Journeying...Home

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." Luke 2:3

Day Five, of the journey to Bethlehem...

As a missionary wife, one of the questions that I have learned to dread is, "Where are you from?"

(By the way, it's a sneaky question for my kids as well.  If we have an occasion to meet in the US on furlough, please don't ask them this.  Blank stares invariably follow.)

As someone with an obvious accent in my French, it's an inevitable question.  Many times people are just curious.  They know that I'm not "from around these parts," and they are trying to "figure me out."  Other times, this question is met with veiled hostility.  People want to know where I'm from, so they can launch into a diatribe of all the ills of my "home" country.  

(You don't have to lecture me, by the way.  I know my country is messed up.  France is pretty messy at times, too.)

I knew when I left my country in March 2000 to come and live and work and minister in France, I would have to accept the role of a foreigner.  Most of the time, that's okay.  At least, now it's okay.  When I first arrived, I was a hot mess.  Doing what God calls me to do requires me to change locations, and accept that my "differentness" is inevitable.  

As I was re-reading the passage in Luke 2 this morning, I was thinking about Joseph and Mary and the reason behind their journeying.  

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city." Luke 2:3

This verse made me scratch my head a little.  After all, Joseph and Mary lived in Nazareth.  I don't know if Joseph had ever lived in Bethlehem.  He certainly wasn't when the time came for the Roman census.  Yet, because of his family birthright and tribal heritage, he was undertaking a long journey to return...to his "own city," because that is where his family line came from.  It was his identity:  "because he was of the house and lineage of David." (Luke 2:4)

Even  though Joseph lived in a different place, he had a connection to the city of Bethlehem because of his relationship, however distant in the past, to king David who had lived there many centuries before.  He could claim Bethlehem as "his," not through any merit of his own, but because of being born into the king's family.

Joseph was a prince.  A prince many times removed, perhaps, but a prince nonetheless.

This verse was a great encouragement for me today.  No matter how far I am from my "earthly home," I can realize that the area where I was born, was not really my home, either.  I'm journeying in this life towards my "home," because of my spiritual birthright.  I can claim heaven as my home, not from any merit or worth on my part, but because God adopted me into His family.  I am His child, His "princess," if you will, and like Abraham, I am looking "...for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10).

No matter where we are today, whether we live close to home or on the other side of the globe, may God encourage us today as we remember that we are His children, and that we are merely journeying through this life, on the way home. May this truth comfort us as we enter the holiday season.  It's never easy to be separated by distance from the ones we love, but at times it is very necessary.  

One day we will be in our heavenly home, and will look back on our present lives, so thankful that we made the journey.  Until then, let us make the place where we are living today resemble as much as possible to our final destination.

The Journey of the King

"And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:31-33

Day three of the journey to Bethlehem...

God uses the most unlikely of circumstances, to accomplish His will...

For thousands of years, the Jewish people had been awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises to them as a people.  Israel as a nation had been all but wiped from the map...almost...on several different occasions. The Romans that now occupied their land were just another people group in a long list of nations that conquered and would conquer the land where the Saviour was to be born.

Now the Romans were in charge, and like the many nations that rose before them, they never dreamed that their empire would be so short lived, and yet so important in the eternal plan that God was unfolding for humanity's salvation.

As Joseph and Mary approached Tiberias, the city that was built around the time of Christ as a celebration of the Roman occupation in Israel, and gazed upon the foundations* of the impressive palace that was constructed there, I cannot help but wonder if Mary rehearsed the words of the angel in her heart:

"And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." Luke 1:31-33

All of the "might" of Rome could not overcome the plan that God had set in motion from the very beginning of Creation.  From the foundations of the world, God had already been orchestrating all of human history, to the day when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

Ancient walls of Tiberias, from carta-jerusalem.com

The Romans ruled over a limited territory, but God rules over all Creation.  It's so easy to lose sight of this, when the world around us seems so real, and governments literally rule over every aspect of our lives, to remember who is really in control.  The taxation required by Caesar Augustus was that "all the world should be taxed." (Luke 2:1)  For the Romans, their territory WAS the whole world, because it "belonged" to them.  The Roman rule however was limited in size, in strength and in time.  Only God rules over all Creation, all of the time.

May we be reminded that the rulers that are over us exercise their power in a limited frame.  One day every ruler, just like each one of us, will stand before God and give an account of the time and resources entrusted by God.  May we also be reminded to pray for those in leadership roles, whether or not we always agree with their policies.  Every man and woman in a position of authority has an eternal soul.

The Romans ruled over an enslaved people, but God's rule would set all men free.  The baby growing inside Mary's womb would not just be a Jewish king.  Yes, Jesus fulfilled all the promises for the just king that was promised to the house and lineage of David, but Jesus also by His death and ressurrection procured eternal life and liberty for all mankind.  His rule would know no boundaries--all nations would be made free, if they believed on Him.

