Jesus always knows what He’s going to do!

5th century mosaic discovered near the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee

In John’s account of the feeding of the 5000, Jesus sees a great multitude and asks His disciples a question, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” Was Jesus taken by surprise by the large crowd? Was He dumbfounded as to what to do? Perhaps he was trying to inspire the disciples to come up with a plan to work together with Him? No. Jesus actually said this “to test them, for He Himself knew what He would do.”

There have been, and currently are, many overwhelming and impossible situations in my life. I must admit that I usually find myself first seeking a human or logical solution to these issues. My natural inclination is to find a physical resource that will meet this need or solve this problem. Does that mean God doesn’t use physical resources to meet physical needs? No, of course He does. He used bread to meet the physical needs of the 5000.

What Jesus does when we trust Him is to do things beyond our imagination. I can’t organize Him, or strategize the way that He is going to work in my situation. I can’t limit Jesus with my own plans. I can only come to Him with my lack, my weakness, and my inability. Jesus can and wants to fill us, strengthen us, and do all that He wants in and through us. If He went to the cross to redeem us, how much more willing do you think He is take care of “impossible” things in our lives?

Be encouraged. Jesus has a plan when we don’t. Jesus knows our frailty, and just smiles and forgives us for giving Him advice. Perhaps you are going through a time of testing, as I am. Jesus knows what He is going to do. It doesn’t make the path we are on any easier, but perhaps it does make it a little more bearable. We are not alone, and our simple work that we must do is to believe on Jesus. Let’s labor for that today!

Messiah Came!

Merry Christmas! How wonderful it is to celebrate the birth of our Savior! We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May this Christmas bring an extra sense of excitement in your life for Jesus’ birth, as well as an even greater anticipation of His soon return. May the God of favor fill your heart with joy and peace as you trust and abide in Him. May this next year be a time of fruitfulness in your life as you live for Him, bringing Him glory.

Adoration of the Shepherds – Bartolome Murillo

The above picture is a famous representation of the visit of the shepherds to Jesus. Murillo’s Adoration of the Shepherds is an oil-on-cloth painting, measuring 6 x 7 1/2 feet. Murillo incorporated new methods in his artwork, using various dark oils and intriguing lighting effects. In this painting darkness surrounds the figures, with no light shining on the subjects from the doorways or windows. Rather, the only light is emanating from the newborn babe, Jesus. Therefore, all of the observing faces are lit by this light. Murillo’s painting tells the story that all of the world is in the darkness of sin. The only possibility of true light comes from God, the God who became man, born in flesh in order to reveal the love and light of God to man. From His birth to His death Jesus knew His mission.

On Christmas

Light into darkness came,
piercing our guilt and shame.
Wrapped in frail humanness,
struggling to live among us.
God’s life was placed in flesh,
softly comforted by her caress.
Savior, Messiah, and King,
of Whom the Angels did sing.

From eternity to cradle, Heaven to stable,
the God-Man Jesus was born to die.

In Him was life,
and the life was the light of men,
But rejected by all,
they thought His kingdom would end.
Crucified, buried, and raised,
Jesus ascended to the Ancient of Days.
The Lamb’s blood became sweet,
it purchased our redemption–complete!

From eternity to cradle, Heaven to stable,
the God-Man Jesus was born to die.

In Him dwells all fullness of the Godhead bodily,
And He is head over all principalities.
Every knee will bow in heaven and earth,
Every tongue will acknowledge the Savior’s birth.

From eternity to cradle, Heaven to stable,
the God-Man Jesus was born to die.

God’s righteousness was granted to me,
I’m washed, reconciled, adopted–set free!
Jesus is Lord, Master, and Friend,
peace and goodwill He gives among men.
In this life I’ll always appreciate,
the cradle and cross of the One who now mediates,
His hand touching my head and reaching the Father,
a ransom for all, a treasure, a wonder!

From death to victory, grave to majesty,
the God-Man Jesus now reigns on high.

Jed Gourley
Tbilisi, Georgia
December 23, 2016

$1.99 – Distant Fields – Read an Excerpt for Free!

Distant Fields is on sale from now through Valentine’s Day!

The following is an excerpt from the book describing the arrival of George and Pam and their eight children to Ukraine:

Independence Day

Flying into Kiev on July 4, 1992, was an unforgettable experience. As the wheels of the plane touched down, dilapidated shacks, old planes, and trees and overgrown bushes surrounding the airport seemed to race by. Thuds were felt every second as the plane rode over the concrete slabs that had been laid down for a runway. The tall grass growing up in between these concrete slabs left one wondering how many flights actually arrived into this airport. Eventually the plane came to a stop at the Borispol International Terminal.

