SUMites, Ann here.

When I read scripture, I find the words of God so creative. 

I sometimes like to take them and turn them into a prayer for my home, or a prayer for someone I know.

Well, today, in that spirit, here's a prayer for our homes. How about we all pray this together? There is power when we speak in unison.

Lord, make my home like Eden, like the garden of the Lord, that it will be full of joy and gladness, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.

(Inspired by Isaiah 51:3)

Amen!

Ann

SUMites

Today I wanted to talk about God's financial provision.

I regularly thank God for his provision. My journal has quite a few sentences in it where I have written:

Thank you, Lord, for the financial provision. Thank you thank you thank you.

Especially this year. Here's why:

In 2019 I gave up my career. I was a university lecturer and had a rewarding job. It was the kind of job you stay in forever: In fact, university lecturers do; nobody leaves that kind of job as it's comfy. BUT, in 2019, I did leave it. The reason: I felt a call to ministry.

Gulp. It is not an easy thing to feel a call to ministry when your spouse is not in any way on that path!! But that's a whole other bottle of wine.

Anyway, this call I felt was really strong, to the point I couldn't resist it. It was plainly obvious that I needed to leave work. At that point, I wasn't actually in ministry, and had no idea where God was calling me. Nevertheless, I said goodbye to my job and started to volunteer on my church's leadership team.  Here's a photo of me closing my office on my last day: 9th July 2019.

What's next, Lord?

As I drove away from the office on that last day of work, there was a full, bright rainbow stretching horizontally over the road ahead of me. It was as if God was saying 'Know that I'm in this'. I remember reaching home and texting Lynn, Ian, Tiffany and Martha (our SUM writing team at the time). They cheered me on.

Eventually one thing led to another, and in 2020, I stepped into leadership of the SUM ministry. At that point it finally made sense as to why I had left my job, and all was well.

But what about the financial side of that decision?

Lynn and I don't take a salary and have no desire to. Instead, our husbands have been our financial providers. But somehow that's not all: God has looked after us in extra ways.

I know Lynn would agree with me when I say that God has treated us. He has been our inheritance and our great reward. I really mean that. This experience of volunteering in ministry has taught me that about God: He takes care of you. Not just financially, but in all ways. The finances are the least of it, actually. The greater joy is to have Him and to see all the good that he does.

But back to the finances, as that's the point of this post. While I've been leading the SUM ministry, Bryce and I have had windfalls that have been the same as what I would have earned. I can't even describe where these windfalls came from. Well, I could if I put my mind to it. 

One example: About two years ago, Bryce received a surprise letter from his employer saying that they had miscalculated his payments for the last few years and, to redress that, he would be getting a lump sum. It was like a redressing of something he'd missed out on, itemized year by year (like the years the locust had stolen in Joel!) It was such a random letter, and when the sum finally came I thought 'That's what I would have earned in 6 months.'

And so on. And so on.

The financial provision has continued while we've been in Europe. Bryce has been off work since March, so has had no income. It was his choice, but he needed the break. And we did it because Europe was strongly on our heart. Still, despite having no employment, money has come in (how?!) We also managed to find some particularly economical and nice accommodation in Europe that gave me such delight. I'm sure God was in it.

So what is the moral?

God provides. Through and through, he does.

SUMites, have you got a story of God's provision? 

Love to you all,

Ann

Hello SUMites

Do you have a burning story you'd love to tell? Something that could bless another reader on this blog?

Well, we're looking for guest posts and we would be delighted to receive your contributions. It is so helpful to others when they can hear the story of someone else who has walked a similar path.

So, if that lights a little flame of an idea in you, here are our guest post guidelines -- 

• Write up to 750 words maximum
• Focus your post on a topic that relates to spiritually mismatched marriage, or life with Jesus
• Be honest and encouraging
• Include a lesson or moral of some sort
• Use scripture references, including the translation in brackets after the scripture
• Finally, include a photo of, and short bio, about yourself, along with your full name

Once we receive your post, we will do a little edit with you so that it fits with our style, but that is a nice process of collaboration. Finally, we can't absolutely promise to publish your post, although we always try our best to!

Ok, over to you, and happy writing! 

Ann

Ann here!

I remember God showing me once, that during my SUM I would grow, grow and grow some more. I would grow until I was so tall and spindly that I would see everything with a heavenly perspective.

He said, however, that I would cry a lot of tears as I grow. Oh yes, I have!

But, eventually, instead of seeing my circumstances from on the ground, he told me I would have helicopter vision, so that I could see the circumstance from above.

What a promise!

