We went out in teams of three or four – two Americans and one or two Moldovan translators. When we rang a bell, the translators would explain that we came from America to bring them food. For some reason the fact that we were Americans opened doors that would not normally be opened. Yet even then many remained closed from fear or skepticism. When doors did open, we explained through the translator why we had come. Our goal was to share not just physical food with them, but spiritual, life-giving food as well.

Since many of the people we visited are lifelong members of the influential Eastern Orthodox Church they are religious. But religion does not equal a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we shared the Gospel message of Christ with them they often told us about how often they pray or go to church. Sadly, Moldova is not the only place in the world where religion hinders someone finding Jesus.

Many of those we talked with had also had visits from Jehovah Witnesses. Because of that, some would not listen to what we had to say. Others equated our message with theirs. One morning, while walking between apartment buildings I saw two women and two young girls pass by. This group of Jehovah Witnesses was out doing the same thing we were – sharing their faith.

At that moment a thought hit me hard. Without the activity and presence of the Holy Spirit the people we talk to will see us and our message no differently than they see the Jehovah Witnesses and their message. I cannot convince them that the Gospel of Jesus is truth. I cannot talk them into receiving Him as their Lord and Savior. I cannot argue them into eternal life. This is solely the work of the Holy Spirit.

The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor 2:14

We cannot understand the things of God on our own. The Holy Spirit must give us understanding. God sends us to tell others about Jesus – in our neighborhood, in our city, in Moldova – but only He can empower the words for eternal life.

God’s lesson to me that particular day reminded me to pray that God would go before us at every visit. That He would empower our words. That He would give understanding. That He would do what only He can do. And He did! But more about that later!

You may be wondering “where in the world is Moldova?” Moldova, a former Soviet block country, is squeezed in between Romania and Ukraine in Eastern Europe. Most Moldovans in the rural areas speak Romanian and most in the urban areas speak Russian. Of course, I don’t speak either one.

Our team went to work with a local church in Kishinev with which we’ve had an ongoing relationship for many years. Our goal was to help them in their ministry and open doors for them in their community. We made home visits to distribute food and share the Gospel and conducted a VBS, American Club, and sports camp.

God’s help and intervention began before we even reached our destination. One of our big tasks was to get all the supplies for all the activities to Kishinev. We purchased almost everything here to take with us. Each of the team members was limited to one personal bag so we could take extra bags for the supplies.

Of course with the new airline regulations we were limited to one free bag each. We took fifteen extra bags for supplies and each of us pitched in to cover the $50 per bag fee charged by American Airlines which we paid when we checked in here in Midland.

American does not fly all the way to Moldova, so in Frankfurt, Germany we had to pick up our bags and check in with Air Moldova. In previous years Air Moldova had not charged for extra bags. This year was different. However, they don’t charge by the bag, but by the kilogram. The extra charges were going to be around $3,000 US! That would take all the money we had set aside to buy some needed items for a local orphanage we planned to visit.

One of our group leaders asked to speak to a manager and the rest of us began to pray. The manager was not in yet. We had to wait six hours. But that gave us a lot more time for intercession.

Two hours before our flight, we finally had our answer. Air Moldova agreed to make a special deal with us. They charged us $150 US for all the bags! God revealed Himself to us even before we stepped foot on Moldovan soil. We could hardly wait to see what He would do during the rest of the trip.

Stayed tuned for Part Two of Moldova Moments

Independence from Britain was a great and good thing for the people that became the United States of America. But independence is not a good thing for the people of God. In fact, as God’s people we should make a formal “Declaration of Dependence” on our Creator.

Those of us, who have been born again spiritually, by the power of God in Christ, have no rights. We are not our own, we have been bought with a price (1 Cor 6:20). We have been set free from the bondage of sin and death so we can become slaves of Christ (Romans 6:22).

In fact, according to the Bible, we are totally dependent on God for everything. We can do nothing without Christ (John 15:5) but with Him we can do everything (Phil 4:13). Without Him, nothing. With Him, everything.

So why do I still try to do things my way, in my own power and strength? Maybe it’s because I still think too much of myself and too little of Him.

Lord, I declare today “Dependence Day.” Will you help me be totally and utterly dependent on you in everything I say and do?

I ordered a “Turkey-Avocado wrap with spinach, tomatoes, and light ranch dressing” for $7.95. When I asked the waiter if fruit or chips came with the wrap he had to check. The answer? Two pieces of pineapple. Hmm? That should have sent up red flag warnings.

