I wrote the phrase below on my facebook profile the other day. Several commented on it and many more indicated that they "liked" it. It seemed proper to give a little background about where that came from. It gives it greater meaning!
When things get really tough and someone asks how you are doing, tell them that you are "Between Blessings" at the moment! God is still in control!!!
A couple days ago while driving in our town I was thanking God for an open door that is coming for me from January. It will give some financial relief for the "dry spell" that we have been passing through for the past several months. As I gave thanks for the anticipated blessing, my logical mind spoke up and said what are you going to do in the meantime?
The Holy Spirit gently reminded me of an experience we went through 37 years ago when we returned to the USA from serving as missionaries to Korea. We had to stay with my grandparents for a short period of time since we owned nothing and had no home of our own either, rented or bought. After some very difficult times of testing of our faith, it was determined that we would be appointed to a small church in Ohio to serve as pastor. Praise God! That would mean we would have a home, ministry and income for us and our two small children.
We still had a problem in that there were still three months before we actually would move to the new location to take up our duties and a little longer before any funds would come in. One night we were invited to the home of a building contractor. He and his wife attended the nearby local church, but were not church members. After a delightful Italian meal he invited me into his office. After he closed the door he pulled out a long white envelope and handed it to me. The man cautioned me not to tell any of the church people about the gift inside. We thanked them and returned to my grandfather's home where we were staying. Holding the envelope up to the light I began counting zeros - one..two.. three and a one! He had given us a donation of $ 1,000! That was a lot of money 37 years ago and still is today. Right?
We praised God for providing our needs during the three month waiting period before the promised "Blessing" came into our hands. It reminds me of Joshua 6:2 when Joshua was told by God that He had given him the city of Jericho. The walls were still standing strong and tall as the young leader heard God's Promise. David was anointed King of Israel as a young man, but did not sit on the Throne of Israel until years later.
God is with us at the time of blessings and He is with us in those intervals between however long it may be. We are not blessed because of what we have received from God, but because of who He is and who we are in Him. We may be waiting for a particular blessing to be manifested in our lives, but we are definitely "Blessed" right here and now!
May God continue to bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
Still "Reaching One Among Millions"
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Which Side of the Boat?
John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No.6 And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. KJV
Personal Observation
As a child I had the opportunity to spend time with my paternal grandparents during the winter school vacation in northern Ohio. One of my favorite activities was to go ice fishing with my grandfather. He made a portable ice fishing hutch that fit in the back of car. We would arrive at the shore of the lake and unload all the fishing gear. There was a plywood floor board that had ice runners attached to the bottom allowing us to pull all the gear and folded fishing hut out on the ice like a large sled.
He would carefully check the thickness of the ice by breaking a small hole through the surface. Then we assembled the fishing hut with curved metal poles which supported a handmade tent that fit perfectly over the framework. Inside we had two folding stools with a lantern that provided heat and light. In the bottom of the platform were four fishing holes. We lined up the openings with the four opening we made in the ice with a long heavy steel “spud bar”. Then we settled down to the task of ice fishing. The bait was small white grub worms placed on the end of very short poles used only for ice fishing. We baited the hooks and lowered the bait down into the dark chilly lake waters.
At that time a process took place which I never understood. We were sitting less than 1 meter apart using exactly the same fishing equipment and bait, but my grandfather pulled in fish after fish as my hook and bait went untouched for long periods of time just centimeters away from my grandfather’s. Why? What was I doing wrong? I asked and he tried to assure me that I would eventually catch a fish. I tried to copy the slight movement his wrist which must have made his bait look more delicious than mine. I never found out why he could successfully catch fish right beside me while my net came up empty and dry almost every time!
Biblical Account
This account recorded in the last chapter of the Book of John indicates that the disciples with Peter had fished all night long and caught no fish whatsoever! Jesus walked up on the shore and called out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Their reply was negative. We are told that they did not know it was Jesus speaking to them. Remember this was after the Resurrection. They had seen him in their midst earlier in the Gospel of John proving to them that He indeed was risen from the dead and alive, but they did not recognize Him this day.
The stranger on the shore instructed the men to pull up their nets that were on the left side of the boat and to cast the nets on the other side of the ship. This would not make much sense to seasoned fishermen since once again the difference between the left and right sides of the boat was merely equal to the width of the small fishing vessel. For some reason, they decided to obey the instructions of the stranger. As they obeyed the simple, but seemingly senseless command there was an immediate result as the nets filled to overflowing with 153 “great” fish! When they arrived on shore there was still some doubt about whether or not this man was the risen Jesus. Amazingly, when they arrived on shore there was already fire, bread and fish already cooking over the fire.
The Bible says this was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but why did Jesus tell them to cast their net on the other side of the boat? Was it just a simple test of obedience? Is there something in that story that we can apply to our lives, ministry or business today?
Conclusion
Anyone serving God sincerely for any number of years or those who are working in ministry know well about periods of time when there seems to be no fruit to show for their labors. We work and use tried and true methods and principles passed down and tested by many others. Why are the nets empty? It worked before! What are we doing wrong? Is there some secret sin in our lives that has stopped God’s Blessings upon our efforts? Is there some act of obedience that we have not followed? Is there un-forgiveness lurking under the surface?
How tired and hungry we are as the disciples must have been that morning by the sea shore. If Jesus would just come to meet with us and tell us what to do! At times like these there is no fear or worry about correction or even rebuke. We care about the harvest! We are called to be “fishers of men” and our nets are empty. Jesus please tell us what we need to do differently than what we have been. Is there something new we need to try? Is there something old that is being overlooked that is still appropriate for where we are in your harvest field today? Just tell us please. Any yes, Lord we are tired and hungry for your food that gives us strength and comfort. We all need some spiritual “comfort food” from time to time!
By the way, we really do love you Lord. Yes, I know that we have denied you many time and have not obeyed all you told us to do before. Please forgive us! Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Go ahead and do whatever He says. You may have tried it before. It may not seem to make sense, but Jesus knows that He is doing. Just pull up your nets from where you are now and cast them over on the other side. And by the way, get ready! You will be pleasantly surprised!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Personal Observation
As a child I had the opportunity to spend time with my paternal grandparents during the winter school vacation in northern Ohio. One of my favorite activities was to go ice fishing with my grandfather. He made a portable ice fishing hutch that fit in the back of car. We would arrive at the shore of the lake and unload all the fishing gear. There was a plywood floor board that had ice runners attached to the bottom allowing us to pull all the gear and folded fishing hut out on the ice like a large sled.
He would carefully check the thickness of the ice by breaking a small hole through the surface. Then we assembled the fishing hut with curved metal poles which supported a handmade tent that fit perfectly over the framework. Inside we had two folding stools with a lantern that provided heat and light. In the bottom of the platform were four fishing holes. We lined up the openings with the four opening we made in the ice with a long heavy steel “spud bar”. Then we settled down to the task of ice fishing. The bait was small white grub worms placed on the end of very short poles used only for ice fishing. We baited the hooks and lowered the bait down into the dark chilly lake waters.
At that time a process took place which I never understood. We were sitting less than 1 meter apart using exactly the same fishing equipment and bait, but my grandfather pulled in fish after fish as my hook and bait went untouched for long periods of time just centimeters away from my grandfather’s. Why? What was I doing wrong? I asked and he tried to assure me that I would eventually catch a fish. I tried to copy the slight movement his wrist which must have made his bait look more delicious than mine. I never found out why he could successfully catch fish right beside me while my net came up empty and dry almost every time!
Biblical Account
This account recorded in the last chapter of the Book of John indicates that the disciples with Peter had fished all night long and caught no fish whatsoever! Jesus walked up on the shore and called out to them asking if they had caught any fish. Their reply was negative. We are told that they did not know it was Jesus speaking to them. Remember this was after the Resurrection. They had seen him in their midst earlier in the Gospel of John proving to them that He indeed was risen from the dead and alive, but they did not recognize Him this day.
The stranger on the shore instructed the men to pull up their nets that were on the left side of the boat and to cast the nets on the other side of the ship. This would not make much sense to seasoned fishermen since once again the difference between the left and right sides of the boat was merely equal to the width of the small fishing vessel. For some reason, they decided to obey the instructions of the stranger. As they obeyed the simple, but seemingly senseless command there was an immediate result as the nets filled to overflowing with 153 “great” fish! When they arrived on shore there was still some doubt about whether or not this man was the risen Jesus. Amazingly, when they arrived on shore there was already fire, bread and fish already cooking over the fire.
The Bible says this was the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples, but why did Jesus tell them to cast their net on the other side of the boat? Was it just a simple test of obedience? Is there something in that story that we can apply to our lives, ministry or business today?
Conclusion
Anyone serving God sincerely for any number of years or those who are working in ministry know well about periods of time when there seems to be no fruit to show for their labors. We work and use tried and true methods and principles passed down and tested by many others. Why are the nets empty? It worked before! What are we doing wrong? Is there some secret sin in our lives that has stopped God’s Blessings upon our efforts? Is there some act of obedience that we have not followed? Is there un-forgiveness lurking under the surface?
How tired and hungry we are as the disciples must have been that morning by the sea shore. If Jesus would just come to meet with us and tell us what to do! At times like these there is no fear or worry about correction or even rebuke. We care about the harvest! We are called to be “fishers of men” and our nets are empty. Jesus please tell us what we need to do differently than what we have been. Is there something new we need to try? Is there something old that is being overlooked that is still appropriate for where we are in your harvest field today? Just tell us please. Any yes, Lord we are tired and hungry for your food that gives us strength and comfort. We all need some spiritual “comfort food” from time to time!
By the way, we really do love you Lord. Yes, I know that we have denied you many time and have not obeyed all you told us to do before. Please forgive us! Ps 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. NIV
Go ahead and do whatever He says. You may have tried it before. It may not seem to make sense, but Jesus knows that He is doing. Just pull up your nets from where you are now and cast them over on the other side. And by the way, get ready! You will be pleasantly surprised!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Monday, September 13, 2010
Don't Eat The Seeds!
