Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

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Christmas at Shiloh was a glorious event.  Several months ago, I would have never imagined that I would be able to endure being away from home and living in a dormitory with a group of men in Texas for Christmas and New Years.  Although I miss my family terribly, as the holidays approached, I found myself almost excited about experiencing a Christmas in the fellowship of this group of men seeking God.  I was definitely glad about 2008 ending and thrilled at having the chance to start a clean new year.  There is something very cathartic about concluding a year and starting over.  In all my days, I will never forget Christmas 2008.  On Christmas Eve, I received a beautiful gift from my family.  My wife Rene and my children Beth and Eric sent me a new Bible for Christmas. My name, Cecil Armstrong is engraved in gold lettering on the front. The pages are edged in gold trimming and sandwiched with pure leather that feels and smells so wonderful.  Never have I received a more treasured gift!!  It is surely a signet of love and approval from God, but also one of acceptance and agreement to restoration from my wife and my children. Rene wrote in the front of my new Bible, “To Cecil, A Man who fears God and honors God in all he says and does. A new creation in Christ, old things have passed away and became new. Forgetting those things behind, and pressing on to the high calling of God.” She continued to pen a reminder of the meaning of my name “Cecil.” The inherent meaning is blindness. The Spiritual connotation is illuminated and the Scripture reference is Ephesians 5:8 “For you were once darkness, bur now you are light in the Lord, walk as children of light.” NKJV

I will graduate in a few short months. I have come quite a way, but I have surely not arrived as I experience that the more I learn, the more I see I know so little. Thankfully, I have revelation to know that now my life is a day by day learning about the One who has purchased me and set me free from sin, selfishness, and utter nothingness.  I began my New Years day reading in the Psalms. One of our Bible teachers, Mike Isham directed us to Psalm Chapter 90.  As I read sitting quietly in the presence of the Lord, I began to weep.  I was consumed by emotion as I reflected on all of the time I had lost.  I read, As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. (Psalm 90:10)  So teach us to number our days, That we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)  O satisfy us in the morning with Thy loving kindness, That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.  (Psalm 90:14)  The Lord, through the Psalmist, even goes on to tell us, Let thy work appear to Thy servants, And Thy majesty to their children.  And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And do confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.  (Psalm 90: 16-17)  (New American Standard) This was one of the most divinely appointed moments I have ever experienced.  The Holy Spirit affirmed me as I sat in His presence.  The Word of God spoke to every fiber of my being.   It is my ambition in 2009 to get to know all I can about the character and the nature of the One who has taken hold of me with His Grace, Love, and Mercy.  2009 holds 365 days.  I want each day to count for God’s Glory.  I desire to be eternally minded.  I have wasted enough time.  I have hope and faith to believe God can redeem the time I squandered. If I have learned anything about Him, I know He is not a God of waste.

I am journaling during my quiet times. I am asking God to direct me where His work will benefit the most from of my life that remains after I graduate Shiloh. I look forward to reunion with my family and I am inspired to return to Portland, Oregon and root myself in the Church where my wife and children attend. This Church has taken such great care of my family while I have been away. They have truly been an example of Jesus. I desire to give back and serve alongside these people of God.

I received a Christmas card from my former boss. He wrote that I have a job if I want it after I graduate from Shiloh. This amazes me. I was selfish and unreliable the last year I worked for this man. How he can entrust his computer business to me again baffles me. This is another example of forgiveness in action. He is a good man who loves God. He deserves more than what I gave him.  Several of the guys I live with here believe they are called to become Missionaries and Evangelists.  I do not doubt their callings, yet I know that God uses people in the market place to be his hands, feet, and mouthpiece and this too is the Mission field.  As of now, I am not sensing a call to fulltime Christian service as a Missionary or Evangelist.  I am learning that surrender is the key. Once true surrender takes place, there is a willingness to allow God to choose your Mission Field. I think it is wrong for us in the Body to think one particular spot or function is more significant than another. What makes one’s calling glorious is if the Lord fashions it for you. We can get lost sweating over the positioning aspect.  If we spend quality time with Him, getting to know Him and listening to His voice, He will place us.  I am asking God what He wants me to do. It is not my life to choose and pick and rationalize. I understand that our life is but a vapor. Only what is done for Christ will remain. I want Him to place me where He can get the greatest dividend from my brief life. If it is in a third world Nation, then get my wife and kids ready Lord, but if it is in a computer software business in Portland, Oregon, then make us ready there Lord to receive my field of service for You and be a witness for You Lord. I believe in miracles. I am a Miracle. He has taken my self-centered life and nailed it to the cross

Shiloh Ministry Team.