I Corinthians 4:20 – For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power….
At almost 70 years old, looking back takes a bit longer than before and looking ahead is a simpler exercise. Regardless of our stage in life, we who read this letter have lived 2019 and by God’s grace will make it through 2020.
My brief summary of our work in 2019 as Basic Idea Ministries challenges me with a question for us to consider : Is what I experienced in 2019 worth repeating in 2020, or does God want something different from me, for me? I am not asking if we should do more. I am asking should we do differently, set other priorities, or perhaps prayerfully set priorities for the first time.
BIM in 2019: This was a “comeback year”. From 2016-2018 my health was deteriorating, and I thought God might be finished with me, with us – regarding ministry to others. I was discouraged. Then 2019 saw God’s healing grace extended to us through some medical help and His blessing. Now, both Carol and I are back! As our health was restored, we saw a renewal of ministry in teaching, mentoring, planting ministries in Mexico, local engagement in addiction recovery, and work in our local church with children. We feel the winds of God’s favor on us in new ways.
BIM in 2020: Now we are watching God open doors of new opportunities in Mexico (new cities coming online for marriage ministries), in Africa for marriage training of pastor couples, being joined by new couples who want to do what we do and / or do it with us! We are seeing a resurgence of couples wanting marriage help via small groups, as well as. churches/denominations with whom we’ve previously worked asking us to come alongside them for more relational training.
My simple question is this: Are we ready to engage in this new year to even more powerfully be involved in loving God and others ….starting at home? Am I doing for those close to me what I hope to do for others? Am I being consistently a man or woman after God’s own heart? Will 2019 be repeated in 2020 or does God want me in different ways to walk with Him personally, powerfully, productively?
Challenges continue and opportunities are opening for us. What about you? Will you pray with us that 2o20 will see revival in our land beginning in our hearts and yours?