2 Cor 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. NIV
2 Cor 9:1-15 is a marvelous commentary on sowing and reaping as well as the principles behind generous giving. The full impact of this teaching more clearly comes into view if read in modern translations. Apparently a year before the Corinthian churches had made a type of pledge to send a generous offering to the church in Jerusalem. Paul thanked them and told them how that their giving had encouraged others to follow their example. Now he mentioned that he would send an “advance” party to ensure that the offering was indeed gathered and all preparations were completed before his arrival with some of the Macedonian believers.
Verses 6-8 lay down spiritual laws regarding giving. He makes the comparison of a farmer who can expect to reap according to the amount that he first sows into the soil, similar to the secular expression, “little ventured, little gained”. Clearly a farmer’s harvest is dependent upon how much seed he plants in the soil. So too believers can expect to reap according to the amount that they sow in their giving. Paul goes on and exhorts that each believer has the right and privilege to determine how much they give and that there should be no pressure or compulsion in the act of giving. He finishes stating that God particularly loves “cheerful givers” who have given from the heart, not in response to the pressure of rules imposed by other men! He sums up this teaching by promising that God’s Grace will abound toward those who obey in this area of Christian Life and that they will live in abundance.
Verses 10-11 expand to include God’s Provision in the acts of sowing, reaping and giving. In verse 10 we see that God provides two things to the believer. First, we see God supplies the seed that is to be sown into the harvest. Next, food or personal provision is given to the sower for his personal daily needs. The two words in the English NIV are “seed” and “bread”. There may be some confusion regarding these being two separate entities, but both are provided by God for the believer. This principle can be made clear by looking closely at the natural sowing and harvest. A certain amount of seed from a field must be set aside and kept for the next year to be planted. If those seeds are all consumed, eaten and used up then there will be nothing left over to plant. This will result in a greatly diminished harvest and loss of bread that is meant for personal consumption.
I want to suggest that in His Sovereign Will, God provides every believer, minister, local church, ministry and denomination two basic elements. The first is seed for sowing into the harvest field. It may include financial means, human resources, gifts, talents, and other intangible assets. This portion is not intended to be “consumed” by the individual or group for their own personal benefit. Yes, this could be compared to, but not limited to the tithe that was to be set apart to be distributed as God directed for the ministers and ministry of the tabernacle or temple. Secondly, God also gives us our “daily bread”. This is not just food! This encompasses all that we need to maintain our life, including both needs and wants. An organization needs funds to operate and to maintain staff and truly essential programs and functions. There is a danger and even temptation to consume God-given assets that are intended to be used purely for sowing and ministry to the lost or hurting world both among and around us. This is a tough call and not easy to determine in each case what is “seed” and what is intended as our personal “food”.
In North America, we often hear about charitable organizations using far too much income on their administrative needs rather than their advertised purpose. If you organize in order to “feed the children” then the far greater amount of funds received should go for that purpose with only the truly necessary amount for buildings, salaries and administration. In our personal lives it more difficult to determine how much of our income, talents and gifts are to be enjoyed personally rather than being channeled to “minister” to others in the harvest field of the world. I believe we can be better stewards of all God has entrusted to us if we take the view that a portion is intended to be used solely for sowing (ministry) with the remainder being for our personal use or consumption.
Verse 10 also indicates that God will both supply and increase the seed in our lives so that the spiritual harvest will be greatly enlarged. Going further Paul promises that we will then experience increase in our personal lives enabling us to be “generous” to others with those resources which will bring glory to God. To carefully separate the seed in our lives from our bread while sowing bountifully into the lives of others may cause us to prosper financially! God always is a God of order. We have to follow His priorities in order to be blessed in each area of our lives.
God bless you as you enjoy the “bread” He provides and then generously sow the “seed” He has entrusted to you into the world around you!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
2 Cor 9:1-15 is a marvelous commentary on sowing and reaping as well as the principles behind generous giving. The full impact of this teaching more clearly comes into view if read in modern translations. Apparently a year before the Corinthian churches had made a type of pledge to send a generous offering to the church in Jerusalem. Paul thanked them and told them how that their giving had encouraged others to follow their example. Now he mentioned that he would send an “advance” party to ensure that the offering was indeed gathered and all preparations were completed before his arrival with some of the Macedonian believers.
Verses 6-8 lay down spiritual laws regarding giving. He makes the comparison of a farmer who can expect to reap according to the amount that he first sows into the soil, similar to the secular expression, “little ventured, little gained”. Clearly a farmer’s harvest is dependent upon how much seed he plants in the soil. So too believers can expect to reap according to the amount that they sow in their giving. Paul goes on and exhorts that each believer has the right and privilege to determine how much they give and that there should be no pressure or compulsion in the act of giving. He finishes stating that God particularly loves “cheerful givers” who have given from the heart, not in response to the pressure of rules imposed by other men! He sums up this teaching by promising that God’s Grace will abound toward those who obey in this area of Christian Life and that they will live in abundance.
Verses 10-11 expand to include God’s Provision in the acts of sowing, reaping and giving. In verse 10 we see that God provides two things to the believer. First, we see God supplies the seed that is to be sown into the harvest. Next, food or personal provision is given to the sower for his personal daily needs. The two words in the English NIV are “seed” and “bread”. There may be some confusion regarding these being two separate entities, but both are provided by God for the believer. This principle can be made clear by looking closely at the natural sowing and harvest. A certain amount of seed from a field must be set aside and kept for the next year to be planted. If those seeds are all consumed, eaten and used up then there will be nothing left over to plant. This will result in a greatly diminished harvest and loss of bread that is meant for personal consumption.
I want to suggest that in His Sovereign Will, God provides every believer, minister, local church, ministry and denomination two basic elements. The first is seed for sowing into the harvest field. It may include financial means, human resources, gifts, talents, and other intangible assets. This portion is not intended to be “consumed” by the individual or group for their own personal benefit. Yes, this could be compared to, but not limited to the tithe that was to be set apart to be distributed as God directed for the ministers and ministry of the tabernacle or temple. Secondly, God also gives us our “daily bread”. This is not just food! This encompasses all that we need to maintain our life, including both needs and wants. An organization needs funds to operate and to maintain staff and truly essential programs and functions. There is a danger and even temptation to consume God-given assets that are intended to be used purely for sowing and ministry to the lost or hurting world both among and around us. This is a tough call and not easy to determine in each case what is “seed” and what is intended as our personal “food”.
In North America, we often hear about charitable organizations using far too much income on their administrative needs rather than their advertised purpose. If you organize in order to “feed the children” then the far greater amount of funds received should go for that purpose with only the truly necessary amount for buildings, salaries and administration. In our personal lives it more difficult to determine how much of our income, talents and gifts are to be enjoyed personally rather than being channeled to “minister” to others in the harvest field of the world. I believe we can be better stewards of all God has entrusted to us if we take the view that a portion is intended to be used solely for sowing (ministry) with the remainder being for our personal use or consumption.
Verse 10 also indicates that God will both supply and increase the seed in our lives so that the spiritual harvest will be greatly enlarged. Going further Paul promises that we will then experience increase in our personal lives enabling us to be “generous” to others with those resources which will bring glory to God. To carefully separate the seed in our lives from our bread while sowing bountifully into the lives of others may cause us to prosper financially! God always is a God of order. We have to follow His priorities in order to be blessed in each area of our lives.
God bless you as you enjoy the “bread” He provides and then generously sow the “seed” He has entrusted to you into the world around you!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Prayer for You or Me?
1 Sam 12:23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. NIV Eph 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. NIV Col 1:9 So ever since we first heard about you we have kept on praying and asking God to help you understand what he wants you to do; asking him to make you wise about spiritual things; TLB
Is There a Balance?
Is there a balance between making petitions to the Father on behalf of ourselves and others who are not our own kin or connected with us in some way? If there is a proper priority, then exactly what is it? How much time should we spend asking for our “Daily Bread” as opposed to interceding for others not close to us?
Over 35 years ago I preached an unpopular message in Cleveland, Tennessee on the subject of The 3 P’s that Hinder Missions. They were: 1) Prejudice 2) Procrastination 3) Improper Priorities. Even though it has been over 3 decades ago, I recall the struggle in urging long-time Christians to do what God said to do in reaching the lost nations – now! It got deeper as I dared mention that they might not be following God’s priorities. Then the big one was even suggesting that there could be prejudice in the lives of believers. I was not talking about social injustice or political contradictions. Examples were given of how vehemently believers petition God on behalf of sick or lost loved ones or family members. Yet, when asked to pray for the unsaved “heathen” in foreign lands yawns appear along with sleepy eyes.
We should not be shocked when faced with the truth about ourselves. Jesus was facing His most difficult day on earth as a man when asking the disciples to just watch and pray with Him for one hour. They all were overcome with sleep and could not stay awake to pray. To put it plainly, it was not their own skin on the line! Jesus was being kind when He said that their “spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak”.
Personal Observation
This is a balance that I seek on nearly a daily basis. We all are such “needy people”! Our families are in financial, emotional and spiritual crisis most of the time. There are those who would debate that statement, but many are also in denial or not fully awake spiritually awake or aware of the danger their family is in right now! I am reminded of the historical claim that Nero fiddled as Rome burned. Not all is gloom and doom! But there are tremendous needs among those closest to us in most every aspect of life.
How can we connect spiritually or emotionally with those who are geographically far from us? We don’t know what their daily life is like. We don’t know about their culture, food or customs. Some information can be gleaned from the Internet, but not enough to inspire us to give in mission offerings or to spend extended time in prayer on their behalf. It is even hard with those of the same ethnic or political background. To be honest, I am very concerned, for example, that Japanese believers get a burden to reach other Japanese with the Gospel. It has been over 460 years since the Gospel was first heard in Japan! Thousands of foreign missionaries have labored and strived to share God’s Love here. The final thrust must be Japanese reaching Japanese.
