Malaysia

Hymn Devotions Day 21 – Footsteps of Jesus

/ taethne

DAY 21 – FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS

We never know what following Jesus will mean. Our lives are on this grand adventure that is never boring, always challenging, and seldom shown to us in advance.

Sometimes we are called to bring the gospel to those we never thought of earlier in life. Sometimes we are given a ministry of mercy, and we find ourselves helping people in ways we never dreamed of. I know that in my own life I have been able to minister in China and Malaysia, places that a boy born in Florida never thought of being able to go to.

Whether He calls us to a famous ministry speaking at the world’s largest churches or to meet the needs of the poor in third-world countries, the reward is the same. It was once said that

“If two angels were to receive at the same moment a commission from God, one to go down and rule earth’s grandest empire, the other to go and sweep the streets of its meanest village, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each which service fell to his lot, a post of ruler or the post of scavenger; for the joy of the angel lies only in obedience to God’s will”[1]

My prayer is that I would serve in the same manner, simply being grateful for an opportunity to serve the God I love.

Lord, help me to follow where You lead. Help me keep my eyes on You. Thank you for using me, for giving me a purpose, for enabling me to share in Your grace work. Amen.

  

FOOTSTEPS OF JESUS – Mary B.C. Slade

 

Sweetly, Lord, we have heard Thee calling

“Come, follow Me”

And we see where Thy footprints falling

Lead us to Thee

 

Though they lead o’er the cold, dark mountains

Seeking His sheep

Or along by Siloam’s fountains

Helping the weak

 

If they lead through the Temple holy

Preaching the word

Or in homes of the poor and lowly

Serving the Lord

 

Then at last when on high He sees us

Our journey done

We will rest where the steps of Jesus

End at His throne

 

REFRAIN:

 

Footprints of Jesus

That make the pathway glow

We will follow the steps of Jesus

Wherever they go

[1] John Newton

Weekly Photo Challenge – Near and Far

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Here is a picture taken in front of Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At 272 steps, climbing it was a challenge!

At the bottom, one can see the images on top of the gateway. One proceeds up 272 steps into the cavern temple

Highlights Around the World – #2 Malaysia

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Perhaps the most rewarding of all our overseas trips was to the wonderful country of Malaysia. Fantastic hospitality, great food and dedicated disciples made for a successful trip. We went, at the request of churches there, to hold discipleship training events and interactive question and answer sessions on any topic they picked. We met in three different cities (Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur) over 6 days. Presbyterians, Baptists, Assembly of God, Lutheran, Independents, and others all gathered together and shared with us and each other. Kudos to Canaanland Christian Book Store over there who made sure our teaching materials were in place and who provided us with a guide/translator who became a close friend with each of our teammates. Lifelong friendships, nay, eternal friendships were made as lives were shared with each other.

We learned so much that week – more, I’m sure, than we imparted to them. How inspiring it was to receive VCD’s of churches taking our training and showing us the ministries they came up with based on the training. Many ideas we have shared with churches in the states. I firmly believe that by working together and gaining insights from each other, churches around the globe can strengthen and edify each other. We have things we can teach, we have things we can be taught.

Please, pray for the Malaysian church. Great people ministering in a Muslim country, many facing increased persecution. They are strong in the faith, eager to share their witness, great examples for the worldwide church of God. Visit there, get to know the people, worship in a church with them. We did, and gained so much from it. How joyful it was to find such exuberant Christianity among the believers. God willing, we will be invited back to share with them once again.