And yes, I would say that over the years of being in a SUM, I have had a perspective shift. Perhaps some of you have too.

This has got me thinking: I wonder if there are ways we can train ourselves to see things from God's perspective? What do you think?

Well, I do think there are a couple of things we can do to learn to see things the way God does. The first is to read his word daily. But in addition to this, another way I get into God's 'head' is to read specific parts of scripture that are heavenly. That is, I like to read parts of scripture, specifically, that take my mind into the heavenly realm.

One such passage of scripture is Ezekiel 1. 

So how about we take a look at that chapter today?

In Ezekiel 1, we find the prophet Ezekiel sitting by a riverbank with the Jewish captives who have been brought to Babylon as slaves. It is a terrible situation. There they are in the mud, or dust, of the riverbank, crying.

Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept
    as we thought of Jerusalem. (Psalm 137:1, NLT)

Many, many, many tears were shed by the Jews, and I'm sure by Ezekiel also. God held those tears close to his heart, just like he remembers all the tears we shed over our SUMs.

You keep track of all my sorrows.
    You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
    You have recorded each one in your book. (Psalm 56:8, NLT)

But THEN something dramatic happens! This part is crazily exciting!! It's a clear contrast to the mud, tears, muck and dust of their desperate circumstance. Ezekiel says --

 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north—an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures ... (Ezekiel 1:4-5, NIV)

And so begins a massive vision that Ezekiel has of heavenly things. It is spectacular, wonderful, and life-changing. And this is God! SUMites, in our world, yes, we're sitting on the riverbank of our SUMs, sometimes wanting to have a good old cry, but this is the glorious truth: There is a windstorm in the heavenlies, there is glory, there is power! 

My friends, this week how about we each read Ezekiel 1 a few times? It would be a great way to remind ourselves of the heavenly realm and get that realm into our hearts.

In the meantime, has God shown you certain things about your SUM from a heavenly perspective?

Love you all!

Ann

SUMites, Ann here, I have missed you!

While having a pause from writing, I have been luxuriously snacking on Lynn's Bible study. Wasn't it great to marinate in the words of Jesus.

Thank you also to you, SUMites, for your prayers and kind comments to me behind the scenes as I took the month off. 

Anyway, Bryce and I have now finished our travels and come home to New Zealand. The photo here is of our view as we landed. It is a beautiful homeland, and it is marvelous to be back.

But we are over the moon, most of all, to be back with our two boys. God looked after them well while we were gone. 

Meanwhile, across the ocean, Lynn is coming into a sunnier place after Mike's cancer treatment. She has seen her daughter married, and God has provided for her during this hard time. She too will be coming home in the next few weeks.

Isn't it strange that Lynn and I have both been away from home for quite an extended season, but now we are back. It's been a strange season, but it's as if we are now picking up our tools again, looking at them, examining them, and wondering what to do with this new-found time that we will have.

In this spirit, it seems timely to ask God for what is next. So, perhaps we can pray this together --

Lord, give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation for this next season of the SUM ministry. Lord, we invite you to be all over this community, this ministry, this blog. Open our ears wide to what is next.

We speak your name -- JESUS -- with joy and gusto! And we pray your name over this blog.

Bless the team who lead SUM, bless the readers, and lead those who need it to come and find our little home on the web.

In your name, Jesus, we always pray.

Amen!

Back next time, dear SUMites.

Ann

John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you..

One of the main topics that Jesus was trying to communicate to the disciples on His final night of ministry before the Cross is to abide.

Several scripture verses in chapter 15, Jesus implores the disciples to abide in Him. And we have already covered the aspect of Jesus pointing us to the Father and how we are in one another (John 14:20.)

But WHY is this topic so important? Why is Jesus doing everything He can to communicate this notion of abiding and to dwell in the Father?

This is the answer. Jesus is helping the men who have been serving Him for three years move from slave to friend. Within this transformation we discover all the blessings that Jesus outlines in these few chapters. Read them again and see what becomes ours such as “you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you (John 15:7).” Say what???? That’s amazing.

God wants a friend.

Let me explain it in “Lynn” terms.

For three years the followers of Jesus operated in a slave mentality. And that is OKAY. Truly, we are to be slaves of Christ and through sheer obedience we learn many aspects and truths about the Kingdom of God.

But, now listen to this, a slave doesn’t know the why.

A master will give a command to go do such and such. And the slave will go and do. However, the slave lacks the understanding behind the Master’s order (desire).

Moving from slave to friend, or better said, moving from slave to Child of God is when we are invited into understanding, conversation, and even decision sharing or decision making with God.

Whoa!!!!

