Spring in Fukuoka!

Psalm 96:11-13 (NIV)

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it;

¹² let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy;

¹³ they will sing before the LORD, for he comes,
he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
and the peoples in his truth.

The cherry trees are blooming all around our area. They came out early this year as we were experiencing 70 F weather, but the past week has dropped even with frost at night. So the opening of the blossoms have slowed down considerably. Today was the first day of reduced fares on Japanese expressways. From Friday midnight through Sunday midnight people can travel between any two locations for just Yen 1,000. You have to understand, for example, the fee for 600 miles between Fukuoka and Tokyo normally costs more than US $250 or Yen 25,000. This is a part of the Japanese economic stimulus package.

Today being Saturday, I made a brief foray to the discount supermarket to pick up some food. I wish you could join us on a busy Saturday shopping trip. Everyone uses shopping baskets that have handles. These baskets fit into various size shopping carts. Compared to the USA these are tiny. The store aisles are very narrow and Saturday mornings there is barely room to pass. It used to be something I dreaded frequently sitting in the car while Sharon bravely faced the crowds alone. Now I don't even mind going in alone. Sometime ago I wrote about God helping us to see people through His Eyes. I think that is working for me. I enjoy the contact (literally) and being with the rushing people. Often I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to breath a brief "Drive By Prayer" for the people I pass by.

I also stopped by the newly remodeled local grocery store that is about 2 miles from our house. Every Saturday they have an early morning "Farmers' Market". That is another interesting experience rubbing shoulders with the area's elderly who arrive with their hand-pulled shopping bags on wheels. I promise to get some photos of these soon. There are tables set up in front of the store stacked up with fresh vegetables and fruits. It is a very friendly and sociable atmosphere and opportunity to purchase some healthy and cheap veggies while greeting the area people.

Spring is in the air! New life is emerging after the long cold dry winter season. I believe this is true in the Kingdom of God and in the world today. There are still many reports of the dire condition of the economy. There are still rumors of war. Japan just deployed missile carriers and missile defense units because of the upcoming ballistic missile launch from North Korea. It is a little unnerving to know that a missile is going to launched over your territory. The true nature and purpose of this action is still unknown to the outside world.

God is still in control. He created this world and all that is in it. If created nature speaks forth His Glory how much more should we do so as His children. I believe it is time to begin planning this year's gardens and fields to be planted in God's Kingdom. In Genesis 8:22 God promised that as long as the earth endures that seedtime and harvest will never cease.

May God bless you as you enjoy His Blessings and Favor in this planting season!

Dan Corbett

"Reaching One Among Millions"

Let Me Help You Out!

Those words are like music to our ears in certain circumstances of life. Recently, while visiting the USA Sharon found herself on a busy expressway in a heavy snow storm. Suddenly the car she was driving had a flat tire. She pulled over to the side and eventually found the spare tire located under the back of the car. After some effort she got the tire down and found the jack to raise the car. Just then an Ohio State Patrol car pulled up and a uniformed officer got out and offered to change the tire for her.

Sadly, we often are shown TV news clips of great personal tragedies such as accidents and death of individuals with unconcerned citizens passing by dead bodies without even a side glance. No nation is exempt from these disturbing images of neglect and callousness. This would seem to indicate there is little concern for others in the world today. God addressed this problem in the Bible.

There are over 100 Old Testament references to neighbor and 21 in the New Testament. The Jews were told how to relate to those who lived nearby. Instructions included treatment of the neighbor’s wife, servant, oxen, crops and almost every aspect of daily living. Do not covet, do not steal, do not lie, do not break promises, do not curse, do not hate, and the list goes on and on. God gave specific instructions on what was “to be done” and what was “not to be done” in respect to ones neighbor. In fact, much of Western Law is based on the principles of the Mosaic Law.

In this blog I would like to refer to the positive Biblical commands regarding how we relate to our neighbors. Here are a few scripture references.

Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. KJV

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. KJV

1 Peter 3:8 And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 9 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead, pray for God's help for them, for we are to be kind to others, and God will bless us for it. TLB

Matt 5:41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, NIV

Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. KJV

Luke 10:29-37 Who is my neighbor? Story of the Good Samaritan.

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. NIV

John 15:12 I demand that you love each other as much as I love you. 13 And here is how to measure it-the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends; TLB

Quite some time ago I heard a song and an expression that would seem to fit in this blog. I was surprised to learn this song initially was not a “Christian” song. The lyrics are given here and carry a lot of meaning. In researching the background I learned that one man was suffering from a serious illness and his friend wrote this song about their relationship.

