Pray that we will know His strength and grace day by day

Update

We have had some difficulty with the Internet here

over the last couple of days. As a result we have not been able to update the blog site.

On Sunday Mike spoke at the morning service on board the ship. We looked at the Ephesians 6 and the importance of being strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Then on Monday morning Mike spoke at the ship devotions from Philippines chapter 3. He asked about our mission this week. Paul wrote to the Philippian church that his mission was to know Christ, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship is suffering. If mission this week is to know Christ then his character will impact our attitude, talk and behaviour. We will have an opportunity to grow in many areas.

This morning devotions was led by Jonathan McCrostie. He shared of his experience of grace in leadership and spoke about devotion to Christ in whatever limiting situations that we find ourselves in. Jonathan is a paraplegic. He has had to use a wheel chair for the last 25 years. He emphasised the importance of being addicted and devoted to Jesus in the midst of all that we do. We sensed that God was speaking directly into our lives as we continue to worship Christ through the work that we do on the ship.

A number of teams from the logos hope have had opportunity this week to serve the ministries with the homeless in Kiel. We pray that relationships will be built that will have a transformational impact on the lives of the homeless in the city.

Prayer Diary

Praise God that the Logos 2 was able to sail with 50 people to Holland. In a few days they hope to go o to the Caribbean. Pray for a safe voyage and fruitful ministry.

In a few days 65 people will join us here on the Logos Hope. They first go through some initial training and preparation for life on board.

We have a need for another 12 people who to help lead technical teams. Pray that God will bring the right people in His time. We are so thankful for the project workers who are with us at this time.

Whatever Happens

“Whatever happens, as citizens of heaven live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” TNIV

Phil 1:27

Whatever happens!

Paul was in prison in Rome. This was definitely not his preferred situation but he had a Kingdom perspective on his chains. “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” 1:12. This was obviously not his dream as he writes in the letter to the Romans, “ I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.” (Romans 15:28) At that time he did not plan a package holiday to Spain. His travels reflected his vision. “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” (Rom 15:20). He did not get to Spain.

He did not know what was going to happen. He was not in control of his circumstances. He faced the possibility of death or release. He was ready for either. He was confident that if he was released it would be for the benefit of others. Later in the letter he shared that he had learnt to be content in whatever circumstances.

On Logos Hope there is much that is happening that is beyond our personal control. How do we cope with all the change and uncertainty? We can easily become discouraged and compare this present situation with what we had in the past or be disappointed because it is not what we had expected when we joined. We do not know what is going to happen. We have not seen all the financial breakthroughs that we need. We are not sure if we will have the skilled workers when we need them. We do not know for certain when we will leave Kiel. We may find it difficult to experience God. These circumstances can at times be discouraging and lead us to focus on the problems without the opportunity to really help bring change.

Paul was not able to change his circumstances but he talked about a common experience of grace shared with the Philippians.. Hi lived in relationship to Christ and the good news as the priority of his life. We live by faith that the unseen reality is greater than what we presently experience.

As citizens of Heaven!

Our identity will determine how we respond to the situations we face in life. As citizens of heaven we can have a Kingdom perspective. If we are responsive to Him we can begin to see the realities of today in the light of our identity in Christ as sons and daughters of the Father.. What really makes a difference in eternity is what we invest in the gospel and in the growth of others. Our true identity is not in our culture, our work, the ship we live on, or our position in the organization. Our true identity is in our relationship with Christ. In Philippians 2:1 Paul writes.” Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…” Later in Philippians Chapter 3:20 He write, “ Their mind is set on earthly things but our citizenship is in Heaven and we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is easy to be focused on earthly things and be orientated around our current temporary circumstances. We can very quickly lose perspective and follow passions that are harmful to us and others. A kingdom perspective is found in our relationship in Christ. This leads to humble service in the gospel. He makes the difference today.

Live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ!

Then, a life worthy of the good news is lived in relationship to Christ. This resonates through this letter. Paul described himself as a Bond slave of Christ Jesus. His identity was found in His relationship with the Son of God. That relationship defined how he lived.

Our true identity is in being united with Christ who is the Son of God. It is out of his identity as God the Son that he was free to give his life as a servant and went to the cross for us. Paul described the church at Philippi as being in Christ Jesus. He also declared, “for me to live is Christ, To die is gain!” He spoke of encouragement through being united with Christ. He shared his passion, “ To know Christ, the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.

So a life worthy of the good news is lived in personal relationship with Christ today in what ever situation we face. We have all the resources of God our Father in Christ. Our identity is not defined by what we do. It is defined by who we are in Christ. We are in relationship to the Father in His son. This gives freedom to serve with humility.

