The Lord Directs Our Steps...

Proverbs 16:9 says; "The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps".

This is an interesting combination of man and God , from God's Word this morning... We often make plans for our own way as men on this earth, but it is the Lord who ultimately directs the steps of those who believe and trust in Him. There is consistently this crazy dynamic of God's Ways and My ways, God's Plans and My plans, God's thought and my thoughts...Sometimes my ways are far off from God's Ways. Often times my Plans are disjointed from God's plans. And every day I have thoughts that are the farthest extreme from the Holy thoughts of God. But what about times when I know, without a shadow of doubt, that God is directing? How do we, as believers, know when it is God directing, God's Leading, and God's Ways?

Here are few biblical precepts I have come to know and love the past few months as we have heard God's voice:

Believers in Christ hear God's Voice and know it is Him Speaking: John 10:27 = "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
When God speaks and we know it is Him speaking we must follow.

Believers in Christ have the Mind of Christ: 1 Corinthians 2:16 = For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ.
Ponder this verse today and ask yourself am I instructed by the mind of Christ?

Believers in Christ have the Spirit of God indwelling and influencing them:Romans 8:13-14 = if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Live by the flesh and you are useless to God. Let the Spirit lead and you prove you are a son of God.

Believers in Christ must fervently pray, they must diligently study the Word of God, and they must seek godly counsel:
James 5:15 = Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
2 Timothy 3:16 = All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. Proverbs 15:22 = Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.

Believers in Christ will Hear, Know, and See God's Plans, Thoughts, and Ways completed:
John 14:29 Now I have told you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.
God often speaks and we condition ourselves to obediently follow and when the things He spoke come to pass our faith is strengthened!

Following Jesus One Step at a Time

 "If anyone serves Me, he must Follow Me; and where I am, there my servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him." John 12:26

  

           On April 28^th 2012, after a time of Worship and Prayer, I was clearly instructed by God with a specific direction for my family. God revealed to me that our work here in Yampa is done and that we need to return to Newton, Iowa. This was obviously a difficult, but delightful time of having God show me His will. It was difficult because of the wonderful people here in the Yampa Valley, the godly leadership of Village Missions, and because of the great things we see God doing. Yet it was delightful to hear and know God’s clear direction for my family. Since that night; Shari and I have wrestled with God, prayed fervently, lost sleep, and devoted much time in Bible study to this decision. God has consistently confirmed His leading through various means and in amazing ways. We have both come to understand that we must obey God above our feelings, our physical desires, and even our worldly needs. We know this is God's voice and we know we must heed His call.      
      
         We confidently believe that God is calling us back to Newton, Iowa for His ultimate Glory. We believe there are particular needs in our family and in our community that God is calling us to. Once again this decision has not come easy and it is has only been made after much prayer, study of the Word, and godly counsel. Our last Sunday at the Yampa Bible Church and as Village Missionaries will be Sunday, August  26^th.            


           As we resign from our time of service with Village Missions and the Yampa Bible Church we know that God will continue to bless the vision and mission of His church. We have cherished our time ministering to and along side our friends here in the Yampa Valley. We love Village Missions and are leaving with their blessing. I would also like to reiterate that this decision has absolutely nothing to do with the Yampa Bible Church or Village Missions, but it has everything to do with us being obedient to God’s prompting in our life. A wise man once told me, “you stay put until God unputs you...” We know for certain that God has put us here to complete a specific work for Him and now that work is complete. God has called us to step out in faith on a new path and with a new work ahead of us. We ask that you continue to pray fervently for us. We would also appreciate your blessings as we begin this new season of life. There are still many uncertainties and unknowns, but we will continue to boldly proclaim the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ through out this transition!


            Due to our resignation from Village Missions you will receive a notice that we are no longer affiliated with mission. This is just a formality of leaving and they send us off with high regards. You can certainly continue to support the mission itself if the Lord so leads, but it will not be necessary to support us through the mission as an individual missionary family. If you would like to continue to financially support us through out these changes you can contact us via email or over the phone.

Your Fellow Servants to Christ Jesus,
Matthew, Shari, Jaryn, Japheth, Jocelynn & Jesseca Froah