He Ain’t Heavy
Sidney Russell and Robert Scott

The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows where
But I’m strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

So on we go
His welfare is my concern
No burden is he to bear
We’ll get there
For I know He would not encumber me
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

Bridge:
If I’m laden at all
I’m laden with sadness
That everyone’s heart
Isn’t filled with gladness
And love for one another

It’s a long, long road
From which there is not return
While we’re on the way to there
Why not share
And the load doesn’t weigh me down at all
He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

He’s my brother
He ain’t heavy, He’s my brother.

Conclusion

Probably each one of us have been in a difficult situation at some point in life and had the blessing of someone to approach and offer a helping hand. I have been at that point numerous times through the years. At times this assistance and kindness came from those I would have never expected to step up and help out. I personally owe a debt to God, family, friends and church that can never be repaid. Matt 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. KJV

This is just a gentle reminder of the Goodness of God. Quite often His Grace is manifested through human agency. We have received a helping hand from others and we need to be on the alert to the needs of those around us to do the same. The load we may need to bear for others can take many forms. It could be patience as they go through rebellious and hard times of youth. It could be a brother struggling financially. It might be family or church friends who are going through a bumpy time in their marriage and need someone to show them love and concern. A widow may seem fine on the outside, but be dealing with horrible loneliness and fear. It could be an elderly couple facing illness and impending death.

We cannot save the world. Jesus died for the salvation of the world. But we can help one. We can share the heavy load of one God puts in our path. Each night before going to bed I quietly step into the office. Then while looking at a map of Japan I plead the Blood of Jesus over the nation of Japan and the Japanese who God “has placed in our lives”. We can’t reach the whole nation, but we can continue striving to “Reach One Among Millions”!

God bless you as you help your neighbor!

Dan Corbett

“Reaching One Among Millions”

P.S.
Matt 25:34 "Then I, the King, shall say to those at my right, 'Come, blessed of my Father, into the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me into your homes; 36 naked and you clothed me; sick and in prison, and you visited me.' 37 "Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Sir, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you anything to drink? 38 Or a stranger, and help you? Or naked, and clothe you? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' 40 "And I, the King, will tell them, 'When you did it to these my brothers you were doing it to me!' TLB

Angry Men

It is 4:00 am in southwestern Japan and boisterous gale force winds are shaking the house and trees. This setting is appropriate for writing about the anger issues of men. This blog has been simmering for a couple weeks waiting for just the right time to launch out into and explore the dark and tumultuous waters of anger.

Introduction

Anger – the very sound of the word calls forth a strong emotional reaction. Memories begin to flood the hearer. Few of these memories are pleasant. Who can say, oh they have such good memories of anger. No! We love to recall times of love, peace and tranquility. Recently I received an email from a man who signed it with peace, love and the epitaph to hell with the devil. Was I shocked? No, I loved it. That expresses how many men feel today. We want to live in peace and love, but we have anger that needs to be vented in the right direction. He was doing a good job of it. I believe more men need to get angry with the devil!

I have no idea how deep this blog will go or how long this journey will be. As usual with many blogs there is either a clear Word from the Lord or an incident or series of happenings that bring about the birth of a blog. This is not male bashing by the way. After the Holy Spirit gave this thought to me the realization came that another would follow addressing anger in women.

Examples of Male Anger

I don’t plan to compartmentalize anger by gender. I am just approaching this first from the perspective of men. Obviously, names cannot be used, but these examples come from daily life in ministry, family and friends.

#1. We visit a Southeast Asia nation for ministry. At the close of the service Sharon notices that something is wrong with one of the young women who just recently married. The Holy Spirit prompted her to inquire of how she was doing. Her eyes reflected deep sorrow and pain. As Sharon ministered to the young woman I noticed her husband was very nervous. It only took a few minutes to determine he was physically abusing her. We spent some time in prayer and counseling with the couple. Their secular culture and society allowed the man to beat the wife as he felt “necessary”. Later it was revealed that the couple’s highly educated pastor also beat his wife who was a medical doctor. When confronted later the minister said that his wife would get out of control and he would have to “pop her one” to calm her.

#2. I was a young teen at a church summer camp. There was a hot game of shuffle board going on including the state bishop. He got so angry over the game, as a youth, I was waiting for him to cuss. Later I played one-on-one basketball with a church pastor. He got so angry in a “friendly” game of basketball I was afraid that he would hurt me. Talk about church camp having an effect on young people. The church I grew up in taught about sanctification as a “second definite work of grace”. I was led to believe that “sanctified” people did not get angry.

