The Creels' Catch

Week 2 – Adventure

Last week was our second week in the city of Phnom Penh. We did paperwork for our visa extension and apartment hunting. We thank the Lord for the kindness of Voice of Love (FEBC) staff helping us with the paperwork. At the same time, we looked at several apartment condos in the area. We also thank the Lord for the kindness of the staff of Quality Expat Services who are helping us to look for different apartment condos. Most of the apartment/condos are in high rise buildings.

This past weekend while recovering from jetlag, trying to adjust to a warm climate and different environment, we went to a park and the riverside.

While going around the city, we noticed many places that have altars and images of the traditional religion. It seems many people are engaged in traditional religion as we see food and other items offered on altars and carved images. It is sad to see many people worshipping gods that do not have life. As the Bible says,

“They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see; ⁶They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell; ⁷They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk;
Nor do they mutter through their throat.
Psalm 115: 3-7

We are praying for many eyes to be opened to the One True God, who loves and cares for them. When we meet people like taxi or rickshaw drivers, shop workers, and others, we try to tell them, “Our God in heaven bless you!” Sometimes we say, “Our God in heaven cares for you, His name is Jesus!”

It feels overwhelming sometimes to see many people who need to know the One True God who created and saved them. We are praying that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers to the harvest field. (Matthew 9:37-39).

We are also grateful to our Lord for His provision, faithfulness, and protection. The Lord provided for us even before we arrived. We have household stuff that we are using now from friends who used to live here, Mike & Brigit. We are thankful to the Lord for keeping us safe while we ride around the city, and for a trusted driver, another blessing from Mike & Brigit. We are thankful also for little ways God encourages us, like finding almond milk, breakfast cereal and other USA products we are familiar with. We thank our Lord God for His faithful provision for all our needs. We thank Him for friends and ministry partners who pray and support us.

A Little Adventure to Share:

Here is a little adventure to share about the first day we arrived in the city. After checking into the apartment/condo and getting into the room, I said a little prayer. We needed to go out to buy some items at the store. When I saw a safe deposit box in the closet, I thought we could keep our passports there and not carry them around. It did not look like the regular safes I had seen in other hotels that have numerical keypads. (Later, I found out, it had a numerical keypad behind a cover). After I placed my passport in the safe and shut the door with the key, I tried to open it but it would not open. After several tries, still it wouldn’t open. We asked help from the hotel staff and they could not help either. They said, somebody will come in the morning to help. David and I spent a lot of times in the afternoon and the following morning trying to crack the safe. David researched online how to open or crack a safe. We were getting anxious about the situation. We prayed hard and earnestly.

The following morning, we again asked the staff for their help. They kept telling us, the manager was on her way.

That morning, as I prayed and had my morning time with the Lord, He reminded of His Words in Ephesians

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. … ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

¹⁴Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6:10-17 NKJV)

The Word of God in Ephesians 6 spoke to me, first to be strong. When I started to think of the worst, and when doubts and fears started to creep in, the Words of the Lord encouraged me to be strong and to take “the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

Instead of fear and doubts, I was reminded to have faith that our Lord God would send help and will take care of us.

After asking a few times, the manager finally arrived just before 12:00 noon. She had the passcode of the safe box, opened it, and got my passport, PRAISE the Lord! Thank you Lord Jesus!

Bible Quotations from Bible Gateway

It’s All About Him!

“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” Psalm 121: 8

After many months of cleaning, sorting and packing, the past few weeks have been like a whirlwind for us! We had several get togethers with extended family, friends, church folks and neighbors. We thank and praise the Lord for the outpourings of love through potluck meals, well-wishes, prayers, cards, gifts, etc. Though emotional to say goodbye to everybody, we are grateful to our Lord for His love and goodness expressed through every individual.

One of the greeting cards that touched our hearts was a handmade card from the children of our home church, Christ Central Church.