Examples of people who became a friend of God are in the Word. These are people who could reason with God, discuss a change of events, even sway the Lord in His opinions of actions. The story that comes to my mind is when Abraham reasoned with God about saving Sodom and Gomorrah.

Noah, Elisha, David, Enoch and more became more than slaves, they knew the mind and heart of God. They were trusted in God’s court. They were men of renown.

God wants obedience, but mostly because blind obedience will keep us out of the devil’s hands. But our Father desires a trusted friendship, a mature son or mature daughter who can ask the hard questions and receive answers. He wants a people who know what is the right thing and will do it without needing to pray about the issue. He wants a people who know Him and realize life will work out okay and for His glory.

It’s time for this Bible study to conclude. So many wonderful and powerful lessons are within these few chapters in the book of John. But the best lesson you can take out of this is abiding and becoming a friend of God.

Why?

The answer rests in the prayer in John Chapter 17. It’s magnificent. Go read it now.

Thank you for studying the Word of God with me. I adore you.

Did you enjoy this study?

Was it helpful to develop concepts of faith for you?

Did it make you ponder and meditate of the meaning of the passages?

Were you encouraged?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Blessings and hugs, Lynn

Politics and the Unequally Yoked

Lynn here.

Politics in the Bible? John Chapter 14?

I’m so glad you asked.

Let’s quickly define the scenario that is often at hand in our mismatched marriages as it relates to politics (and religion).

In our marriages we view life, morals, beliefs and purpose through the lens of God’s Word. There is a clash of world views within our marriage relationship and within our home. For me, our political views are as different as our religious perspectives. However, our faith differences have lessoned over the last several years, but our political views can still clash.

But, within the context of John, chapters 14 & 15 and a verse in 16 we can rest, without a doubt, in the truth. Jesus begins to describe the “Helper.”

This is such a profound new thing for the disciples. And the Holy Spirit is so important to us as New Covenant believers that Jesus said this:

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16: 7

Say what????

It’s better for us to have the Holy Spirit than to have Jesus, Himself with us.

So, here is the key to the Holy Spirit. Remember, I told you that this summer the Holy Spirit was teaching me to ASK Him to manifest. I’m more convinced than ever that we NEED to ask for His help, strength, wisdom, and peace.

When we ask, this is what happens. We gain power in the spiritual, which impacts the natural realm. This is why Jesus sent the Helper. And boy howdy, do we ever need power. But also, we gain discernment and wisdom.

It becomes quite easy to discern the heart of a person, good or bad. It becomes easy to hear a lie and then reject it by replacing it with truth.

Example: I will not watch the news because I just can’t put up with the lies or half-truths (distortions). My Holy Spirit meter starts to fire almost with every story and especially when it comes to politics.

So, want to test this out? Watch the news after praying and asking the Holy Spirit to manifest and reveal truth.

How does this affect our marriages? Well, when it becomes common place to recognize the lies and know the truth, you don’t need to engage, fight, or defend. You also don’t walk around in confusion. It becomes very peaceful.

Give it a try. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest next time you walk into a meeting at work. Ask the Holy Spirit to manifest in your prayer time and in Worship. That will be an amazing experience. Be persistent. This is a lifetime of abiding in the Lord. Learning to manifest this precious Spirit was so important that it’s a large portion of what Jesus taught the disciples on His last day on earth.

Don’t you think it should be profoundly important to us today?

Thoughts? I want to hear your understanding on what Jesus is teaching about the Holy Spirit. PS. No right or wrong answers here, only learning. See you in the comments.

Blessings and hugs, Lynn

Hi Sumites, Lynn Donovan here.

A few weeks ago, I was stuffed in the backseat of a rental car with my two granddaughters. My son and his wife were driving us to an overlook in Portland where we would view the entire city and the volcano in the background. It was spectacular.

Somewhere in the conversation topics that ensued in the backseat, ranging from gymnastics, hair styles, boys, and parents, my eldest granddaughter shared a story about a girl at school who said to another girl who didn’t believe in God that “said” girl would go to hell.

Wow, nothing like being put on the spot. So, here is my best recollection of my response to this statement. “Well, you know that we all will make a choice about our beliefs in Jesus and God. And the girl who told the other girl she would go to hell probably heard that from her parents. But, what this sounds like to that child is that God is mean.”

I continued, “Why would anyone want to find out more about a God that is mean?” They both listened earnestly. Parents ears in the front seat tuned in.

“God doesn’t send people to hell. He doesn’t hurt people or make them sick. He loves them and cares about every detail about our lives. He loves our dogs, and he is with you kids in your classrooms at school. He would never hurt you.”

