that we would overcome the world not enjoy its embrace (John 16:33). We cannot lament the descent of the whole by omitting the salvation of the few with whom we have influence. 

It is said that only the grace of God can remedy this turmoil. How true that is! But the blood that bought grace has already been spilled and the Author of Peace has already finished His work. It remains now for us to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess (Hebrews 10:23), pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44), gently instruct those who oppose us in hopes they too will escape the devil’s trap (2 Timothy 22:25-26), and do not forsake the assembling together of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.

With balled fists, we cannot reach out to those who need salvation.

"Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

2 Peter 3: 17-18, NIV

To view all today's scripture references in a PDF file click here.

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Thank you for prayers!

Cindy is now happily and productively serving at Hope Lodge, a residence for temporary guests undergoing cancer treatments. Hope Lodge is a service of the American Cancer Society, and Jacksonville is home to one of its newest outreaches. Cindy is excited to be a part of this service opportunity and she is beaming with joy to be about helping people.

God is also at work in the construction of my vocation and ministry. I have been entrusted with more in the Emergency Department, and God has been faithful to be beside me every time. I pray for all my patients and coworkers, that I may be a vessel of healing, encouragement, and support to them, then I watch for the answers to those prayers. I get to pray over and with my patients. Some receive Bible handouts, others a healing touch or word of encouragement, and I try not to pass anyone without sharing a loving smile. Some think I’m crazy, others wonder where I get all my energy, and some get to hear a testimony of God’s greatness in condensed form, but God is being glorified in a metropolitan emergency department one patient at a time.

Last week a young tough guy came in for something minor but, in our interaction, came to tears when he realized someone cared for him and the trauma he had grown up in. “I know I came in for something else, but I believe I was sent here to meet you,” he said on his way out.

“No one has ever put it that way before!” responded another lady when I told her that, because her Creator found her worth dying for, she was certainly worth whatever it takes to receive excellent care.

I joined in worship with a woman who, while confirming her end of life decisions, said, “Young man, I have an appointment to meet my Creator, and if you come between me and that meeting, I’ll have nothing but cross words for you.” We rejoiced that we would have eternity together in God’s presence, to catch up.

A woman who came with anxiety in her heart heard from the doctor that little could be done except that appropriate referrals were made and medical conditions were ruled out. I spent personal time with her, lovingly coaching and acknowledging her fears and hurts, then asked for permission to pray with her. She eagerly took me up on my offer for prayer and a Gospel of John booklet, and left happier, healthier, and with vital signs that proved she had been transformed in our meeting.

These are but a few of the incredible ways God continues to work in our lives. I encourage you to ask God to use you as an encouraging fountain of joy, and to start reaching out with smiles and encouraging words, and see how He is always faithful, even when we sometimes forget to be.

May the Father of Lights and the Lord of Love pour out Himself through you and me as we continually seek to glorify Him through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen!

P.S. I almost forgot. I made the Dean’s List in my ongoing Nursing studies at the University of Florida, and am on track to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in August, God willing. Please don’t forget to pray for us. Juggling it all can get overwhelming sometimes.

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Photo credit https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Lumière

“Life is so unnerving for a servant who’s not serving.
He’s not whole without a soul to wait upon.”
- Lumiere, from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Jesus, in His great commission, said:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew‬ ‭28:19‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

When He sent out the Twelve, Jesus said:
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew‬ ‭10:8‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

To the seventy-two missionaries, He said:
“Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Luke‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

So we have several instances of Jesus sending out ministers of His message to heal and teach. We are commissioned to go into our world doing likewise, just as the Pharisee was instructed to act as the Good Samaritan, who nursed a stranger (Luke 10:25-37).

This same Jesus who sent you into all the world said:
“where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭12:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬).

Like Lumiere, you may feel as though you aren’t going far enough, doing enough, or shining your light in a meaningful enough way. We would like to offer ourselves to you as representatives, vessels of blessing through which you may extend yourself to the other end of the world. As we advance into Uganda, please send us with your prayers and your heart. The word for this sort of substitution is used more formally in the church is “ordain,” defined by Dictionary.com as: “to invest with ministerial or sacerdotal functions; confer holy orders upon.”

Would you consider ordaining us to represent your heart in East Africa? We need partners who will commit to pray for us, follow our progress, and send their hearts and regular financial support. Please consider being a sending partner with us. To connect in this way please visit our donor/partner page.

PARTNER WITH US

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Want to go a step further? Would you help us multiply our sending support base? Would you approach your small group, Bible study, church congregation or regional leadership and share what we are doing? We need a broad foundation from which to launch, and we are eager to share this ministry with as many as are willing to send us.