A listening ear

something I've been learning lately is to just shut up and listen. I was talking to a dear friend of mine lately, and I was telling her that sometimes I feel as though when I am quiet and listening people ask me if something is wrong. i try to just shut up and listen but then others treat it weird. But truly he who control his tongue is wise.
Our words can be so powerful but so meaningless, if they are not the Lord.
I'm learning to only listen and not speak my opinion.
And so much more happens when you listen to somebody. it shows you care,
it shows you really honestly aren't thinking of yourself. It's not always easy just listening cause we all have opinions, but it will make someone feel special when you do.
Yesterday, I reached out to Caleb. A teenage guy at our church, who looks like he needs a friend, he lit up at me talking to him! It's so cool to just listen, please pray for Caleb, he's one of many crying out for help. So much in his life, he's got such value and God loves him just as much as anyone else.
He needs Jesus, I can't say if he knows him or not but he needs someone to just care for him.
I invited him to youth group, and I hope he comes.
So, we had another guy come to youth group last week, it was sweet getting more guys there. I feel like I'm slowly more and more free to move on to other things in life as the Lord leads. I'm excited but patient in seeing what and where the Lord will take me next!
I had the chance to skype with our missionary in Israel yesterday, please keep praying for James and Darcy as they make a move to the northern part of Israel.
Also pray for Jesse, a youth leader here as he takes a three trip to Israel starting this week. Pray that he may be an encouragement and a light to the Jewish people and the church there. Also pray for protection and for the nation of Israel.
Pray for James and Darcy to find a reasonable apartment and for wisdom in where to relocate.
Also, please pray for Brian. A man living in Haifa doing ministry work.
Now before I close I ask prayer for myself as I'm battling a cold. And want to be well before the nursing home outreach this weekend.
In closing,
keep your eyes on Jesus! And press on!
Josiah

Random babblings

I suppose it's time again for another blog post,
if anyone ever reads these. Thats ok though, I enjoy writing my thoughts even if I am writing to the choir.
I have a work in progress, I'm writing notes on what it means to Abide in Christ and I'm excited to post it sometime. Most of which I'm sharing in discipleship Lord willing.
It's going to be a blessing to continue digest.
I suppose i need to update on what I've been doing well this sums it up:
School,youth group,school,puppets,school,youth group, school!
I've been pretty crazy with school being my senior year of High school. I'm excited to see where the Lord will take me next. I'm considering a few options for my life. But taking one day at a time.
I'm learning to love my youth group friends, and know that I'm supposed to finish well. Puppet ministry is going good, and outreaches are being planned be in prayer for this door.
Please continue to pray for the spanish ministry here, Pastor Saul is being a faithful servant and people are coming back to the Lord!
The teaching ministry is growing, we have been able to hand out packs to Hispanics for house churches. continue to pray for provision to buy needed CD copying supplies. And for the spanish congregation in small town in our state.
The lord is truly desiring to work among this ethnic group.
Speaking of ethnic groups, thoughts of doing outreaches to Muslim children once again are brewing! we now have a man from Sudan coming to our church, please be in prayer for Salah, he is a former Muslim who loves the Lord and is here trying to make a better living. He has expressed interest in reaching Muslims. pray!
Perhaps the Lord is opening the door for this opportunity.
Wow, it's truly humbling when we step back and see all the Lord is doing! and this is only the surface! I'm amazed he would even use us! At first glance this seems like nothing compared to the revivals of Africa and the Iranian church growing!
but even this is a mission field. Even this can be a struggle and a victory.
your schools,your neighbor hoods, and your city parks, all can be a mission field!
We just gotta walk and abide like Jesus!

Light in the Darkness.

Wow,
so much for me posting again on weekly basis. I've been kinda going through a time time in my life spiritually. I'm pondering stuff and really seeking the Lord on areas
of ministry.
I've had a time of testing and a time of being refreshed. The ministry is growing and the lord is doing a work. It's exciting to see him move throughout the ministry.
In discipleship group we are studying 1st John. While I was and am sick and unable to attend last night, I was blessed by 1st John 1.
1st John 1 speaks of the light, there is only light in God nothing else.
Jesus the light has overcome the darkness of the world(John 16:33)
even in our darkest hour, he shines! the reason why we get into darkness is cause we don't focus on the Light.
But what happens when darkness meets light? John 1:5 says it can not comprehend it.
We win! confusion caused by darkness is gone cause the dark can not handle light. it has no fellowship with it.
The reason why I'm discouraged and why so many pastor get discouraged is cause we aren't focusing on the Light.
How important it is we keep our eyes on that! cause if we are not focusing on the light then only darkness will be evident.
Praise the Lord for his word!