#3. A Pentecostal pastor in Japan beat and bruised his wife for years until the granddaughter told the truth to a church member who inquired about the facial injuries on her grandmother. The pastor refused counseling and eventually had to resign the church. Still unwilling to repent or admit being wrong, he chose to separate from his wife. She now serves as pastor in his place. What a tragedy, in a nation suffering from a severe shortage of pastors & believers!

#4. A pre-teenage boy is extremely bright getting top grades in his school classes. Over a period of time it is learned that he severely injured other children requiring medical treatment. The anger has continued to escalate with the possibility of institutional incarceration being considered by the courts. He is a brilliant student in school. Both parents have anger issues and are at a loss not knowing what to do.

#5. Recent news focused on 21 year old Rihinna Fenty and 19 year old singer/actor Chris Brown. The couple, though not married yet, had a highly publicized “domestic violence” incident that may result in criminal prosecution of the young man. A short time later they were said to be reconciled and dating again. Both stated how much they cared for the other. Not yet married and the violence already started in their relationship.

#6. On March 11, 2009 a 17 year old German boy entered his former high school and began shooting. He shot and killed both students and teachers. As he fled from the school he also killed others on the street and in a car dealership. In all 15 people died at his hands before he committed suicide. A similar incident took place in Germany in 2002 when a 19 year old shot and killed 12 teachers, a secretary, two students, and a police officer before shooting himself.

Biblical Perspective on Anger

Anger – charah, to grow warm, to blaze up, wax hot, displeased, grieve, jealousy, zeal.

The basic meaning of anger in the Bible is similar to fire. There must be combustible materials and a source of ignition or a flash point. The material in the incidents above was people. We are made in the image of God, yet it seems to be so easy for some men to flare up in anger. As fire is usually destructive so is anger. The old saying, if you play with matches you get burned is especially true of anger. Someone always gets hurt or killed when anger takes place between people. Gen 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth (angry), and his countenance fell. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. KJV

Not all fires flare up suddenly. Some smolder over a period of time. Years ago I remember a severe thunderstorm. Lightning struck a dead tree in a hay field across the road from our house. We thought little of if. The next day we were shocked as the whole field erupted into a brush fire requiring the Fire Department coming to extinguish it. The tree was struck the day before and then quietly and silently smoldered inside. The fire from the lightning strike apparently burned down from inside the dead tree taking several hours until the dry grass at the base caught fire and then the whole field was ablaze. We can see this same principle at work in the lives of many seemingly mild mannered and quiet people. Then suddenly one day they snap and horrible rage erupts like a volcano spreading destruction and sometimes death!

James 3:6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness, and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster. TLB What a descriptive account of fire (anger) started by our words. Mention is made that hell is a contributing source of the fire that eventually will spread to our entire life bringing destruction and disaster. God help us! Is there any hope for this curse of anger?

Where Does Anger Come From?

My mentors from early years would have replied, from the pits of Hell while acting out and regularly displaying uncontrolled anger. Denial is usually dangerous. Those mentors suffered from wrong theology and maybe some from a touch of hypocrisy. I was taught that all anger was “demonic”. That bothered me when I read scriptures like Eph 4:26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. NIV In Matthew 21:12-13 we see Jesus turning over tables and chairs and chasing the money changers out the temple. One might be led to believe that the Son of God got angry. For sure the “zeal” (charah) of the Lord was operating through Jesus to right a wrong.

What I had been taught in church, observed in life and experienced my own life said there was something missing or wrong in that theology. The Bible is clear that we are made in God’s own image (Gen 1:26) meaning we “resemble” God. I know that mankind fell into sin in the Garden of Eden and came under a curse. But our basic emotions, all of them, were placed there by God. That is like some taught that sex was “dirty” or “wrong”. That too was frequently hypocritical and involved a lot of denial of the truth. Note! I am not a theologian or professional counselor. I only had one psychology course in college. It was mostly about monkeys not people!

I believe those emotions were placed within each of us by our Creator God. Those emotions have a God-intended purpose. If those emotions are operating as they should and intended by God, only good will come from them. Obviously, the devil is out to exploit and spoil God’s creation. It is our choice to either submit to God or the devil. Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. KJV

The above verses make it clear that we have a choice. We are responsible to “yield” our emotions and bodies to God or the enemy. There is a third element that I will simply call our “self will”. This can be a powerful friend or foe. The old adage the devil made me do it just does not fit sometimes. Recently I counseled with a new believer who was worried about hearing from the wrong spirit. I advised them that they were fighting with their own will and were being tempted to do what they wanted to do. There was no value with blaming their complex problems on either the devil or God. They were being their own worst enemy. In Romans 6 Apostle Paul advocated death as the best cure for this human nature problem. He said we need to die and when we are truly dead then we will no longer be controlled by sin and the accompanying emotions such as anger or lust.

