John 20:21

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Continued need for prayer

My heart goes out to the Somalia believers living in fear and turmoil.  Additionally, I am broken for the many who have never heard the gospel message.  This is a nation forgotten by most, but I believe the Lord will show Himself mightily through the faithfulness of the handful who are willing to give all.  Please keep the nation of Somalia, both believers and muslims in prayer this holiday season.

Dare to consider the possibility..that God will use you to reach the Somali people. You arent reading this by accident. Step out in faith. Our God is able.

I believe the Lord is about to do a mighty work among the Somali people.  I am calling on churches to commit to pray for the spiritual as well as physical needs. If your church is willing to partner with us in prayer, please contact me for resources.

He is able

What an amazing God we serve. Who could fathom the ways He has been moving. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than all we could ever ask, think, or imagine.

He..the Creator of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the one who parted the Red Sea, healed the sick, raised the dead, and died for you and me.

Is able....has the power

to do....to make happen

exceedingly...greater than

abundantly...great enough

more...a great amount

than ALL....the total amount of

we could EVER....in all eternity

Ask...request

Think...plan

or Imagine...dream possible

You probably cannot even conceive the needs of the nation of Somalia. Therefore, the solution is unimaginable.  But God knows the needs and God is the solution. I beg you to open your heart to a nation in great turmoil. Our God is able. He is willing. He is gonna!

This battle belongs to the Lord

2 Chronicles chapter 20 tells of the Moabites and Ammonites coming to war against Jehoshaphat. When Jehoshaphat found this out, he "decided to inquire of the Lord." He didnt start making plans to fight back. He didn't decide to flee. No, he chose to seek the Lord. Not only did Jehoshaphat chose to seek the Lord, He called all the people together to fast and pray so that as a groups they could seek the Lord's plans.

Then, the Spirit of the Lord spoke through Jahaziel and told them that the battle was not theirs--it was the Lord's. He told him to go to meet the Moabites and Ammorites.. and for the people to take their position and stand firm. He said (as He so often does in scripture) not to be discouraged or afraid due to the circumstances (the large enemy army), but rather to trust the Lord. How often when battle ensues do we run to seek the Lord? How often when He tells us it will be ok, do we insist on worrying or trying to make other plans because we see no evidence of possibility?

Scripture says Jehoshaphat fell on his face and all of the people fell down to worship the Lord. Some stood up and sang praises to Him. So in the threat of war, less than 24 hours before battle, they weren't polishing their weapons. They weren't talking strategy. They weren't making plans to evacuate the city. No, they were havin' church! They were praising the Lord!
They were worshiping Him with all they had.

The next morning, the day of battle, they went out early to meet the enemy armies. But first.... Jehoshaphat encouraged the people--reminded them of what the Lord said--and He appointed men to go in front and lead the army in praise. I love this part. Can you imagine, an army going to war and taking song books rather than weapons?

Notice that the Lord had told them to go and take their position and stand firm. He didnt tell them to go out praising. That was the *result* of their faith. And He responded to that too.. actually, they never had to take their position, because when they got to the battle sight, the enemy had already been slaughtered. They went above and beyond God's request and He went above and beyond His promise.

For those suffering in Somalia's persecution, remember to go out praising the Lord. Take Your position and stand firm and trust in the Lord, for this battle belongs to the Lord.

Suffering

1 Peter 4:1 says just as Christ suffered in the body, we must also suffer. Why would a loving God allow people to suffer? Because He is suffering, and when we walk with Him, we face the same insults, the same perfectution, the same hatred that the world has for Him. Not because He desires it for us, but because the world does not receive Him.

However, one must remember that in Him there is victory. He replaces pain with healing. He replaces hunger with fulfillment. He replaces sorrow with joy. He replaces defeat with victory.

Many believers never suffer. They have adapted to the ways of this world. They deny Christ for the sake of comfort. But in Somalia, every believer suffers. Every believer risks their lives for the sake of Christ. But He has not neglected any. He is suffering.. you suffer because you are His. But, this too, shall pass.

