China Visit:

I spent 4 days in Zhong Dian, Yunnan Province. The airport is called Shan-gra-la. The three pictures are a good description of my time near Tibet. The hardware store had Chinese’s tools, 100%! Not one tool was from another country. I was in China and everything was Chinese made- how many countries can claim that. All hardware stores around the world have goods made in other countries- but not good old China- everything 100% Chinese Made- Proud.

The other picture is from a Yak butcher. Yes, they eat all parts of the Yak in Yunnan. The final picture is from National park we walked thru, I’m pictured with Rick who works with Compassion as a Communication Specialist- a great guy!

One of the moving moments of the retreat was when we heard about and reflected on decanting. It is from a message at the spiritual retreat in China from a missionary in Singapore teaching at a seminary for the last 17 years. He is a deep thinker, spiritually. I hope it may help you (whoever) when you are going through a tough time in life or feel empty.

I believe God has sent a decanter, men who pour from jars, tilters, those who tip vessels, them that pour off, troublemakers, or wanderers into your life to empty your vessels. This comes from Jeremiah 48:11 & 12.

Jer 48:11 Moab has been at ease from his youth, settled like wine on its dregs;

he has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into exile;

therefore his flavor has remained and his aroma is unspoiled.

Jer 48:12 Therefore, the time is surely coming, says the LORD, when I shall send to him decanters to decant him, and empty his vessels, and break his jars in pieces. 13 Then Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence.

Moab was complacent. As Christian, we are constantly to put off the old self and renew ourselves in Jesus Christ. The flavor/aroma of JC is not a counterfeit. When we are complacent in some aspect of our life God sends a decanter or troublemaker to empty ourselves so God can fill us up. Even good in our life can become useless over time and we need to continually take off the old and put on the new in JC. This process of decanting brings us closer to God.

Kingdom life is being poured out continually and filled with the Holy Spirit continually.

When we are being decanted don't cling (hold on) to the old jar; don't bring the settlement (dregs) into the new jar, very important; and don't look back, let God change you to become or smell like Jesus, not like the old self (old man).

However, this is not the end, the story of Moab is completed in Jeremiah 48:47 "Yet I will restore the fortunes of Moab in the latter days, says the LORD." You will be restored; no question! And when it is over, you will have the aroma, strongly of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Remember: Salvation (justification) is free but discipleship (sanctification) cost you everything!