God's Recruitment Strategy

I don't usually repost things word for word, but I really felt God telling me that someone needed to hear this today. I am adding copyrights below...

"Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing." Acts 9:8a

When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.

Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him'" (Hebrews 10:36-38).

Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders

Big things out of little things

This morning during a tuk tuk (taxi) ride to San Pedro, I took notice of something I see often but don't think much about. A man was on the side of the road hammering big stones into small ones. This made me think about how we are usually just the opposite, making big things out of small things. Often we let such little things affect our relationship with others, usually those closest to us. Pastor Luis tells us a story where in the end he wraps it up by giving us this verse; "The honor and glory of man is to ignore the offense".
Thankfully we have a savior that ignored all of our offenses, and forgave us of them.
Don't wait to come to God when you have your life straightened out because only He can do that. Come tattered , torn, and broken and He will make you whole.

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.


Fred

So where do we work?

Would you like to know more about the organization that we work with in Guatemala? Check out the new website that I (Dusty) just finished and launched for Impacto.  Impacto Ministry

Let me know what you think. Do you want to see something on the Impacto website that is not there? Let me know! We need your feedback. Also, If you have pictures you want to add from your teams visits with Impacto, please email me at dusty@impactoministry.com and I will add you to the picture website with access to upload pictures and videos.

Thanks for prayers always!
Fred, Dusty & Tyler Dixon
www.itsallforjesus.com

Rigidly Flexible

A few years ago in our Boy Scout Troop we often used the term "rigidly flexible" which pretty much meant that plans were subject to change without prior notice. Life is like that, we make plans then somethings causes those plans to go another direction. If we could realize that we should endeavor to make our plans align with Gods plan our journey could be much smoother. When we can make ourselves realize that even the bumps in life's road are part of the journey, then we can face every day with joy and hope in the Lord.
In my recent address/lifestyle change, it has been liberating to be able to live day by day with very few expectations, only to serve our Savior and to seek His will. I well know the hustle and bustle of life in the good ole U.S.A. and I pray for a peace in your hearts, minds, and souls. We love you all and miss you greatly.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
[11] For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Fred