Whatever You Do…

A catechism is a summary doctrine, traditionally used in Christian religious teaching from New Testament times to the present. These manuals are often in the form of questions followed by answers to be memorized. One of the most famous is the Westminster Catechism. The longer version has as its for question-answer the following:

What is the chief and highest end of man?
Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Often, I have used this when counseling other Christians and I have been known to use it in a sermon or two. However, as with so many things, this has taken on a new life in the light of the mission field.

Here in Brazil, I (Matthew) have good days or bad days. Some days I feel great about what the Lord will do through the ministry He has given us. Some days I feel frustrated by the lack of obvious signs of God’s movement. However, I must remember what I am doing here. I am not here to teach the leadership of Northern Brazil (though I will be doing this). I am not here to convert the lost to Christ (though I pray that this will take place). I am not here to learn Portuguese (though this is happening, even if it is slowly). I am here because my Lord and Savior has called me to this place for this time in my life. I am here because it glorifies God.

While here in Brazil, I hope that I am often reminded of this question-answer in the Westminster Catechism for it will keep me focused on the Lord. I hope it does the same for you. Remember, the Bible states in I Corinthians. 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

To whom am I listening...

I (Matthew) am driving down the crazy streets of Belém and listen to Christian band, Casting Crowns, song The Voice of Truth, and it just struck me. Do I listen to the voice of truth?

I sit here, in a foreign country, as a so called missionary and some days I am ready to storm hell gates. Other days, I ready to storm the international airport and find my way back home. After months of… sitting in class, trying learning a foreign language… of dealing with those things which are part of this culture but make no sense to my American mindset… of dealing with the daily battle I grow weary. At times, I feel so mentally and physically tired and I know I am not alone. My dear friend in Moscow echoes my sentiment.

But, then, as usual, my dear Lord and Savoir speaks… this time, when I spent time sing to Him while driving alone (and if you have heard me sing this is not a pretty sound). This song comes up and I remember that I must seek daily the face of my Heavenly Father. I must again remember that it is He whom I cherish and only His voice to which I should listen.

To all, may this be the day you seek, hear, and following the voice of Christ.

HERE ARE THE LYRICS :

Casting Crowns - Voice Of Truth
(From the album Casting Crowns)

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth, cause Jesus you are the voice of Truth.

Feliz Aniversario Minha Filha...

Wow, our little girl Lydia celebrated her 5^th birthday this month… when did this happen. She is such a big girl and we love her so much. We were able to celebrate with two great parties. She had one party with her friends at school and a second party with her friends and mission family at our home. Both parties were so much fun and Lydia received many wonderful gifts from friends here and those back in the USA.

One of the great moments was a special treat to share with our mission family… a Duncan-Hines cake mix and Duncan-Hines frosting from the good ol’ U.S.A. The faces of the Americans were priceless as they ate the fattening but wonderful desert.

We thank God for our sweet Lydia and for the way that she is growing to know more about Him every day. May each of you be blessed by the children which are part of your world.