May God help me this Christmas season to enlarge my vision to see the nations around me that so desperately need Christ.  May I invest my time this year in sharing the marvellous message of the freedom that Christ bought at so great a price to Himself.

The Romans ruled for a time, but God's rule is for all times.  At this time in human history, the Roman Empire was at its apex.  It was just a matter of "time" before the Roman rule would decline and eventually fade in its influence.  Such is the nature of human politics:  the decline of one empire, gives birth to another. (This is a cautionary tale to those of us who live in "influential" nations:  our time is numbered, as well.)

Mary received the promise:  "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:33) Mary knew even before she held her baby, that His coming would literally influence the entire world.  His reign would last forever, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  May this thought be in the forefront of my mind as well, this Christmas season.  Kings will come and kings will go, but Jesus's reign will never end. May this be the motivation I need in this busy season to tell others about Christ.  This world will end, but Jesus's kingdom will not.

As Joseph and Mary passed by the palace of the temporal rulers and kings, I cannot help but wonder if Mary put her hand across her belly a little tighter, and stepped a little faster.  Such a hostile world for a baby King to be born into, and yet, His reign was coming.

May God help me to be mindful of His reign, as I live and work today.

*The city of Tiberias is listed as being constructed around 20 AD, so there were at least the beginnings of the city when Joseph and Mary passed by, even if the city and fortress were not entirely completed.  This was the palace of Herod Antipas, who ruled after Herod the Great as ruler over the Jews.

Why Me? Why Now?

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." Luke 2:1-5

Day two of the Journey to Bethlehem...

It has been said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  For Joseph and Mary, that journey began...with the step of obedience.

I think that many of us, if we had been in Mary's shoes, would have cried, "Foul!" She had already surrendered her body, her reputation, her life's choices, to bear the child that would become the Saviour of humanity!  She could have said, "I've already given enough! I've already sacrificed enough for the Lord! I'm staying put until this baby is born."

How many times have similar thoughts echoed in my brain: "I'm already a missionary!  I've already left my home, and everything that was familiar and dear to me, to go to a strange place and be treated as a foreigner. I've already made sacrifices!  I've already changed so much to be faithful to your calling.  I don't want to..." insert latest challenge here.

The Bible is silent on Joseph's and Mary's reaction to this decree to leave home and family and make the long trek to Bethlehem.  Maybe there was a visit from an angel to calm their troubled minds.  Maybe they had some knowledge about God's Son being born in Bethlehem.

Or maybe...they were just obedient.  The Roman leaders of the day told them they must journey, and so they did.  They reasoned that God had a plan, and that He would take care of them, if they trusted Him to make the journey.

A few thoughts about Joseph and Mary's obedience to God's calling:

Joseph's and Mary's obedience fulfilled prophecy.  By leaving Nazareth and going to Bethlehem, Micah 5:2 was fulfilled.  God's promise came forth, at just the right time and at just the right place.  

I wonder how many times my lack of obedience to God's calling has prevented God's work from being accomplished in just the right time, in the right place, in the right way.  Maybe I repented, and went later, but by that time, an opportunity was lost, and I missed the chance to participate fully in God's plan for my life.

May I be willing to surrender my desires to be an obedient servant today.

Joseph and Mary's obedience required sacrifice.  The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem would never have been an easy one.  Ninety miles was a long trip.  It demanded preparation, and even sacrifice, physically and financially, to embark on such a journey.  Plans had to be made.  Supplies had to be gathered.  Schedules had to be cleared.  And there was this little thing about Mary being nine months pregnant that had to be taken in account.

I wonder...would I have been willing to make the same sacrifices?  Am I willing to give up my comforts, my plans, my desires for today...to be obedient to God?

Joseph and Mary's obedience...brought salvation to us all.  The Saviour was to be born in Bethlehem. Nathanael's words, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" reflected the views of the times:  the hopes of the Jews were not in the north, but in the area around David's city, and the light that was foretold to come and shine there. 

I think it unwise to speculate on Bible events:  "What if Mary had stayed put and said no? Would God have done a miracle to get Jesus to Bethlehem to be born?"  God in His perfect knowledge and wisdom knew that Joseph and Mary would go to Bethlehem, even before Mary accepted her calling as the earthly mother of Jesus.  For this reason, her acceptance--"Behold the handmaid of the Lord"--was indeed a big one.  Little did she know, at the time, all that God would require of her, to be obedient to His will.

Because of their obedience, however, God's Son was born in the right time, in the right place, in the right way.  And because of their obedience, salvation from sin came to all humanity.  Their obedience was not a "little thing."  Their obedience brought hope to the entire world.

