Exceptional Help

God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ~Acts 17:27

My Pentateuch class at Anna Sanders Bible Institute in Mexico City, just started studying Exodus and I am intrigued by the exceptional part that women played in the history of Israel.

As we remember from Sunday School, there is a new Pharoah in town; one that does not know Joseph nor how he blessed the nation of Egypt. Intimidated by the numerous Israelites, this Pharaoh initiates a three-fold plan to thwart their growth. First he oppresses them with forced labor, then he recruits midwives to kill the newborn Hebrew boys, next he orders the Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile.

However, his plan is consistantly thwarted by the women in the story: The life affirming midwives refuse to kill the newborns, loving mom Jochebed hides her son, wise sister Miriam offers timely advice for the newfound infant, and finally the merciful Pharoah's daughter receives Moses as her own. Where would the nation of Israel be without the integrity, creativeness, wisdom and compassion of the women in this story!

When God created Eve he endowed her with a worthy title: helper. Lest we think that this moniker somehow means weaker or less capable let's remember that Israel called upon the Lord by the same name: But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper . . . ~Psalm 146:5.

An appropriate helper is not inferior to the one they help but rather one who is capable and suitable for the task at hand. The Exodus story highlights many helpers who are responsible for advancing God's divine plan of redemption.

Our lives here in Mexico are filled with numerous helpers as well; fellow missionaries, neighbors, and friends who day by day help us acclimate to the culture, learn the language, and partner with us in ministry.

Of course, Stuart and I enjoy helping too. In the last year, we have helped a local church get a new start, taught Bible at our kids' school, preached at church, and taught at the Anna Sanders Bible Institute. And this year we look forward to helping even more.

We appreciate your valuable help as well. You have prayed for us, supported us financially, sent encouraging letters, and remembered us on our birthdays. We can't do this without you.

Thanks for your help. 

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. ~Romans 12:13

God only Wise

In his First Letter to Timothy, Paul writes and encourages his son in the faith. Between instructions on how to refute the false teaching that had infiltrated the young church in Ephesus and instructions on worship, Paul interjects a short testimony.


12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~1 Timothy 1:12-17


So it is here, in Paul's assessment of his former self and Paul's realization of who God is, do we find the inspiration behind this majestic hymn. When the undeserving, ignorant, and the worst of sinners collides with the all-gracious, most merciful, and all-powerful Redeemer an explosion of praise results. 


Whenever I hear this hymn I want to explode in praise! Because when the realization of who I really am confronts the majesty of who God truly is then I can rejoice knowing that his compassion exceeds my deepest longings, his generosity surpasses my greatest needs, and his radiance shines brighter than my richest imaginations.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,

In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Not wanting, not wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above,
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

To all life Thou givest—to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
Then wither and perish, but naught changeth Thee.

Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in Light.
Thine angels adore Thee all veiling their sight.
All praise we would render: O help us to see
'Tis only the splendor of Light hiddeth Thee.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
But of all Thy rich graces this grace, Lord, impart
Take the veil from our faces, the vile from our heart.

All laud we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee,
And so let Thy glory, Almighty, impart,
Through Christ in His story, Thy Christ to the heart.