Prayer Aids
Out of sight out of mind! This phrase contains much truth for most of us. For those whom we have never met or haven’t seen for extended periods of time, it becomes rare for us to even think about them. How can we pray effectively for those whose very being does not enter into our consciousness? We often hear believers remark how that God brought someone’s face before them or reminded them to pray for a person far away. That is refreshing and wonderful when it occurs. But is that enough? Is it God’s responsibility to remind us to pray for others? We don’t need reminders when we or family members are facing crises. It is not hard to stay up late at night or arise in the middle of the night when awakened or prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray for the needs close at hand.
Since we heard Jesus say that the disciples had willing spirits, but weak flesh, it seems this might be a problem that we can approach and work upon to some degree, by ourselves. I believe man tends to forget things that are not that important to him. Just plain reality! For many, we can improve if a habit can be formed or if there are some kind of memory aids to be employed in the situation. Those who have trouble getting up in the mornings there are alarm clocks which are pre-programmed to the desired time. A noise is emitted loud enough to arouse the sleeper. In some cases, after using an alarm clock over a period of time they can form a habit and begin to wake up on time without any assistance. Jesus appeared to have a habit of awaking before the dawn and going out alone to pray to His Father.
I use some of the following to help me to think about and pray for others who are not near to me or closely connected:
1. Prayer Journal. This is used to write special requests and to note when answers come.
2. Intercessory Prayer List. This list of people, places, and needs has grown over the years. It began with simply writing down all the family members’ names I could think of. Then the list branches out to acquaintances, church friends, neighbors, and people met on airplanes, in stores, online prayer requests and etc. The list has grown quite long and takes over an hour just to read through briefly. This keeps people before me on a daily basis. By the way, it is a great memory aid too!
3. Maps and list of cities and nations. This allows me to “see” a region or area when looking over the map on a daily basis. Then there are lists of nations and cities that are read and prayed over daily also. In the midst of “reading” these names and places the Holy Spirit frequently prompts special prayer or intercession to made for the person or place.
4. Modern technology can be employed in aiding memory and connecting with those who are far away or “out of sight”. Emails, prayer requests, cell phone text messages, Internet social networking sites, and Skype video and audio calls and prayer conferencing help overcome the “disconnect” that hinders our prayers for others.
Note
Technology cannot take the place of prayer! It is a set of tools to help us. Prayer is still prayer! At times prayer is a struggle or battle against the forces of darkness. Sometimes it is a struggle with our own flesh. Prayer is about a relationship, first and foremost between the believer and the Heavenly Father. It is a joy to be in His Presence whether we are listening or talking to Him about ourselves or others.
Conclusion
I realize the term balance was used at the beginning of this blog. It appears that I have mainly focused on prayer for others rather than self. I don’t think most of us have any problems in praying for self or family needs. When the need arises most believers hit their knees. Of course, we could do more in the area of “preventive prayer” rather than “problem prayer”. So it seemed good today to remind you once again there are others out there. Out of sight, who need you to come to the Father on their behalf! He is waiting for someone with love and compassion to agree with Him so that far away person can be saved, healed, delivered, have needs met, be protected in danger and finally just to be blessed.
May God bless you as you pray for self and others too!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
P.S. Don’t sin in failing to pray for others! 1 Samuel 12:23
Is There a Balance?
Is there a balance between making petitions to the Father on behalf of ourselves and others who are not our own kin or connected with us in some way? If there is a proper priority, then exactly what is it? How much time should we spend asking for our “Daily Bread” as opposed to interceding for others not close to us?
Over 35 years ago I preached an unpopular message in Cleveland, Tennessee on the subject of The 3 P’s that Hinder Missions. They were: 1) Prejudice 2) Procrastination 3) Improper Priorities. Even though it has been over 3 decades ago, I recall the struggle in urging long-time Christians to do what God said to do in reaching the lost nations – now! It got deeper as I dared mention that they might not be following God’s priorities. Then the big one was even suggesting that there could be prejudice in the lives of believers. I was not talking about social injustice or political contradictions. Examples were given of how vehemently believers petition God on behalf of sick or lost loved ones or family members. Yet, when asked to pray for the unsaved “heathen” in foreign lands yawns appear along with sleepy eyes.
We should not be shocked when faced with the truth about ourselves. Jesus was facing His most difficult day on earth as a man when asking the disciples to just watch and pray with Him for one hour. They all were overcome with sleep and could not stay awake to pray. To put it plainly, it was not their own skin on the line! Jesus was being kind when He said that their “spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak”.
Personal Observation
This is a balance that I seek on nearly a daily basis. We all are such “needy people”! Our families are in financial, emotional and spiritual crisis most of the time. There are those who would debate that statement, but many are also in denial or not fully awake spiritually awake or aware of the danger their family is in right now! I am reminded of the historical claim that Nero fiddled as Rome burned. Not all is gloom and doom! But there are tremendous needs among those closest to us in most every aspect of life.
How can we connect spiritually or emotionally with those who are geographically far from us? We don’t know what their daily life is like. We don’t know about their culture, food or customs. Some information can be gleaned from the Internet, but not enough to inspire us to give in mission offerings or to spend extended time in prayer on their behalf. It is even hard with those of the same ethnic or political background. To be honest, I am very concerned, for example, that Japanese believers get a burden to reach other Japanese with the Gospel. It has been over 460 years since the Gospel was first heard in Japan! Thousands of foreign missionaries have labored and strived to share God’s Love here. The final thrust must be Japanese reaching Japanese.
Prayer Aids
Out of sight out of mind! This phrase contains much truth for most of us. For those whom we have never met or haven’t seen for extended periods of time, it becomes rare for us to even think about them. How can we pray effectively for those whose very being does not enter into our consciousness? We often hear believers remark how that God brought someone’s face before them or reminded them to pray for a person far away. That is refreshing and wonderful when it occurs. But is that enough? Is it God’s responsibility to remind us to pray for others? We don’t need reminders when we or family members are facing crises. It is not hard to stay up late at night or arise in the middle of the night when awakened or prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray for the needs close at hand.
Since we heard Jesus say that the disciples had willing spirits, but weak flesh, it seems this might be a problem that we can approach and work upon to some degree, by ourselves. I believe man tends to forget things that are not that important to him. Just plain reality! For many, we can improve if a habit can be formed or if there are some kind of memory aids to be employed in the situation. Those who have trouble getting up in the mornings there are alarm clocks which are pre-programmed to the desired time. A noise is emitted loud enough to arouse the sleeper. In some cases, after using an alarm clock over a period of time they can form a habit and begin to wake up on time without any assistance. Jesus appeared to have a habit of awaking before the dawn and going out alone to pray to His Father.
I use some of the following to help me to think about and pray for others who are not near to me or closely connected:
1. Prayer Journal. This is used to write special requests and to note when answers come.
2. Intercessory Prayer List. This list of people, places, and needs has grown over the years. It began with simply writing down all the family members’ names I could think of. Then the list branches out to acquaintances, church friends, neighbors, and people met on airplanes, in stores, online prayer requests and etc. The list has grown quite long and takes over an hour just to read through briefly. This keeps people before me on a daily basis. By the way, it is a great memory aid too!
3. Maps and list of cities and nations. This allows me to “see” a region or area when looking over the map on a daily basis. Then there are lists of nations and cities that are read and prayed over daily also. In the midst of “reading” these names and places the Holy Spirit frequently prompts special prayer or intercession to made for the person or place.
4. Modern technology can be employed in aiding memory and connecting with those who are far away or “out of sight”. Emails, prayer requests, cell phone text messages, Internet social networking sites, and Skype video and audio calls and prayer conferencing help overcome the “disconnect” that hinders our prayers for others.
Note
Technology cannot take the place of prayer! It is a set of tools to help us. Prayer is still prayer! At times prayer is a struggle or battle against the forces of darkness. Sometimes it is a struggle with our own flesh. Prayer is about a relationship, first and foremost between the believer and the Heavenly Father. It is a joy to be in His Presence whether we are listening or talking to Him about ourselves or others.
Conclusion
I realize the term balance was used at the beginning of this blog. It appears that I have mainly focused on prayer for others rather than self. I don’t think most of us have any problems in praying for self or family needs. When the need arises most believers hit their knees. Of course, we could do more in the area of “preventive prayer” rather than “problem prayer”. So it seemed good today to remind you once again there are others out there. Out of sight, who need you to come to the Father on their behalf! He is waiting for someone with love and compassion to agree with Him so that far away person can be saved, healed, delivered, have needs met, be protected in danger and finally just to be blessed.
May God bless you as you pray for self and others too!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
P.S. Don’t sin in failing to pray for others! 1 Samuel 12:23
Monday, July 12, 2010
Don't Look Back!
Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God
Crick – a colloquial term for a cramp
Gen 19:17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. 26 But his (Lot ’s) wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. KJV
There seems to be a plague of sore necks among many believers today. Ever wake up in the morning with a stiff neck? One of the symptoms of a “crick” that it hurts to turn your head in one particular direction! It is almost as if, we are not supposed to look in that direction. We may have full range of motion except for that one way!
The Bible is very clear about the fact that believers are not supposed to look back and long for the place they used to be before coming to Christ. It indicates dissatisfaction with the present location and provision. We can read about Israel being freed from long years of slavery and then longing for the food that they ate as captives in Egypt Egypt
Forward Looking Attitude
Heb 11:13 These men of faith I have mentioned died without ever receiving all that God had promised them; but they saw it all awaiting them on ahead and were glad, for they agreed that this earth was not their real home but that they were just strangers visiting down here. 14 And quite obviously when they talked like that, they were looking forward to their real home in heaven. 15 If they had wanted to, they could have gone back to the good things of this world. 16 But they didn't want to. They were living for heaven. And now God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has made a heavenly city for them. TLB
Apostle Paul was an excellent example for us of a believer who focused on what was before him. Phil 3:13 No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us. TLB
No Eyes in the Back of the Head!