I am so glad that I did not know, when I first said, "Yes," to the Lord, all the steps that my journey with Him would require.  I'm thankful that with each step I take, God is faithful, and gives me the grace and strength to make each one with Him.  Only at the end of this life, when I have finished my course, will I be able to look back and see God's leading every step of the way.  

May God help me to be obedient in this day, in whatever He calls me to do.  I have no idea how the decisions I make today will influence the lives of those around me, some of them for all eternity.  

What is God calling you to do today?  Will you step out in faith, to be obedient to His call?  

Behold, the handmaid of the Lord...

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word...." Luke 1:38

Day one, of a long journey...

This month, as part of a fitness group that I host with other missionary ladies, we have accepted a challenge.  In preparing for a Bible study for Christmas, I learned that Joseph and Mary had to travel between 80-90 miles on their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  As part of our fitness challenge for this month, we have agreed to walk, jog, run or bike our fitness journey in remembrance of the trek that Joseph and Mary travelled.  In preparation for this Christmas season, I wanted to think more about this trip that they undertook, but more importantly, why this trip was so important.

As a missionary wife, I do a lot of travelling.  There are many aspects of travelling that I enjoy.  I love discovering new places, meeting new people, sharing stories with other missionary families, and creating bonds with strangers that last for a lifetime. When people asked me as a missionary on deputation or on furlough how I handled all the travelling, I would shrug my shoulders.  It was just part of the life that I have been given.  As a missionary, we travel.

There are other days, however, when it's "mission conference season," and I've been on the road for a month at a time, and I haven't slept in a real bed for three weeks, and I'm living on top on my family in a stranger's house, with no privacy except for those isolated minutes locked in the bathroom...that travelling is "less fun." At these moments, I have to dig deep, and ask myself the question:

"Why am I doing this again?"

There was a time in my life, at the age of 13, when I said "yes," to a life-long journey with Jesus.  My life was empty and I was heading down a road that took me further and further away from God and His plan for my life.  I received God's incredible gift of love, and gave my life to Him to be used as He saw fit.  From the moment that I said, "yes" to the Lord, I began the journey of turning over my life to Him.  It is not a once-in-a-lifetime decision (although it begins that way), but it is a daily surrender, a daily commitment to take the hands off of the steering wheel of my life, and let God have control.

It's not easy.  There are days, many days, when I don't want to let Him take control.

This morning I was supposed to begin this month-long journey thinking about the road to Christ's birth.  I got off to a rough start.  I had gone to bed at 7 pm on Wednesday, too exhausted to even see my kids to bed.  I woke up at 4 am to a splitting headache, so I went to get some Tylenol and crawled back under the covers.  I overslept, which meant that everyone was rushed as they were getting ready for school, everyone except for my youngest who had a rough night and woke up sick.  On top of all this were laundry, dishes and a million and one other unfinished tasks that greeted my morning.

After getting everyone settled for this morning, and getting the first tasks started, I sat down with my Bible in hand.  I had so wanted this month's "journey to Bethlehem" to get off to a good start.  I was having one of those, "Why am I doing this again?" mornings.

I began to read in Luke 1, the beginning of my Christmas readings for this month, and marvelled again at Mary, and her willing surrender to God.  Hers was a very special journey, which began months before, when she said "Yes," to God.  Her response to the angel spoke very quietly to my heart today...

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word...." Luke 1:38

It was the "why" of my journey for today.  Why do I get up, and get going, and do the things that God has put on my plate for today?  It is because I said, "yes," to God.  There may be days when I don't "feel like it," when the daily tasks overwhelm me and I just want to return to bed, that God reminds me of all He has done for me, and the commitment I made to Him many years ago, as I surrendered my days to Him.  

During this month, as I enter into the busy-ness of this Christmas season, and all that needs to be done, may the Lord remind me to "get out of the way," and remember anew the day when the Lord called me, and I answered, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord..."  May I surrender my wants and plans today to be used as a willing instrument in God's hands.  As I begin the journey to Bethlehem, may I take each step with the thought of walking faithfully in the way that God has called me today.

What has God called you to today?  Can you answer with Mary, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord?..."

November Bible Discovery Club: A Festival of Lights

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." Ephesians 5:8

Good morning, praying friends!

Halloween is a relatively recent phenomenon here in France.  For many years the French people in general resisted the idea of Halloween as being an American, commercialized holiday, and since those two ideas are very much disliked in France, Halloween was not celebrated much at all.

Over the past few years, with the explosion of American television programs (and the Internet), Halloween is acknowledged more and more.  The first years we were here, we never had trick or treaters.  This year, we had over thirty that came to our house, with their demands, "Des bonbons ou des farces!" (Roughly translated, "Candy or a prank!")

