WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 22 January 2011 Nikolaev, Ukraine

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5 ESV)


Итак, умертвите земные члены ваши: блуд, нечистоту, страсть, злую похоть и любостяжание, которое есть идолослужение, (К Колоссянам 3:5 Russian)

Отож, умертвіть ваші земні члени: розпусту, нечисть, пристрасть, лиху пожадливість та зажерливість, що вона ідолослуження, (Колосяни 3:5 Ukrainian)

Amortiguad, pues, vuestros miembros que están sobre la tierra: fornicación, inmundicia, molicie, mala concupiscencia, y avaricia, que es idolatría: (Colosenses 3:5 Spanish)

Most Awesome God, our Dear Father in Heaven ~ We bring you thanksgiving from the depths of our hearts for your matchless grace and love on this new day. Give us wisdom as we consider how we may effectively throw off the vices of this world that keep us bound to the earth and the evil that daily confronts each person. Help us to grow daily in our faith and love of things righteous and eternal. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Our appointment with Natasha, one of our friends and English students was possible yesterday morning. This turned into a very stimulating discussion of the meaning of evil and other important spiritual topics. She continues to make progress in her usage of English and knowledge of the teaching found in the Bible. Galina made sure that her son who came along felt welcome in our environment.

WORD OF THE DAY - Saturday 26 December 2009

Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him (John), “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said unto them, “Do not collect more than that which is authorized.” (Luke 3:12-13)

Сборщики податей тоже приходили принять крещение.- Учитель, - спрашивали они, - что нам делать? - Не требуйте с людей больше, чем положено, - говорил он им. (От Луки 3:12-13 Russian SZ)

LORD our Righteousness, our dear Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for permitting us to observe the wonders of your creation and the constancy of your love for all created life. Give us wisdom as we grow in knowledge of the truth so that we will understand that sincere and repentant hearts have always been the primary characteristic of your teaching about what it means to surrender our lives to you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

WORD OF THE DAY - 10 December 2009

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and patience not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

Или пренебрегаешь богатство благости, кротости и долготерпения Божия, не разумея, что благость Божия ведет тебя к покаянию? (К Римлянам 2:4 Russian)

Almighty God, our Kind and Patient Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for blessing us with the breath of life on this new day that arrives with fresh challenges, roadblocks and opportunities for us to rely upon the vast riches of your grace and love. Give us wisdom as we attempt to communicate the story of love to those who repeatedly refuse to turn away from sin and to your tender mercies. In Christ name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday we had to make an unexpected trip to Odessa. We caught the early morning minibus that gets you to the center of the city from Nikolaev in about 2 hours depending on traffic. We were able to accomplish our mission and return by 10.00 last night. Today we look forward to another day of sharing God's message of salvation with those who are seeking the Way home. Thank you for the prayers and words of encouragement.

WORD OF THE DAY - Wednesday 02 December 2009

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

Не медлит Господь исполнением обетования, как некоторые почитают то медлением; но долготерпит нас, не желая, чтобы кто погиб, но чтобы все пришли к покаянию. (2-e Петра 3:9 Russian)

Almighty God, our Most Holy and Compassionate Father in Heaven ~ Thank you for this new day that pulses with increasing signs of your providential care in our daily lives. Fill our minds with your infinite wisdom as we study and obey the teachings and examples of Christ revealed to us in your holy word. Help those who are searching for true meaning and purpose in life not to overlook the wonderful salvation that is available to all people who realize that they must repent of their old way of life and obey Jesus Christ as Lord. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Yesterday, we were very happy that after a month long break from the university due to the H1N1 virus quarantine, the Chair and Vice-Chair of the English Language Department invited me and Galina back to conduct two sessions with 4th year students. Four post-graduate students (doctoral candidates) asked if they could be present when they heard that we are back again. We used the occasion of two great American traditions and spoke about Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. In the first session, I introduced the historical view of early American Christians about setting aside one day as a nation to give thanks for God's leading and provision. Galina shared her positive view of these holidays as an immigrant to America. (Privately she reminded me without complaining, that this is the 4th year we have been out of the USA at this time of year.) In the early afternoon session, we spoke about the Christmas holiday and I emphasized that we are not certain from the scriptures regarding the date of Christ's birth. In countries where Orthodoxy is the predominate religion, the date for this celebration in January 7. I strongly emphasized that we do know that Jesus was born in a miraculous manner and then shared details about his life, his teachings and His vicarious suffering for our sins and the cross and his resurrection from the dead. We had the best participation that we have had with these students as they made comments and asked probing questions. This presented a great opportunity to speak about our faith in the existence of God and His special plan of salvation for those who obey Him. When we were preparing to leave, the students were begging their faculty to have us back. We already agreed to come next week, but a different group also wants us to spend time with them. The department heads will work all that out and we are delighted to share the Gospel in such an environment here in Ukraine. At our Tuesday night Bible study, we enjoyed a lively discussion of how to work together in spreading the Gospel. We are still trying to figure out how we can spend at least two weeks in Magadan and then come back here for a brief visit before we must leave Ukraine on the 18th of January. Thank you for the prayers!