Twenty minutes later our food arrived. My wrap was huge! It was stuffed! With lots and lots of fresh spinach. There was one slice of extremely thin turkey breast and one slice of avocado about a quarter inch wide. This menu item needs to be renamed “Spinach wrap with a hint of turkey and avocado.”

Before I took the first bite I thought, “If I had wanted salad I would have ordered salad.” And when I finished the first half I muttered, “I’m going to have to eat dinner at 2:30.” Before I tackled the second half I snagged the waiter and asked for a little turkey and avocado to put on my Turkey-Avocado wrap. To be fair he quickly brought a small plate with a few slices of turkey and avocado. Much better.

Sometimes Christianity is like yesterday’s Turkey-Avocado wrap at the local hot spot. We decorate it with all the latest styles and fads to make it appealing to the masses. We fill the menu with great sounding fare. Then we serve up food that has little meat, no real substance. It’s just feel-good fluff.

I buy into it too. But what we need is real discipleship. Submission and obedience to Christ. Deep study on the truths of God’s Word. Commitment, accountability, and servanthood. But too often what we get is just what is easy and marketable. “Don’t ask too much.” “Don’t tell them it will be hard.” “Don’t let on there may be sacrifices.”

Is that really what we want? Deep down, don’t we want to be a part of something big? Something that has eternal purpose? Jesus certainly didn’t pull any punches.

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:23-25.

How would you describe your discipleship, your walk with Jesus? Is there real substance or is it mostly filler? For me, I pray for substance. But some days there’s a bit too much spinach.

I’ve been reading through the book of Daniel in my quiet time. In chapter nine, Daniel is now an old man. He survived the takeover of the Babylonian kingdom by the Medes and the Persians. His people have endured exile now for seventy years – the amount of time Daniel understood from Scripture to be the length of their discipline from God.

Daniel began to mourn and pray and petition God to intervene on behalf of His people. Now here’s the part that really struck me.

“We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Daniel 9:18-19

From a human perspective, if anyone “deserved” for God to hear and answer his prayer it would be someone like Daniel. But because he had an inkling of the awesome greatness of God, Daniel was humble. He recognized his sinfulness – especially in comparison to the holiness of God.

Daniel asked God to act, to answer his prayer for Israel, not because he or the people had earned anything. His request was based on the character of God Himself. Because God is merciful. Because God is forgiving. All so God’s name would be glorified on the earth when He moved to help His people.

Lord, glorify your name today. Move on behalf of the people who bear your name. Not because we deserve anything, but because you deserve everything! Amen.

Scripture Dig is an online resource, a tool for Christian women who want to really dig into God’s Word and allow it to transform their lives. Scripture Dig combines Bible study, information, resources, and community. Women will be taught, encouraged, and challenged.

This first week of June each of the five members of the Scripture Dig team will introduce themselves. Yesterday was my turn! You can check out the whole team here. Scripture Dig will not be a one-sided conversation. Readers will get to have their turn too. You will be invited into the community and asked to participate.

Starting Monday, June 7th, we will begin our first topic – the Bible itself. We will cover Bible Basics like “What is the Bible?” and “How did we get it?” We will talk about different translations and how to choose one for yourself. Then beginning June 21, we will shift the conversation to reading the Bible and having a quiet time.

Why so much emphasis on getting into God’s Word? The Bible reveals God and His ways to us. It guides us into relationship with the Creator of the universe and shapes our lives to please Him. Check out Scripture Dig today and sign up to be part of the ongoing community. See you there!   Kathy

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:1-3

These kinds of storms are scary and, unfortunately, also inevitable here. We expect them and try to prepare for them. What about life’s storms? Do you expect them? In John 16:33, Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. (And, praise God, He also said to “take heart” because He has overcome the world!) So why are we sometimes surprised when trouble comes?

Here are three things that can help us when we find ourselves in the midst of trial and difficulty:

1. Reflect on God’s purposes – Both James and Peter tell us that we can rejoice in the midst of trials. (See James 1:2-4 and 1 Peter 1:6-9.) I know, it seems crazy to think about rejoicing when times are hard. But they didn’t mean to be happy about the difficulties themselves. God uses the storms of life to refine us and shape us into the person He wants us to be. He molds our character and burns off impurities. He turns your life into one that will bring praise and honor to Jesus. Now that’s something to be joyful about!
2. Rest in God’s promises – Spiritual maturity is great, but how does that help us get through the storms? The Bible is full of promises from God about how He helps us in times of difficulties. The 46^th Psalm contains one of my favorites. “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear through the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, thought the mountains tremble at its swelling (Ps 46:1-3).” We may have to walk through painful and dark days but God will be there. Everything else may be falling down around our ears, but God is our refuge, a safe place where we can run.
3. Rejoice in God’s presence – When we have nothing else we have God. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. (See Hebrews 13:5.) Even when everything else in life is wrong God is present. His presence means comfort, peace, and help. Seek to be consciously aware of His constant presence. Then rejoice in it!