In God’s creation many animals were made with head or eyes which swivel or are capable of seeing nearly 360 degrees. We laugh at videos of owls turning their head with large eyes in nearly complete circle. But, God did not give man that physical ability. Too many believers are looking back to where they came from. Some have not broken off their ties to the past lives of sin and secretly long to return to their old friends and previous dark practices and life style. Of course, there are some believers who are living in the past and always talking about the Good old Days. Nothing today seems to satisfy them. Young believers hearing them are being told that nothing today compares to what they experienced in the past.
God of the Present
God never changes! (James 1:17) Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. TLB God is with us now. We cannot change the past. We often don’t know about the future. But we can love and serve God today! We can be thankful for what we have now. We can share His Love and be a blessing to those around us now! How about it, let’s quit looking back. Those who do often have a pain in their neck! They also can become a pain the neck to others around them.
God bless you as you thank God for what you have today and look forward to a bright future in Jesus Christ!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millons”
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Father's Day 2010
Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise- 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. NIV
I never knew my father. He died in an accident the day I came home from the hospital. My stepfather was hard working and fair. He did the best he could for his family.
Tonight, alone in Japan with Sharon visiting her mother in the USA following the death of her father, I had some thoughts to share about Father’s Day. Fathers are not perfect! In fact, many of us are far from it. I shudder at the mistakes that were made with my family. Several times letters have been written to my wife and children asking for their forgiveness. So much time and energy was spent in ministry that my family was neglected. Still the commandment is directed to children to honor both parents with a warning to the fathers to not cause their children to become angry.
Children forgive your fathers for those things that they did wrong-whether great or small! And be careful not to judge them as that will return to you according to the Bible. Just love them! Tell them that you love them. Even if he is one of those tough non-emotional types! Please don’t wait as many do to “canonize” the father after they are gone. Love them now. Forgive them now. Don’t copy their mistakes. Learn from them and don’t repeat them with your family. Take the good things you learned from them and saw in their lives. Put them to work in your life as you also forge your own path. So much was learned from a grandfather from whom I had no blood ties. He was short of stature but a tough Pennsylvania Dutch. He taught me many things in life. I learned that there was a solution to any problem and that one should never give up no matter how hard life became.
So go ahead and honor your father today. Your biological father, your spiritual father, your mentor if you have one! There are many men today without biological offspring that are truly wonderful fathers to many young men and women. Men, go ahead and accept the honor and attention bestowed on you today. Don’t be shy. Be sure to give God all the Glory for anything good said about your life and heritage. You would be nothing without Jesus Christ in your life. Be sure to tell you wife and children (grand’s included) that you love them. Don’t be ashamed to shed a tear in front of them. Young people need to see more men cry.
God bless you men! May God bless every area of your life and family!
Dan Corbett
Fukuoka, Japan
“Reaching One Among Million
Monday, June 7, 2010
JPN May 2010 Update
Greetings from Japan!
The newest Japan Prayer Network monthly update is ready to be downloaded. Please click the link below to to read it.
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
JPN May 2010 Update
The newest Japan Prayer Network monthly update is ready to be downloaded. Please click the link below to to read it.
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
"Reaching One Among Millions"
JPN May 2010 Update
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Homeless at Home
| Homeless at Home | | Print | |
Most people view Japan as a clean and prosperous nation of happy and disciplined people. This may be true in many cases, but within those beautiful homes and well trimmed Japanese gardens there often are individuals living who rightly could be called “homeless”. Here is the story of one such individual.
One sunny morning, I drove into the city to a cell phone shop. I arrived early and decided to make a couple calls to my intercessors. My friend and I were talking about an upcoming Aglow meeting, when I noticed a small, frail lady (in her late 30’s) standing in front of the closed shop. The storm shutters were still down, yet this lady was quite angry. She was yelling and hitting the shutters a couple of times. She returned to her car and lit a cigarette to wait for the shop to open up again.
Although I was double her size, there was a concern of what she might try to do next. I had never seen anyone act like this publicly in Japan, but she didn’t care. After five or so minutes passed, she then went to the door to repeat her previous actions even louder. My concern definitely increased at this point. I couldn’t imagine how the beating on the shutters sounded to the workers inside that shop.
I continued to take care of my business on the phone, when I suddenly heard a tap on my car window. I looked up and it was that little lady wanting to talk with me. I asked my friend to pray and wait, and then I asked the lady what she wanted. She simply replied, “I saw you sitting here smiling and you looked so happy. I just want to talk with you.” I told her that I was on a phone call. She said, “When you finish, can we please talk?” I nodded. She quietly and gently returned to her car and sat waiting. I couldn’t believe she was the same woman who had just displayed such violent anger a few minutes before.
I left my car to go approach her car. She asked if we could sit in my car to talk. I hesitated but the Lord assured me it would be alright. She sat down in my car and so politely said, “When I saw you and you looked so happy, I just wanted to come and meet you. You were smiling and looked so happy.” She repeatedly kept talking about how happy I looked. She couldn’t imagine anyone being happy, because her life was so full of trouble. She wanted to give me her phone number and asked for mine. I carelessly gave her our house number plus my cell number.
Just then, the shop opened for business. Each of us entered the shop and took care of the necessary business, and then I left soon. She called my cell phone after she left the shop. She called it again and again. I realized that it would not be good for her to call our house with my husband having so many important phone calls coming in, so I prayed as I had never prayed before. I said, “Dear Father, I was not careful about giving her the numbers that I did. It was okay for my cell, but, Lord, You know she cannot repeatedly call the house. This will not be good. I don’t know how, but, Lord, somehow please remove our house phone number out of her memo book. Thank You, Lord.”
She asked me to please come and visit her home a week later. I had never been to that area, so I completely relied on the Lord to direct me and watch over me. When I arrived, she came out and greeted me with such excitement. She led me into the house and introduced me to her mother, who seemed like a sweet and very polite woman. She was very quiet, unlike her daughter.
I was seated on the sofa and the lady, who I will call Y-san, just talked and talked to me. She wanted to tell me about her life and brought pictures to show me. She kept saying how happy she was that I had come. He mother stayed in the kitchen working on dishes and preparing tea for us. I had carried a bilingual New Testament with me to give her. I simply talked with her about Jesus’ love and how He loved her. I asked her if I could pray for her and she happily agreed. When I finished she told her mom to come into the living room. She wanted me to also pray for her mom, which I did. Her mother bowed and thanked me.
Due to our traveling schedule at the time, I was not able to visit her often. She always appreciated each time I did go. It was amazing to me how I could not endure being in so much tobacco smoke. God completely protected me each time. She smoked five or six packs a day. It was constant. Her mom didn’t like it, but it seemed that her mom couldn’t say or do anything to change the situation.
Y-san had a small son in first grade. He was very cute. Her husband was gone everyday to work, so her mom took care of most everything. Her mom appeared to enjoy taking the son to the store with her and he seemed to be loved much. Y-san was very proud of her son.
A few years later, when my friend and I went to visit her, her mother was not there. She was in the hospital. As we began to express concern about her mother, Y-san immediately burst out with much anger, “Why are you saying that? I am happy she is sick. I hope she dies. I hate her!!!” I sat there shocked! My friend was also shocked. Why would Y-san say such things about her mom?
I quietly began trying to talk with her about her mom. Finally, the deep anger flowed out telling how her (innocent-looking) mom had abused her so badly when she was young. I couldn’t imagine her precious mom doing such a thing. She then told one incident of her mom picking up a bowl of hot ramen soup and pouring it directly onto Y-san’s head. My heart hurt for Y-san. I then began to realize where this anger and rage had perhaps started.
Right after that visit, I lost contact with her, because I was traveling with my husband in such busy schedules. It had been almost three years since I had last seen Y-san, and I was sure that she had probably been put into a hospital or had passed away.
My friend, Ruth Ann, had met her only once several years before. We were driving in that city and I mentioned Y-san to Ruth Ann. I said, “You know, I am sure that Y-san no longer lives in that house. It looks completely empty and there has been no contact with her. After her mother passed away, I’m sure her husband had her placed in a mental facility so he doesn’t have to take care of her. I have no idea where she would be if she is still alive.”
A few weeks after our discussion, my friend called me and asked me to guess whom she received a phone call from. I couldn’t imagine. She said, “Y-san.” I was very surprised. Y-san wanted to meet with us and asked if we would come to her house. She said that she wanted to become a Christian and wanted us to pray for her.
Ruth Ann and I got together and went to visit Y-san. This was once a beautiful Japanese yard. 
To my surprise, the condition of the yard and house had changed drastically. I realized that her mom was gone and now it appeared she was left to be alone most of the time.
We talked with her and prayed with her. We explained what it means to accept Jesus into your heart. We took some song books and sang some hymns with her. She enjoyed that so much. We explained about water baptism and she wanted to be baptized. We set the time to go again and I baptized her in her deep bath tub. She was so happy.
Her physical condition had worsened so the doctors had kept her heavily medicated. Her husband has kept a box of beer and boxes of cigarettes for her to live on daily. We learned that the son was getting ready to enter high school and he normally did not return home but would just stay out at friends’ or anywhere, to keep from coming into that house. The husband always continues to say he is on a trip or that he can’t come home because of work, then sleeps somewhere else.
She has been living most of the time on a thin pad for a bed in her living room. Her only friend is a TV and her cell phone. She can’t cook for herself. A couple ladies from an agency go two times a week to clean up the dishes and do a few things. I am not real sure what they can do, because the house is beyond being identifiable. This picture was after the ladies spent all day working in the kitchen.
Ruth Ann and I went one day to replace her thin bedding with a newer, fresh futon which wasn’t full of mold and urine. No, it wouldn’t stay fresh, but at least it would be awhile before it would be full of mold like the older one.
In the living room, there was no longer a sofa or even a chair. In this picture perhaps you can see the upright piano. There are only old thin floor cushions which are full of stains, food and mold. Cockroaches are literally everywhere. On the floor table, under it, on the floor, on any food, drink or item on the table, they roam. You just hope when you leave, none will accompany you home. You can see where her futon was before the newer one was placed on the floor under the window. Ruth Ann worked so hard changing all of the bedding.