Upon exiting the plane, the family discovered that looking for a baggage carousel was an effort in futility. While pondering the status of their belongings, the Markeys and everyone else from the plane were herded into an empty room and left standing and wondering. Soon the sound of a tractor jolted everyone into alertness. Gazing around the room, local people soon began to congregate around an open area in the middle of the room. The sound of the tractor grew louder and then finally emerged from new beginnings the back of the room. Behind the tractor was hitched a trailer, and on the trailer was a huge mound of luggage. Before the tractor even came to a halt, people from the plane were climbing up onto the trailer and hunting for their luggage.

As the engine of the tractor finally shut down, George climbed onto the trailer and began searching for their belongings, passing them to his children. All of the bags were gathered and the family was once again left standing and wondering. A line was forming, meandering into a dark corridor over to their left. The all-important matter of lines would be something that the Markeys would learn over time. For now, the 10 family members got into line, amazed at the pushing, shoving, and trampling as people rushed to cut in front of them. To their right stood a small glass-encased display cabinet offering “duty free” items, and to which no one seemed to be paying attention. A solitary light bulb dangling over their heads was the only source of a dim and insufficient illumination to the path before them.

After passing through customs, the family followed the other passengers to a set of doors. As the doors opened, all that could be seen was a wall of humanity. The passengers ahead of them walked directly into this mass of people, and as they did, a small crevice emerged through which they then inched forward. Not wanting to miss out on their chance, George led the charge, the people in the crowd seemingly not phased by the commotion, elbows, and other body parts clashing into each other. Any apologies offered for bags rolling over shoes went unanswered by people who were returning only empty stares and confused expressions…

Continue reading.
Get your copy of Distant Fields today for $1.99!

Free Kindle Book – “A Story of Grace,” by Phil Metzger

I wanted to let you know of a book that is FREE right now on Kindle! “A Story of Grace” is a history of the missionary work in eastern Europe, and the beginning of the movement of Calvary Chapel in Hungary. It is written by long-term eastern European missionary (and friend), Phil Metzger. You can download it now here.

Phil Metzger is senior pastor of Calvary Chapel of Budapest and is also the director of Calvary Chapel Bible College Europe (CCBCE). Pam Markey is the director of the missions training program at this Bible college. CCBCE a remarkable place for young people to receive solid Bible training while getting their feet wet in practical missions.

#1 Book in Religious and Notable People!

Have you read this book yet? Why not grab your FREE copy to read over the weekend?

Distant Fields has topped the charts in free biographies of religious leaders and notable people!

With only three days remaining, click here to get your FREE copy now. Well over 2000 people have already downloaded Distant Fields in just the past few days. Thanks so much for sharing this story with others!

Also, paperback copies are still on sale for $7.99 when you use discount code VJRMJ8AU at check out. Click here to order your discounted copies at the CreateSpace store.

Hurry! Sale and giveaway end on September 28th.

Free Copy of Distant Fields!

From September 26th – 28th (in memory of George W. Markey’s birthday), Distant Fields–The Amazing Call of George Markey from Farmland to Missions is available as a FREE digital download for all Kindle devices and applications! Just click here to get your FREE copy at Amazon.com.

Furthermore, paperback copies are on sale for $7.99 — that’s $5 off the retail price, when you use discount code VJRMJ8AU at check out. Click here to order your discounted paperback copies at the CreateSpace store.

Please share this FREE resource and sale with your friends on Facebook, your blog, or in an email. Also, if you have read Distant Fields and would like to post a review, please do so at Goodreads, Amazon, or other book sites. This giveaway and sale end on September 28th. Help spread the word. Thanks!

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“This book has challenged my life in every way. The life of George Markey has always been an inspiration to me, but being able to read this book and put together all of the details has been invaluable. He was a true servant leader. His testimony is a modern day inspiration that is on the same level as Hudson Taylor and Isobel Kuhn.”
– K. Spencer, taken from a review at Amazon.com

“George was one of the most servant-hearted men I have ever met.”
– Jeremy Camp–Grammy-Nominated Singer/Songwriter

“George was a tremendous example. When I think of him, I think of simple faith, simple trust.”
– Pastor Chuck Smith–Founding Pastor, Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa

In Loving Memory of George W. Markey
September 28, 1941 – February 13, 2007