While the origins of Halloween are usually associated with American materialism, the darker side of Halloween is usually ignored.  This year, we decided to hold one of our November clubs on October 31st, to address the subject of Halloween from a Christian perspective.  Instead of Halloween, we celebrated a "Festival of Light" (La Fête de la Lumière), reminding our children that God is the God of light, and not of darkness.

Our children have been very faithful to attend club!  We praise the Lord for another opportunity to share God's message of light with them!

At the beginning of the club, we explained why as Christians we do not celebrate Halloween.  We placed pairs of words on the white board (light/darkness, life/death, peace/fear, truth/magic, God/Satan) on the board.  We asked the children which words they associated with Halloween.  Then we asked them which words they associated with God.  

(This simple game reminded me of Paul's words, "...And what communion hath light with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14  These children were able to see the distinction between the things of God and the things of the world.  May God help me to be careful in my life to stay as far away from the darkness as I can, and walk in the light.)

The story for today was about the demoniac at Gedara, and how Jesus saved him from that terrible darkness, so that he could walk in the light.  Explaining demon possession to very impressionable (and ignorant) children is always delicate, but the Lord gave grace and the children listened well.  

For a craft, we decorated glass jars with autumn-colored crepe paper, with a candle inside to remind them of Jesus our Light who lives within us.

Our children always enjoy snack time, and I am always amazed at how much they eat!  Damaris made American cinnamon rolls and white chocolate popcorn. Yummy!

As always, game time is a favorite time for our young people.  Since it was still warm and pretty out, we took our games outside and did an obstacle course...blindfolded, with a guide.  We reminded them how much easier it is to go through life with the light...and with a guide.

Thanks so much for your prayers for our clubs!  See you soon!

August Blessings and Burdens

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country..." Proverbs 25:25

Dear Co-laborers and friends,

Vacation? 

Summer months are usually tied with the idea of vacation time.  Even though it is true that our children are out of school, the ministry never stops.

We did have the opportunity and privilege to go to the south of France in July to attend to the camp we have been ministering in since arriving in France in 2000.  Last year the camp went from being a youth camp to a family camp for the first time and two people got saved, including one boy who followed the Lord in baptism when he got back to his local church.  Even though we were only but a handful this year, my family and I enjoyed this camp and we praise the Lord for His safety and provision.

Does this mean that missionaries never have any vacations?  We do, just not necessarily as would a “non-missionary” family.  We make sure we have family time, go for walks, visit things that are close by and just try to relax together and enjoy each other’s company.

Still working!

Mission’s work is never done and there is always more that needs to be done than we can ever finish. Everywhere we look we see needs and people who need the Lord. 

Susan recently met a lady named Dominique, and she has accepted to go on bike rides with Susan.  Please pray that this will be an open door for future conversations on salvation. We also had an older couple who came to our Sunday morning service.  They attend a Reformed church in town but were curious as to who we were – they had received one of our tracts in the mail box.

There’s also another younger couple with the two children we’ve been meeting with.  The Lawsons were in French-speaking Quebec before moving to France and we have enjoyed helping them with some of their needs.  Susan and our coworker’s wife, Damaris, will be having ladies meetings with Mrs. Lawson starting this month. 

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support throughout the summer! 

Servants of Christ,

Carey & Susan Abbett

Spring Family Camp 2016

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

Good morning, dear friends,

If you've been wondering where I have been, so have I!  Life attacks at random moments, and it's either feast or famine with the work here.  Everything seems to happen at once!  Thankful for springtime and being able to get back outside with family and friends.  Here's to the final stretch until the end of school and the beginning of summer!

We returned Friday from our annual family camp in Belgium.  This camp joins several churches ministering here in France and although the location and ages have changed, this camp has been active for 30+ years!  This year we were celebrating 10 years "at the castle" in Belgium, where we have been enjoying this special family camp!  So many good memories throughout the years!

"The castle," our restored meeting place in Belgium

This year's theme for children and adults was on the armour of God, and spiritual warfare!  As you can imagine this was a popular theme for the kids, and a very unpopular one for Satan!  He fought us hard this week, with lots of unplanned issues and difficulties.  We can see the Lord's hand working as we fellowshipped and ministered to each other.   Here are some of the highlights of the kids' ministry from this week.

Our good friends Sam and Suzy did a great job with the kids this week!

The kids made their own bows and arrows!

Painting the shield of faith

Sack race!  Old games are the best!

We had a great time and came home both refreshed and tired from all the activity!  Many thanks to all the people and their hard work that was invested for eternity during this week!

