It is amazing that our trip is only 4 weeks away. The entire process has been a lesson in the power of the Holy Spirit. I have felt so very convicted and called toward this trip and the work of Matthew 28. Meeting Hein and sharing his stories and witnessing his passion for service has inspired and energized my faith in new ways. As much as the call to Bohoc, I feel a strong desire to bring the entire congregation of FPC along on our journey. I want our family of faith to stretch and grow in service and connection to the work of Christ. I believe the stark need in Haiti will help us all to recognize the basic need for sharing of Christian love and the impact that love alone can have. Barriers are broken down in such circumstance and I think our congregation will respond to witnessing their gifts received and used by the children of the orphanage.
As we continue our physical preparations, it occurs to me that we have been quite preoccupied with innoculations, and clothing choices and bedbugs and yet we have not spent as much time in our spiritual preparation. With a month before we leave, I would really like to begin this preparation and perhaps continue to share our experiences with FPC congregation via FB, Pastor's blog and any other way we can think of. The closer our church family walks with us on this journey, the more impact we can have in our culture of service.
I would love for each of us to take a turn and offer a bible verse that is particularly meaningful to you as you prepare for our roles in Haiti.
I wanted to start us off with 1 Thessalonians 5 14-24
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
DEVOTIONAL
When it comes to faith, a lot of believers feel like they have one foot nailed to the ground. No matter how hard they try, they just can’t seem to make any progress.
If you’ll watch them, you can see why. They literally haven’t “gotten themselves together.” One minute they’ll be telling you, “Oh yes, amen, I believe the Word,” and the next minute they’ll be spouting unbelief like it’s going out of style. “I know God says He’ll prosper us, but I’ll tell you what, my business is doing so badly, it’s about to give me ulcers. I can’t sleep at night for worrying.”
Faith just won’t work for a person like that.
You see, you’re a triune being. You are a spirit. You have a soul, which consists of your mind, will and emotions. And you live in a body. Each of those areas has a specific role to play in your faith walk. You have to get all three in agreement before you can go anywhere at all!
Start by feeding your spirit on the Word of God. Just like the body produces physical strength when you nourish it with food, the spirit produces spiritual strength when you nourish it with the Word. That spiritual strength is called faith. Develop that faith, and instead of your spirit being dominated by the other two areas, it will be the one in charge.
Next, bring your soul in line. Set your mind on “things above.” Meditate on the Word until your thoughts begin to agree with it. Keep your attention on it until even your emotions yield.
Finally, bring your body in line. Once you truly get your spirit and soul established on the Word, that won’t be hard. The body is a follower, not a leader. It will do whatever you train it to do. Begin teaching your body to act on the truth you’ve planted in your mind and spirit, and it will follow right along.
I have chosen a word for 2014 - FAITH.. I am moving toward our trip full of faith in God's promises and faith that Jesus Christ is SUFFICIENT to meet all my needs, body, mind and spirit.
Yours in christ.
Andrea
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