Category: Bruce Posts (Page 129 of 211)

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36

Thine.  Funny word.  Recited the Lord’s prayer countless times every morning in public school.  It means “Yours.”  God’s Kingdom belongs to Him.  It shall never fail, it will not be shaken.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Heb 12:28

Jesus is securely seated on His eternal throne.  We as believers serve Him now in this life, and long for the next.  Until that day, we groan with creation ((Rom 8:22), waiting anxiously for his glorious appearing.  Nations will rise, nations will fall, but the believer is not shaken – because their King is not moved.

We are called to pray for our governments, and seek the greatest good of those in authority over us (salvation!).  We are to be peacemakers, and messengers of hope through Jesus Christ.  We practice surrender to the King of the universe, while exemplifying His love, humility, with grateful hearts.  We are promised our actions towards one another will speak volumes, and even confirm the reality of the risen Savior.

Unless we are overtly called up on to reject the true King, or substitute our Christian practice for that of an idolatrous nation or culture, antagonistic or provocative aggression is neither right or fruitful for the believer.  We are seeing glimpses of anarchy on the streets of Kiev, and I struggle with the Christian support of it.

The real revolution, within the context of the Christian worldview, must first take place within the heart.  The real uprooting of evil starts with personal confession.

We all want to see a greater justice in this life.  We can and should stand up for what is right and good.  But we must remember that God is not on the side of any earthly political party.  He is on the side of those that are on His.

We must make it our primary goal in life to grow His political base – through the means prescribed, and empowered by His spirit.   This is not to belittle the importance of public outcry, or discourage those that protest.  Wickedness will continue long after political parties are changed, as long as there are is rebellion in the heart of man.  Wickedness is not driven out by aggression.  The Word of God reveals this, and the history of mankind confirms it.

Our family has received word last week that our Ukrainian Permanent Residency documents have finally processed, and are approved for Deb and the kids.   This means that when we should have them all in hand this February.  We’ll no longer need to exit/enter the country based on the changing visa laws, save on the travel and visa costs, and generally save a lot of time and frustration dealing with the government.   Thankful for all the people who have helped the past few years, including Svetlana, and most recently Natasha.  These documents are no small miracle for our family.

Enjoyed reconnecting with Chris Bennett – college buddy, in my wedding – haven’t seen for 19yrs!

We still don’t have gas or heat at the Cafe.  It sits frozen and empty in the middle of our town.  Nor do we have any promise or expectation that it will be turned on anytime soon.  We’ve paid the fees (over $4,000), signed the documents, and wait.  We call regularly, but are given little to no information why we have now waited over 3 months.   The small programming office we had functioning on the 2nd floor has been displaced – currently using my house as headquarters.

Our little Abbey was a joy this Christmas.

I spoke with Natasha this weekend, and she informs me that the town council finally met and approved (after several mishaps intentional or not) our business permit.  She received a call on Dec 31st that it was ready for pick up.  We provided some chocolate and chamgpaine (cultural combo at New Years) in appreciation of the results, to which they were thrilled.  They then asked us when we will open as one of the ladies wants to host a birthday party for their child.

We return January 15th.  Time has flown by, but we are thankful for my parents, and family in the area reminding us how blessed we are in several countries.

Thanks for checking in.  We’ll be updating with more soon after we return to Ukraine next week.  We appreciate and covet your prayer support over the next few weeks as we transition back, logistics, travel etc.

Bruce & Deb Crowe

Our family is headed off to Canada for the month of December.  It’s been 2yrs since we’ve traveled across the Atlantic as a family – and we’re remembering why.. this is a lot of work!

With the Cafe still in limbo with Gas / Heat, we figured it was a grand opportunity to get some rest and make some memories.  The kids finished their last day of school today, and are beyond excited.

Deb has been furiously packing for the crew of 9, and Cheryl (the resident angel to many) cleaning and helping.

Snack Prep for the Plane.

Gena and Viktor, showing us the newly purchased property.

This past week we were really encouraged by a few brothers in Christ that are leading a ministry called, “Hope For Orphans”.  I will share more about this later, but wanted to include a couple photos.

They have bought 20 hectares of property just north of us (3 km) that they intend to develop for a variety of Christian ministries, including discipleship/Christian Camping in the spring.  It was cool to hear their heart, vision and gather local missionaries together to be encouraged at what God is orchestrating for His glory.  God is building His church, a people called out, separated from the world, but distinct and changing it from within.