Billy, who taught the adult lessons on spiritual warfare

My hubby, working hard as always

It's always hard at the end of camp to say goodbye to our friends, both new and old, some of whom we only get to see during this one week out of the year!  We love and miss our faithful workers in France!  It will make heaven that much sweeter...no more goodbyes!

Until next year!

It's Not Fair! Bible Club March 2016

"But God commendeth His love for us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Good morning, dear friends,

It's been a while since we've had a Bible club update, and with Easter Sunday coming up soon, this past Saturday we had our Easter club!  As always, so thankful for the children who show up, and another occasion to share God's good news with the children in our neighborhoods here in France.

Since we have our children (who know a lot about the Easter story) and French children (who know very little about the Easter story), it is always a challenge to find a common thread that will help them both.

This year, I had some help, from an issue that pops up periodically in discussions with my family, and maybe in yours.  With more than one child, comes the inevitable thought:  "It's not fair!" Since we have been battling this issue as of late with our own children, it got me thinking about the Easter story.  I am so glad that Jesus was willing to be treated unfairly, to take my place on the cross, and die for my sins, aren't you?

I had some help with the lesson ideas, especially the object lesson about being treated fairly.  (To see the original source for this idea, click here.)  The children had to imagine a hurt somewhere on their body, and since our daughter said that her hurt was on her hand, she got a Band-aid on her hand.  Then, everyone who said they were hurt, no matter where on their body it was, got a Band-aid on their hand.  It was a good visual to tell the children that although they were all treated the same, it wasn't "fair."

This led us to our lesson, about the two thieves and Jesus dying on the cross, and about grace and mercy. The thieves were being punished justly for their crimes, and deserved to be there.   Jesus was not treated fairly, but because of His unfair treatment, we are able to go to heaven, just like one of the thieves on the cross, who obtained grace (receiving what he did not deserve)  and mercy (not receiving what he did deserve) from God.

The children listened very well, and I hope it will be a lesson they will not soon forget.

Damaris helped the children to make "Ressurrection cookies," made from crescent roll dough with a marshmallow inside.  When baked, the marshmallow melts, leaving a hollow space inside the cookie, to represent the empty tomb.  As always, our kids enjoy anything that they can eat!

A special thanks to all of you who pray for our clubs!  We are so thankful for each opportunity the Lord gives us to share the good news with these children!

See you in a few weeks for our next club update!

What Jezebel and the widow had in common

“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Romans 12:13

Good morning, dear friends,

As a young Christian, I had some very good role models in the faith.  I have already mentioned them here several times in my blog posts.  They by their very example shaped many aspects of living out God's faith in my daily walk with the Lord.

These same friends had a very insistent open door policy.  Literally. Their door was always open, to anyone in need, whether or not it was convenient.  Throughout the years I and countless others have been blessed by the open acceptance at their doorstep.

Their hospitality is rare in our day and time.  There are few families who give a standing invitation to anyone, everyone, regardless of the day, hour, or need.  How much I need to grow in this area of my life.

In my reading in First Kings this morning, I read the portraits of two very different women:  the widow of Zarephath, and Queen Jezebel.  Both of these women lived at the same time period, and even knew some of the same people.  But their way of life was completely different.

But the title of this blog is "what these two women had in common!"  They did have something in common.

• They both had houses.
• They both showed hospitality in their homes.

The results of their hospitality could not be any more different.

Sometimes we place so many restrictions on our hospitality towards others.  Our home is not good enough, or clean enough. Our sheets are old, our towels are frayed.   We don't know how to cook, or entertain.  We don't have Pinterest worthy attempts at anything.  

Hospîtality does not come from what we HAVE, but what we allow GOD to DO with what we have.

The widow of Zarephath had next to nothing. She was literally preparing the last food that she had, for her and her son, and then planned to die.

Jezebel had everything.  She owned the best that the nation of Israel could offer: a sumptuous palace, and enough food to eat and even waste.  

Having too little does not have to be an excuse, and having too much does not mean that it will be well spent. 

What they did with what they had was their responsability before God.

When Elijah asked the widow for water, she gave him what she had.  She must have had more water than food, because it was offered without hesitation.  When Elijah asked her for food, it was a different story.  She laid out her story to him:

And she said, As the Lord thy God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.  I Kings 17:12

This made me wonder:  do I only exercise hospitality towards others, when I am in abundance, or am I quick to give to others in whatever state I am in?  Do I only open my house to others who can receive me in turn, or am I willing to open my doors to anyone who has a need?

On the other hand, Jezebel lived in extravagance, but instead of putting what God had given her into His service, she took God's blessings to encourage sin and rebellion.  When Elijah confronted Ahab, he told him:

Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. I Kings 18:19

Those who live selfishly with the blessings of God, will never be satisfied.  When Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard, Jezebel encouraged him to get it by force, killing Naboth in the process without hesitation.  (I Kings 21:7)  When we take God's blessings on our lives lightly, as something that is due to us, it becomes increasingly easier to close the doors to our hearts--and our homes--to the needs of others, to satisfy our own selfish desires.