Did we rebuke her for smoking and drinking, knowing that she had been baptized? No. We knew that God loves her and He knows she is a prisoner in her own house. Many homeless people live better than she does. One night she had walked outside and fell, cracking the back of her head which bled through the night. She was finally found the next morning by someone walking by, and then she was rushed to the hospital, needing 100 stitches in the back of her head.
Where is her husband? This is his bedroom.
Where is the son? This is his bedroom. 
Is she abused or rejected? Who cares if she lives or dies? We can’t imagine what abuse has gone on in her life. The Word says that God loves the afflicted and down trodden. He sees her heart. He knows if she really made the choice to choose Him to be her Savior. When we visit her, we feel we are going each time to simply love her and let her know we care. I am not posting a picture of her to respect her privacy.
Through the years, women who have been victims in domestic violence situations have had no where to go for help. In the past if a husband was beating his wife, and she called authorities, once they arrived and saw it was domestic trouble, they would leave. In recent years, women have been working to bring help to these women.
In learning her real story, we found out this is her second husband. She showed me the pictures of her first wedding and of her baby daughter. She was so proud of her daughter. She continued to tell me while her tears flowed that one day her husband took the daughter and divorced her. Her heart ached for many years for her daughter but she was not allowed to see her.
Her life was such a mess from the abuse from her mother, then from her first husband and losing her daughter. I am not sure what problem there had been with the mafia, but she had received many threats. I don’t know how she met this husband, but she was so happy with her darling son, even though her heart still ached for her daughter.
How can a mother give birth to such an innocent tiny baby, and then her? How can a mother watch her own child be abused by the child’s father or by any other man? You begin to wonder what abuse took place in that mother’s life? To be an abuser, Y-san’s mother had been abused. To allow abuse, she had trauma with no one to help her.
It is very interesting how a mother seems paralyzed when abuse comes to her child, because all of her own pain is re-lived. When a mother rejects her daughter it is because she herself was abused. .
Family members live in what is called a house, but with such abuse, they might as well be sleeping outside because they are actually “homeless”. That house is not a “home”. It is only a cold, lifeless structure with no love, peace or joy. It is certainly not a place to go for any kind of help or healing. Such houses breed more and more hate, rage, abuse and homelessness.
Y-san’s house was once a beautiful dwelling, but it is almost impossible to walk into. Each room is filled and overflowing with trash and paper. The upright piano in the living room is not identifiable because everything is on it or in front of it. In the husband’s bedroom, the floor is covered wall-to-wall with many inches of papers and trash. The son’s room is like the dad’s room. When the ladies come two times a week to help, they can hardly walk in the front door entrance, which is not shown.
Anger and abuse are deadly. Their victims change from tears and pain to become stronger abusers to their own children and others. As the cycle goes on to the next generation, the anger and abuse only strengthens. Finally, when a society becomes filled with abusive people living with no feelings or love for others, it is one of violence and destruction.
What kind of house are you a product of? What kind of house are you building? To be homeless is not dependent upon a building structure, but it is dependent upon love and belonging. Multitudes are without a roof over their heads, but a helping hand, a smile, a loving and caring heart will begin to bring life where there was no hope of life. Look for the “homeless” who are prisoners in their dwelling places from abuse and violence. Don’t be fooled by the outward appearance of the building structure or even their personal appearances.
During the past few years, we no longer look at the modern buildings, the advanced technology and the beauty in society, but instead, we look to see the one who is silently crying for someone to please come help set them free from their victimized lives. Why do so many people commit suicide daily? They have no where to go for help. Their dwellings are places of homelessness - void of love and care. A society dies when people have no hope and no one to care. Human beings were not designed to be robots or to live without each other. Who lives behind your neighbor’s door?
Sharon D. Corbett
"Reaching One Among MIllions"
"Reaching One Among MIllions"
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Camping in Gilgal
Joshua 4:19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho. KJV
Joshua 5:2 At that time the LORD said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. 5 Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. 7 And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. 9 And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal (round or wheel) unto this day. 10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho. 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. 12 And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year. KJV
Personal Background Note
For many years I preached making a comparison between the church today and the Children of Israel leaving Egypt, languishing in the wilderness, and finally entering the Promised Land. I noted that the entire older generation would have to die first due to their lack of faith and rebellion. They would eventually come to a final border being the Jordan River. They would have to cross it by faith even though it was flooding its banks that time of year. The priests or ministers would be required to go ahead of the congregation stepping into the water (getting their feet wet first) believing that God would save them from drowning and would open a door of deliverance for His people. The priests obeyed and the waters dried up allowing the people to enter the Promised Land.
I even reminded people that the heavenly welfare program of daily free food ceased after they crossed the river. From that point on, Israel would have to fight for every meal that they ate. In the wilderness the food was provided without any work or labor. No tilling of ground or sowing and reaping is recorded. No one was sick and even their shoes and clothes did not wear out. The cloud and pillar of fire directed their path leaving them with the fairly simple task of following their leaders and obeying the commandments passed down to them. This could almost be considered an idyllic life of ease. They enjoyed provision, protection and worship with little effort or responsibility in the area of personal discernment or opposition.
All of the above changed radically for the Israelites when their feet crossed over the Jordan River. A peaceful nomadic group of people, formerly slaves of the Egyptians were quickly transformed into a militant nation attacking and plundering all who lay in their path. How could such a complete transformation suddenly be realized? I don’t know the answer to that question, but it gives me hope today that God’s Church can rise up and become what He ordained for her to be in a brief period of time. We can be transformed from a spiritual “welfare mentality” to that of spiritual “military readiness” in a hurry!
Why Gilgal?
After decades of Bible study and ministry it occurred to me today that little was known by me about Gilgal. In the past, I just went directly from the Jordan to the conquest of Jericho! Wrong! God had an important appointment to keep with the Israelites before they could begin their ordained task of conquering the Promised Land. I will attempt to list some of the significant issues that were addressed between Jehovah and the Children of Israel in Gilgal.
1. Twelve stones were set up as a memorial commemorating the crossing of the Jordan River on dry land as their ancestors did with the Red Sea on their exit from Egyptian slavery.
2. All the men who were born in the wilderness were circumcised. This was a renewal of God’s covenant with Israel. For forty years no men were circumcised. God said that He had rolled away the reproach (cherpah – disgrace or shame) of Egypt. Now they were His chosen people prepared to conquer in His Name and move into their promised destiny.
3. Josh 5:10 tells us that Israel observed the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land. Now they could truly celebrate the freedom from shame and slavery under the Egyptian lords who controlled every aspect of their lives. They were free men and women. They now were responsible for their actions and decisions. They probably could now truly breathe as God’s Children in a new land. Their new life had finally begun. What an adventure was to follow!
4. National Diet Change! No more manna! What a change in eating habits. Forty years of just stepping outside the tent and picking up dinner. Verses 10-11 states that they ate the “old” corn of the land and unleavened cakes and “parched” corn and from that day on they had to eat the “fruit of the land”. This was a major culinary paradigm shift in their daily life. The fruit of the land was under the control of their enemies who had to be defeated. Satan has been stealing, killing and destroying with most believers cowering in fear trying to hide their wealth from him. This example seems to be indicating that we should be plundering from the enemy and his cohorts. God help us today to wake up!
5. Joshua meets God’s Captain! Verses 13-15 records the meeting between Joshua and the captain of the host of the Lord. He stands with sword drawn. Joshua approaches him asking him whose side is he on. Joshua is told to remove his shoes because he is standing on holy ground similar to Moses when he encountered God in the burning bush years earlier. This meeting is a clear indication that God is on hand with His Heavenly Host to help Israel as they move forward in obedience to the Word of God.
6. The Ark of the Covenant was brought to rest in Gilgal each day after Israel marched around the walled city of Jericho.
7. Joshua made Gilgal his headquarters camp during much of the early conquest of Canaan.
Significance of Gilgal Today
What does the story of Gilgal mean to a believer today? We too, are on a journey. Hopefully, we have been freed from sin and slavery by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ. Yet, many believers are still wandering in a spiritual wilderness with a number of similarities with the time of Joshua. Again, a list might be in order for the sake of simplicity and clarity.
1. Many believers are still enslaved by fear, sin, wrong attitudes, and addictions. They are longing for the “garlic and leeks” of Egypt (their old life of sin). Many are still murmuring and complaining about God’s accommodations during their journey upon the earth.
2. Many naming the Name of Christ often rebel against the instructions of the Word of God and leading of the Holy Spirit. Many have put other gods before the Living God!
3. We often see believers totally relying upon religious leaders to “feed” them spiritually. A good shepherd leads the sheep who then take the energy and initiative to eat and digest the food themselves. Most have no appetite for any true spiritual warfare in their Christian walk.
4. There was a need to be circumcised in Joshua’s time. That was a blood covenant between God and Israel. It was a type of cleansing. It removed the “shame” of Egyptian slavery and bondage. Many believers are not yet free from shame and guilt. They are not fully aware of who they are in Christ under grace.
5. The Passover meal and related ceremonies represented a celebration of freedom from slavery. In Gilgal Israel celebrated the Passover for the first time in the Promised Land as truly freed Children of God! Believers need to celebrate their freedom in Christ! Water baptism and the Lord’s Supper and good ways to show forth His Death and our freedom in Jesus!
6. Believers today need to go on a diet! Satan offers a constant barrage of “junk food” through many channels of entertainment and media. No, we don’t need to throw out all TV’s & music in our homes. We need to put entertainment in its proper place – far behind the Word of God, praise and worship and fellowship with other believers. The lines are more blurred than ever before in respect to foul language, moral values and sexual content. What is proper for a Christian to watch or listen to? The free food from Heaven stopped and God’s people had to go hunt for their food and in most cases take it away from their enemies. We need to turn the tables on the enemy of our souls and families!