We praise and thank the Lord for His grace, wisdom, and strength and for sustaining us over the past few months in the most challenging and difficult time of transition. Changes are not usually easy. Moving house, especially international moving is not fun. But we thank and praise our Lord for everyone who gives to our ministry and for everyone who prays for us so we could serve Him. It is a privilege and honor to serve our Lord and to be called by Him. We also thank everyone who helped us in practical ways such as transporting items to storage, and those who helped in other ways.

Again, it’s all about Him, our Lord Jesus Christ, the very first missionary, who came from His heavenly home to earth.

This is not the end, but just the beginning of a new adventure – Jesus’ Call to His Harvest Field, Adventures in the Mission Field

Part 2 – In Singapore

We started our long journey from Alabama on February 27^th, going first to Houston, then to San Francisco and arriving in Singapore on March 3rd. While staying at the Retreat Center of Salvation Army, the Lord encouraged us with the words written on the wall: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

While attending a church there on Sunday morning, again the Lord encouraged us through His words:

“The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121:8)

Singapore is an interesting place, a melting pot of all kinds of people in Asia. We saw many people from different backgrounds; Islamic people perhaps from Indonesia and Malaysia. There were also people from Hindu backgrounds, Buddhists, Christians, and perhaps people from non-religious backgrounds. We enjoyed a couple of days as we recouped from our long journey.

Part 3 – Cambodia

On March 6th, we finally arrived in the city of Phnom Penh.

We received a warm welcome from FEBC Voice of Love.

It’s nice to reconnect with the staff and workers of Voice of Love Cambodia (FEBC Cambodia). We are touched by their warm welcome, as they presented us with a nice gift of a purple shawl with the official logo of the ministry and with matching white flower-garlands.

Again, we praise and thank the Lord for His faithfulness, for His love and kindness He has shown through our families, friends, neighbors, and church family. We are grateful also for each and everyone who prays and supports our ministry so we can serve Him.

In a recent message we heard, we were reminded that Mission is worship. It’s all about God, His heart for people from every nation and every tongue, to know Him and His love for them. And for them to worship Him.

We would appreciate your prayers as we adjust to a new culture, as we apply for a visa extension, and as we look for housing. Please pray also for wisdom and fruitfulness as we share the love of Christ in Cambodia. Thank you all, and our Lord Jesus bless you all!

In His Hands

“If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰Even there Your hand shall lead me, “Even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:9-10

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Life is always busy, but the past few months have been especially hectic. Packing, unpacking, and road trips to visit churches and ministry partners have kept us busier than usual. On top of that, unexpected and unwelcomed health issues came up for both my husband and me. A writer’s workshop was coming up, and I was interested in going. However, with other pressing matters and a long to-do list, I faltered and hesitated to go. I thought to myself, “How could we squeeze in a seven-hour drive to the coast? Surely, it would be more convenient to join online to save us time and money.”

Though hesitant, my husband suggested we go. When I got to the workshop, I tried to keep my mind off the next thing on my to-do list. After a couple of hours sitting and listening, I felt calm and peace. My mind stopped racing from concerns and the many things I needed to do. It helped me to sit still and focus. I was glad I came! I realized too, the Lord gave me the time to be away from the chaos and busyness of life, to just sit still and enjoy the moment. My husband and I even enjoyed a couple of days at the beach. Through the kindness of a friend, the Lord even took care of our accommodation, a nice condo by the beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean! Thank you, Lord!

While staying at the beach, I sensed the gentle whisper of the Lord saying something like, “Remember the time you made a commitment to follow Me as your Lord and Savior? Since then, your life has been in my hands.” I then realized that even when I stumble, falter, or fall – no matter what happens – my life is still in His hands. He is the One taking care of me and holding me still. I was not even aware that both my husband and I needed that that little break, a time off from the chaos of life. I learned, too, that God knew exactly what I needed. Even when I am not sure what to do, God still leads me. Since my life is in His hands, I can rest in His loving arms.