Soon, my brothers and sisters. Soon, very soon, you will get your reward.

God of the impossible

God allows his people to face impossible situations so that He can fully work in and through us. How did the Israelites get to the Red Sea? God brought them there. How did they get to Jericho? God brought them there. Why? Because God had a great purpose in it. He wanted to show his power. God allows his people to face impossible situations ultimately for his glory and to work out his purpose.

Somalia appears to be a difficult--even impossible circumstance. but with our God all things are possible. If we dare to trust Him to make the impossible possible, if we dare to step out and trust Him to lead our paths, if we dare to ignore what our eyes see and look with our hearts, He is able, He is willing, He promises to move mountains.

Somali Christians face the impossible every day. They trust in the Lord and He is faithful. How many of us are willing to step out of our comfort zones and step foot on Somali soil to proclaim the word of God? Some will say God isn't calling them. Others will say its not possible. But look to the Word of God and look to the God of the Word and reconsider.... Do you really believe God isnt calling ANY Christians to go to Somalia? If you won't pray and go--pray and send. If you won't pray and send, pray or send. If you won't go, pray, or send, who will?

what will it take?

Paul repeatedly speaks to believers about not being "ashamed in His coming". I think often Christians get so caught up in "life" that they miss out on God's plan for their life. What would it take for you to live the way God wants you to live? What will it take to get you to surrender your whole heart and live 100% for Him?

I suppose it is the answer to that question that will move you beyond being like the inquisitive rich young ruler and will either lead you to a deeper walk with the Lord or will cause you to walk away sad. You see, it wasn't the man's money that caused him defeat, it was his unwillingness to obey the Lord. Whatever it is that you wont give up will keep you from knowing Christ the way He desires you to know Him. And whatever it is you say you would give up--if He asked you--is probably the very thing He has already asked you to let go of. Hear His voice today and don;t harden your heart.

What will it take?

Persecution

I recently read a letter from a Christian in Somalia discussing the persecution there. This dear brother discussed the "great religious freedom" offered to Somali's who were able to escape to England and the US and how he desired it for himself and the others there in Somalia. Let me offer some thoughts and encouragement.The very fact that persecution exists there is a sign that the Lord is making a difference through each of you. (2 Timothy 3:12-- Everyone who wants to live a Godly life will be persecuted.) If He were not, others would have no cause to come after you. My desire for you is not that the persecution would end so that you might simply worship freely, but rather that the hand of God would move greatly upon the land of Somalia and you might make an unchangeable difference through His power and grace within you. It is my desire that the church would rise up and send many into the land to proclaim the good news and to fight the good fight alongside of you, for this is a battle of spirit, not of flesh and my friends, we already know in whom is our victory.Be encouraged my brothers and sisters for He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to complete it. Stand on His promises.

Unto the ends of the earth

The Word of God tells us to proclaim the Gospel message in all places--unto the ends of the earth. Somalia is a land almost forgotten--a place where the gospel is neglected. In the midst of a 16 year war, government is lacking, starvation is prominent, death is eminent, and life is all but hopeless. But for the few--the handful--who know Christ, there is joy. There is desire. There is victory. They rejoice not in physical possessions. They barely can rejoice in life. But in their Savior, this is certain--they can rejoice--they will overcome.

Maxaad rabtaa?

"What do you need?"

We all have needs. We may have to weigh carefully what are needs and what are wants, but none of us can say we have no needs. Hopefully, today you are living in Christ and can say your needs are all being met. However, that doesnt negate the fact that the needs are there. If you had no need, you would not have Christ in your life.

It is the desire of our Father's heart to meet each and every need we have. He knows our needs, but in order for us to receive what He has to give, we must acknowledge the need we have.
Matthew 7:8 says "Everyone who asks receives.."
James 4:2: says "You do not have because you do not ask".

We all have a need for Christ, and in Him all other needs are met. Isn't it exciting to know that with our God all things are possible, all needs are met, all obstacles are overcome, victory is ours. There is absolutely no need He cannot meet.

