I have just been enjoying today God's plan from the beginning concerning circumcision. It was never to be a one time act that one just did to get done. It has always been about the heart, and a continual obedience and joy that steams from it.

Jermiah 9:25-26
25 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the LORD, “that I will punish all who are circumcised and yet uncircumcised— 26 Egypt and Judah, and Edom and the sons of Ammon, and Moab and all those inhabiting the desert who clip the hair on their temples; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised of heart.”

Deutoronomy 30:6
6 “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live.

Romans 2:29b
circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

Phillipians 3:2-3
2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; 3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

There are a lot more examples than this, but these immediately came up and are a great start. Reality from the beginning is that one cannot be born into it. It is not a birthright. It has always been about the heart and its eternal choice. What is your heart choosing? Has it been circumcised by the Master craftsman, made alive, and filled with joy? Or was salvation to you just something you checked off of a to-do list? Check out what His word says about this. This is just a start.

Psalm of a Wildman 2: Fire

"Transition times,
They come and go slowly.
Sweet and sour like limes,
Both exciting… and lonely.

They come with longings,
And fear.
They can bring freedom,
And they can sear.

Let me not shy away,
Though the trial is great.
Strengthen me I pray,
Before it is too late.

Without Thee I am weak,
I crumble and fall.
It is Thee my heart seek,
To Thee alone I call.

I feel the heat,
I feel the sting.
I am stuck in this seat,
But I hear Your voice sing,

'Though the fire is hot,
It purifies.
Though change is hard,
It brings maturity.'

I long for Your touch,
To remove the dross.
To fill me with strength such,
That I may carry my cross.

'Though the fire is hot,
It purifies.
Though change is hard,
It brings maturity.'

I hear your gentle voice,
It is time to decide.
I have made my choice,
In You alone I will confide.

Yes, the fire is hot,
But I need purifying.
Oh, the change is hard,
But it brings maturity.

Purify me,
No matter the cost.
Sanctify me,
That my soul may not be lost.

To no longer be an infant,
Tossed to and fro on the sea.
But a warrior sent,
To set the captives free.

I submit to His will,
For the glory of His Name.
Forsaking the frill,
That all might do the same."

Encouraged by the word of their testimonies....

One sister came to know the Lord when her brother was healed after a believer prayed for him. He studied and became a pastor, but after 3 years he died. The village tried to convince her and her family to leave the faith, but they remained faithful and many have come to know our Father though them.

One brother owned his own business, but after seeing corruption and injustice, he took up arms with guerrilla warriors seeking to change the nation. After 10 years of living in the jungle, he was told about JC and said, "I cannot change this nation with guns, but JC can change it." He is now a minister to those he  faught along aside and the villages they travel through.

One brother was the only believer in his family, but when he prayed for healing for his mother, she was healed and his whole family believed.

One man felt unrest in his heart and was seeking peace when he heard about JC and believed. He now pastors 4 churches.

There are many more stories I would love to share, but they are sensitive and out of respect for their safety should only be shared in person to protect them.

Quick note on SEA

Time here has been wonderful. We arrived safely and slept well. The next day we rode 6hrs on the bus down a very bumpy road to the town where we would be teaching our friends. We taught storying and training methods for around 14 hrs over the next three days to 60 people. It was a wonderful time of fellowship, encouragement, and challenge. They sent us off with ornate flowers and thanksgiving. I will miss them. They have such a joy to learn about Him and to share Him with others. They have such a desire to see the KG spread to ask peoples. It has challenged and encouraged me greatly. This has been an amazing trip that will hopefully lead to better and even more productive trips in the future.
Pr for continue growth and discipleship here in SEA. The Truth is spreading, but spiritual growth and maturity needs to develop now. Pr for workers that are called to do discipleship to be found and empowered by the HS.
Thank you for your support and prayers. I pr you may share in my joy and encouragement by the word of their testimonies. I will try to post some notes from our friends here when I get back home.

SEA

It is amazing how the Father opens doors, and today I am heading to SEA. I am super excited to go and see what all he is doing there, and to learn from our friends there. They have invited us to come and teach them, so I asked for pr that we would teach with wisdom and they would hear with discernment. Pr for his HS to move with power in them so they may truly understand and teach others.
I also ask for pr for travel mercies as well. We will be there for a short time, so pr that we will have the energy and joy to work as worthy representative of JC. Thank you.

The beginning...

This if the beginning of my new blog. I will share what I'm learning, what my heart is thinking, and the exciting and sometimes strange events life may bring. Though I am a civilized man, I am by no means tame. My heart tells me that life isn't about money, fame, or success. It's about a journey, an adventure that is larger than me. I'm (we're) a part of a grand story, an adventure of epic proportions that has eternal implications. I long to be a part of the Father's glorious plan, and I cannot wait to see where this adventure leads... because I know where it ends, and what a glorious ending it will be.