“This little girl only heard that God is mean and cruel but never learns about the good Father that we really have.”

“Now, on the other hand, the devil will do everything to hurt, destroy and make you sick.” At that point the conversation bounced to another topic. But the truth was made clear. God is good and it’s the devil that is the “bad guy.” (PS. Just for clarity, God doesn't send people to hell. Indeed, we choose hell for ourselves. *gulp*)

Sometimes you just have to tell people about the real God, our Father. Who is kind, loving, and filled with goodness and forgiveness.

John, Chapter 14 reveals the entire purpose of Jesus ministry. His ministry, not His death and resurrection.

The ministry of Jesus was and IS: To reveal the Father. And reveal that He is good!

The entire exchange with Philip is our invitation to “know” the Father. To understand and experience God, as an intimate and good Father, because we have seen and know Jesus.

The implications of being known and knowing God as Father are so far reaching, I doubt we can unpack it all, if ever.

Jesus leads the disciples to a statement that is life changing.

Verses 19 & 20: A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Knowing the Father will lead us to comprehend who we are because He is in us, and we are in Him. We understand the power and authority we hold. The significance and the identity we receive from this statement, is a complete mind-blow.

If we are in God, and God in us, why would we fear the future. If this is true, we can do all things through Christ. We are more than conquerors. We are the head and not the tail. We are loved, strong, stable, fortified, provided for, never forgotten, abandoned, or insecure.

In all truth, I've only slightly begun to unpack the implication of these verses in my life. But knowing this, assures me that I hear God’s voice, that I will overcome everything the devil sends my direction, I am secure in my life, health, finances and I have a GREAT hope for every day of my future.

Sure, sometimes the chaos of the enemy works to pervert this truthful knowledge but, my greatest warfare is to simple return to the truth. Jesus is in God, the Father, and I am in Jesus and He is in me. This is the beauty of the Holy Spirit that abides within. God in us. How could we ever lose?

Gang, if you understand the implications of this message in John 14, please share. I’m waiting with great anticipation to hear what you think.

I love you. PS. If Jesus is in the Father, and you are in Christ and I am in Christ, does this mean we are all connected and within one another?

So many crazy and profound thoughts to consider.

Lynn

John 14:5-6 – “Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

The three ‘I am’ statements in verse 6 are incredible in their significance and as a result, provide tremendous pointers to living a life in the Kingdom of God. Remember, the Kingdom of God is here and now because the King is here within us, so we have access to his Kingdom now.

Interestingly, it is Thomas (the doubting one) who initiates Jesus’ bold statement. And it is his question that I wanted to focus on in this post.

Not Knowing

We like to know things, don’t we? I sure do. I enjoy that feeling of being in control. Knowing what’s going to happen and/or where we are headed next helps us feel more in control. Control is often accompanied by a feeling of safety.

We SUMites know a lot about NOT knowing when it comes to the timeframe in which our partner might join us in following Jesus. Or if they ever will. Accordingly, lots of other things follow that not knowing. All the uncertainty about committing to activities and people at church? Or even attending church? What schools our kids might attend and on and on. It brings with it a lot of uncertainty.

The way to God gets a little muddy for we SUMites. We want our house to be full of God but can it when the partner we love doesn’t share our heart for God?

And so we wait. And wait some more.

Pressing in

Interestingly, I believe Jesus answers our questions as much as He does Thomas’. And I take great encouragement from observing Lynn’s life, Ann’s life and Dineen (retired co-founder) life. Amongst all the hurdles, challenges and waiting, they all chose to press into Jesus. And to keep pressing in. Because they chose to believe that he is true to his word: that he is the Way to the Father, he is the truth (John 1 tells us he is the Word) and the life, that is, he is the source of all we need.

All three of them have discovered the wonder and beauty of intimacy with Jesus and realised grace upon grace within their families and homes. No, it hasn’t been easy, but they made a choice to follow Jesus and He is always faithful to those who make that choice.

Let me close with a snippet of a prayer I prayed at church on Sunday. I pray this over all of us:

“Jesus, help us to become good at waiting. Waiting can be hard and often scary. Waiting for test results, a diagnosis, bones to heal, a job offer, or what’s in store for the next season, the next year. Teach us that it’s okay not to know. Fill us with more faith to wait upon you. To lean into the wait by seeking you first. You are the tree of life, the magnificent wise oak tree, help us hang out under your foliage while we wait … until you shine the light upon our path, produce the fruit in us for greater overflow. In Your loving and ever faithful Name. Amen”

Wait well, dear SUMites. Keep choosing Jesus every day.

Much love