Thank You, God, for Friends

We had lunch today with two of our missionary friends, Mary Jill and Tammy. We have such good times together! Too bad they are moving out of town soon.

Are We Focusing on the Fleeting?

“When down in the mouth, think of Jonah. He came out alright.”

Have you ever heard that? Maybe you’ve seen it on a plaque or bumper sticker. I used to have it on the wall of my office for awhile, and it was a clever way of offering words of encouragement.

However, this week I have been reading and meditating on the book of Jonah, and I have to ask myself: “Did Jonah really come out alright?” Yes, God did rescue him from the sea via a large fish, and he did eventually obey God and go to Ninevah, but what about his heart? What kind of attitude did he have even as he was obeying God’s word?

We all know the story of how God told Jonah to go to Ninevah to warn the people of His coming judgment upon them. What you may not know is that Ninevah was a major city of the Assyrians, who were pagan enemies of Israel and known to be a wicked and vicious people. Jonah knew that if the people of Ninevah were to repent of their wickedness, God would extend His mercy to them and spare them (Jonah 4:1-2). And this is what he did not want to happen. I’m sure he would have rather seen God bring vengeance and judgment upon his enemies, so, instead of obeying God, he tried to run from Him.

So, God sent a violent storm, and the sailors, after finding out that Jonah was the cause of their trouble, were forced to throw him overboard. God then sent a large fish which swallowed Jonah, and he remained in its belly for three days. During this time, he had plenty of time to think about his actions and he repented. God then caused the fish to vomit Jonah up on the shore, and He gave him another chance to obey Him and go to Ninevah. Jonah obeyed, preached God’s message and the entire city repented and was saved.

I’m sure that most of us are familiar with this part of the story. However, as I was reading the book this week, what really spoke to me was what happened afterwards. In the last chapter, Jonah was upset because of the fact that Ninevah repented and God showed mercy to them. He even felt that he would rather die now that his enemies were still alive (Jonah 4:3). He then goes outside the city and sits down as if he were waiting to see if maybe God would change His mind and send judgment upon them anyway. While he is sitting in the hot sun, and probably feeling sorry for himself and complaining, God causes a vine to grow up overnight to bring shelter to Jonah. Jonah is very happy for a moment. Then, God sends a worm to chew on the vine causing it to wither. Overnight the vine dies, and the next day Jonah is once again sitting in the hot sun complaining.

God then asks Jonah a question. He asks, “Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?” Jonah’s response is that he was very upset about the vine. Now notice God’s answer to Jonah in verses 10-11.

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?” (NIV)

In other words, God was pointing out to Jonah that he was more concerned with temporal, fleeting things that bring him comfort and pleasure than he was with the eternal destiny of the people of Ninevah. He was more interested in his own security (his enemies being destroyed) than in seeing people entering the Kingdom of God. The thing that was most important to him had no eternal value. He was focusing on the fleeting.

Also, even though Jonah was obedient to what God wanted him to do, his heart and attitude were not right. He followed God’s command, but he did not do it with love. Consequently, he missed out on the joy and blessings that come from a LOVING obedience! He should have been rejoicing over the souls that turned towards God, and the Kingdom of God being established in that city. Instead, he felt sorry for himself and complained because God didn’t do things the way he wanted them done. He did not have God’s heart.

I think we need to take a good look at our lives and make sure that we aren’t developing the same attitude that Jonah had. How much of our obedience to God is NOT done with the love of God in our heart? (I Cor. 13:1-3), and are we missing out on His blessings because of it? Do we grumble when God asks us to do something that is difficult for us; that we may not want to do? Are we more focused on the temporal, fleeting things of the earth that will only benefit us, rather than the Kingdom of God? Do we really have God’s heart for the lost, and are we willing to lovingly do whatever it takes to see people enter a relationship with Jesus Christ, even if it is inconvenient or costly to us; even if they are our enemies?

So, did Jonah really come out alright? No, I think God still had a lot of work to do in him. And I know He is still working in me.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus… (Phil. 2:5 NIV)

My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. (Matt. 26:39 NIV)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross... (Heb. 12:2 NIV)

Thanksgiving Day

Yesterday was Thanksgiving Day. It's not an official holiday in Hungary, but the Open Bible Church we attend in Debrecen celebrates a day of thanksgiving once a year. During the service, many people gave thanks to God for the things He has done for them this year. There were thanks given for new babies, jobs and graduations as well as help through the deaths of family members, healings, and miraculous provision in difficult financial times. The most wonderful thanks were given for and by many people who had believed in Jesus as Lord this year and become part of His Family!
Following the service was a wonderful meal of yummy stuffed cabbage and desserts.
We enjoyed spending time with some special people, too.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Practice, practice, practice

We have found a treasure in our neighbor and landlady, Éva Parisz. Not only is she a fair and attentive landlady, but she is also a friend. She knows a little bit of English, having lived in New York City for a time some years ago. Recently, once or twice a month, she and I (Nancy) have lunch together to spend some time teaching each other our languages. I get the better of the deal because Éva is so eager to teach me Hungarian that we speak English only a little bit. But, we each manage to learn a couple of new phrases every time. This time, Éva learned "Today, I am not dieting." That's a good phrase to learn! Yesterday, Éva treated me to a visit to the zoo. As usual, we had a great time together. Thanks, Éva!

