“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
What does it mean to humble ourselves? Here are a few definitions from the dictionary:
• To destroy the independence of
• To reduce the self-sufficiency of
• To curtail the pride of
• To destroy the power of
• To cause to be modest in spirit
• To think lowly of oneself
All of these definitions remind me of what John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). We all have an inclination towards independence and self-sufficiency, pride and power, often in many small ways. True humility is characterized by coming to the end of ourselves and recognizing our utter dependence on God. One of my favorite preachers, from Uganda (a country that has been completely transformed in the last 10 years by the Spirit of God), likes to say, “How do you want your revival—through devastation or through desperation?” God wants us to be desperate for Him to come. Admitting weakness and desperation means that we have to humble ourselves. We can be saved and living for God and yet have areas of our lives that are not fully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Humbling ourselves means stepping off the throne and giving God full access to every part of our lives and hearts. It means choosing to serve and putting others first. It means acknowledging that we are imperfect, inadequate, and unable, but at the same time recognizing that God is perfect, sufficient, and “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20)!
Prayer: Father, I pray that You would increase and I would decrease. Please strip me of independence, self-sufficiency, pride, and power, and give me a lowly, modest, and humble heart. Help me to be desperate for You, in my own life, in our city and nation. Help me to consistently serve others in a way that will bring glory to You. Holy Spirit, please show me any areas of my life that are not pleasing to You. I want You to be Lord of all the kingdoms of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Permanent Impact May 2008
. . . a newsletter to keep you up-to-date with Sculley family adventures in Russia and beyond
We're willing to go . . . are you willing to send us?
What's the latest?
God is working
We write to you from Atlanta this time, one month into our 3 month required break from Russia (due to visa requirements). As difficult as it was to think about leaving Russia, God's grace is sufficient and He always gives us everything we need, especially His strength! We're having a wonderful time connecting with many friends and family here earlier than expected, and daily seeing God provide opportunities to serve others during this season when our schedules are not as full as usual.
One thing we've noticed is that it seems like everywhere we look, an inordinately large number of people seem to be experiencing extreme difficulties in life, more so than what seems "normal". Certainly we can only see a small part of the picture, but it does seem that things are really tough for a lot of folks right now. I could list for you here dozens and dozens of situations that we personally know about that would break your heart to read about, and I'm sure you each are aware of multiple situations that are equally devastating, whether involving health, finances, relationships, or other life circumstances. But God is in the business of constantly reminding us that He is always working, always present, alive and active in the lives of His children. In times of crisis, we can lift our eyes to Him with the assurance that He does not change, He does not sleep, He does not take breaks - He is ALWAYS for us, ALWAYS with us, and ALWAYS working, even (maybe especially) when we can't see. Our hope is that we can in some way encourage you by pointing you to who God is and what He's doing.
I want to share with you an excerpt from my favorite devotional book, "Streams in the Desert" (known as "Streams in the Steppe" in Russian!) . . . "It is indeed extremely doubtful that a person's soul can really know the love of God in its richness and in its comforting, satisfying completeness until the skies are dark and threatening. Light emerges from darkness, and morning is born from the womb of night . . . James Creelman once journeyed through the Balkans in search of Natalie, the exiled queen of Serbia. In one of his letters, he described his trip this way: During that memorable journey, I learned that the world's supply of rose oil comes from the Balkan Mountains. The thing that interested me most was that the roses had to be gathered during the darkest hours, with the pickers starting at one o'clock and finishing by two. Initially this practice seemed to me to be a relic of superstition or tradition, but as I investigated further, I learned that actual scientific tests had proved that a full forty percent of the fragrance of the roses disappeared in the light of day. . . And it is also a real and unquestionable fact of human life and culture that a person's character is strengthened most during the darkest days."
We each choose whether our circumstances will make us bitter or better . . . difficulties and troubles WILL come, but take heart, Jesus said, because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)! As we take the things that weigh us down to Jesus, He removes our heavy burdens and gives us His peace and rest and joy and forgiveness and love, all of which are priceless treasures! He strengthens our hearts - we so need that, because all of us grow weary and afraid at times. But in God's strength, we can do whatever He asks us to do. Our prayer for you is that you will lift your eyes and open your heart to the God who made you, knows you intimately, and loves you with an everlasting love. God is working, and we can each have full confidence in His word that says that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Here are some pictures from our last week in Nizhny Novgorod and our first few weeks back in the U.S. - enjoy!
