Communication from the King

In 2 Chronicles 30 we read the second phase of the revival that took place in Jerusalem under the young reign of King Hezekiah. At the beginning of his reign the king had already repaired the temple, sanctified the priests, made a covenant with God that God might stay His wrath, charged the people to be not negligent but to prepare their hearts, was an example by rising early and going to the temple himself and offered sacrifices with worship, joy and a free heart.

Revival was taking place. Chapter 30 then Chronicles how the king reinstituted the passover in a powerful way and this is what was especially intriguing to me this morning.

2Ch 30:6 - So the posts went with the letters from the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye children of Israel, turn again unto the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
2Ch 30:7 - And be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which trespassed against the LORD God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as ye see.
2Ch 30:8 - Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
2Ch 30:9 - For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.
2Ch 30:10 - So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.
2Ch 30:11 - Nevertheless divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

What a picture of Missions this is.

• The posts (missionaries - the responsibility and privilege of all Christians) have been sent by the decree of the KING
• Their task is to go from city to city declaring a message
• That message is the Written decree of the King (Bible) charging all men everywhere to repent (turn to the Lord God)
• It is a message that has hope of restoration thanks to the grace and mercy of God
• It is a message that has a stern warning of wrath for those who don't turn
• There is a compassion represented - a pleading with the people not to be stiffnecked, not to be like the others, not to follow the crowd, not to continue in the sinful ways of their fathers but to turn to God
• In the process the Posts receive persecution (promised to those that will live godly in Christ Jesus - 2 Tim. 3:12)
• The result - divers of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem - To the glory of God!
• Beyond that we read how that revival continued to spread through the land -
  2Ch 31:1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel that were present went out to the cities of Judah, and brake the images in pieces, and cut down the groves, and threw down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every man to his possession, into their own cities.

Be encouraged today, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation!

The Putney Family

A little about us as a family. We have enjoyed a wonderful marriarge of nearly 14 years for which we give thanks and glory to God. The past eight years have been especially incredible times as God has clearly directed our steps for the future and blessed us with our four precious daughters during this time.

Aaron worked for a large company for 14 years which God used to send me to the Philippines on five occasions all expenses paid! It was during these trips (which were spent working by night and preaching and evangelizing by day) where it became clear that this is where God called us to be. I had the privilege to travel to Africa prior to that on a short term trip to preach a resurrection conference where God impressed upon me a great burden for missions. It was only after surrendering to God's will for missions that He would then orchestrate these paid trips to the Philippines and solidifying our calling there. I have now graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity from a four year Bible institute and have had many opportunities to teach and preach in a variety of ministries at church, conferences, on the streets and at other churches. Considering the example of the prophets, Christ and the disciples, I place importance in public ministry where we can witness and preach to those that dont have another gospel witness. Discipleship is also incredibly important to us. The work of the gospel extends to teaching all things and that people may be trained in good doctrine to go reach others. Personally, I enjoy playing basketball, photography and memorizing scripture. Basketball is the favorite sport in the Philippines and at almost 6'8", this opens a great door for me to witness to so many Filipinos that are amazed by my height. I believe memorization is important for our personal walk, for ministry effectiveness and because there is nothing more profitable you could put in your mind.

Stephanie is a wonderful mother who loves our girls dearly and takes seriously her responsibilty as their teacher, mother and example of a godly woman. We have homeschooled right from the outset and while an oft intimidating challenge, she is doing a wonderful job. She prays fervently for our family and strives to provide an atmosphere and example that will lend to raising up godly maidens of virtue that will glorify Jesus Christ with their lives. Stephanie loves finding some quiet time with a cup of coffee and her Bible. She also enjoys journaling about family and what God is doing in her life.

Our family loves to take walks, observe wildlife and enjoy picnics. Family devotions, board games and group efforts on everything from laundry to dishes lend to sweet times of fun and teaching.

Autumn loves to sing. We look forward to seeing how the Lord uses our girls in this area. The three oldest girls are already starting to sing on occasion in churches. Looking at books and playing dolls with her sisters are other favorite things to do. She is a great encouragement when we go places as she regularly wants to pass out gospel tracts. We rejoice to announce that Autumn trusted Christ as Her Saviour on 4/16/2010 in Houston Texas during a missions conference!

Anna is a regular shadow of Autumn, wanting to be a part of whatever she is doing. She likes to pretend she is talking on the phone, enjoys stacking blocks, kicking around a soccer ball and playing hide and seek. With her youngers sisters, she is definitely interested in the role of being the mommy. Anna has a special testimony in that she nearly died the day after she was born, as they rushed her out of the room in a panic all we could do was cry out to God. We praise the Lord for His wonderful mercy toward her at that moment and acknowledge that she is now a walking testimony of His goodness and grace.

Sarah is a busy young lady with a dynamic personality. Although she is often on the go, all the girls love to sit and look at books, especially when there is a lap to sit on and a reader available. Sarah is fairly independent compared to Anna yet they get along wonderfully. We pray God will use them all mightily for His glory. Anytime anyone cries, Sarah is there to let us know about it with concern and love, she has a very tender heart in this way.

Emma Joy is growing fast and has demonstrated her personality in many ways. She loves to sing and to play mommy with her dolls and stuffed animals. Should you give her opportunity with band-aids she will have them all patched up in no time! She is very passionate in the way she will quickly escalate whether in displays of sadness or jubilation.

We pray fervently for the souls of our girls and desire to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Children can be powerful influences in the work of the gospel, as arrows in the hand of a mighty man we are taught in Psalm 127. Our prayer is that from their youth they will be actively involved in ministry in the Philippines. Autumn is already very excited and asks many questions about the Philippines - especially about when we are going! We praise the Lord for this.

Isa 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Birthdays:
Aaron 4/7
Stephanie 10/10
Autumn 1/17/02
Anna 10/18/04
Sarah 3/13/06
Emma 11/26/07

Anniversary 7/20/96

We sincerely appreciate your prayers on behalf of the Putney Family!