I don't think I ever realized until after I graduated how I thrive off of being busy. I knew there was a deeper meaning behind me overcommitting my self 3 years in a row at school; now I know. For me, to be sane, I need to be busy. The last few months before coming to Indio, I was as far from busy as I've ever been and, honestly, it drove me crazy. I felt I had no purpose; like I was wasting time God had given me. Indio has been a gift from God in so many ways, but one big way is it's definitely kept me busy. YAY! :-) Life is back to normal.
Yesterday, I went to an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting. I know, me being at an athletes meeting doesn't really add up, but FCA really is more a Young Life type organization that ministers to different high school and middle school campuses all over the desert (and the country, if you all are interested in looking them up). I went to the meeting at Shadow Hills High School in Indio. They meet twice a month at lunch, eat, and fellowship. It's awesome. These kids are so great, especially the student leaders there: Justin and Phil. They have such gentlemanly attitudes, which is SO rare for 15 year-old males today. Refreshing to say the least :-). I also got to meet Pastor Larry from Journey Baptist Church who was speaking at the meeting about the importance of the kids getting connected to a church. He and hi wife Julie have almost EXACTLY the story of Mark and Kristi planting their church, except they are about a year in the future. It was so encouraging to talk to them! God has been so faithful to them; so important to hear of and remember God's faithfulness.
Last night, I also went to Church Without Walls again. I found out the official name for the service is the Refuge, but everyone at the park calls it the former, so I think I'll stick with that since it's stuck in my head. It was SO GREAT!! Mark spoke and through him, God really convicted many individuals there. Four people gave their lives to Christ! Praise Him, Praise Him. I also spent most of the evening talking to a guy named Brett. What a sweet soul. I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that God is preparing Him to climb completely out of rock botttom. There are some that feel guilty and turn towards God out of shame, and there are others that are touched by the love of God and allow Him to turn them. This is Brett. He is motivated to change by the love of Christ. It's so amazing to see God heal and renew!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray God would send people to help us. We really need to build a team to go out into this community. We cannot do what God is calling us to alone. Please pray for more willing, Christ-centered individuals who God is calling to the desert.
- Brett and Michelle, the woman I met with last week. Both have taken healthy steps to grow closer to God. Pray that they would be protected from the enemy and that they would continue to run after Him.
- Protection for the Salazars and continued unity in their family.
- This may sound petty and selfish, but I've struggled a lot in the past with self-deprication. Lately, I've been getting a negative comments from strangers. I know it's the enemy trying to get to me. Please pray for protection over me and that Jesus would break off this attack.
- I'm taking the CBEST test this Saturday to hopefully get a substitute teaching job here in Indio. Please pray I would pass!
I am so loving this study through James. This passage particularly has my heart. I hope God uses it in your life this week:
"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:1-12
No comments:
Post a Comment