Financial Partnership Opportunities:
We'd like to offer you a variety of opportunities each month . . . let us know if you'd like to partner with us in any of these ways. THANK YOU for your support!
* Sculley Family support
Our current support level is 63% of our 2008 financial needs - praise God!
* Resources for Russians
While in the U.S., we're gathering English language resources that we can also purchase in Russian when we return to Russia. There are many available titles, and we are focusing on the areas closest to our hearts - prayer, relationships, discipleship. Let me know if you'd like to contribute towards the purchasing of resources for Russians! We envision the resources being used for church libraries, small groups, and on an individual basis - we love to connect people with resources!
We trust God to provide everything we need to do all that He wants us to do in and through us. If you would like to invest what God has given you in Kingdom activity, through financial partnership, here's how (all financial contributions are 100% tax deductible in the U.S.A., and are processed through the Atlanta Vineyard, our sending church to whom we are accountable):
* automated giving (automatic monthly deductions from your checking or savings account - click here for the form - be sure to write "Sculley - Russia" in the space under "recommended giving"). Once you print out and fill in the form, please mail it to the address indicated at the bottom of the form.
* online giving via PayPal (http://www.atlantavineyard.com/resources/online_giving.html — just mention “Sculley - Russia” on the online giving comment line)
Praise Reports:
* The Vineyard National conference was a huge success, by all accounts - we have received many reports of healing, salvation, miracles, unity, and deliverance. Stronger bonds were forged between the churches in Russia and the other countries represented - God always blesses unity among His people! The Kingdom of God was proclaimed and welcomed. It's a special joy for us to know that our friends in Atlanta and Russia are more closely connected now. All glory to God!
* Jesus has given us many opportunities to serve Him while we're here, however we're needed. It's a daily adventure!
* Praise God for providing wonderful summer plans for each of the children. Even if we'd diligently planned for months, we couldn't possibly have come up with what God tailor-made for each one - there's no other way to explain what's unfolding before our eyes. He's amazing!
* We're still inching along learning Russian language and culture at home, using itunes and tapes.
Please pray for us:
* Pray for our short-term and long-term visas to be issued - both are required (we have to be back in Russia in order to receive the long-term ones). We trust God for His timing, plans, and provision.
* Pray for us to make the best use of our time while we are in the U.S.A. We feel that God wants us to use this time to prepare more indepth for our continuing ministry in Russia, including developing prayer strategies, preparing resources, and receiving additional training. God is answering these prayers! Thanks for partnering with us!
We pray for you, too - please let us know your specific prayer requests. It's such a joy to pray for one another! We have each of your names written on our prayer wall in the kitchen.
Our vision:
* mobilize prayer
* promote unity in the body of Christ
* raise up leaders
We appreciate your prayers so much! Thank you!
“The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.” (1 Samuel 30:24)
Visit our blog (updated weekly):
http://permanentimpact.blogspot.com
In Russia with love,
Paul, Karen, P, J, M, C, E, & K Sculley
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8)
We're willing to go . . . are you willing to send us?
What's the latest?
God is working
We write to you from Atlanta this time, one month into our 3 month required break from Russia (due to visa requirements). As difficult as it was to think about leaving Russia, God's grace is sufficient and He always gives us everything we need, especially His strength! We're having a wonderful time connecting with many friends and family here earlier than expected, and daily seeing God provide opportunities to serve others during this season when our schedules are not as full as usual.
One thing we've noticed is that it seems like everywhere we look, an inordinately large number of people seem to be experiencing extreme difficulties in life, more so than what seems "normal". Certainly we can only see a small part of the picture, but it does seem that things are really tough for a lot of folks right now. I could list for you here dozens and dozens of situations that we personally know about that would break your heart to read about, and I'm sure you each are aware of multiple situations that are equally devastating, whether involving health, finances, relationships, or other life circumstances. But God is in the business of constantly reminding us that He is always working, always present, alive and active in the lives of His children. In times of crisis, we can lift our eyes to Him with the assurance that He does not change, He does not sleep, He does not take breaks - He is ALWAYS for us, ALWAYS with us, and ALWAYS working, even (maybe especially) when we can't see. Our hope is that we can in some way encourage you by pointing you to who God is and what He's doing.