New Youth Pastors

Zoli and Dori Ács

Today a special event took place in church. Zoli and Dori Ács were installed as youth pastors at the Shalom Open Bible Church here in Debrecen. Both Zoli and Dori are students of INSTE. Zoli is studying Old Testament right now, while Dori is just beginning with Discipleship 1. Over the past year and a half since we have been in Hungary, we have seen God do some wonderful things in their lives. They both love the Lord and have a heart for evangelism. They are a special couple who are dear friends of ours, and we pray for a special anointing upon them as they begin their new adventure in ministry.

Living the Life

"Mert úgy szerette Isten az embereket, hogy egyetlen Fiát adta, hogy aki hisz a Fiúban, el ne vesszen, hanem örök élete legyen." János 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Joy, peace, fulfillment, power through life in Jesus Christ--available to each of us right now. How awesome is that?!

How Is God Answering Your Prayers?

Have you ever read the book of Habakkuk? For most of us, I'm sure the answer would be "no" or at least not in awhile. We usually skip these small books at the end of the Old Testament and head right for the gospels. However, I have been reading through these books and found something interesting that I think is relevant for today.

Habakkuk was probably a contemporary of Jeremiah and wrote this book before the invasion of Jerusalem by Babylon. The nation of Judah was filled with sin, and corruption and injustice abounded. The nation was going downhill fast. Sound familiar? During his prayer time (1:2-4), Habakkuk was complaining to God as to why He was not doing something about the situation. Why wasn't He bringing revival? Why wasn't He answering their prayers for deliverance from injustice and wickedness? Why was sin and wickedness still prevailing? Also sound familiar?

Beginning with verse 5, notice God's answer. God says, "I will answer your prayers. In fact, I'm going to do something that you're not going to believe. I'm going to raise up the Babylonians, that ruthless and dreaded people, to come and take your nation into captivity."

"What? How can such a holy God use such wickedness to accomplish His purpose? This can't be Your will! This has got to be an attack from the enemy! We just need to rebuke those Babylonians so that God's will can be accomplished." Those are not Habakkuk's exact words- his response is in 1:12-2:1, but he did find it difficult to believe what he was hearing from God. How can this be the answer to their prayers? How can this possibly bring about God's purpose? This is definitely not how he expected God to answer his prayer!

However, if we look at the end of this time period in Israel's history, we find that Babylon's captivity of Israel did cause the Israelites to turn their heart more towards God (which they did after every difficult situation- see the book of Judges). But, it also opened up the way for four young men who were totally dedicated to God to be able to reveal God's power several times to the entire nation of Babylon and beyond (see the book of Daniel). This could have never happened if the Babylonians had not captured Jerusalem. Those young men would have never been taken captive and sent to Babylon, and there would have not been the opportunity for God to be glorified in that nation. God used those wicked Babylonians to actually expand His kingdom! Only heaven knows the number of lives that had been influenced for the glory of God through this.

Therefore, what appeared to be a very bad idea on God's part; a step backwards from the advancement of righteousness and a total defeat for the Kingdom of God, was actually all part of God's plan to advance His kingdom to areas previously unreached.

So, how is God answering our prayers? Is it possible that the advancement of false religions, the government officials we feel are leading us down the wrong path, and all the other things we complain about and do "spiritual warfare" against are actually instruments of God to accomplish His purpose (1:12)? Could it be that what appears to be a defeat (whether it be a job loss on a personal level to an international crisis) could actually be an open door for God to demonstrate His power and for Him to be glorified?

Habakkuk ended his prophecy by stating that even though he may not see the blessings or the results of God's answer to his prayer, he will still rejoice in the Lord for it is only God who is able to give him strength and raise him above this situation (3:17-19). He knew that God was still in control, and Habakkuk placed total trust and confidence in God even though he may not understand what God is doing. Can we do the same?

Just a thought!

New births

This morning at church we celebrated two new births. Little Jónátán was dedicated to the Lord by his parents Misha and Alexa (they help us with INSTE work). Jónátán's sisters also were a part of the dedication ceremony. It was so precious.
Just as precious was the celebration when a young lady named Éva accepted the Lord and was born into the Family of God. We all joined the angels in celebrating Éva as our new sister in Christ. Isn't God good?

Shall we walk?

One thing we really like about where we live in Debrecen is that it is within walking distance of so many things we need. We can walk to the post office, the store and church. We do so almost every day, too, not only for running errands, but also for exercise. Besides, there are many beautiful places to walk including this tree-lined street just a block from our home.

I'd like a cat, please.

Yesterday we took a quick trip to Budapest to visit an INSTE church there. I (Nancy) had been diligently studying Hungarian by reading a children's book about a mouse who was in an amusement part where the scary rides featured images of big cats (macskák). We pulled into a gas station to buy a tollway pass (matrica). As we parked, I rehearsed in my mind, as I always do, what I needed to say. Then I walked up to the counter and said, "Szeretnénk egy macskát." The clerked looked at me kind of funny and I realized I had said, "I would like a cat, please." I quickly rephrased my question asking for a pass, not a cat, but the damage was done. The clerk couldn't help but laugh. She said, "That was a good one." I had to laugh, too. How often do you ask for a cat at a gas station?