Find the Source

Without going deeply into psychology, we all may realize there are things in our life, both recent and even early childhood that caused us pain. For me, my father died when I was a new born baby. Some were physically abused in childhood. Others were abandoned or rejected in some manner. Some have been deeply wounded in painful relationships that have gone wrong. All that caused pain and left mental and spiritual scars. These pains, I believe are like kindling wood in our lives upon which flash fires of anger can be ignited. There are initial steps that can be taken to help deal with anger, in my opinion.

1. Admit or confess you have a problem with anger. Don’t deny it, make excuses or blame someone else. It is your personal problem first and foremost. I take comfort in the scripture. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. KJV Uncontrolled anger is a sin. We need to confess and then repent to God and to those we have injured with that anger. God will forgive and so will others when they see the problem is being dealt with and will not repeat its long running cycle.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the source of your anger. What happened in your past that still hurts and angers you? What wrong has not been set right that still bothers you? What offense has been committed against you that still is eating at you? The Holy Spirit will answer this kind of prayer. You can be sure of that because God wants you happy and healthy.

3. Forgive! We must forgive those who caused or are causing that pain in our lives. We can even forgive those we cannot get in touch with. I realized we even need to forgive those who are dead. Forgiveness is about them but, in many aspects forgiveness is primarily between us and God. So forgive that dead parent who hurt you. Many struggle with forgiving themselves. We cannot forgive others if we cannot forgive our own self. God loves us and is faithful and just to forgive us when we confess and repent. We must do it too!

4. Identify the triggers or flash points of anger. If these are present in marriage relationships a couple can talk and pray together about these. Many books tell us that money and sex are the two problems that are most likely to cause conflict in a relationship. There are good resources available to help in this area. It may be necessary to seek counseling in some cases.

5. Submit your anger to the Heavenly Father. I have this visual image of a little boy carrying a bird with an injured wing to his daddy. Or a little boy with a broken toy asking his father to heal or repair the broken part. Anger is a valid emotion placed within us from birth, but when it is destructive or uncontrolled it becomes a sin. Something is broken. Submit the broken part to the Master Maker. He can heal and repair His beloved creation. God will heal us.

Conclusion

I realize there is much more to be said or addressed on the subject of anger in men. We cannot blame it simply on our gender or genes. There are some elements in those two that have some bearing. I recently read that a normal male produces 40 to 60 times more testosterone than a female. It is said this hormone accounts for the difference in body mass, strength and size. In other words, God intended the man to be the physically stronger and more aggressive of His two beloved creations – man and woman. Society and culture is working hard to pervert God’s original plan. I believe the man is supposed to protect and care for his wife and children. The aggressive part of man should be directed against all enemies who would threaten to destroy his wife and children, physically or spiritually.

Sadly, the strength, aggression and anger are too often directed toward those God intended for him to love and cherish. We don’t have to throw up our hands in defeat! God can heal that which is diseased. God can repair that which is broken. We can submit our pain, problems and anger to the Heavenly Father. He will not reject, disappoint or turn us away.

I have been an angry man in the past. I have taken the steps given earlier. They work! Is everything perfect in my life and relationships? No yet, but things in my life have improved more than I ever dreamed possible in the past. Don’t build a statue of me quite yet as a perfect husband or father. I can hear my family saying Amen to that! They also will admit God has been doing a work in me the past few years. On a personal note, I anoint myself every morning as soon as I get out of bed. Part of that anointing and prayer is for my hands to be, hands of love, hands of war, creative hands, healing hands, hands of strength and hands of gentleness. Men can be strong and still loving and gentle at the same time.

May God bless you as you deal with anger!

Dan Corbett

“Reaching One Among Millions

The Strain of Faith

1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. NIV

As the thought for this blog came to me it almost seemed like heresy to write about faith as I am planning to. Then after further thought and examination of the scriptures it became clear there is no problem with alleging that there is strain or effort involved in the exercise and application of faith in our Christian lives.

Strangely perhaps, my mind went back to my youth when I was taken to county fairs in Ohio. One of my favorite events was the “horse pulling” contests. If you have never experienced one of these events you can go to horsepull.com to see how this works. Obviously we cannot talk to the horses to find how they feel about pulling sleds with thousands of pounds of weight. You can see the “strain” on the horses by the position of their heads and the look in their eyes as they put all their own weight and body strength into the pull with their hoofs digging deep.

It seems to me, in a Christian’s life there is a similar principle. Many refer to faith as a sort of illusive ethereal wispy entity that cannot be seen, measured or be readily identified. I believe that view is far from the truth and reality. Let’s simply take a glance at several Bible passages.