7. Tet A Tet with God. This means a head to head conversation. Joshua had a personal meeting with the captain of the Lord’s host. He saw him as a soldier with his sword drawn ready for battle. His first question was if the man was on his side or his enemy. That question was never directly answered. Instead he was warned to change his attitude and take off his shoes because he was standing on “holy ground”. There is I believe, very often a very disrespectful and casual attitude toward God by many Christians. We can go day after day and church service after church service without any truly close contact with God! Programs and social events are fine. They cannot take the place of personal contact and an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father! When we come in to close personal contact with God a lot of things have to come out of us and we find ourselves on our knees or upon our faces before the King of Kings. We all need more time in the Holy of Holies!
8. The place of Gilgal is a figurative location given to the place of rest to all of Israel, which can include both physical and spiritual Israel. Wikipedia As believers we need to keep our eyes up God and remember what we live in and see all around us is not our final destination or resting place. Jesus is coming back again to take us to be with him in Heaven. As we share God’s Love with those around us, don’t forget to tell them about Heaven. And even while we are still on the earth, we need rest in the midst of our battles. Spiritual warfare even life itself can really take a toll on these weak human bodies and minds. Matt 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. NIV Psa 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Conclusion
I don’t know where you are right now, physically, spiritually or emotionally! The past few months have been really hard where I am now. Ministry has gone very well. We have a number of dedicated prayer intercessors praying for our ministry in Japan. We have seen a better and more consistent response to the sharing of God’s Love than we have over the past 30 years. So what is wrong? I grow tired of the financial battles and strain of living in one of the world’s most expensive nations. It is hard to observe and feel the overwhelming apathy of many believers in wealthy nations. No, it is not true of all believers. So many have zeal and burning desire to see those in distant nations hear the good news and accept God’s Love! They pray regularly and give sacrificially. The problem is they are few and they carry a heavy load of intercession and giving that could easily be spread among so many more.
This blog comes at a time of deep introspection and seeking God’s Face! I want to be in His perfect will! I want to hear His Voice clearly in this land of idols and spiritual darkness. Today I realized there is another place in my journey that needs to be visited – Gilgal. Some of us are still soaking our feet in the Jordan or perhaps searching for any remaining scraps of manna when we need to meet God face to face. Own up to our weakness and failures. Repent and let the Holy Spirit circumcise our hearts.
Let’s gather together as former slaves to sin and bondage who are now poised in Gilgal ready to take the land God has promised to us. Some of us have been on this journey for a long time. We may be tired, but we cannot quit. There is a younger generation that needs to be taught and encouraged. We are so close to the conclusion of the matter. There are times I weep and long to see my Savior’s Face as the song goes. We can do it! We need to be in unity of purpose and following God’s Plan for these last days. Jericho is waiting! Let’s go in Jesus’ Name! Amen!
God bless you richly!
Dan Corbett
“Reaching One Among Millions”
“Reaching One Among Millions”
Sunday, April 4, 2010
New Life in Jesus Christ!
JAPAN PRAYER NETWORK
Fukuoka, Japan
Every Man & Woman Must Die!
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. KJV Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: KJV 1 Cor 15:22 Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, being members of his sinful race, and wherever there is sin, death results. But all who are related to Christ will rise again. TLB Sounds pretty bleak for all! There is hope!
There is Hope & Life in Jesus Christ!
Rom 5:12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. His sin spread death throughout all the world, so everything began to grow old and die, for all sinned. 16 Adam's one sin brought the penalty of death to many, while Christ freely takes away many sins and gives glorious life instead. TLB
Spring is a time of new life! In Japan we are enjoying the beautiful Cherry Tree Blossoms among the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Birds are singing and soon rice fields will be prepared for planting. This is the favorite time of year for marriage. The new school year will begin the second week of April. Everywhere one turns there are signs of new life. There is a sad note though. Very soon the Cherry Trees will begin to drop their beautiful pink or white petals. Most of what we now see and enjoy will eventually die. That was the paradox of the Cherry Tree to the Japanese Samurai. It was here today and then gone. They pledged their lives for their masters and could be called upon to give up their lives at any moment.
The Bible passages given above tell the tragic story of man being created by a loving God only to disobey and fall into sin and separation from the Holy Creator. The natural result of that sin is death – physical and spiritual death! God foresaw the spiritual failure of His creation and made a way mankind could be saved from both sin and death. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
Jesus Christ is the Answer!
Mankind suffers from an illness and disease that has no cure anywhere on earth. With all the research and resources of nations – no solution can be found for the sin and resulting penalty of death. Everyone eventually dies a natural death. The horrible consequences of sin can be seen on the news or by a simple walk down the street in any nation upon the earth. There is just no hope presented by governments, armies, corporations or educational institutions. Even “religious movements” which promote their gurus and holy men cannot offer any positive or lasting cure for death and sin. Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them." TLB
We Must Share Jesus Christ!
In recent years, we have read the news of the spread of plagues and epidemics. Many of these diseases can either be prevented or cured with new vaccinations. The problem is that the poorer nations suffering from the disease cannot afford to pay for the expensive medicine which can control or eliminate the sickness and resulting suffering and death. Far too often, the wealthy nations and drug companies are not willing to share this resource with those who need it the most!
Christians have received the wonderful blessings and benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our sins have been forgiven and we have been given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ! How can we live so selfishly and not share this “miracle cure” for sin and death with those around us who do not know? We can read appalling statistics showing how few go to the people who have never heard His Name. Such a small percentage of wealth is given to support the mission work to those areas that need it the most!
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
Reaching One Among Millions
For years, I fretted and worried about how we can reach the vast numbers of precious souls going into eternity with Christ and suffering from sin’s devastation in life. A few years ago the Holy Spirit gave me a simple theme and plan for addressing the problem. We cannot save the whole world alone!
God made it clear that He only requires us to do that which He has given us the means and opportunity to touch. We can share God’s Love with one person at a time. We can PRAY for the unsaved thru intercessory prayers. We can GIVE of finances as best as possible to support mission outreach. We can SHARE God’s Love with those He puts in our lives.
Thank you for PRAYING for Japan and our ministry here. Thank you for GIVING financial support. Thank you for SHARING God’s Love with those near you!
Dan Corbett
Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, Japan
Every Man & Woman Must Die!
Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. KJV Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: KJV 1 Cor 15:22 Everyone dies because all of us are related to Adam, being members of his sinful race, and wherever there is sin, death results. But all who are related to Christ will rise again. TLB Sounds pretty bleak for all! There is hope!
There is Hope & Life in Jesus Christ!
Rom 5:12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. His sin spread death throughout all the world, so everything began to grow old and die, for all sinned. 16 Adam's one sin brought the penalty of death to many, while Christ freely takes away many sins and gives glorious life instead. TLB
Spring is a time of new life! In Japan we are enjoying the beautiful Cherry Tree Blossoms among the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Birds are singing and soon rice fields will be prepared for planting. This is the favorite time of year for marriage. The new school year will begin the second week of April. Everywhere one turns there are signs of new life. There is a sad note though. Very soon the Cherry Trees will begin to drop their beautiful pink or white petals. Most of what we now see and enjoy will eventually die. That was the paradox of the Cherry Tree to the Japanese Samurai. It was here today and then gone. They pledged their lives for their masters and could be called upon to give up their lives at any moment.
The Bible passages given above tell the tragic story of man being created by a loving God only to disobey and fall into sin and separation from the Holy Creator. The natural result of that sin is death – physical and spiritual death! God foresaw the spiritual failure of His creation and made a way mankind could be saved from both sin and death. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
Jesus Christ is the Answer!
Mankind suffers from an illness and disease that has no cure anywhere on earth. With all the research and resources of nations – no solution can be found for the sin and resulting penalty of death. Everyone eventually dies a natural death. The horrible consequences of sin can be seen on the news or by a simple walk down the street in any nation upon the earth. There is just no hope presented by governments, armies, corporations or educational institutions. Even “religious movements” which promote their gurus and holy men cannot offer any positive or lasting cure for death and sin. Acts 4:12 There is salvation in no one else! Under all heaven there is no other name for men to call upon to save them." TLB
We Must Share Jesus Christ!
In recent years, we have read the news of the spread of plagues and epidemics. Many of these diseases can either be prevented or cured with new vaccinations. The problem is that the poorer nations suffering from the disease cannot afford to pay for the expensive medicine which can control or eliminate the sickness and resulting suffering and death. Far too often, the wealthy nations and drug companies are not willing to share this resource with those who need it the most!
Christians have received the wonderful blessings and benefits of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our sins have been forgiven and we have been given eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ! How can we live so selfishly and not share this “miracle cure” for sin and death with those around us who do not know? We can read appalling statistics showing how few go to the people who have never heard His Name. Such a small percentage of wealth is given to support the mission work to those areas that need it the most!
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
Reaching One Among Millions
For years, I fretted and worried about how we can reach the vast numbers of precious souls going into eternity with Christ and suffering from sin’s devastation in life. A few years ago the Holy Spirit gave me a simple theme and plan for addressing the problem. We cannot save the whole world alone!
God made it clear that He only requires us to do that which He has given us the means and opportunity to touch. We can share God’s Love with one person at a time. We can PRAY for the unsaved thru intercessory prayers. We can GIVE of finances as best as possible to support mission outreach. We can SHARE God’s Love with those He puts in our lives.
Thank you for PRAYING for Japan and our ministry here. Thank you for GIVING financial support. Thank you for SHARING God’s Love with those near you!
Dan Corbett
Fukuoka, Japan
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A Dream About Me
A Dream about Me!
Note: This is an email I received in October 2009 from a close acquaintance. When it came I realized there would be a time for it to be shared more widely with friends and ministry partners. I believe this to be the time. For the sake of privacy no names or places are given otherwise it is unedited.
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: KJV We can see that God used dreams in both the New and Old Testaments. Many times they are not literal and need to be prayerfully considered as to what God may want His children to know and what if any action they are to take as a result of that communication. I will include the dream as it was written to me and then make some personal comments at the end.
