We have merely done what we ought to do

Here are a few thoughts from Nancy's spiritual journal:

Luke 17:10 in the Amplified Version says, "So you too, when you have done everything that was assigned and commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy servants [undeserving of praise or a reward, for we have not gone beyond our obligation]; we have merely done what we ought to do.’”

Jesus said that those who serve him are like slaves who serve their master.  They don’t get a special reward, recognition or praise for only doing what they are commanded to do, they just do it.  When we obey God’s commands or do what he has told us to do, we are simply doing our duty.  It’s like when a nurse, doctor or emergency worker saves someone’s life in the course of their work, they can say, “It’s just my job. That’s what I’m paid to do.”

I am embarrassed when someone calls me a hero because I’m a missionary.  I’m not a hero, I am merely doing my duty.  I have not gone beyond what the Master told me to do.  It’s just my job, the path the Lord has told me to take.  I owe Jesus so much more than I could ever repay.  What I do is nothing compared to what he has done for me.  I thank God for the honor of serving him.

Light Always Overcomes Darkness

Yesterday we ministered at A Ház Gyülekezet (The House Church) here in Debrecen, and I  experienced something I had never experienced before. The morning was normal as we prepared for church and drove to the church building--no indications of any problems at all. We visited with people before the service began, but once the worship started I began to feel a pain in my lower back on the left side. I thought that maybe I twisted my back or sat wrong earlier so I didn't think much about it. However, the pain became increasingly worse and I started feeling a bit nauseous as well. About a half hour before I was to speak the pain and nausea became so bad I had to leave the sanctuary a couple of times to step outside and get some fresh air.

After praying outside for a few minutes I returned to the sanctuary a few minutes before I was introduced to present the message. I stepped to the podium and mentioned my back pain and asked if anyone else was feeling any physical pain. Several hands were raised so we prayed for healing so that there would be no hindrances to them hearing the message. My pain and nausea subsided enough that I was able to preach what Nancy and several others said was a powerful message. As soon as I turned the microphone back over to the pastor my pain returned and I once again had to leave the building to get some fresh air. I tried to return to visit with the congregation, but eventually we had to excuse ourselves and Nancy drove me home (Note: If you know me, you know that I was in a lot of pain when I am not able to drive). We considered going to the hospital and actually headed that way, but I decided to just go home so I could rest.

Once we arrived home I immediately went to bed and was able to sleep through the afternoon. By that evening the pain had vanished along with all the other symptoms. Nancy did some checking on the internet to see what the possible problem could have been and thought that I could have suffered from a kidney stone. Since I've never had that problem before, I can't say for sure that is what it was, but the symptoms seem to fit--pain near the kidney, nausea, sweating, and vomiting (yes, that was part of my experience, too). What ever it was, I had never felt that way before and I hope I never experience it again.

One interesting thing is that my message was from John 1:1-18 focusing on verses 5 and 14. My main point was that if we continue to experience God's Presence (behold His glory) and walk in His Light, then darkness can NOT overcome us (vs. 5). I am not one that sees a demon behind every rock, nor do I attribute every problem to an attack of the enemy. However, this is too much of a coincidence to ignore. Why did the pain come just before I was to bring this message? Was Satan trying to stop this church from hearing it? I can't say for sure, but this I do know--the message was preached, the people were blessed, and I am now healed! As long as we continue to walk in His Light, Satan cannot stop us!

Wishing You a Merry Christmas

Christmas Market

This time of year, we love visiting the Christmas market in the main square downtown.  It is fun seeing all the goods for sale in the stalls including handcrafted items, homemade traditional food items, Christmas decorations and gifts. 

The only motorized traffic allowed on the square is the tram.  The stalls are set up along the tram line.

The stalls remain on the square until after Christmas.  Even in the cold (it was 34 degrees) there are many shoppers.

Many food vendors are also at the Christmas market.  We decided to buy our lunch at this one.

We both had a lepény, a flat bread cooked on a grill.  Nancy's was with vegetables, Mike's with sausage (kolbász). Delicious!

Advent Begins

It's beginning to look like Christmas in Debrecen.  The Christmas season in Hungary officially starts with the first Sunday of Advent, which was last Sunday.  The lights were turned on in the main square downtown and the first candle of the Advent wreath was lit at church.  All the stores are allowed to be open on Sundays during Advent to accommodate Christmas shoppers.  We don't have any snow yet, but we are looking forward to celebrating the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 25 and 26.