Saving Faith – Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: KJV Rom 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: KJV

Mountain Moving Faith – Matt 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. KJV

Healing Faith – Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way. KJV James 5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. KJV

Prayer Answering Faith – Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing (faith), ye shall receive. KJV

Measurable Faith – Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. KJV

Observable Faith – James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. KJV

God Pleasing Faith – Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. KJV

Things That Can Be Done (By Faith)

Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. KJV

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. KJV

Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: KJV

2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) KJV

Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. KJV

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, KJV

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. KJV

Heb 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. KJV

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: KJV

Heb 11:11 Through (by) faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. KJV

Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, KJV

Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. KJV

Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. KJV

Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. KJV

After reading the above 15 scripture references Faith is sounding and looking pretty solid and real to me. I don’t know about you. I could identify with several of those references. The Holy Spirit did not cause those verifiable facts to be handed down in Bible Canon by accident. They were written to encourage us and to increase our Faith. Our family has “sojourned” in Asia for nearly 40 years by Faith, not for wealth, fame or comfort. We have offered up our children to live away from US family and friends for many years. None of this and others could have been done without Faith. Sharon and I are not Abraham and Sara’s age yet, but God has given us strength to “conceive” spiritual seed at an age when many of our contemporaries have retired from full time ministry. We have seen huge impenetrable walls of opposition come down in Japan and Asia by Faith.

What about the Strain of Faith?

God is our Source of Faith. Rom 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. NIV

Most agree that faith does not originate within us. It comes from God. It is primarily, I believe a gift. We are responsible for what we do with gifts. By way of example, Japan has two main gift giving seasons. One is in July and the other is in December. We have been in Japanese homes and noticed large stocks of items that were received as gifts during those two times of the year. The gifts were just stored away and never opened or used. What a terrible waste!

Many believers also have unopened and unused gifts in the closets of their lives. God has entrusted incredible talents that seem to lay buried deep in the hearts of Christians. Some perhaps have even forgotten or are truly unaware of what awaits within them. (Matt 25:14-30)

Some years ago I was teaching in a summer church youth camp in Ohio. God prompted me to share the phrase, “Use it or lose it” with the young people present at that time. I spoke with a degree of personal experience looking back on certain gifts God placed in my life at an early age. I rejected some of those and now regret and mourn the fact that they seem no longer to be within my reach. I used to write poetry and music. Now there is no inspiration in that area at all. So I began to encourage young people to develop those things placed within them by the Holy Spirit. There has been some redemption in recent months as I have begun to encourage others my age or even older to start writing, blogging or to write or record their memoirs of ministry and life experience for the next generation. I have seen some encouraging moves in this area.

Faith is like a Muscle

I have heard this principle taught often. Muscles left without exercise or movement, soon begin to deteriorate or atrophy (shrink). I experienced this in 1990 with blood clots in my leg after a volley ball accident. It was shocking to see my leg get measurably smaller. So it is with the faith that God has given to believers. We must actually apply or use our faith. I am concerned to observe some who seem to exist in a life of ease and unconcern about the dying world in which we all live. An old hymn goes, Souls are dying, men are crying. Won’t you lead them to the Cross? Go and find them, help to win them. Win the lost at any cost.

Matt 24:37 "The world will be at ease --banquets and parties and weddings-just as it was in Noah's time before the sudden coming of the flood; 39 people wouldn't believe what was going to happen until the flood actually arrived and took them all away. So shall my coming be.40 "Two men will be working together in the fields, and one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be going about their household tasks; one will be taken, the other left. 42 "So be prepared, for you don't know what day your Lord is coming. TLB

That passage scares me! It causes me personal concern. It helps motivate me in ministry. I am not judging others, but there are many who show no visible concern about the lost world while naming the Name of Christ. Most of them would not bother to read such a long and boring blog like this one anyhow. If you have been napping spiritually, which we all have done many times in the past, I pray the Holy Spirit will urge you to a new level of awareness. I pray He will give you a great burden for the lost. I pray your spiritual load with get heavier. That way it will become necessary to begin to exercise the Faith and Gifts that are lying dormant within you. Look around and you may find other drowsy Christians nearby. Don’t criticize them or attack them. Quietly, firmly yet gently begin to wake them up before it is too late.

Pray for an accurate vision of the lost world we live in. Begin to seek God about your part in this Last Days harvest field. Begin to pray for those beyond your own family and nation. Pray about how you can Pray, Send or Give to send the Gospel to those you cannot reach directly.

