To the beloved, whom I love in truth: I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers; just as you walk in the truth.
This week, as we prepare for our trip to Ecuador, the following report has come in from our dear friend, Pastor Hugo (note: Walter is the owner of the business that is printing the Spanish version of The Map Maker).
Three of Walter’s workers accepted Jesús as their Lord. Walter, while he was printing, he was reading the digital book, and asking me about how he can become a leader in his Marketplace. So I think this is the start of this ministry here.
There was a time when I struggled to understand the humility that people said they had in being used by God. The Map Maker has changed that for me. When God begins to show you what He can do with so little of your help, it makes you humble.
Speaking of humility, I encourage you to reconsider your exercise of The Lord’s Prayer. Much of my early church experience was spent rotely reciting Jesus’ answer to, “Lord, teach us to pray”. As I matured, I began to put meaning to the words and phrases. Recently, it has occurred to me that Jesus was trying to show us how to get into the proper position before the Father, so that our prayers would be effectual.
The literal translation of two particular phrases helps make this point. First, “Your kingdom come” literally means “Your reign come”. The same is true at the end: “Yours is the reign”. It is the invitation and recognition of the Father’s reign over our lives. It is our subjugation to Him as LORD (and all that means).
Secondly, the literal translation of “give us this day our daily bread” – which can easily sound like a demand – is “Our appointed bread give us today.” This Proverbs passage helps us understand:
Two things I request of You
(Deprive me not before I die):
Remove falsehood and lies far from me;
Give me neither poverty nor riches—
Feed me with the food allotted to me;
Lest I be full and deny You,
And say, “Who is the Lord?”
Or lest I be poor and steal,
And profane the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9
Here is the recognition that only God knows what is best for us; His thoughts and ways being far above our own. I will wait on Him to tell me what He wants me to ask of Him.
Try using The Lord’s Prayer as your entry point into your time with God – even the entry point into your entire day. You will find intimacy with Him; a sense of security; and you will be better positioned to hear what He would have you pray.
While you are there, please see how He would have you pray and respond to the following:
Beth’s sister, Melissa continues to battle cancer and the considerable pain it is causing.
I believe God has prepared the hearts of those to whom we will minister in Ecuador. Please pray that our teaching and service will bring glory to our Father in heaven. Pray for Dr. Long to have supernatural strength as he provides dental care to the poor and homeless.
Our friend, Adam Simpson, is looking for the right person to create an audio version of The Map Maker Parable, in Farsi. Please pray for God’s favor in this extraordinary work.
Partnering with inLight Consulting
God’s purpose for inLight Consulting is beyond human capability. We are desperately dependent on Him; and would have it no other way.
We are grateful for the continued support of those that trust God to use this ministry to further His kingdom. Please pray for our vision and mission.
Share the truths you find here with the leaders in your life; it will make them free.
God bless you with wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; and may He give you the grace and courage to walk in the work He has prepared for you.
Humbly yours and forever His,