Shield & Sword

Here is one way to build effective prayer triplets. Some may need a one on one relationship with a more mature believer to see personal breakthroughs in prayer as you step in faith in this direction. Be intentional about this and put it in your diary. Make a plan to form a prayer triplet and keep going. Do not give up. If you need help find someone to talk to about it.

SHIELD – Our identity is in our relationship with Christ. This is your greatest weapon against the attacks of the enemy.

Sonship – You meet as sons and daughters (By the way, you should met with those of the same gender as you. It is the safer way) whose identity is shared in Christ.

Holy Spirit – Friendships that are prayer-less will quench, grieve and resist the Holy Spirit’s work. He guides you in truth as you pray together. Ask to be filled with the Spirit

Intimacy – If you step in faith you can grow in a shared intimacy with the Father. Your prayer group becomes a safe place to share deep issues of the heart and find healing together.

Encouragement – The prayer and support of friends is an important encouragement for all of us.

Love will focus on what is best for others and will be willing to speak the truth even if it is painful

Delight – you will find that these times of prayer can be refreshing and bring real joy.

SWORD – Centered around the word, these prayer times bring greater effectiveness in ministry

Here is a simple format to help you plan your time. Plan to meet at least once a week. Start with a minimum of 15 minutes. You will find that more time will be needed as you continue.

Scripture – Read or listen to scripture together. Start with this. Focus on a book such as Ephesians. Focus on one thought each time you meet.

Worship – Focus in prayer on the Glory of God. Seek to know Him. Move on into intercession

Obedience – Be honest about areas in your life that need to change. Pray that you will have grace to obey. Set goals together for growth

Reflect – take time to reflect on the last week. Pray that you will see what God is teaching you through the various experiences on board.

Discipline – Keep one another accountable as set goals for personal growth, serving the community, and witness.

Pray that God will lead you to the right people. Learn to ask one another out of the comfort zone questions:

1. Have you spent regular time in scriptures and prayer this week?
2. Have you had any tempting thoughts or exposed yourself to material that would not glorify God?
3. Have you spent quality time with your family?
4. Have you been careless with the ships property this week?
5. Have you said something this week that makes others look bad?
6. Have you had an opportunity to share the gospel this week?
7. Have you allowed anything to rob you of joy this week?
8. Have you taken care of your body this week including a good fitness program and opportunity to relax?
9. What have you learnt this last week?
10. Have you lied about any of the above?

Initially keep your focus in prayer. You will need more time to develop healthy accountability and growth goals as a Prayer friendship team. The Key is to stand firm in the Lord together. He is your Shield and Sword.

Freiburg

We have just returned to the Logos Hope. The time in Freiburg was fruitful. We spoke at three different churches. The meetings were arranged by former Ship people. It was a joy to re-connect with them and to see how they are involved in the Local churches and outreach.

Prayer Diary

Today, Ann and I are traveling to Frieburg to participate in some missions event in Frieburg. Mike will speak at the Calvary Chapel.

This week the leadership of OM ships meet on board the Logos Hope. We spent time looking at the plans for the Logos Hope in the next months. We need to leave the Berth that we are in on the 16th April. After that we hope to go into a dry dock to install a generator and do survey work on the Hull. The work on for the PSSC continue.

Pray that our witness to Christ will have a transformational impact in th elives of many people in Kiel.

Watch Word for 2008

Jesus says, "You know the Spirit of Truth, because he abides with you and he will be in you.
John 14:17--

Update

Ann and I have just returned to the Logos Hope after two days of good ministry in Bremen at the Evangelical Alliance prayer week.

The Logos Hope Team

Thank you for praying for us. We have a growing family on board. God is working in our midst.

Meditation

Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[a] ;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Update

this morning Rebecca left for Canada. Michelle and Dan left for London where they will spend a few days with family before going on to Australia. it has been a delight to have them with us and we are thrilled to see the passion that they have to follow Christ. Thank you for standing with them on this journey of faith.

This week we will be helping to prepare the Logos 2 to sail to the Caribbean. Hopefully about 20 people from the Logos Hope will be able to be a part of this special tour. Many details need to be worked out. The plan is for the ship to be in the Caribbean for six months, working with local churches and having a good literature ministry in the region.

We are very thankful for the project workers that have been arriving on the Logos Hope. This is such an encouragement and the work continues to progress.

Update

We thank God for a few days break and for the opportunity to be away from the ship. We thank Him for the special provision of a place to spend a view days.

Today we are back on the ship and in touch with the world again!

Pray that the Life of Christ will shine through all that we do.