On a daily basis ask God to help you know how to exercise the wonderful and powerful Gift of Faith that lies within you. Don’t grieve over the past. Don’t cry over the spilt milk of your life. Just begin to put your hand to the plow and help out in any way possible in God’s Harvest Field. Luke 10:2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. KJV Luke 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. KJV

Please consider joining with us as JPN Partners in sharing the Gospel in Japan and Asia. Please remember if you do not pull your weight (do your part) the strain will be greater on others working in the field. This is not theory. It is reality. I know because I felt that strain today and that is why God instructed me to write for help.

May God bless you as you exercise your faith!

Dan Corbett

“Reaching One Among Millions”

Day of Grace

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Refrain

**********************************************************************************************************

(Grace) charis - graciousness, of manner or act, (especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): KJV - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy). (Strong's Numbers and Concordance)

About 40 years ago when we served in Korea as missionaries I was riding a city bus on a very hot summer day. Everyone was uncomfortable and many seemed to be in a bad mood due to the heat and physical discomfort. The Holy Spirit did a special work in my heart and it seemed I was able to look at the people along the street and see how God viewed them. It was amazing! It was as if I could see what they would look like when they were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. It was a truly wonderful experience. It made me look at people differently than before.

Some times we judge people by their outer appearance and actions. Their soul and heart's condition may be totally the opposite of what we can see on the outside. There are some who seem to be so "bad" or non-spiritual that we determine there is no use in attempting to present the Gospel to them being sure they would reject it. How tragic!

Today was another one of those "Grace Days". As I drove along God gave me a very special love for the people I saw in other cars and those along the sides of the streets. I found it easy to pray and believe that they would somehow have the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and believe on Him as their personal savior.

Recently someone wrote about the Coming Evangelical Collapse. Many are unhappy about the direction that the newly US elected government is taking. That is a valid point. It seems that we do not need to lean so heavily on political or even denominational leadership to motivate us in our personal lives. Christians have thrived spiritually through the centuries under extremely corrupt governments and church leadership. That usually points to persecution and hardships, but we were told to expect persecution. The problem is that much of the western world has only taught about, debated and observed the persecution of believers in other parts of the world. Maybe now the playing field may be leveling around the globe which will cause all of us to seek God's Face and Favor.

His Grace is still sufficient for all our needs. Once again, I feel encouraged about my walk with God and His ability to help us share His Love in a dark and cold world. As the world grows darker our small feeble efforts will show forth brighter than in times of prosperity and plenty. I pray that God will give you a "Grace Day" experience as you walk among family, friends and strangers. Ask Him to show you how these people look to Him. He will give you Eyes of Love more than you ever had before.

May God's Great Grace be upon you!

Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"

Acts 4:33-35
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. KJV

Farmer in a Field

Have you ever asked God to show you what you look like to Him? Sounds a little strange, I know. A few years ago I was going through a particularly intense time of spiritual warfare in ministry within India. It was tough and dangerous in many aspects. The problems just went on and on with no end in sight. In those circumstances many of us begin to question if we are OK spiritually or if we have a personal problem causing the troubles being faced. So I asked God to show me what I looked like to Him.

He showed me a portly Roman soldier wearing a tunic and traditional armor. As I looked more closely he was sweaty and had numerous wounds on his body. The soldier obviously was tired, but I took note he was still standing and a bloody sword in was firmly held in his right hand. This picture brought both peace and understanding to me. I was not “beating the air”, wasting my time or looking for trouble. God was using me as a soldier in combat. I was NOT skinny, muscular, or untouched by the enemy. But I was still standing. Eph 6:13

Recently, I again found myself asking God how I looked to Him. True to His Nature, God answered that request. This time I saw an old farmer standing in a corn flied leaning on his hoe. Strangely the field was located right beside a “super highway” or expressway.There was stark contrast between the old fashioned means of farming by hand and hoe while compared to the fancy expensive high tech vehicles traveling nearby at extremely fast speeds.Strange picture! I actually spent some time on the internet searching for a photo of a farmer with a hoe in a corn field. Nothing I found represented what I saw.

Recent Events

A few months ago I joined Face Book. My reason for doing so was perhaps unusual. Over 2 ½ years ago I flew to Hawaii and met a young man who shared his heart for over 8 hours. I briefly met him again in Hawaii, but eventually lost track of him. For the next two years I prayed daily for him on my Personal Prayer List. I began to search for him and found he was on Face Book. The only way to contact him was by joining.

Over the past few months it has been a great joy to be joined and reunited with many friends from the past. It is wonderful to be able to see their family photos and write on each others’ walls, chat or send private email. In the past couple weeks an interesting phenomena began to occur. Let me try to explain what I mean.