I want to share with you an excerpt from my favorite devotional book, "Streams in the Desert" (known as "Streams in the Steppe" in Russian!) . . . "It is indeed extremely doubtful that a person's soul can really know the love of God in its richness and in its comforting, satisfying completeness until the skies are dark and threatening. Light emerges from darkness, and morning is born from the womb of night . . . James Creelman once journeyed through the Balkans in search of Natalie, the exiled queen of Serbia. In one of his letters, he described his trip this way: During that memorable journey, I learned that the world's supply of rose oil comes from the Balkan Mountains. The thing that interested me most was that the roses had to be gathered during the darkest hours, with the pickers starting at one o'clock and finishing by two. Initially this practice seemed to me to be a relic of superstition or tradition, but as I investigated further, I learned that actual scientific tests had proved that a full forty percent of the fragrance of the roses disappeared in the light of day. . . And it is also a real and unquestionable fact of human life and culture that a person's character is strengthened most during the darkest days."
We each choose whether our circumstances will make us bitter or better . . . difficulties and troubles WILL come, but take heart, Jesus said, because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)! As we take the things that weigh us down to Jesus, He removes our heavy burdens and gives us His peace and rest and joy and forgiveness and love, all of which are priceless treasures! He strengthens our hearts - we so need that, because all of us grow weary and afraid at times. But in God's strength, we can do whatever He asks us to do. Our prayer for you is that you will lift your eyes and open your heart to the God who made you, knows you intimately, and loves you with an everlasting love. God is working, and we can each have full confidence in His word that says that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
Here are some pictures from our last week in Nizhny Novgorod and our first few weeks back in the U.S. - enjoy!
Financial Partnership Opportunities:
We'd like to offer you a variety of opportunities each month . . . let us know if you'd like to partner with us in any of these ways. THANK YOU for your support!
* Sculley Family support
Our current support level is 63% of our 2008 financial needs - praise God!
* Resources for Russians
While in the U.S., we're gathering English language resources that we can also purchase in Russian when we return to Russia. There are many available titles, and we are focusing on the areas closest to our hearts - prayer, relationships, discipleship. Let me know if you'd like to contribute towards the purchasing of resources for Russians! We envision the resources being used for church libraries, small groups, and on an individual basis - we love to connect people with resources!
We trust God to provide everything we need to do all that He wants us to do in and through us. If you would like to invest what God has given you in Kingdom activity, through financial partnership, here's how (all financial contributions are 100% tax deductible in the U.S.A., and are processed through the Atlanta Vineyard, our sending church to whom we are accountable):
* automated giving (automatic monthly deductions from your checking or savings account - click here for the form - be sure to write "Sculley - Russia" in the space under "recommended giving"). Once you print out and fill in the form, please mail it to the address indicated at the bottom of the form.
* online giving via PayPal (http://www.atlantavineyard.com/resources/online_giving.html — just mention “Sculley - Russia” on the online giving comment line)
Praise Reports:
* The Vineyard National conference was a huge success, by all accounts - we have received many reports of healing, salvation, miracles, unity, and deliverance. Stronger bonds were forged between the churches in Russia and the other countries represented - God always blesses unity among His people! The Kingdom of God was proclaimed and welcomed. It's a special joy for us to know that our friends in Atlanta and Russia are more closely connected now. All glory to God!
* Jesus has given us many opportunities to serve Him while we're here, however we're needed. It's a daily adventure!
* Praise God for providing wonderful summer plans for each of the children. Even if we'd diligently planned for months, we couldn't possibly have come up with what God tailor-made for each one - there's no other way to explain what's unfolding before our eyes. He's amazing!
* We're still inching along learning Russian language and culture at home, using itunes and tapes.
Please pray for us:
* Pray for our short-term and long-term visas to be issued - both are required (we have to be back in Russia in order to receive the long-term ones). We trust God for His timing, plans, and provision.
* Pray for us to make the best use of our time while we are in the U.S.A. We feel that God wants us to use this time to prepare more indepth for our continuing ministry in Russia, including developing prayer strategies, preparing resources, and receiving additional training. God is answering these prayers! Thanks for partnering with us!
We pray for you, too - please let us know your specific prayer requests. It's such a joy to pray for one another! We have each of your names written on our prayer wall in the kitchen.
Our vision:
* mobilize prayer
* promote unity in the body of Christ
* raise up leaders
We appreciate your prayers so much! Thank you!
