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February
2004
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2/3/04 We had our bi-weekly missionary team meeting today. Two things that happened there, I want to write about today. The first is that I had a problem with the message, yet God still used it to confirm His word in my heart from this morning's devotion. I believe Jon Courson gave the message at the big CC missions conference a few weeks ago. His text was based in Revelation 11, so I obviously braced myself for another round of "end times" stuff. Honestly, there was quite a bit about "end times" stuff in it, but there were still some good points. One thing he mentioned is that we are, in a sense, invincible until our witness is fulfilled (I think it was based on verse 7). Anyway, this morning I read the following passage in Luke 12: "And I say to you, my friends, Have no fear of those who may put the body to death, and are able to do no more than that. But I will make clear to you of whom you are to be in fear: of him who after death has power to send you to hell; yes, truly I say, Have fear of him. Are not five sparrows given in exchange for two farthings? and God has every one of them in mind. But even the hairs of your head are numbered. Have no fear: you are of more value than a flock of sparrows." (Luke 12:4-7) In this passage this morning, I felt like God wanted me to be secure in His love and to fear Him and be freed from fear of harm by man. Then there was the verse in Revelation 11, which confirmed it, so that was cool. I also had a nice talk with Jeff afterward about all the stuff going on. I shared about Olya's mental struggle, about my struggle to minister to her with her struggles, and about my mental struggle with theological issues. He listened very well and I was blessed to talk about it. He gave me encouragement and encouraged me to keep my focus right and to trust God with Olya's situation. I know God will do great things. Lord, I thank you that, even though I feel incredibly weighed down by things and often alone, You reveal your presence to me and give me assurance that I am taken care of. I know that this is a big time to learn to trust you. Give me the strength to hang on. I thank you for your work in me through this trial. I praise you for your faithfulness. Be glorified through my life. Cleanse me and shape me into the man you designed me to be. I love you and praise you my Lord, my Savior and my beloved Eternal King. Amen. |