Ephesians 3:20 says "He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..."

Let me go a step further. There is absolutely no need He is unwilling to meet. I will say it again. There is absolutely no need He is unwilling to meet.

Philippians 4:19 says "and my God will meet ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

So let me ask again, "Maxaad rabtaa?". "What do you need?"

He is able. He is willing. Acknowledge your need and receive.

"If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us--whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of Him. " 1John 5:14-15

Storms

While storms tossed waves into the boat, the disciples panicked, yet Jesus slept. Upon awakening, Jesus rebuked the storms---and He rebuked the disciples. If there were any time to be concerned, in the midst of nearly drowning should rank pretty high up there. But our Savior rebuked their very fears. Now, He wasn't rebuking them for doub ting what He said He'd do. No, He rebuked the very fact that they would doubt what went unspoken--that He could and would make everything alright.

If Jesus rebukes such thought, how much more does He rebuke our "what if's" and "but's" and "if only's".

What is God calling you to do today that you are putting off because you are too focused on a storm and not focused enough on Him?

The reality is, if the disciples had their minds on Christ, the storm would have been irrelevent.

God is calling many to go to Somalia, but there are enough excuses not to. Where is your focus--on Christ's power over the storm, or on the storm?

Where two or more are gathered

The Word of God says that where 2 or more are gathered, He is there in the midst of them. It also tells us that if we ask, we shall receive. When we look at the situation in Somalia today, one might question, "Why is God being silent in the midst of all of this?" However, God is not being silent--Christians all over the world are being silent--neglecting Somalia because it is "too dangerous", but the Lord God Almighty is ready to move His hand and do mighty works in that nation. If only believers would gather and lift up our Somali brothers and sisters, and believe in Him for change, for hope, for miracles. He will surely answer.

Refuge

In some areas of Mogadishu, people not only are without food and water, but shelter is scarce. The more fortunate might scrape up some money to pay for a few minutes under a tree to get out of the scorching sun. But for most, there is no refuge at all.

The weather isnt the only problem for Somalis in Mogadishu. Many people talk of sleeping on the streets, hardly getting any rest out of fear, gunshots and explosions surrounding them. They are weak from exhaustion, from dehydration, and hunger. They long for refuge.

Psalm 46:1 says "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Even where there are physical limitations, God extends His hand beyond. How much more, we who know Him prefer to have His refuge than to have a mere shelter. His refuge not only keeps the sun off of us and protects us from the rain. It keeps us safe and secure and fearless. For in Him, we have no need to worry.

Isn't it marvelous to think of His refuge? It brings comfort and joy. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Power to the weak, strength to the powerless

Isaiah 40:29 says that He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was faithful in the lives of His people. The same God is the one we call Father--the creator of the world, our help, our redeption. He has not overlooked Somalia. The Word of God says where two or more are gathered, there He is in the midst of them. We are promised that our requests will not only be heard, but that we will receive abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Today, many Somali believers feel weary. They are tired. They are hungry. They are weak. But God is faithful. He is rest. He is nourishment, He is strength,

Run, for you will not grow weary. Walk for you will not grow faint. Trust in Christ alone.

Knock and the door shall be opened

Scripture says if we ask, we shall receive, if we knock doors shall be opened. Yet often, it seems doors are closed. But we must be careful about perception. It is easy to have an attitude of defeat and view doors as closed simply because they do not adhere to our vision of open. But one must remember, God's ways are not the same as the ways of man.

Take for example, a revolving door. It might appear closed, but it is merely waiting to be stepped into.

That reminds me of how the Lord parted the Jordan--but not until the priests first stepped into the waters--trusting Him. I suppose if they had stood on the shores and insisted, He might have still parted the waters rather than making them get their feet wet. But that would have been disobedience to what He commanded. It wasnt fear that made them obey--it was faith and love.

I encourage you today to seek that you might find, knock that the door might be opened. God is faithful. We too must be faithful to step out in obedience and trust Him.