Dan,
I'm writing just to check in and make sure you are ok. I had an awful dream last night. It was really a nightmare in which you were executed by the government over there for your faith. It was incredibly vivid. You were tied down to a table that was built in the shape of a person and you were injected with some kind of lethal poison.
Behind the scenes I got notice of your situation from my Dad but he received word too late for either of us to do anything. However, we did everything we could, battling with international lawyers, etc, right up to the time you were injected.
The place of execution was public--a huge, beautiful, modern atrium that was part shopping mall, part offices. It was a state of the art architectural marvel and your execution was a public warning to anyone who might try to spread religion in that country.
I conducted my battles via email and phone en route--I raced from (my home) to the city where you were. And I arrived, after running through a crowd of utterly disinterested Asian and European faces, too late. I just saw the empty table from which they had just taken away your dead body.
Somehow my father was already there sitting in the center of this giant atrium, the only civilian witness, the only one there who cared. I went to him and he told me it was too late and there was nothing he could do to stop what had happened.
But Dan, just as sad, terrifying and harrowing as your martyrdom was the utter lack of concern around the event. Literally no one cared. They all just continued their shopping.
This dream was obviously incredibly disturbing. But not just in the clear ways--it was disturbing because of the sense I had when I woke up: that all this work, all the preaching, teaching, discipleship and prayer were considered completely irrelevant. The world had turned away from God and anyone talking about him to the point that they literally didn't care.
So, I hope you will let me know that you are ok. But I also hope you know that what you are doing is incredibly relevant, incredibly meaningful, very important. I know that the financial situation has been dire--I've seen your message about that. But God is still in control. And this world needs to hear the Good News.
Yours in Christ,
--------------------------
My Thoughts
First of all, I don’t have a “martyr complex” or the “gift” of martyrdom! This came five months ago and by God’s Grace I am still alive. There are a couple points that spoke to me and I will list them here.
1. Over the past three years we have been called of God to form a global prayer network. The JPN website alone has reached 108 nations with over 150,000 visitors in less than three years. Over half a million pages of material on the site has been read or downloaded. The aim of the network is to pray primarily for Japan! The true spiritual significance of this network is only known by God alone. We have seen local doors of outreach open more than in the past 30 years. I personally pray daily over maps calling out names of cities and regions of the nation and seeking God for revival among the believers and churches. One simple goal is for every Japanese person to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. I am sure we are hated in the spiritual realm. We have no idea if we have even shown up on political radar. Our writing focuses on the Word of God. We do refer to historical issues that impact the preaching of and reception of the Gospel by the people and nation of Japan! The JPN site shows up ahead of millions of other sites with popular search engines with phrases such as “Japan + prayer” or “prayer network” or “Japan + Dan Corbett”. This may account for the world wide coverage of the web site. Nothing special has been done in the technical sense to cause this kind of success in web searches.
3. Apathy. The dream shows a lack of concern on a couple different levels. First of all, the local Japanese people are not very aware of most of what we are doing. The churches in our region, in particular, are very divided along denominational lines. This lack of Christian unity helps prevent widespread spiritual revival. There was a mention of both Asian and European faces. We have little contact or direct support from other Asian believers. Many church leaders we worked with for many years have made no contact. Then finally the European faces literally represent both North America and Europe believers who are tied up or focused either on personal daily life or their local ministry commitments.
4. My friend’s concern was, “Literally no one cared. They all just continued their shopping.” Of course, that troubles me personally, but it may reflect a general sentiment of many believers around the world. We are “croaking for our own pond”. We read the New Testament Church was commissioned to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. I am not sure why Japan slips through the cracks in many denominations and local churches. Could it be the past painful history of war and oppression? Can it be the seemingly prosperous state of living in Japan? Recently, Sharon visited a local church in the USA and an older church member honestly asked her if she “drove there from Japan”? After three years of writing and working to form a global prayer network, I believe we have made significant progress, but the needs are still staggering, both in need for intercession and personal and ministry finances.
5. Significance. The friend closed by stating how important the work is that we are doing. That is hard for any of us to accurately determine. We don’t do it for recognition. I do agree that the world and particularly Japan needs to hear the Good News! We have been doing our very best in that aspect and by God’s Grace with continue to do so.
6. Conclusion. I felt strongly directed by God to share this dream at this time. Interpretation of the dream is up to the individual. You can do with it as you like. We hope many more will take this to heart in some way and begin to intercede for the precious people and nation of Japan. I hope you will begin to pray for us. It may be that some who have never invested finances into this ministry may feel moved of the Holy Spirit to do so. Please just act upon whatever God may tell you to do. It will be the right thing and you will be blessed and His Love will continue to be shared with those who have never heard.
May God bless you richly!
Dan & Sharon Corbett
Fukuoka, Japan
“Reaching One Among Millions”
www.japanprayernetwork.com
Note: This is an email I received in October 2009 from a close acquaintance. When it came I realized there would be a time for it to be shared more widely with friends and ministry partners. I believe this to be the time. For the sake of privacy no names or places are given otherwise it is unedited.
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: KJV We can see that God used dreams in both the New and Old Testaments. Many times they are not literal and need to be prayerfully considered as to what God may want His children to know and what if any action they are to take as a result of that communication. I will include the dream as it was written to me and then make some personal comments at the end.
Dan,
I'm writing just to check in and make sure you are ok. I had an awful dream last night. It was really a nightmare in which you were executed by the government over there for your faith. It was incredibly vivid. You were tied down to a table that was built in the shape of a person and you were injected with some kind of lethal poison.
Behind the scenes I got notice of your situation from my Dad but he received word too late for either of us to do anything. However, we did everything we could, battling with international lawyers, etc, right up to the time you were injected.
The place of execution was public--a huge, beautiful, modern atrium that was part shopping mall, part offices. It was a state of the art architectural marvel and your execution was a public warning to anyone who might try to spread religion in that country.
I conducted my battles via email and phone en route--I raced from (my home) to the city where you were. And I arrived, after running through a crowd of utterly disinterested Asian and European faces, too late. I just saw the empty table from which they had just taken away your dead body.
Somehow my father was already there sitting in the center of this giant atrium, the only civilian witness, the only one there who cared. I went to him and he told me it was too late and there was nothing he could do to stop what had happened.
But Dan, just as sad, terrifying and harrowing as your martyrdom was the utter lack of concern around the event. Literally no one cared. They all just continued their shopping.
This dream was obviously incredibly disturbing. But not just in the clear ways--it was disturbing because of the sense I had when I woke up: that all this work, all the preaching, teaching, discipleship and prayer were considered completely irrelevant. The world had turned away from God and anyone talking about him to the point that they literally didn't care.
So, I hope you will let me know that you are ok. But I also hope you know that what you are doing is incredibly relevant, incredibly meaningful, very important. I know that the financial situation has been dire--I've seen your message about that. But God is still in control. And this world needs to hear the Good News.
Yours in Christ,
--------------------------
My Thoughts
First of all, I don’t have a “martyr complex” or the “gift” of martyrdom! This came five months ago and by God’s Grace I am still alive. There are a couple points that spoke to me and I will list them here.
1. Over the past three years we have been called of God to form a global prayer network. The JPN website alone has reached 108 nations with over 150,000 visitors in less than three years. Over half a million pages of material on the site has been read or downloaded. The aim of the network is to pray primarily for Japan! The true spiritual significance of this network is only known by God alone. We have seen local doors of outreach open more than in the past 30 years. I personally pray daily over maps calling out names of cities and regions of the nation and seeking God for revival among the believers and churches. One simple goal is for every Japanese person to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. I am sure we are hated in the spiritual realm. We have no idea if we have even shown up on political radar. Our writing focuses on the Word of God. We do refer to historical issues that impact the preaching of and reception of the Gospel by the people and nation of Japan! The JPN site shows up ahead of millions of other sites with popular search engines with phrases such as “Japan + prayer” or “prayer network” or “Japan + Dan Corbett”. This may account for the world wide coverage of the web site. Nothing special has been done in the technical sense to cause this kind of success in web searches.
3. Apathy. The dream shows a lack of concern on a couple different levels. First of all, the local Japanese people are not very aware of most of what we are doing. The churches in our region, in particular, are very divided along denominational lines. This lack of Christian unity helps prevent widespread spiritual revival. There was a mention of both Asian and European faces. We have little contact or direct support from other Asian believers. Many church leaders we worked with for many years have made no contact. Then finally the European faces literally represent both North America and Europe believers who are tied up or focused either on personal daily life or their local ministry commitments.
4. My friend’s concern was, “Literally no one cared. They all just continued their shopping.” Of course, that troubles me personally, but it may reflect a general sentiment of many believers around the world. We are “croaking for our own pond”. We read the New Testament Church was commissioned to reach Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth. I am not sure why Japan slips through the cracks in many denominations and local churches. Could it be the past painful history of war and oppression? Can it be the seemingly prosperous state of living in Japan? Recently, Sharon visited a local church in the USA and an older church member honestly asked her if she “drove there from Japan”? After three years of writing and working to form a global prayer network, I believe we have made significant progress, but the needs are still staggering, both in need for intercession and personal and ministry finances.
5. Significance. The friend closed by stating how important the work is that we are doing. That is hard for any of us to accurately determine. We don’t do it for recognition. I do agree that the world and particularly Japan needs to hear the Good News! We have been doing our very best in that aspect and by God’s Grace with continue to do so.
6. Conclusion. I felt strongly directed by God to share this dream at this time. Interpretation of the dream is up to the individual. You can do with it as you like. We hope many more will take this to heart in some way and begin to intercede for the precious people and nation of Japan. I hope you will begin to pray for us. It may be that some who have never invested finances into this ministry may feel moved of the Holy Spirit to do so. Please just act upon whatever God may tell you to do. It will be the right thing and you will be blessed and His Love will continue to be shared with those who have never heard.
May God bless you richly!