The work of God is consuming.  It is greater than our individual efforts, callings, passions and gifts.  We are instruments in this great Kingdom work, and involved anytime we, as believers make ourselves available.   This past season our hearts have desired working with more like-minded believers, those with a passion for the Kingdom and specifically church planting.  It’s so encouraging to find others seeking out the same thing.  We believe 2014 will mark some steps towards the formation of a discipleship training school or center and more travel, including Russia as God opens doors.

Please pray with us towards this end.   We believe God has put this desire to raise up, disciple and send young men and women in this part of the world in a more strategic fashion.

Being around folks like Gena and Viktor fuel this desire and faith that God is doing the impossible in Ukraine, and bringing together resources to advance the life changing message of Jesus Christ.  He is the Good Shepherd, leading, providing, protecting, correcting, and encouraging.    Lord lead us.

Our kids teachers meeting to give us an update – mostly good news 🙂

Every day when we go to the Ukrainian school, the kids run and jump in and around my van. They are sweet kids.  The girls from the orphanage absolutely adore Deb, and lunge into her with tight hugs.

We’re going to miss them, but happy that some friends of ours here are going to try and love on them as well while we are away.  They get so bored out there with nothing to do, especially on the weekends.

Here’s a taste of my view several times per week when visiting or picking up the kids.

We will update again in a few weeks, from Canada – please continue to pray for the Cafe documents (city council made mistakes and redoing), and Gas/heat.  When asking what the delay was for them to get working on it, they simply responded, “You took so long to pay the bill, now you need to wait.”  Such is the nature of business in this part of the world.  If you don’t give a bribe, things can take an eternity – but we believe this place will have a testimony that will outlast these momentary hurdles.

Thanks for checking in! If you are in Prince Edward County area and would like to connect, give me a call at my parents or email me bruce@liftupyoureyes.org

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, ⁵ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, ⁶ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ^7 [b]bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸ Love never fails.

I’m not sure if I’ve attended a wedding without this verse being referenced, quoted or sung.  We all want love.  Now you’re singing with the Beatles.

We enjoy it when we feel it, and possibly more when we give it.  It’s amazing how practical it is.  I’m glad Paul, in 1 Corinthians clearly defines what it is.  In a culture that emphasizes emotion over substance, we can quickly forget the powerful nature of true love.

I’ve been thinking all week about verse 7.  Love does four things in that one verse that speaks to the motivations of our hearts:

1. Bears all things.  We carry each others burdens.  We put up with each others weaknesses, and choose to focus on the commonality, and attractiveness of our various strengths.  Ultimately Jesus carried us, representing human kind, you and me, on the cross.

2. Believes all things.  I love this about biblical, real love.  Love wants to see your friend free, at liberty in Christ, unchained and living with joy.  Love believes the best about someone’s motives, rallies behind them and supports.  Love is a posture of good intention, wanting God’s ultimate best for your neighbor.

3. Hopes all things.  Because Jesus rose from the grave, we have a living hope.  Our hope is eternal, fixed on the power and unchanging nature of our loving God.  This hope changes us, and begins to shape how we see our circumstances.  We don’t deny this world is full of peril, misunderstanding, sin and darkness.  However, we see through it as temporary, and rejoice that God, even now, reigns.  Biblical love hopes, and doesn’t get loss in worry.

4. Endures all things.  We are called upon, at certain times in our lives, to endure hardships.  Perseverance speaks of pushing against an obstacle or opposing force.  I’m glad to know there is a love that doesn’t give up.  We have been loved with this perfect love.  It’s a love that has endured through generations, and will continue to through all of eternity.  We are called to tap into this enduring love, to press on and love others this way.

Love bears, believes, hopes and endures.  Lastly, it never fails.

My love, at times, has failed.  I have demonstrated all too often a love that has quickly given up and quit hoping.  I’m asking God to change me.  To pursue with more intention, to speak the truth in love, and fear less about the consequences.  To fear God in my love, more than the reaction of man.  We can live at peace with folks, and never love them.  Sometimes love can really hurt – but it never fails.

To love well, I think we must know Christ well.  Abide in Him, and Him in you.  You may not feel lovable, you may feel unworthy, those are simply Satan’s lies.  The love of God for you has been shown on the Cross.  Focus there, start there, get to know this love by acknowledging your weakness and inability to please Him in the flesh.  Come as a sinner, come as the hurting, come as the tired, just come.

Hey I’m going to pray now, want to pray with me?

“Father God, teach me to love.  Give us grace to embrace the ‘not to easy’ parts of love.  To reach out, care, and put myself in more vulnerable places.  Let your love work in me, and through me today.  Help me to bear more burdens, and faithfully bring them to you.  Help me to receive your perfect love, casting out all fear.   Through Jesus your exalted Son,

– amen