He is Sovereign...

This attribute of God settles it for me. I personally count on it and consider it my resting place. This past weekend the Pure Joy board, advisors and ministry staff met for our annual retreat on what we have come to call "God’s Mountain". A precious friend who has traveled with us often and her husband offer us their cabin on "God’s Mountain" to get alone with Him as a ministry to praise, fellowship, and listen for His direction for the coming year. Once again we were not disappointed. This year we believe God (1) wants me on the road to get into some of your home churches to meet your missions director, women's ministry director, and/or anyone that is truly interested in ministering to our women missionaries overseas, (2) wants us specifically praying for our director of our first Burst of Joy which we believe is to be birthed in 2015, (3) wants us as a board, advisors, and ministry staff to pray for each other, the ministry, our sponsoring churches and individuals very intentionally on a weekly basis, and (4) wants us to fix our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, above all of the aforementioned matters.

Yes, God knew before the beginning of time we would sit on that mountain this past weekend and make those decisions for the ministry. So I ask you to pray with us as we move through this year and I challenge you as well to "fix your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith" above all things in 2014. Also, pray for us as we are working out the details of our Tanzania trip for the Fall of this year.

Sovereign - God is totally, supremely, and preeminently over all His creation. There is not a person or thing that is not under His control and foreknown plan.

Isaiah 46:10 (ESV)

Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’

Psalm 115:3 (ESV)

Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

Proverbs 21:30 (ESV)

No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.

Daniel 4:35 (ESV)

All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”

Isaiah 43:13 (ESV)

Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”

Acts 5:38-39 (ESV)

So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice,

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Looking forward to our year together.

His,
Vickie