As the psalmist says in today’s reading:

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?… If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139: 9-10 (NKJV)

Prayer: Thank you, dear Lord, for your love and care. Help us to trust you always even amid chaos, and to remember our lives are secure in your loving hands.

Thought for the Day: When we follow Jesus as Lord and Savior, our lives are secure in His hands.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

(Note: Written in November 2022 as a devotional writing for Southern Christian Writers Conference, SCWC).

Christmas is Love!

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 NIV

Reading: Matthew Chapter 1

The name of Jesus literally means “Savior”. The angel was clear to Mary and Joseph when he said, Jesus will save His people from their sins, and not from the Roman rule and oppression, but from SIN. The people of Israel at that time of history was ruled by the Roman government. And according to history, many of the people suffered and were oppressed by the tyranny of the Roman rule. So many of the Jews or people of Israel were expecting and waiting for their Messiah, their Deliverer. They were expecting somebody that maybe like Moses or King David in the Old Testament who delivered the people of Israel from slavery and oppression. King David had fought many battles against the enemies of Israel- neighboring countries who tried to oppress them. So, many of the people of Israel on Jesus time on earth were waiting for their Messiah, someone to deliver them from the oppression of the Roman rule.

However, from the start and the plan of God was to send Jesus to save His people from their sins- from the bondage of sins. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The apostle John says, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! “ (John 1:29)

Marker for the birthplace of Jesus, Church of Nativity, Bethlehem

Reflection:

We may not be like the people of Israel in the past who were oppressed by foreign rule. However, many today are oppressed and in bondage to sin. Sin and evil has power over people’s lives. It is not easy to be released from the power of sin. No matter how much one tries, or do all the self-help and positive thinking, only Jesus has the power over sin and the evil one.

Only Jesus can save Israel and the people of the world from sin.

Christmas is love! For God so loved the people of the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him (Jesus) shall not perish, but will have eternal life (John 3:16).

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that You came us a humble baby to save us from our sins! I thank you for Your forgiveness and mercy. I praise You that you are the lamb that was slain and the only atonement for our sins.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Christmas is Hope!

The Church of Visitation, Israel. Mary visits Elizabeth, (Luke 1:39-45)

“Through the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us.”
A quote from Zacharias, Luke 1:78 (NKJV)

Have you ever believed for something, got disappointed, and lost hope? Here is a story of a man who had faith but lost hope – the story of Zacharias and Christmas from Luke chapter 1.

The young woman from Nazareth, Mary, received news from an angel of God that she would conceive a child who would be called Jesus, the Savior of the world (v. 26-35). The angel also told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was also expecting a baby. Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias were an older couple who had no child. Zacharias was a priest and lived in Judah (v. 5-6). An angel of God also told Zacharias that his wife would conceive a child (v. 13-14). The angel also told him the plans and purpose of God in the life of their coming son (v. 14-17). But Zacharias had difficulty believing that they would have a child since he and his wife were both old and past the age of bearing children (v. 18). The angel was grieved because of Zacharias’ unbelief, and he was struck with dumbness, unable to speak (v. 20). However, God still fulfilled His words and plans for the family.

Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son (v. 57). When the baby was about to be named, Zacharias was released from being mute. His first words were praise to God (v. 64). He was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke prophecy:

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited and redeemed His people…” (v. 68-79)

Imagine that for nine months, Zacharias was unable to speak – perhaps not for punishment but to discipline him for his unbelief. Perhaps God did not want Zacharias to mess up the plan by speaking negative words. However, God used the nine months of silence to work in Zacharias’ heart and mind. In those nine months, perhaps the Holy Spirit reminded Zacharias of the words of God:

“As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets,
Who have been since the world began…” (v. 70)

As a priest, he knew all the words of God – the Law of Moses and the Prophecies (v. 71-75).

He knew and perhaps memorized the prophecies about the coming of a Messiah, the Savior or Deliverer. In the book of Isaiah, which was written 700 years earlier, it says:

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
Make straight in the desert
A highway for our God…’” Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV)

Zacharias knew all the words in the written Scriptures. However, he was not expecting that these prophecies would be fulfilled in his lifetime or that he and his family would play a part in their fulfillment. He was very surprised, and almost in disbelief, that he would see the fulfillment in his days!

