A few readings that touched me this week–
- In Mere Christianity C.S. Lewis tells us that God is saying, "Give me all of you!!! I don’t want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work. I want YOU!!! ALL OF YOU!! I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man or woman, but to KILL IT! No half measures will do. I don’t want to only prune a branch here and a branch there; rather I want the whole tree out! Hand it over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them ALL over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self—in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart." After reading those words I could do nothing but pray, pray that I could completely give myself to Him and this time away from home.
- Luke chapter 12 has been coming up to mind so much this past week. Jesus calls us to give sacrificially because He loves us. He loves us enough to tell us the truth. He tells His disciples, “sell your possessions and give to the poor.” His disciples know this is not a suggestion from Jesus, they know it is His command. For radical sacrifice He gives radical rewards. Jesus does not want to strip us of our pleasure… He wants to satisfy us with pleasure.
- Matthew 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field" Jesus is calling us to start living for treasure, real fulfillment, real joy. I want long term treasures I cannot lose.
- James Elliot said "He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose". Any investment in this world is temporary but every deposit you make in the kingdom deposit is eternal.
WOW, this week has been such a blessing! In this past week I have met so many people who genuinely, passionately care for PEOPLE and for GOD.
A small church with a lot of LOVE
We had a man named Hank who came and spoke at church this last Sunday. He and his wife, Bobbie, are retired and devoting much of their time and love to a church in a small farming town over 100 miles from their home. They make this long drive several times a week. Hank spoke about how he didn't view being retired as playing golf and relaxing, but as God retreading his tires to get him ready for the Lord's work! God has called Hank to grow His church in Hyder, AZ. How great is that?!
While Hank was talking on Sunday God was pushing me (and I always know when He is because I immediately start crying). He was pushing me to speak to Hank and learn more. Hank invited a few of us to come out to their service Thursday night. They have services on Thursday nights because most of the people who attend their church work six days a week and on Sundays most families have to drive the 80 miles to town to get groceries and run any other errands they have for the week.
When we got to the church in Hyder, Hank and Bobbie introduced us to everyone. These were some of the warmest people I have ever met! Most of the adults only spoke spanish but even with the language difference they greeted us so lovingly and really made us feel welcome. I was amazed to see how much they were expanding this small church. Hank and Pastor Raul have been raising money and building the church in steps. When their finances run out God's grace continually shines through and He has been providing and keeping the construction going. They have built a basketball court and have had a jungle gym, playhouse, and zip line (my favorite little adrenaline rush) donated by families in town. I can’t imagine kids being any happier, playing together at their church which is really becoming a community center after school. I talked to three of the boys who are working after school and on weekends to earn money to go to church camp this summer and seeing their excitement for sharing in God's word is inspiring! They weren't working to buy Nintendo games or electronics like so many young teens, but saving to go to church camp! The reality is these families do not have much more than the necessities but you wouldn't be able to tell by their attitudes and the joy they exude.
Once the service started we sang one song in spanish (I'm not a great singer in english, so you can only imagine how it probably sounded in spanish) but everyone in this small chapel really sang out to God! After a prayer all the middle school through high school kids leave to meet in their study room, and until the construction is done this room is about 12'x12'. Bobbie teaches 16 kids in this tiny classroom! They have scriptures hung on the walls that all of the kids have memorized and recite together. These are some of the most attentive, respectful youths who come to learn about His word. There are no frills, just The WORD. When we opened up to God and thanked Him for things he had provided this week I could not believe how many of them thanked God for food on the table and work for their families. These kids melted my heart… I knew right away that I wanted to be some part of this little church that is so in love with God!
God knew I needed this church much more than they need me. I have been praying for the Lord to change my heart and my desires… And He more than delivered! Hank and Bobbie said they had been praying for someone young to come and work with the kids out there! God is good! These kids are going to teach me more about loving than I could ever teach them. I'm so excited for this Thursday night!
Lord, change my heart and my desires so that Your life becomes a reality in my life more and more and more.
