"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9
Today God provided me with some quiet time as I (Joe) cut the lawn. Being 6 days out from Japan, it was nice to step away from work, family, and ministry to rest in God's presence. God used a song called "Excellence" by Ecclesia to attune my focus to the desires of his heart.
His heart desires to see his lost children come home. Those who have wandered. Those who have never known his name. He wants them to experience the richness of his provision, the joy of his smile over them, and the depth of his love on the cross. His grace has purchased their redemption, which is available to all who call on his name.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
I have seen God's reckless love for the Japanese. He has gone well out of way on their behalf. He's called 5 people with beautiful feet, he's built strong partnerships, unleashed new gifting, and moved a $14,500 financial mountain. God is committed to spreading the good news of his love in Japan, and he will do it with excellence.
Our 2019 team is 100% funded, we've packed our bags, and we're finalizing our bible camp material.
Over the next 25 days I would like to encourage you to pray "excellence" over this trip. Reread Philippians 4:4-9 each day, and pray a portion of it over one of our team members (Joe, Felicia, Lily, Preston, Isaiah).
For instance:
"God, I pray that Isaiah's gentleness in navigating Japanese culture and religion will soften hearts to the love of Christ."
"God, may Lily and Preston know that you are near, guarding their hearts and minds as they experience the pressures of ministry."
"God, may the team be pure and blameless, bringing excellence as they minister to youth and their parents."
"God, may Joe and Felicia never be anxious as they follow your leading in Japan (Joe) and Chicago (Felicia & kids)."
I would also like to encourage you to follow the journey of Snorlax (the stuff animal seen with baby Akari). I'm spending 3 weeks away from the kids, so I plan on taking pictures/videos with Snorlax to span the distance. Pray that this makes this season special for Hezekiah and Akari, as I minister.
#SnorlaxTBFP
Our team is excited to walk in the excellence of Christ, making him famous from Sendai to Iwate, and from Tokyo to Shingu.
~
The Beautiful Feet Team
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:4-9
Today God provided me with some quiet time as I (Joe) cut the lawn. Being 6 days out from Japan, it was nice to step away from work, family, and ministry to rest in God's presence. God used a song called "Excellence" by Ecclesia to attune my focus to the desires of his heart.
His heart desires to see his lost children come home. Those who have wandered. Those who have never known his name. He wants them to experience the richness of his provision, the joy of his smile over them, and the depth of his love on the cross. His grace has purchased their redemption, which is available to all who call on his name.
"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
I have seen God's reckless love for the Japanese. He has gone well out of way on their behalf. He's called 5 people with beautiful feet, he's built strong partnerships, unleashed new gifting, and moved a $14,500 financial mountain. God is committed to spreading the good news of his love in Japan, and he will do it with excellence.
Our 2019 team is 100% funded, we've packed our bags, and we're finalizing our bible camp material.
Over the next 25 days I would like to encourage you to pray "excellence" over this trip. Reread Philippians 4:4-9 each day, and pray a portion of it over one of our team members (Joe, Felicia, Lily, Preston, Isaiah).
For instance:
"God, I pray that Isaiah's gentleness in navigating Japanese culture and religion will soften hearts to the love of Christ."
"God, may Lily and Preston know that you are near, guarding their hearts and minds as they experience the pressures of ministry."
"God, may the team be pure and blameless, bringing excellence as they minister to youth and their parents."
"God, may Joe and Felicia never be anxious as they follow your leading in Japan (Joe) and Chicago (Felicia & kids)."
I would also like to encourage you to follow the journey of Snorlax (the stuff animal seen with baby Akari). I'm spending 3 weeks away from the kids, so I plan on taking pictures/videos with Snorlax to span the distance. Pray that this makes this season special for Hezekiah and Akari, as I minister.
#SnorlaxTBFP
Our team is excited to walk in the excellence of Christ, making him famous from Sendai to Iwate, and from Tokyo to Shingu.
~
The Beautiful Feet Team