Because God Elohim is a covenant-keeping God, He kept His words spoken through the prophets that He would bring deliverance, that the Messiah would come. Zacharias, though not expecting, became part of the fulfillment of the prophecy. His very own child was part of the fulfillment, as spoken in Isaiah 40:3, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way…”

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways…” Luke 1:76 (NKJV)

For nine months of silence, Zacharias went back to studying the words of God. At the same time, the Holy Spirit worked in his heart despite his unbelief. Zacharias saw the fulfillment of God’s plan.

Through God’s tender mercy, God restored Zacharias’ ability to speak. He was a changed man. During nine months of silence, he re-learned the words of God, believed in his heart, and learned to praise God from his heart. He learned to use his mouth to give praise and adoration to God.

Reflection:

Perhaps some of us are like Zacharias, we believe but may have lost hope after many years of waiting. This Christmas may our Lord God, who is faithful and true give you a renewed hope and faith that He will do what He says He will do.

Prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to earth to give us a baby. Help us as we celebrate Christmas to have a renewed hope as we trust and wait on You.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Download

christmas_is_hope Download

Facts and Truth: Research and investigation

An Introduction to the history of Christmas.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

“…but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31 (NKJV)

Reading: Luke 1: 1-4

As we approach Christmas, a very important holiday in the Christian tradition, we would like to share the story of how it all began. Christmas is not just about toys, gifts, and Santa Claus; it’s really about the coming of Jesus to the earth. It’s a story of love. Most religions claim their founders as men who became gods, but only Jesus is the God who became a man because of God’s great love to save people from sin. God knew there was no way people could reach Him and meet His standards, so He sent Jesus to reach down to us, His created beings.

Although I have not seen Jesus physically, I know He lives! His story of coming to earth from heaven as a baby, His life, death, and resurrection are true facts. The story of Jesus is not a myth, nor a legend, but a real story that was written in accurate and orderly narrative as shown in Luke 1:4, “…so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been taught” (Complete Jewish Bible). To give a short introduction to the writer of the third Gospel in the New Testament, here is a brief background of Luke who did a thorough investigation and research of the life of Jesus.

Luke the writer of this Gospel was a highly educated person. According to tradition, Luke was a medical doctor, perhaps a personal physician of Paul. According to the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB), Theophilus was a high priest during or around the years 37-41 A.D. Theophilus may have been retired when Luke met him in A.D. 60. Other Bible scholars think Theophilus may have been a Roman official.

Luke was not around during the time of Jesus but had met some of His followers. He was taught by some of the followers of Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. Luke became a faithful companion of Paul in his missionary journeys, even during times of imprisonment. Paul, during his imprisonment and last days, wrote, “Only Luke is with me” 2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV). Luke later wrote the book of Acts.

In his Gospel, Luke wrote an orderly narrative from eyewitnesses of the life of Jesus when He was still on earth. (See Luke 1:2.) Luke did a systematic investigation and research of the life of Jesus through the personal testimonies of the people who had personally seen and known Jesus. Perhaps Luke interviewed some of the original disciples of Jesus, some of His friends, relatives, and family members such as His mother and other followers. Perhaps Luke even talked to some of those who had received healings and miracles directly from Jesus when He was still on earth.

So, from “word of mouth” oral tradition, Luke carefully investigated and wrote down testimonies and stories from eyewitnesses and from those who received teachings from Jesus.

Even though Luke did not meet Jesus in person, Luke heard many amazing stories about Jesus including His miraculous birth, teachings, healings, and miracles. According to some Bible scholars, Luke was a Gentile who became a Jewish convert. As mentioned earlier, He wrote the account of Jesus’ life to address a prominent person named Theophilus – to know for certain, to believe and receive Jesus as the Messiah, the Deliverer.