May that never be said of me.

The results of these two women's lives could not have been more different.  By inviting the man of God into her home, the widow of Zarephath also was inviting God's blessing on her home. God provided her physical needs--flour and oil in abundance--but also provided for her in ways she could not have imagined at the time:  God restoring to life her son.

We have no idea what blessings lie in store, when we open our homes.

Jezebel's life ended just as it was lived:  tragically.  I would not say that her hospitality killed her, but her flagrant abuse of God's blessings certainly did.  She was killed by the very people that ate at her table (2 Kings 9:32-33).  All the riches and food that she had laid in store for herself went to feed the man responsible for her death.

What a waste.

I am so thankful for all the years that I enjoyed sharing God's blessings with my friends who opened their homes to me, time and time again.  I am thankful to say, that their children are following in their footsteps. Their love has been such a stunning example, of how I want my home to be:  not my home, but a home to anyone who walks through my doors.

May my door be always open to those outside, so that I may always be ready, at any moment, to open my heart's doors, as well.

My way

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.  Proverbs 21:2

Good morning, dear friends,

Like the new spring theme?  I guess it's wishful thinking.

I went on a bike ride and played tennis with Timothy yesterday.

It was snowing this morning when I woke up.

Welcome to March in northern France.

SIGH

Funny experiences abound when you are a foreigner adapting to a different cultural surrounding.  People are still people, and yet, they're different.  Or maybe I should say, different from me.

Living in France, I have gotten used to being told I am wrong.

About everything.

On a daily basis.

My language is wrong.  My way of disciplining children is wrong.  My way of dressing is wrong.

I joined a crafting circle here in Boves, where once a week I would sit with grandmas living here and do my cross stitch.  Not only was I doing it wrong, but they couldn't agree on the right way to do it.  There were eight ladies, with 16 different ways of doing cross stitch.

I haven't been back for a while.

(Not just because I was told I was doing it wrong, but because I couldn't sit still in a hard backed chair for three hours doing cross stitch.  Or anything else, for that matter.)

Yesterday, I was even told that I was pedaling a bicycle wrong.  Really?  How many different ways are there to pedal a bike?

More than one, apparently.

It's hard to be told that you are wrong about something, isn't it?  I was always amazed by my mother-in-love. No matter how many times she was told by a French person that she was doing something wrong, she would just shrug and laugh it off.  It may have stung privately, but she never let it show publically.

Our sinful nature WANTS to be right. It DEMANDS that we be right. After all, if I were doing something wrong, don't you think that I would do it differently? Do you think that I go around doing things wrong ON PURPOSE?

Of course not.  No one does.

Our selfish nature seeks to be justified, to show that it knows better than everyone else around us, and it will not be appeased.  Only constant submission to the Holy Spirit (and painfully gnashing down on my tongue sometimes) keep me from lashing out with the words that I long to say:

"Don't you think that I know what I'm doing?  Do I look stupid to you?"

(My children have learned not to answer that question when I ask it.)

This week I was reading in Proverbs, and since I was paying attention to the verses that talk about my walk, and the ways of man/ways of God, I was amazed at the number of times God reminds us in His Word, that we are WRONG, and that He alone is RIGHT.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  Proverbs 14:12

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.  Proverbs 21:2

 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.  Proverbs 16:2

What is the common thread for me in these verses?  I may think I know what's going on in this world, and I may think that I understand what God is doing or how He wants me to act, but I can't KNOW for sure.  I could be assuming that I am right, when in reality, if I am not checking my thoughts and ways against the Word of God, I may be (and often am) dreadfully wrong.

May God help me today, in humility, to examine my ways.  Am I walking in God's Word, or in my own ways?  Am I seeking to know His mind on the matter, or stubbornly holding to my own prideful thoughts?

And when others say that I am wrong, does it really matter?  Or can I lovingly, patiently accept what others tell me (even if they are wrong :) and let God use me to be an instrument of His grace today?

Time to get out of the way...

Light-Hearted

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.  For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."  I John 3:18-22

Good morning, dear friends,

Life attacked last week...and the blog did not happen.  Sorry to leave you all hanging in the middle of my countdown to "Heart Day." I trust that everyone is enjoying their special day with the ones they love.

I spent my day in church, with the one I love the most, surrounded by some of those closest to my heart, and listening to my sweetheart proclaim God's love for me....

Today's "heart verse" is one of my favorite passages about the wonderful work that God does...in my heart!