“The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.” (1 Samuel 30:24)
Visit our blog (updated weekly):
http://permanentimpact.blogspot.com
In Russia with love,
Paul, Karen, P, J, M, C, E, & K Sculley
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
who are called by my name
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
What does it mean to be called by God’s name? Firstly, it means that we are in His direct line of descent. We’ve all known people who enjoyed a little bragging about their parent, grandparent, or distant ancestor who had some claim to fame. But God, the Creator of the Universe, the beginning and the end, the Lord of Lords, the One who is worthy to receive “power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12) . . . yes, Father God has told us that He calls us His very own children, even His heirs. We cannot even begin to comprehend the full implications of this astounding reality. “. . . you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ . . .” (Romans 8:15—17)
Another facet of being called by God’s name is that He sends us out as His ambassadors. In former times, kings would send long-distance messages via a messenger, who carried with them as a form of identification a special object such as a seal or signet ring. A seal attested to the authority of the bearer, and was symbolic of the power of the king. It was as though the King himself were present and saying or doing whatever the ambassador said or did. Paul wrote that God “anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21—22). Jesus spoke of what those of us who believe in Him would do as His ambassadors, in His name—see Matthew 28:18—20 and Mark 16:17—18! It is an amazing privilege to be called by God’s name. I think that the Russian patronymic tradition illustrates this beautifully. As followers of Jesus, we are each children and heirs of Father God, sent out to as His representatives on the earth. His name has become our identity—we are royal sons and daughters of the King! Let’s enter fully into the reality of that truth, and live as God’s name-bearers.
Prayer: Father, dear Abba Father, I thank You for calling me by Your name. Transform my understanding of who You are, and who You say that I am. I want to be Your ambassador and do the works of Jesus, according to Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
What does it mean to be called by God’s name? Firstly, it means that we are in His direct line of descent. We’ve all known people who enjoyed a little bragging about their parent, grandparent, or distant ancestor who had some claim to fame. But God, the Creator of the Universe, the beginning and the end, the Lord of Lords, the One who is worthy to receive “power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Revelation 5:12) . . . yes, Father God has told us that He calls us His very own children, even His heirs. We cannot even begin to comprehend the full implications of this astounding reality. “. . . you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ . . .” (Romans 8:15—17)
Another facet of being called by God’s name is that He sends us out as His ambassadors. In former times, kings would send long-distance messages via a messenger, who carried with them as a form of identification a special object such as a seal or signet ring. A seal attested to the authority of the bearer, and was symbolic of the power of the king. It was as though the King himself were present and saying or doing whatever the ambassador said or did. Paul wrote that God “anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come” (2 Corinthians 1:21—22). Jesus spoke of what those of us who believe in Him would do as His ambassadors, in His name—see Matthew 28:18—20 and Mark 16:17—18! It is an amazing privilege to be called by God’s name. I think that the Russian patronymic tradition illustrates this beautifully. As followers of Jesus, we are each children and heirs of Father God, sent out to as His representatives on the earth. His name has become our identity—we are royal sons and daughters of the King! Let’s enter fully into the reality of that truth, and live as God’s name-bearers.
Prayer: Father, dear Abba Father, I thank You for calling me by Your name. Transform my understanding of who You are, and who You say that I am. I want to be Your ambassador and do the works of Jesus, according to Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
my people
The word “my” indicates possession—God says that we belong to Him. We are not strangers or even distant relatives, but His children, His beloved, His most treasured ones. We need to understand who we are in Christ. The Bible is full of descriptions of who God says we are. One of the enemy’s favorite strategies is to tell us lies about ourselves. If he can keep us thinking we are unworthy, unqualified, unwanted, then we will be ineffective. If we know and believe and live in the reality of what God says about us, we become dangerous to the Kingdom of darkness, and powerful in the Kingdom of God.
Meditate today on who God says you are. Here are a few Scriptures to get you started . . . I challenge you to go on a treasure hunt and see what else God says about you in the Bible—you’ll be amazed and delighted!
• “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)
• “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38—39)
• “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me friend, thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love, thank You Holy Spirit that You live in me. Help me to know and believe and live in the reality of who You say that I am. I want to be all that You created me to be and do all that You intend for me to do. Have Your way in me so You can have Your way through me, for the glory of Your name! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meditate today on who God says you are. Here are a few Scriptures to get you started . . . I challenge you to go on a treasure hunt and see what else God says about you in the Bible—you’ll be amazed and delighted!
• “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)
• “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38—39)
• “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me friend, thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love, thank You Holy Spirit that You live in me. Help me to know and believe and live in the reality of who You say that I am. I want to be all that You created me to be and do all that You intend for me to do. Have Your way in me so You can have Your way through me, for the glory of Your name! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
