I have experienced the power of encouragement to live out and follow the Holy Spirit's leading. As it comes in steps, may it come with a voracious intensity that would never cease- the conviction to follow His teaching on my soul. What is gain if it can't be given? What I have is His, is it not? Shall I hoard it as my own? -No! and may I confess my hesitation. May God get all the glory for every step of obedience, as this act is only VERY small and may it lead to so much more from me as I learn how to deny myself for Christ's sake.
With Christ we have overcome the world. Our faith is the victory that has overcome the world. May God's will be done. 1 john 5:5
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Detrimental Blessing... if not cared for according to the directions.
Blessed I was in Africa. Kenya specifically. I had no wardrobe, no laptop, no loofah even. (I actually used a sock as a wash cloth).
Now, after reading the memoirs of a missionary that comes in monthly newsletter form, I am convicted of the contentment I have in my life as I look over my billowing down comforter of a double bed at the pile of clean clothes on my papazan chair (who I could dare say be parked there for at the least a week without need of owner's use) as I type from this piece of metal (plastic?) that is worth more than a dozen kids' living expenses for a year- housing, food, clothing, and school.
Money isn't everything. I'm sure you've heard that quote before. However, have you noticed it is a common slogan most people would profess to know, but don't live? I have noticed and I am one of them. When you have the monetary provision you tend not to see those who really need it. I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed. Yet this is not where I wanted to be.
Africa was both simple and wild and I quote the writer "The simple and wild parts of me feel at home here and I am drawn to a way of life that is unwrapped. It calms my raw American nerves and redefines the use of the word need. This life requires trust in the Creator of the earth for even the simplest needs.."
I knew someone whose life was challenged by way of living at a certain income. As raises came, the bonuses were only given away. He supported his wife and kids with a simple life that was more rich than the King of Versailles. What a challenge, yet what a life.
Now, after reading the memoirs of a missionary that comes in monthly newsletter form, I am convicted of the contentment I have in my life as I look over my billowing down comforter of a double bed at the pile of clean clothes on my papazan chair (who I could dare say be parked there for at the least a week without need of owner's use) as I type from this piece of metal (plastic?) that is worth more than a dozen kids' living expenses for a year- housing, food, clothing, and school.
Money isn't everything. I'm sure you've heard that quote before. However, have you noticed it is a common slogan most people would profess to know, but don't live? I have noticed and I am one of them. When you have the monetary provision you tend not to see those who really need it. I am blessed, I am blessed, I am blessed. Yet this is not where I wanted to be.
Africa was both simple and wild and I quote the writer "The simple and wild parts of me feel at home here and I am drawn to a way of life that is unwrapped. It calms my raw American nerves and redefines the use of the word need. This life requires trust in the Creator of the earth for even the simplest needs.."
I knew someone whose life was challenged by way of living at a certain income. As raises came, the bonuses were only given away. He supported his wife and kids with a simple life that was more rich than the King of Versailles. What a challenge, yet what a life.
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