For many years, even after becoming a Christian, I struggled with feelings of condemnation. I knew that God loved me, that God forgave me, but I was unwilling to forgive myself.  I knew myself, my past sins, my evil thoughts, my doubts, my self-loathing, all those things that Satan and my flesh would continually bring to mind, especially in the middle of the night.  I would beg God over and over for forgiveness for the same sins, never feeling the peace that comes from knowing my sins are truly forgiven.

My husband was the one that finally helped me to figure this one out.

We would have a disagreement.  I was in the wrong. I would apologize, and he would forgive me.  Later, still feeling guilty, I would go to him afterwards and ask for his forgiveness, a second time.

He would look at me blankly.  "I don't know what you're talking about."

I would remind him of the wrong I had done him.  He would shrug his shoulders and raise his hand innocently.  No clue to what I was referring.

I would become even more insistent, reminding him of the wrong I had done him.  

My husband gently reminded me that all was forgiven.  As far as he was concerned, my wrong to him never happened.  

I must confess, at first his attitude was a mystery to me.  I wanted to relive the wrong I had done, until I felt satisfied that all was right and forgiven.  My husband just wanted to move on in love.

Needless to say, my husband had the right attitude.

Sometimes, when we have disagreed, I would need a minute to cool off.  I would go away and then come back to apologize, but before I could open my mouth, my husband would say to me, "I forgive you."

I would get upset.  I needed closure.  I needed to make things right.  I needed to relive the moment, and then beg my husband for his forgiveness.  Nope.  He gave it freely, no strings attached.

It took some time for this attitude to work in my heart.  My husband was willing, at the very first, to forgive the wrongs that I had done him, no matter what they were or how often.  

I cannot tell you the impact that this has had on my life, on my marriage.  I learned so much about God, from my husband's willingness to forgive.

There is nothing more freeing, more comforting, more releasing, than KNOWING that my heart is clean, and that I am right before God.  

"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth..." God wants me to put action behind my words.  When I say, "I love you," I need to be able to show it with my works.  My love should be grounded in the truth that comes from knowing God and His Word.

"And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him."  God has given us so many beautiful promises in His Word that we can know that we are His children.  This knowledge should reassure us of our position as beloved children of a Perfect Heavenly Father.  

"For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things."  Those times when I am tempted to doubt of God's amazing love and forgiveness do not come from God.  They come from my own flesh, Satan's whispers, my own tendancy to trust my feelings instead of what God says in His Word.  When God forgives, it is finished.  He knows all things, and when He forgives, there is nothing left to confess, work out, beg or plead for.  It is forgiven.

"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." Is there anything more comforting, and reassuring, than knowing that our sins are forgiven, that there is NOTHING standing between us and our Lord?

"And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight."  Just like a beloved child can come to his parents at any moment and ask, so I can come to God and ask my requests.  There is nothing between me and God, as long as I follow His commandments and do what is pleasing in God's sight.

Now there is a freedom from worry, or guilt.  Nothing between me and my Creator.  Forgiveness.

That is a wonderful heart gift this Valentine's Day.  There is nothing more special than knowing that I am loved by God, and that makes my heart lighter than air.

And you, do you know this forgiveness?  May the Lord help us all today to recognize the release that comes from the Lord forgiving all our sins.

There's my Heart: Children's Discovery Club

"Lay not up for yourselves trasures upon earth...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...for where you trasure is, there will your heart be also..." Matthew 6:19-21

Good morning, dear friends,

It's been a while since I shared updates from our Children's Discovery Club, and there have been many goings-on.  Let's try to catch up and share the latest news!

December Clubs

If your month of December was anything like ours, it was busy! Every year Christmas gives us many opportunities to share the good news of God's coming to earth with those around us.  Our children's clubs were no exception!

Our first club in December, taught by our coworker Damaris, was all about Jesus's coming, taught through the message of...the candy cane!  The children really enjoyed...

...our candy cane cake...

...and our craft time!  Damaris led the kids in making a candy cane Christmas ornament with the message of the candy cane attached to it.  No red pony beads here, so Damaris dyed some wooden ones with Koolaid!  Smelled nice, too!

During the Christmas season, the children practice for a Christmas program to which we invite the parents.  We were thankful for the families that came and saw firsthand what our children's clubs are like!  One mom came early and stayed for the lesson time.  Our children always practice and perform well.  This year we gave them a song to learn in English!  (C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S)

Thankful to share the good news with these children at Christmastime!

January and February

We had some "false starts" to our club this year after the holidays, but we're back in the saddle now!

