He replied, “But if I work less, less I do not earn enough for the support my family. Even now, while I work so much, I have scarcely enough.”

            He had no trust in God and no real belief in the truth of that word, “Seek ye first the kingdom of
God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

            I explained to him, “My dear brother, it is not your work which supports your family, but the Lord. He has fed you and your family when you could not work at all because of illness. He would surely provide for you and yours, if, for the sake of obtaining food for your inner man, you worked fewer hours a day to give you proper time for rest. You begin to work after only a few hurried moments for prayer. You leave your work in the evening and intend to read a little of the Word of God, but by then you are too worn out in body and mind to enjoy it. You often fall asleep while reading the Scriptures or while on your knees in prayer.”

            The brother admitted this was true. He agreed that my advice was good, but I read in his countenance, even if he did not say so, “How could I make ends meet if I were to carry out your advice?” I longed to have something to give the brother as visible proof that our God and Father is the same faithful God that He ever was. He is willing as ever to prove Himself the living God to all who put their trust in Him.

            Sometimes children of God are fearful of growing old and being unable to work any longer. If I point out to them how their heavenly Father has always helped those who put their trust in Him, they might not say that the times have changed. But it is evident that they do not see God as the living God. I longed to set something before the children of God that they might see that he does not forsake, even in hard times, those who rely on Him.

            Christian businessmen suffer in their spiritual lives and bring guilt on their consciences by carrying on their business in the same way that unconverted people do. The competition in trade, bad times, and overpopulation are given as reasons why a business carried on according to the Word of God could not be expected to prosper. Few people have the holy determination to trust in the living God and depend on Him in order that a good conscience might be maintained. I want to show these people that God can be trusted without reservation.

            Some individuals are in professions which they cannot continue with a good conscience. But they fear leaving their profession lest they become unemployed. I long to strengthen their faith by proving the promises from the Word of God of His willingness and ability to help all those who rely on Him are true.

            I know that the Word of God ought to be enough. But by giving my brothers proof of the unchangeable faithfulness of the Lord, I might strengthen their faith. I want to be a servant of the Church in the particular point on which I had obtained mercy—in being able to take God at His Word and rely on it.

Adapted by ConsiderYourWayz from the autobiography of George Muller

Published by Whitaker House

3 February 2007

Dear Praying Family and Friends,

  Thank you all so much for your prayers and encouragement. Since our wedding on November 22^nd Emily and I have been able to spend a total of twenty-two days together; thirteen days after our wedding I left for Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, IN (near Indianapolis) to prepare for deployment. I was able to go home for nine days for Christmas. During my time back home in CO, Emily and I spent Christmas with her family. After Christmas we left for the mountains for two days, and stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Idaho Springs, then we went to Colorado Springs for three days. While we were down there we registered at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a bridal registry, and picked out bedroom furniture set at American Furniture Warehouse, which we were able to purchase with our wedding money. We had a wonderful time together and were able to start reading George Mueller’s autobiography together. I love that one because it challenges me as the reader to evaluate whether I am living and acting in faith, or living strictly by human efforts and reasoning.

  Emily has been continuing her work at Children’s Hospital in Denver and spending much time organizing our joint lives. This process has been a bit stressful at times but she does this willingly and without complaining. I am extremely grateful to the Lord for her and pray that I will never abuse her kind spirit in any way. God has been very good to us as He always is. We have nothing to complain about. We have many friends, family, and church family who are supporting us in any way possible. Nearly every time I speak with a friend I am told to let Emily know that if she needs anything, they would be glad to help. What a blessing!  Emily will be flying out to see me for two days before I begin my journey to the
Middle East where I will be for the next twelve months.

  During my time in Indiana, I have gone through an accelerated mobilization process (forty-five days), most soldiers have seventy-two days or more to complete the mobilization process. This was actually a blessing in disguise; although we did not have much (if any) personal time, this actually shortens my time away from home. The training was good, but it is almost “information overload”. There are so many classes and training exercises in such a short amount of time that it is hard to remember everything that we learn. The main purpose of all this training is so that if we encounter certain situations we will not be oblivious as to what course of action we should take even if it is not something that we plan to encounter in our daily assigned duties. 

  Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to serve the Lord with our lives. We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for our future as we honor Him with our lives. If you would like our contact info please send an email for an auto response to: contact@consideryourwayz.com .