Do the skies overhead look dark today? Run to the Light and reflect, rest, and rejoice in Him!

I thought about my fellow students this morning during my daily Bible reading. In 1 Kings chapter 20 we read about Elisha’s call by God to be Elijah’s successor.  When Elijah issued the call Elisha was plowing a field behind a yoke of oxen. Not only did Elisha answer the call he also slaughtered the oxen and cooked them over a fire fueled by the plowing equipment.

Now that’s commitment! There would be no turning back for Elisha. No changing his mind or deciding he heard wrong. He could only move forward in obedience to God’s plan for his life.

Jesus calls us all to discipleship – to follow wherever He leads and not turn back. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” (See Luke 9:23-25.)

When we gain Christ we gain everything that truly matters. Yet to gain all of  Christ we must let go of everything else. So often I hesitate.  I want to follow Christ but I’m afraid to slaughter the oxen. I want to hang onto my earthly comforts and be master of my own schedule.

I long to be like Elisha who was so determined to follow wherever God led that he slaughtered the oxen and burned his farming equipment. No turning back.

What oxen do you need to kill today? What earthly things do you struggle to let go of so you can follow Jesus wherever He leads?

Recently God has presented me with a new opportunity. Since it’s a bit different from anything I’ve done before I’m a little nervous about how to proceed. I know I will have to depend on Him. And that’s a good thing.

This morning I was reading about David’s task of planning for the temple in First Chronicles, chapter 28. God did not allow David to actually build the temple because David was a man of war. God assigned that task to David’s son Solomon. However, God did ask David to do the planning and make preparations.

I know I’ve read this passage many times, but this morning I noticed truths about the Holy Spirit’s involvement that I had never slowed down to think about before.

The Spirit put all the detailed plans for the temple and its furnishings in David’s mind, from the massive stones to the amount of gold to be used in each serving fork (vs 17) to how the duties for the priests and Levites should be organized (vs 13). David knew and acknowledged that all the plans came from “the hand of the Lord” that was on Him. The Spirit gave David “understanding in all the details of the plan.”

When David’s task was completed he passed the baton to Solomon. As he did, David gave Solomon advice on serving the Lord and fulfilling His purposes:

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.”  1 Chronicles 28:9-10, ESV

Here are a few things from this passage I think we can apply to ourselves as we step forward in obedience to tackle God-sized (or any size for that matter) tasks.

• “Know God” and seek Him – Make time with God a priority every day.
• Ask God to constantly check your attitudes and motivations for service. Are there any self-serving motives behind my “obedience?”
• Serve God with a “whole heart” – God shouldn’t just be my priority. He should be my everything.
• Pray for discretion and understanding – In 1 Chronicles 22:11-12, David asked God to give Solomon discretion and understanding as he began to build the Lord’s house.
• “Be strong and do it” – As you seek God, ask Him to keep your motivations in check, and pray for His direction, then whatever He shows you, step out and do it!

What is your God-given and God-sized task? Are you depending on His Spirit? “Be strong and do it!”

God saved His people Israel. He chose them out of all nations to be His. God rescued them from slavery in Egypt. He brought them safely through the waters of the Red Sea. Then after centuries of rebellion, the prophet Isaiah warned them of God’s pending discipline. They would soon face exile in Babylon, but God would redeem them again. Like a loving father, God would lavish His children with grace and mercy. He would snatch them out of exile and bring them safely home.

God has a unique relationship with us, His people. First, He made us. He intimately formed you and me. Then He chose us to belong to Him. He called us by name. He redeemed us out of slavery to sin and claimed us as His own.

He promises to save those who belong to Him. Are you passing through a fire right now? Whether you’re experiencing God’s discipline, Christian persecution, or a refining trial, God is with you. You may feel the heat and smell the smoke but you will not be consumed. God may not choose to rescue you out of every trouble, but He will always rescue you through them. He will not leave your side.

1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,     they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

³ For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.

⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.

Isaiah 43:1-4, NIV

God’s greatest act of salvation on our behalf was in sending His Son to save us from our sins and give us eternal life. Have you received God’s great gift of eternal salvation? Have you experienced God’s saving hand in past circumstances of your life?

Remember, the God who saved your soul and acted on your behalf in the past is the same God today. Will you trust Him with your current circumstances?