In January, it is traditional to eat a "king's cake" for Epiphany, and our club happened to fall very close to that day, so of course we had to celebrate!  A tiny porcelaine figurine is baked into the cake.  The cake is cut in its entirety and all of the pieces are distributed, usually by the youngest child present (who picks the person receiving each piece randomly.)  The one who finds the figure is crowned the "king" of the day, and gets to pick his queen.  Two cakes = two kings and queens, and some happy kids.  (The cakes are delicious, too!)

Fast forward to February...For the first time in many weeks, "all" of our kids were there.  Here's a picture of the group, on our very crowded living room couch:

We are continuing our travels with Christian in Pilgrim's Progress.  After reviewing Christian's progress in January, we climbed the Hill of Difficulty to reach the Beautiful Palace and receive our armour.  We learned that God is very near in times of troubles (He even told us ahead of time that there would be troubles in this life!) and He gives His armour to protect us and help us.

The heart verse at the top of the blog for today reminds me of why I am here in France!  These children are our "treasures," and yours as well!  Thank you for investing in the ministry here with us in France!  This is treasure abounding to your account in heaven!  Thanks for "paying it forward!"

See you in a few weeks for our next club!

Heart Searching

"Search me, o God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24

Good morning, dear friends,

I love my children, but they can't find anything.

I'm sure I'm not alone.  Please tell me, I'm not alone.

Where's your backpack?  Your shoes?  Your homework?  My sanity?

(Sorry, that last one went a long time ago.)

To their credit, my children are getting better.  Mainly because I don't give in anymore.  If you can't find it, I did not eat it.  Sorry, keep looking.

I think I could hide an elephant in their bedrooms, and ask them to find it, only to be greeted by blank stares when I help them look.  "Oh, that elephant..."

Sigh.

When God goes looking, however....

...He finds.

I can't hide the elephant from Him.  I can't hide anything from Him.

"Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?" Psalm 139:7

Am I ready to pray this prayer?

"Search me, o God..." Examine thoroughly, inspect, with the intent of finding out...

"and know my heart..." Become acquainted with, very personally...

"try me..." Test, scrutinize...

"and know my thoughts..." Everything that I am, even the thoughts that I think that I don't even know about or understand, are as an open book to the Lord.

The Lord already knows all of this, but by praying this prayer, I want  Him to know.  I want  Him to examine, to test, to become acquainted with my thoughts and my heart's attitude.  Nothing to hide, nothing to keep back, but everything surrendered fully to Him.

Wow.

Now that's a prayer for today.  May the Lord help me to clean out the sin that clutters up my heart, and allow myself to be scruntinized by God today.

I wonder, what He will find...

February Blessings and Burdens

CAREY & SUSAN ABBETT

Serving CHRIST in FRANCE

Field Address: 1 rue du Traité de Boves * 80440 Boves* France* csabbett@msn.com

Home Address: Baptist International Missions, Inc.*PO Box 9* Harrison, TN 37341 *(423)344-5050

www.susanabbett4france.blogspot.fr

 February, 2016

Dear Co-laborers and friends,

You may not realize this, but writing a prayer letter is not as easy as it may seem.  There are times when I can’t wait to share a particular news with you (such as the salvation of the little boy in our December letter).  Other times deciding what to share in a positive way is a challenge.  Then again, on other occasions my heart is heavy and do not feel like writing – not because I do not want to share with you what is going on, but because I feel the need to share a news that is not pleasant – which is the case this time.

We have been asking you to pray for us and with us for many years now for this elderly lady we have been visiting and witnessing to almost on a weekly basis. Her name is René Lemarchand.  For those of you who follow Susan’s Blog (her blog’s address is in the letter head) you will already be aware that René has passed away in January. 

I would love to say that we know she accepted Christ before meeting Him face to face.  We do not have that assurance.  We don’t know whether she responded to the Gospel she received these past years, even perhaps in her final hours before passing away.  Only in Heaven will we know. 

This sadness does not discourage us, but it motivates us to keep witnessing and reaching to those we still can.  Our heart may be heavy and burdened, but that is a good thing.  We rely upon you to help us use the burden as a motivation to go out and share the Gospel.

We know you all have your own trials and burdens, which is why we are happy to take time to pray for you as well.  As I have said for many years now: we need strong churches in order to have strong missionaries.  We need faithful churches in order to help missionaries to remain faithful.  In the end, God is the only one who should receive any glory for what is done.

We continue to work with our coworkers and friends, the Dodeler family.  We thank the Lord for the good and strong connection we have between our two families.  Jeremie and I have been looking for a building that would be suitable for a meeting place.  Unfortunately, we have not found anything yet that would either meet the security requirements or meet our budget. I am assured the Lord knows our need and will give us what is best for His work. 

We thank you for your sacrifice and faithfulness!  You are very dear to us and we never cease to thank God for each one of you.

Servants of Christ,

Carey & Susan Abbett