Serving God and Country, Andrew & Emily

            I am pleased to announce that I was married on Wednesday, November 22^nd 2006, at 7:00 PM (MST) at the Vineyard Chapel in
Littleton, CO to Miss Emily Schreiber of Aurora, CO. Emily and I were introduced by some mutual friends. After our 7^th meeting we were convinced that our introduction and meeting were not “by chance” and decided that we would pursue a lifelong relationship as long as the Lord would give us clear direction. We had both decided that we would not make any permanent decision in the relationship without the blessing of our parents. The Lord has graciously allowed us both to grow up in Christian homes where we were taught to fear the Lord and serve Him with our lives.

             As some of you know, I will soon be deploying to
Afghanistan, so my time with Emily before then will be short. We had planned on getting married after my return from overseas. I recently spent one month in
Utah for military training; it was during this time that our parents gave us their blessing to get married before my deployment. We had one and one-half weeks to plan for the wedding; but for my wonderful bride, this was not a problem. The Lord caused many things to fall into place quickly and the wedding was a great success. Emily’s sister from China, and brother from
Wisconsin were both able to fly in for the wedding. Last minute provisions were made which allowed my parents to be at the wedding as well (for which we were very grateful).

            Because of the “speedy” nature of this wedding we were not able to send out invitations and inform many people of our plans. If you were not invited or informed, please do not take offense. We still love you all and wish you could have been there to witness this wonderful occasion. The wedding was small and beautiful; we had nearly forty-five people in attendance.

            Early the next day, we flew to
South Carolina where we spent the first five days of our married life site-seeing and meeting family and friends. We then returned to
Colorado for the time where we will reside until the time of my departure.

            Please pray for us during our time of separation; that we would continue growing in our love for each other and that the Lord would give us opportunities to minister to soldiers and their families. I will begin my “Home Station” training in
Indiana on Dec 6^th and will be heading overseas sometime in February. Emily will remain in Aurora, Colorado and continue working at Children’s Hospital where she is employed as a RN until my return from
Afghanistan. We also covet your prayers regarding specific direction after my return.  We have been considering several options for ministry, employment, or possible Active Duty with the Army.

            Thank you for your prayers and support during this time. If you would like to keep in touch please email for an auto respond email with the new info: contact@consideryourwayz.com for our new address.

Rejoicing in Him, Andrew

P.S. I will try to continue updating my “ConsiderYourWayz” website from time-to-time but not with any regularity. 

This morning as I awoke the theme of “our God is our Fortress” was on my mind.

What a wonderful truth. When the conflict and strife come upon us we can trust in the name of the Lord as our defense! He is a strong tower. Another comforting verse during times of conflict when we feel that we are being overwhelmed by the powers of evil is:
”You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”  1 John 4:4

Martin Luther was assured of this truth on more than one occasion in his life. He spent many years buffeting his body trying to gain favor with God not realizing that Jesus Christ had accomplished this work for him already. Then years later after he placed his faith and trust in Christ alone for this merit he was still tested by those who sought to take his life. Martin Luther could say with confidence “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!”.

Are you trusting God to be your defense or are you trusting in your own works to save you from your troubles?

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness. Psalm 119:40

It is with great excitement and an insatiable desire that I read these words that the Lord has given to encourage, strengthen, rebuke, and exhort us regarding our relationship to Him and to His Word! God has given us these wonderful words which are as streams in the desert refreshing the thirsting soul.

 This evening I had opportunity to hear my eldest brother expound on this passage briefly; what a blessing to know that the Word of God has instruction for us regarding all of life’s practices.

Psalm 119:1-16, 33-40

 1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,
         Who walk in the law of the LORD!
 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies,
         Who seek Him with the whole heart!
 3 They also do no iniquity;
         They walk in His ways.
 4 You have commanded us
         To keep Your precepts diligently.
 5 Oh, that my ways were directed
         To keep Your statutes!
 6 Then I would not be ashamed,
         When I look into all Your commandments.
 7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart,
         When I learn Your righteous judgments.
 8 I will keep Your statutes;
         Oh, do not forsake me utterly!
         
  9 How can a young man cleanse his way?
         By taking heed according to Your word.
 10 With my whole heart I have sought You;
         Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You.
 12 Blessed are You, O LORD!
         Teach me Your statutes.
 13 With my lips I have declared
         All the judgments of Your mouth.
 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,
         As much as in all riches.
 15 I will meditate on Your precepts,
         And contemplate Your ways.
 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes;
         I will not forget Your word. 