At this writing I have about 215 “friends” in the network. Many others have hundreds while some have fewer. The people I see and read about are from a wide range of age, gender, ethnicity, economic status, profession and the list goes on. To say the least, it is a diverse group of people mainly from North America, but a few in other nations. I read about what they are having for dinner, the books they are reading, which sports event they are watching, how their weather is. There are also reports of ministry, prayer requests, praise reports and then just friendly personal interaction.

I get brief glimpse into the lives of many who are so busy and active on a daily basis. They wield new high tech phones, I Pods and other gadgets that I cannot pronounce much less know what they do or how to operate them. There is a new vocabulary that did not exist when we lived in the USA over 30 years ago. There is new religious terminology that I am not familiar with. There are foods being eaten and beverages drunk that I have to guess what they are. There are sports teams being discussed that did NOT exist when I last lived in America. Forget politics. I know much more about Asian leaders than any of those serving in the USA or Europe. About this time someone reading this may say, “Hey missionary it is time to return to the USA to live”. I would be lying if I denied that thought has come to me also. Then I look around me in the “corn field: of Japan and realize this is where God has called me to both sow and reap.

Corn Field vs. Super Highway

I believe there is a place for both in God’s Kingdom today. Earlier in the day I was praying and thinking about past ministry in Asia. Several years ago I visited India with a bishop who has since died. We traveled around by car visiting 7 local churches in one day. At one church we met a lady pastor who was widowed many years before. The bishop told me that she had won 70 families in that village to Christ. As I looked around the building I noticed there were gas lamps. They did not have electricity. This church was located right next to a nice paved road, yet they did not have electricity. I asked the bishop how much it would cost to install electricity and he told me US $50. I happened to have that much cash in my pocket and presented it to the very happy lady pastor.

Later that week we held a large national meeting with over 5,000 people in attendance. At the first service I noticed the silver haired lady pastor beaming as she sat on the straw covered ground. She asked if she could approach for a greeting. She came forward with several other ladies from her church to express appreciation and to report that they had lights in their church building. Without electric power, sound equipment, a cell phone, or a motorcycle that simple widow lady had successfully introduced Jesus Christ to 70 Hindu families in her village!

Personal Application

Japan is considered one of the world’s most difficult mission fields. So much so that many denominations have decided to not invest in Japan due to low numbers of churches or church members to be reported. It is extremely expense to live in Japan and to conduct ministry there. There are numerous social and language barriers that resist the Gospel. Why Japan?

The “corn field” of Japan needs to be cultivated, planted, weeded, watered and cared for just as much as any other field upon the earth! The 127 million Japanese need to be loved and taught the truth of the Gospel as much as any other people group on the earth. If the cost of seed is higher here that means that the return will be greater when the crops come in. Some types of crops take longer to grow and mature than others. All of the world man is attempting to clone or produce super-sized plants that will grow quickly and produce huge returns in the harvest. Not all fields can be planted and harvested with large commercial equipment. The land area is smaller and the soil does not support the weight of that equipment.

1 Cor 3: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. NIV

John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. KJV

Conclusion

I don’t mind being a lone farmer working with a handheld hoe in my hand. This work is not about the farmer. The most important elements in my opinion are the Lord of the Harvest, the Gospel Seed and the fields (people who need to hear the Gospel). Of course, someone must prepare the soil and bear the seeds to the fields and care for the new plants.

Matt 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. KJV

Rom 10:13 Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. 14 But how shall they ask him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them unless someone sends him? TLB

Those two scripture references pretty well sum up the situation. It does not matter what mode or means by which the Gospel is shared - mass media, crusades, tracts, local churches, pastors, or missionaries. Millions in Japan have not heard the Gospel for the first time. There are far too few missionaries and pastors in this field. So what can we (you) do about it? Glad you asked! Nearly 40 years ago I wrote and taught about missions. The principle is still the same today or even in the days of Apostle Paul.

I believe each of us can do one or more of the following three things about missions:

1. Pray – pray for workers, pray for safety, provision, anointing, revival and God’s Favor.

2. Give – in times of plenty or famine, God’s children are responsible to give what they can.

3. Go – There is no other way to put this. It means getting up and leaving where you are to go where the Harvest Field is. Most will never be able to do this. Many more could than are actually going. It could be for a Prayer Journey. It might be a short term work team for building. Others can go for a church camp or to teach in a seminar or retreat. Some could go for short term mission trips and retirees could finish out their time on earth training and mentoring young ministers and believers on the mission field.

May God bless you as you pray, give or go!

