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- Written by: Don Goulding
Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that Godʼs kindness leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4) NET
“They’re called ‘cleaning stations,’” A friend who SCUBA dives said. “They are locations on the reef where cleaner shrimp live. Fish stop, open their mouths, and the shrimp hops inside to clean the teeth.
“I tried it, too. I removed my regulator and opened my mouth. The little guy jumped in and worked on my teeth with a feathery touch. When I exhaled bubbles, he jumped back to his rock.”
This is another of nature’s symbiotic relationships where two creatures help each other. The shrimp gets meals delivered to his doorstep, and the guest gets free dental hygiene.
There is also a symbiotic relationship between grace and repentance. Grace inspires us to repent from rebellion. At the same time, repentance opens our hearts wide to receive the cleansing of grace.
Jesus didn’t die for our sins so he could merely sneak us into heaven. He cleansed us so he can inhabit our hearts and change us from the inside out—grace and repentance working together.
While they are symbiotically connected, there’s a vital distinction between grace and repentance. Grace is a cause while repentance is an effect. God’s grace initiates our reconciliation, then we respond to his kindness with repentance.
Grace takes hold of the hand of repentance and they walk together, because wherever you witness saving grace, repentance is not far behind.
Prayer: Lord God, I celebrate the union of your grace and my repentance.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by how you use worldly wealth, so that when it runs out you will be welcomed into the 
eternal homes. (Luke 16:9) NET
Stone chimneys rose three stories above a turret, verandas, and ample rooms appointed with marble fireplaces, handcrafted hardwood, and exquisite collectables, all surrounded by thirty-two acres of private forest. Construction of the mansion was the life dream of Dani’s mother. After it was finished, we moved in with her, shared her dream, and provided hospice care until she passed away. Dani and her sister inherited the grand house.
Another person also died. It was the King of the universe, Jesus. He died so we could live in his mansion. Before he left, he said we should prepare for our time with him. We should use worldly wealth for eternal purposes.
We sold the family estate and used the money to travel the mission field. We traded the the turret for baptism of thirty-four African women and children. The marble fireplaces fetched enough to bring the gospel to villages of untouchables in India. That thirty-two acres of serene forest bought time in the Fiji Islands redeeming abused women. We exchanged the house and land for ministry opportunities.
The money is gone now, but not the investment. Dividends continue to flow into our Kingdom accounts from the lives that were touched.
The decision to sell and reinvest into eternity was simple. What else could we do in response to so great a love? Jesus died for us. He ended his physical life so we could unite with him in spirit. To hang on to soil, wood, and stone would trivialize his death. We had to spend earthly wealth to reciprocate a token of the love that was poured out on us.
Prayer: Faithful God, thank you for protecting my investment.
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- Written by: Don Goulding
Dear Supporters:
You are amazing. During our time of repentance and rest you are encouraging us beyond expectations. So many of you have gone out of your way to tell us of your unwavering support and prayers. We are humbled and filled with gratitude. Many have continued financial support while we are in the US. Wow! We are blown away by your grace and generosity. Thank you a thousand times over.
As we go through a season of examination and restoration, you could have been judgmental, but that is not the case. You dear souls have expressed your willingness to walk this difficult trail with us, rather than separate. Thank you! Thank you supporters, and thank you Sequim Bible Church for receiving our brokenness rather than shunning us. You are models of the grace and compassion of Christ.
God has been especially gracious. Our needs are met, his sweet Spirit draws close, and growth is coming. This has been a vital Bible passage in the last months:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength... (Isa 30:15)
We don’t know what God has in store for our future, but we are content to wait on him. Our trust and confidence are in him.
Love and thanksgiving to you for standing by our side.
We love you much.
Don & Dani