Please pray that our relationship with Father continues to grow, and this time that we spend apart will enable us to know and treasure our Father better than we know each other.
So far, we have been reading Leviticus together, and it's been a pretty good time, learning about God's laws and Why HE made them, to give us life, and to bless us, to protect us (from diseases, broken relationships, etc).. At church we've been going through Matthew, and we're nearing the end of his gospel. Hearing the gospel of Christ crucified being preached again is renewing my faith, and hopefully, it is bringing me to a new level of relationship with Christ, knowing Him as a real man, who was perfect in ALL HIs ways, but yet being led like a lamb to the slaughter.. He spoke not a word on trial, except confessing that He is indeed the King of the Jews.. Which is the main point of His sacrifice. He is the Servant King.. and It has been compeling me to respond ( albeit halfheartedly)..
What is the rightful response to Him, and contrasting that with MY response. the distinction there is clear, my heart is not right. and I need repentance. I am like Barrabas, who walked away from death, not even thinking twice about the man who took my place, not even thanking Him. Taking Him for granted, I continue on with my own life, so often, i don't look back and think seriously about that sacrifice, and my escaping death.. that cross was mine to suffer, but He took it on Himself.
I have been learning so much about the love and grace of God our Father through Jesus.. Please Pray that what I know will translate to my heart.. So that I won't just know facts, but that the Facts will become conviction - that my life is not my own, I was bought with a price, I am under stewardship.. and I want to be a slave to righteousness.
To my friends, both in the States, and back home, ( you know who you are)
I thank God for your presence, encouragement and blessings, in my life always, and for being there for me. I treasure you guys Very, very, much.. I love you guys and i'm praying for you.
To my family:
I Hope everyone at home is doing well. I am thinking of you all everyday. Especially Jason and Joyce. It is my prayer for them to experience God, and when i come back, I hope to be able to talk to them, heart to heart, and share my faith and my convictions with them. I am glad that Daddy and yourself are experiencing/ renewing your love for one another.. it encourages me that marriages can truly last, and that in brokenness, we can still find forgiveness and grace by the Power of Christ. Because man's faith is not based on wisdom, but on the Power of God and Christ Crucified.
God be praised for His Divinity and His Love!
Song of the week : the Desert Song ( HIllsong)
Art of the week: Ellis/ Funk wedding, where God was the decorator.