Dan & Sharon Corbett
Fukuoka, Japan
“Reaching One Among Millions”
www.japanprayernetwork.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Missionary Interview
Note: A minister friend attending seminary sent a request for information from us as missionaries to Japan. I thought some might be interested in reading the answers. The questions are also significant to me. Many of you connect with missionaries on some level. These are questions you should have some knowledge of if you will relate to your own missionary in a meaningful manner.
Research for Missionary to Japan, Dan Corbett
Completed and returned Feb 8, 2010
1. How did you get started? What were your first steps in actually becoming a missionary? When was the first time you ever thought about being a missionary?
I was called by God at a summer church youth camp when I was 15 years old. It was a clear and definite calling. Not done in emotion during a service, but supernatural outside the meeting hall..
2. Why did you choose to go to the place you are now? What was the determining factor? Did you feel called by the place, by the missions board’s immediate needs, or by the needs of a people - group among whom you now work?
We first came to Japan while in the US Army. That gave us a taste of the culture and the desire to share God’s Love with our Japanese friends. Then 10 years later while serving as a local church pastor God made it clear that we were to return to Japan as self-supporting missionaries along with our three children. The mission board at that time wanted us to go to Australia to fill a slot that was open. If they tried to force that we would have refused to go.
3. How did your own background, education, talents, skills, interests, etc. fit into your decision? Into your eventual ministry?
After 40 years of full time ministry, I now strongly believe that God utilizes just about everything in our lives for His Glory at one time or another. I studied two languages in high school and then later on in the US Army I was a Vietnamese linguist. The language experiences helped tremendously. Then little things like the hardships of growing up on a farm helped with physical challenges and hardships on the mission field. The prayer life of my mother probably helped move me in the direction of being a prayer intercessor.
4. Who are the people you work among? Can you describe what makes them unique culturally? What positive things can we in our culture learn from them?
We work among with Japanese. It is hard to explain the uniqueness of this race of people in a small space. Japan was an isolated island nation for centuries which caused their culture to be very homogenous and shut off from outside influences. This also means it is a hard to penetrate society that is very closed to the outside world. Thus Christianity is considered a foreign religion that is outside their comfort circle. There are aspects of unity and community in Japan, that if sanctified, would be good for others to emulate.
5. What are their felt needs? What hopes, fears, struggles, etc. do they have? How did you begin to deal with these issues in a Christian way? What response have they shown to your love for them?
As a primarily Buddhist and Shinto nation, people are bound by idolatry which controls with fear. So the people are generally superstitious and fearful in many areas of life. It is necessary to first present God as the God of Love. There is no love in idolatry. Then we show God’s sovereignty over the devil and all the creation. This helps them move from fear to faith in Jesus Christ. Our love for the Japanese people is best shown and proven through small consistent acts of kindness and that has been well received. There is a need for “power evangelism” to help many get entirely free from idolatry. There is much spiritual warfare here.
6. What barriers did you face in reaching them? How did you penetrate those barriers? What were some of the struggles you personally experienced in doing so?
Language! There are three alphabets. The Japanese Kanji is a derivative of Chinese and there are thousands of complicated characters with many strokes. The society is also difficult to enter. We are called “gaijin” which means outside person. The way of thinking, interpersonal relationships, food, music and etc are all different. At first, much of what we present is rejected on face value before it even has a chance to be fully considered or examined. That can be extremely frustrating when your efforts to help someone are based on genuine love and concern.
7. How do you ‘feel’ toward the people you are serving? How did you grow to love them? Did you have problems with prejudice along the way?
We truly love the Japanese very much. Nearly 40 years of our lives have been dedicated to reaching the people and nation of Japan. That is a life time. One would not make that kind of commitment to people they did not love and care about. Prejudice is something we live with on a daily basis. It comes out in many ways. Sitting on a train with an empty seat beside us. Then the people will select a seat further away almost 100% of the time. Part of that is fear and a lack of confidence that they cannot speak English so it is better to avoid any circumstances that may cause them embarrassment. They don’t realize that the act of avoidance is a form of prejudice. We could write a book on the subject.
8. How could we right here learn to love them? Could you give specific suggestions on what to do?
Firstly, you need to learn more about Japan – the people, history, culture, food and language. Find opportunity to meet and interact with them. Find out about homestays inviting a Japanese High School student to live in with your family. Most of these have very positive results. Plan to visit Japan for a vacation. Use the internet to learn more.
9. How could we become more personally involved with you through meaningful prayer? What should we pray for and why?
Prayer is crucial. It needs to be consistent or even daily. It does not have to be long or protracted. A simple systematic and sincere daily calling out our names, needs and the nation of Japan is a great start. We issue monthly 4 page updates giving the latest news and needs. Personal emails or phone calls can be exchanged where more intimate details and information can be shared.
The cost of living in Japan is among the most expensive in the world. Finances are always a challenge and can be quite discouraging and distracting from the work of the Gospel. We need prayer covering for physical health and emotional well being. There is a need for intercession for the doors of hearts to be opened. There is a need for intercession against spiritual strongholds to be broken and pulled down which hinder people from hearing and receiving the gospel. The churches here are small and weak in many aspects. The pastor’s average age is 60 meaning that a young generation needs to be raised up. The believers still suffer much family and social persecution for their choice to follow Jesus Christ. They are often treated as social outcasts. The list could go on and on…..
Research for Missionary to Japan, Dan Corbett
Completed and returned Feb 8, 2010
1. How did you get started? What were your first steps in actually becoming a missionary? When was the first time you ever thought about being a missionary?
I was called by God at a summer church youth camp when I was 15 years old. It was a clear and definite calling. Not done in emotion during a service, but supernatural outside the meeting hall..
2. Why did you choose to go to the place you are now? What was the determining factor? Did you feel called by the place, by the missions board’s immediate needs, or by the needs of a people - group among whom you now work?
We first came to Japan while in the US Army. That gave us a taste of the culture and the desire to share God’s Love with our Japanese friends. Then 10 years later while serving as a local church pastor God made it clear that we were to return to Japan as self-supporting missionaries along with our three children. The mission board at that time wanted us to go to Australia to fill a slot that was open. If they tried to force that we would have refused to go.
3. How did your own background, education, talents, skills, interests, etc. fit into your decision? Into your eventual ministry?
After 40 years of full time ministry, I now strongly believe that God utilizes just about everything in our lives for His Glory at one time or another. I studied two languages in high school and then later on in the US Army I was a Vietnamese linguist. The language experiences helped tremendously. Then little things like the hardships of growing up on a farm helped with physical challenges and hardships on the mission field. The prayer life of my mother probably helped move me in the direction of being a prayer intercessor.
4. Who are the people you work among? Can you describe what makes them unique culturally? What positive things can we in our culture learn from them?
We work among with Japanese. It is hard to explain the uniqueness of this race of people in a small space. Japan was an isolated island nation for centuries which caused their culture to be very homogenous and shut off from outside influences. This also means it is a hard to penetrate society that is very closed to the outside world. Thus Christianity is considered a foreign religion that is outside their comfort circle. There are aspects of unity and community in Japan, that if sanctified, would be good for others to emulate.
5. What are their felt needs? What hopes, fears, struggles, etc. do they have? How did you begin to deal with these issues in a Christian way? What response have they shown to your love for them?
As a primarily Buddhist and Shinto nation, people are bound by idolatry which controls with fear. So the people are generally superstitious and fearful in many areas of life. It is necessary to first present God as the God of Love. There is no love in idolatry. Then we show God’s sovereignty over the devil and all the creation. This helps them move from fear to faith in Jesus Christ. Our love for the Japanese people is best shown and proven through small consistent acts of kindness and that has been well received. There is a need for “power evangelism” to help many get entirely free from idolatry. There is much spiritual warfare here.
6. What barriers did you face in reaching them? How did you penetrate those barriers? What were some of the struggles you personally experienced in doing so?
Language! There are three alphabets. The Japanese Kanji is a derivative of Chinese and there are thousands of complicated characters with many strokes. The society is also difficult to enter. We are called “gaijin” which means outside person. The way of thinking, interpersonal relationships, food, music and etc are all different. At first, much of what we present is rejected on face value before it even has a chance to be fully considered or examined. That can be extremely frustrating when your efforts to help someone are based on genuine love and concern.
7. How do you ‘feel’ toward the people you are serving? How did you grow to love them? Did you have problems with prejudice along the way?
We truly love the Japanese very much. Nearly 40 years of our lives have been dedicated to reaching the people and nation of Japan. That is a life time. One would not make that kind of commitment to people they did not love and care about. Prejudice is something we live with on a daily basis. It comes out in many ways. Sitting on a train with an empty seat beside us. Then the people will select a seat further away almost 100% of the time. Part of that is fear and a lack of confidence that they cannot speak English so it is better to avoid any circumstances that may cause them embarrassment. They don’t realize that the act of avoidance is a form of prejudice. We could write a book on the subject.
8. How could we right here learn to love them? Could you give specific suggestions on what to do?
Firstly, you need to learn more about Japan – the people, history, culture, food and language. Find opportunity to meet and interact with them. Find out about homestays inviting a Japanese High School student to live in with your family. Most of these have very positive results. Plan to visit Japan for a vacation. Use the internet to learn more.
9. How could we become more personally involved with you through meaningful prayer? What should we pray for and why?
Prayer is crucial. It needs to be consistent or even daily. It does not have to be long or protracted. A simple systematic and sincere daily calling out our names, needs and the nation of Japan is a great start. We issue monthly 4 page updates giving the latest news and needs. Personal emails or phone calls can be exchanged where more intimate details and information can be shared.
The cost of living in Japan is among the most expensive in the world. Finances are always a challenge and can be quite discouraging and distracting from the work of the Gospel. We need prayer covering for physical health and emotional well being. There is a need for intercession for the doors of hearts to be opened. There is a need for intercession against spiritual strongholds to be broken and pulled down which hinder people from hearing and receiving the gospel. The churches here are small and weak in many aspects. The pastor’s average age is 60 meaning that a young generation needs to be raised up. The believers still suffer much family and social persecution for their choice to follow Jesus Christ. They are often treated as social outcasts. The list could go on and on…..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)