Dan Corbett

“Reaching One Among Millions”

Tokyo Missionary Journey

This is a journal of recent email from K San. She received Jesus as her personal savior in July last year. God is using her in a wonderful way to minister to other young people and friends in the Tokyo are right now. Please pray for this outreach. This is a great example of "Reaching One Among Millions" in action.

March 5, 2009

Last night I stayed at my friend's house, God kept talking to me to encourage her in her dancing, so I kept encouraging her and we prayed together. After I finished praying , when I looked at her face she was crying. Wow! God's love is touching her. She kept asking God, also what is the truth and what is not. She was very involved with horoscopes and fortune telling, I just said to her, 'Did you get clear vision after doing those?' She said, 'No, I got confused' I just simply said to her, 'God doesn't give us confusion!'She said, 'Oh!' so I will stay her place for several days, I am excited to see what God is going to do!

March 4, 2009

Good morning! Each day God is really working on each person. Last night I could tell about Jesus to my friend. When I came back to my friend's apartment, wow! I couldn't even imagine that she was there to listen to Jesus. I couldn't believe it. So I just told the story of Paul to her. She was really listening to what I am saying. Well, each day talking and telling about Jesus to my friends is successful.

Thank you so much for your prayer last night and everyday! God keeps making his love grow inside of my friends I have already talked to. One friend who I talked to about Jesus' love and I actually prayed together. The seed of Love of Jesus is growing very well. After we prayed together God showed what the real problem was inside of her. While I was praying with her, she felt love (she did not know what that is) but she was asking me to come back again to pray! Isn't that amazing?

March 3, 2009

Good morning! My mission trip is going well, especially yesterday! God worked so much on my friend Yuka-chan! She is a 21 year old college student who want to go to abroad. We had a fun talking together. While we were looking for some English books I just started talking about Jesus and my Christian life. She was so interested. I just said to her, 'do you want to hear more? let's go to cafe' She said, 'YES' so while I was talking I prayed quietly for her dream of going to abroad for God to make it happen for her. But God told me, 'her heart needs to be cleaned' I just wondered, 'her heart is already pure and clean'. She has such a beautiful heart. But God told me, 'her heart needs to be cleaned up'.

I just said to Yuka, 'Yuka-chan God is telling me your heart needs to be cleaned up' she was surprised. She totally hid her true heart’s condition. But her heart was full of burdens and so many different things. So we went to different place to start praying. Her burden came out while I was praying. She is the only child, so she always had pressure from parents. She wasn't free inside, she told me that she always thought, ' whose life is my life, is it mine or my parents?' So that day was her limit of her heart to carry on so many burdens. So I asked God to take them out! God did it! She felt much lighter and she began to smile and be very happy! Isn't that awesome? That was amazing!

March 1, 2009

Good morning! I hope that you are having a wonderful Sunday! I am at my friend's house! God is working on her really wonderfully! Last night I went to my friend's dance concert. She is the dancer. While I was watching her performance, God kept telling me that he wanted to expand her limit and wants to use her more dynamically. The music reflected exactly Tokyo! It was like murky unclear water! While I was listening to the music, I kept praying to GOD!! Then right after the show, I started talking with her and hugged her. She felt God’s love and power and kept talking about God on the way to go back to her house on the train. She offered me her place to stay! Last night, I went to a different friend's house. She kept seeking the Lord so while I was talking with her naturally I started praying for her. She was so thankful for my prayer because she didn't know what to pray. Just hearing my prayer was exactly what her heart was looking for. Then after she took a bath she told me, (she felt something from God) she said, 'thank you for coming to my house'. So we went on to pray more. She now has a heart of prayer. Isn't that amazing?

The ministry God gave me in Tokyo & Yokohama is doing well. Step by step! People can feel the love of Jesus! I will just keep doing that! Smile!!! Have a wonderful day! from K

February 27, 2009

I hope that you are having a great day! it has been raining since i came to Tokyo, but God's working is so well! Yesterday I visited N san! Wow! That was so perfect! God sent me there to pray for her father! It was such perfect timing. Today her father has some land selling tax problem. There must be some resolution. So they needed prayer! Also we had such good fellowship together! It was wonderful! Then I went to other friend M san. She is the one who pray about me telling my parents that I became a Christian. She has not yet told her parents that she became a Christian! God told me to tell her my testimony and after telling my parents my family has been changing dynamically more effectively. She was very encouraged! It was perfect!

I couldn't believe how much I have learned since I left Tokyo a few months ago. God has done so many things day by day! The fellowship and also Sharon's Bible study helping me learn so many things step by step. Wow! I shared with so many things with N san and M san. We felt love from God and a very deep peace!