Monthly Archives: June 2010

“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Mt. 9:35-38)

True compassion will always lead to Godly action. Compassion is not only being “broken” over suffering, but it leads to action. Informed action. Holistic action.

One of the things that stuns me from helping to start orphanages and being involved in many social justice causes, has been the focus of so many organizations on the meeting of physical needs alone as the ultimate end of what they do. This was never enough for Jesus (see James 2). He had a higher and more holistic value of life.

As I was reading through Mt. 9 I noticed His compassion was driven by their helplessness. Yet, their helplessness was not even the main focus. Knowing that He had the answer (therefore the Triune sufficiency was the focus) was what allowed Him to even see their helplessness. He knew He had an answer!

Now take a step back. Envision what He was seeing. As He looked at “the crowds” they undoubtedly made up a vast array of socio-economic backgrounds. Some must have had huge smiles on their faces. Some probably were stricken with depression. Basically they probably didn’t look much different than what a crowd would look like today, yet Jesus said they were all harassed and helpless!

Nonetheless, this reality did not lead Jesus to just sit around. He preached. He taught. He healed. He prayed.

Does your view of compassion move you to action? If it does, how does that practically look in your life today? If it doesn’t, please reconsider your view of compassion.

Love Truth
Vernon

The biggest question we have received as we transition into His Voice Global is , “How will this affect the continued ministry in Sudan?” Hear Vernon speak about the exciting things going on in Sudan::

His Voice Global:: Continued Ministry In Sudan from Amber Burger on Vimeo.

Proverbs is chalked full of talking about not listening to a fool. It is strange how many times I have thrown someone under the “fool bus” if they do not agree with what I say. “After all, I shouldn’t listen to them in the first place.”

This type of mentality needs to be challenged.

I think the key is to understand what we are talking about when referring to “listening”. Listening and hearing are two different things in this instance. Hearing would entail the ability to understand what the other person is saying, while still not necessarily believing what they said. Listening, in this instance, would be used as hearing and truly taking to heart what someone has said. One of the greatest empowerments we receive from Jesus is not only to hear what others say, whom we disagree with, but to also even possibly adhere to what they are saying.

Case in point, the Pharisees.

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.” (Mt. 23:1-3)

The Pharisees were fools and in many ways enemies, yet Jesus says that some of what they said was legit and should be taken. Dan Allender puts it this way in Leading with A Limp:

“One of the best sources of perspective is enemies. If we can learn from them, then we can profit from anyone. Enemies mean to do us harm with biased and often cruel words. But many times the assault begins, ends or is peppered with enough truth to make the assault credible and the wounds worthy of careful attention.”

Here is how I try to practically implement being able to hear what people say, but not necessarily receive everything. I imagine that I have a catcher’s mitt over my heart. As people say things I try to catch it in the mitt, open the mitt to the Father, and then ask Him if it is true. Here is what this has allowed.

1. It allows me to commune with God, which is preeminent in all things.
2. Sometimes people are just cruel and you don’t need to waste time thinking about what they said. Instead, you bring in before God and let Him speak truth to you. This will also allow Him to speak words of healing, if you have been wounded.
3. Sometimes people will say things to flatter you, but it is only to manipulate you. In this case you may even be able to receive the words that came from their mouth as a compliment from God, while still not submitting your self ultimately to what the other person is trying to manipulate you into doing.
4. Sometimes people you do not necessarily like a ton will say things that still need to be taken and implemented.

Love Truth
Vernon

These are exciting times here at His Voice for Sudan. We are making a transition to His Voice Global. Hear from Vernon this week as we do a video series to answer some questions as we make this exciting transition.

His Voice Global from Amber Burger on Vimeo.

Stay tuned this week for more videos! Thanks for stopping by!

My friend, Anthony, sent me this over the past week and it was a great encouragement.

Only One Life
By Charles Thomas Studd, Missionary to China, India, and Africa

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say ’twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Love Truth
Vernon

I read on the Desiring God Blog yesterday that they had announced the beta launch (whatever that means) of their new website. Rather than try ,and fail, to adequately explain all the improvements to you  I figured I would direct you to the site (http://beta.desiringgod.org/) and tell you that it looks really cool and you should check it out.

Have a great weekend

Justin

It is with intense pain that I would ask you to pray for the children at the second orphanage in Lura, along with the workers. John Mayet, a brilliant and incredible young man, has died today.

John lost both of his legs when a landmine blew them off. Along with the loss of his legs and top lip, he was also rejected by his parents because of the accident. John was the top academic in his class and always talked about the goodness of God. He is now seeing Him face to face.

We are broken beyond words, but not beyond hope! We do not mourn as those who do not have hope.

Love Truth
Vernon

We did it! Our team ran our first race via I Run For Orphans! We had a great time and so far have raised $1165.00 to go towards the building cost of the fourth His Voice orphanage in Southern Sudan. We are SO thankful to all who have supported our team. If you are still interested in giving to our team and ultimately to the kiddos in Sudan, our giving pages will be up for the next week. Click the below links for our giving pages. THANKS again.

Vernon’s Giving Page
Justin’s Giving Page
Allison’s Giving Page
Amber’s Giving Page

Three parts of true humility.

1. Realize you are not as valuable as God.

2. Realize He is infinitely important and valuable.

3. Realize that because He is infinitely valuable and worthy and that you are made in His image; you are therefore also valuable, yet not worth self absorption.

So many times a huge focus on humility becomes personal depravity. It is very important to know you are depraved beyond anything you could ever imagine, yet part of the utter terrible aspect of personal depravity comes because we have such great importance and value! I am not trying to become egotistical when I say this…after all, read #3.

Here is a practical outworking of when “humility” becomes prideful. I have almost always had a very low view of myself. For some people this comes off as humility, yet it is false humility. We had some friends over tonight and were talking about the power of words. I was telling them how I am sure that I have said some completely stupid things to Amber in the course of our marriage and have not even thought they made any impact on her. Here is the reason why. I very rarely think I have anything intelligent to say towards myself, so why would she even think twice about taking me seriously.

To many this can sound like humility, but it isn’t! It is hell at my throat and has been spilled in our marriage. Yet, the answer is not to try and make much of myself. The answer is to know God and trust that since He has made me, He will be faithful to express Himself to me and through me to Amber.

After all, to say we are made in the image of God, yet we are worthless, would be to say that God is worthless. I wonder how many of my words towards Amber have shown that I believe God is worthless?

If all of this devastation with words is so possible, one great takeaway is that our words can also breath Life in other people. I pray our humility would be so truly grounded in Him that we would speak Life and run in confidence.

Love Truth
Vernon