“…that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” Luke 1:4 (NKJV)

Perhaps, Theophilus had already heard the Gospel of Jesus and was sincerely wanting to better understand who Jesus was. So, Luke took time to research, investigate, and write the story of Jesus from firsthand eyewitnesses.

Reflection:

God, in His providence, allowed Luke to write the account of Jesus’ life which was backed up by research, stories, and testimonies of eyewitnesses. It was written that we might believe Jesus is the Christ. (See John 20:31.) It was written and later translated into our language (English) so that we might understand. This was done at great cost. As we read in church history, some people risked their very lives and others lost their lives translating the Bible. They sacrificed their lives for these stories to be written, translated, and printed. Thus, we have a sure foundation for our faith in Jesus. Currently, after more than 2000 years, there are still Bible translators working diligently to get this story, the Gospel in other languages so that they may hear and know Him, Jesus, as Lord and Savior.

Prayer: Thank You Jesus for your gift of faith. Thank you for your providence in having your story written and translated into many languages, so that every person in every tribe and nation can know You and have a well-founded faith.

Your Thoughts:

Your Prayer:

Alphabet of Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!

For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!

For His mercy endures forever. – Psalm 136:1-3

The Alphabet of Thanks!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” (From an old hymn)

“Count your blessing, name them one by one.” (Another old-time favorite song)

We are thankful, hopefully not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year. I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me be a grateful person, to give thanks to our Lord God, our maker, and our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ every day. Just today, I felt the Lord opened my eyes to see the countless blessings He has given us. So, I would like to share some of those blessings here in alphabetical order. This concept of “alphabet thanksgiving” is borrowed from a dear neighbor and friend. However, the content of thanksgiving is from our hearts.

Here is our “alphabet thanksgiving list” to our Creator God, the Giver of all blessings. We praise and thank our Lord God for the following physical and spiritual blessings:

A – Apostles (the 12 original disciples of Jesus who spread the Good News of salvation); Air we breathe, Animals (pets).

B – The Bible, the written Word of God in our language; the Bible is the Word of God.

^“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV)

Birds, books, babies, bread

C – Church family, Christians, and children. Also thankful for the blessing of computers to use and candies and chocolate to enjoy.

D – Devotions/devotional books to nourish our soul.

E – Eternal life through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We also thank God for electricity, eyes, eyesight, and ears.

F – Freedom, both physical and spiritual; the blessing of being in a free land.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NKJV)

Forever grateful also to our Father God for His forgiveness and faithfulness.

Thankful also for the blessings of families, friends, flowers, and food!

G – Goodness of God

H – Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide to all truth.

^“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26 (NKJV)

Thankful also for the hope of heaven, health, and healing.

I – I AM (the eternal existing One)

^“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (NKJV)

J – Jesus Christ. Very grateful for the love and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus on the cross, the lamb who was slain.

K – Kingdom key

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16: 19 (NKJV)

L – the gift of Love, love of God, families and families,

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” I John 4:7 (NKJV)

M – Mercy of God and the blessing of mothers, moon, mouth,

N – New beginnings and new life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

O – Omnipotent (all-powerful) and Omnipresent (always present) God

(Others: oxygen, ocean)

P – Sweet Presence of Jesus

Q – Quiet times in prayer and Bible study

R – the gift of Rest

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

S – Salvation

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NKJV)

Sun (sunrise, sunset), Sisters, Stars, Sleep, Skills

T – Talents and/or spiritual gifts

^“And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability.” (Matthew 25:15 (NKJV). Also see I Corinthians 12.

U – Universe “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV)

V – Victory in Christ

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” I John 5:4-5 (NKJV)

W – Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NKJV)

Wi-fi, websites

X – X-ray machines used to check health, Xerox machines to make copies

Y – Yahweh (I AM)

“And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Exodus 6:2-3 (NKJV)

Z – Zebras, Zoom, Zest, Ziplock storage bags

Perhaps you can add some of your own “items for thanks” to this list!