 33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes,
         And I shall keep it to the end.
 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;
         Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
 35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,
         For I delight in it.
 36 Incline my heart to Your testimonies,
         And not to covetousness.
 37 Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things,
         And revive me in Your way.
 38 Establish Your word to Your servant,
         Who is devoted to fearing You.
 39 Turn away my reproach which I dread,
         For Your judgments are good.
 40 Behold, I long for Your precepts;
         Revive me in Your righteousness.

There is so much that can be said about this passage; yet it speaks very much for itself. It has a way of showing us who we are, and what Christ has become for us for the purpose, that we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 7:24-8:11

24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

            A couple years ago, the Lord impressed on my mind as I was reading through Proverbs, that wisdom comes not through osmosis but rather through seeking, searching, crying out for, and following hard after; as for precious, hidden treasure. This pursuit of wisdom begins with a proper fear of God. We must be willing to hear instruction which takes humility and patience. I have found that we as believers are eager to express our desire for wisdom and understanding, but are rarely willing to set aside any hindrances to attaining it, and are rarely willing to spend the time necessary to cultivate a proper, reverent fear of God; which is imperative to begin the pursuit of wisdom.

I pray that God would spare anyone from wisdom who is not willing to use it for the honor and glory of He who is the giver of it.

Please notice the following:

·         Bold= our responsibility

·         Regular= the result

·         Italics= God’s righteous provision 

Proverbs 2 :1-12

1 My son, if you receive my words,
      And treasure my commands within you,
       2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
      And apply your heart to understanding;
       3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
      And lift up your voice for understanding,
       4 If you seek her as silver,
      And search for her as for hidden treasures;
       5 Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
      And find the knowledge of God.
       6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
      From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
       7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
      He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
       8 He guards the paths of justice,
      And preserves the way of His saints.
       9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
      Equity and every good path.
       10 When wisdom enters your heart,
      And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
       11 Discretion will preserve you;
      Understanding will keep you,
       12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
      From the man who speaks perverse things…

Read entire chapter: Proverbs 2 

ConsiderYourWayz

Proverbs 1:1-7

The Beginning of Knowledge

 1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:
       2 To know wisdom and instruction,
      To perceive the words of understanding,
       3 To receive the instruction of wisdom,
      Justice, judgment, and equity;
       4 To give prudence to the simple,
      To the young man knowledge and discretion—
       5 A wise man will hear and increase learning,
      And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
       6 To understand a proverb and an enigma,
      The words of the wise and their riddles.
       7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
      But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

      Wow, that’s a lot to take in!

     We have an entire book dedicated to our guidance in these areas of life. God does not desire His children to live in ignorance. There is hope for the simple, the fool, the sluggard, the proud, the fearless, the fearful, the rich, the poor, the seeking, the searching, the weary, the strong, the adulterer, and the wicked who are willing to follow the advice given not only in Proverbs but also the remainder of the Scriptures, that are given for our learning. 

·         Instruction- the communication of intellectual facts.

·         Knowledge- the comprehension of intellectual facts.

·         Understanding- comprehending the functions of intellectual facts.

·         Wisdom- the combination of Instruction, Knowledge, and Understanding with the fear of God as our guide.

    Wisdom is not for the praise of men but for the glory of God; that we in humility might reflect Christ through the wisdom that has been bestowed upon us through the hearing of and obedience to God’s Holy Word. 

ConsiderYourWayz

Ephesians 5:15-17

       Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5 

The Following are two journal entries of Robert Murray M’Cheyne.

n      After spending an evening too lightly, he wrote: –“My heart must break off from all these things. What right have I to steal and abuse my Master’s time? ‘Redeem it,’ He is crying to me.”

n      “Not a trait worth remembering! And yet these twenty-four hours must be accounted for.”

Robert Murray M’Cheyne was a Scottish preacher in the early 1800’s, who during his years in college would meet with Andrew Bonar and other friends at 6:30 every Saturday morning for a time of Bible study; they would often exhort one another to the pursuit of personal holiness, and would minister to the spiritually needy from the poor section of town. M’Cheyne pastored for seven and a half years before he died at age twenty-nine.*

God has given us a stewardship of time. Time is not ours to spend as we please; it is God’s, use it wisely and in a manner that pleases Him. Are you redeeming the time?

Today I read at the bottom of an email from a fellow soldier this quote: “Don’t live today as if you were going to die tomorrow; live today as if it were your last day.”

ConsiderYourWayz

* This information was obtained and adapted from, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, by Andrew Bonar, published by Banner of Truth.