“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8
I recently read a quote from John Timmer that was a thought provoker, it read “You can learn about God with your mind or through your life’s experiences. God prefers the latter. He wants us to know Him experientially, to engage Him with our whole lives.”
I received a call on my cell phone from a Jehovah’s Witness yesterday at 11:55 A.M. and the caller I.D. didn’t appear “JW” but it was just a local call from Bloomington; I didn’t know her or bother to tell her that it was lunch time. She wanted to read to me from her Bible, Isaiah 11:6-7 and then talk with me about ‘her’ belief of what Heaven will be like. After about fifteen minutes of exchanging what we each believe; I wanted to tell her more about my faith and recited the Apostle’s Creed for her…but she said she had to go, and wouldn’t even let me pray with her before she hung up; we had different beliefs, but I’m sure the Holy Spirit sowed some seeds.
I can tell you with much assurance that the 150 children who attend this Lutheran school at Lauture agree with my faith and can also recite the Apostle’s Creed when professing their faith to another. The Holy Spirit comes to each of us through the Word and reveals that our Salvation is found only through Jesus Christ. God has called each of us here in the U.S. and in this school in Haiti to go and share this ‘knowledge’ of Salvation with the lost. This knowledge of Christ Jesus will elevate us and them above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will prepare each of us for the immortality of being with our Savior enjoying His eternal joy.
Thank you for continuing to help prepare them for this journey in Haiti, with the gifts that you have sent to provide them with a feeding program while they too are prepared through Lutheran Pastors and teachers in Lauture. In 1832 James Montgomery wrote the words for the hymn ‘Pour out Thy Spirit from on High’ and they will close this devotion.
“Pour out Thy Spirit from on high, Lord, Thine assembled servants bless; graces and gifts to each supply and clothe Thy priests with righteousness. Before Thine altar when we stand to teach the truth as taught by Thee, Savior, like stars in Thy right hand the angels of Thy churches be. Wisdom and zeal and faith impart, firmness with meekness, from above, to bear Thy people on our heart and love the souls whom Thou dost love. To watch and pray and never faint by day and night strict guard to keep, to warn the sinner, cheer the saint, nourish Thy lambs, and feed Thy sheep. Then, when our work is finished here, we may in hope our charge resign. when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, O God, may they and we be Thine!”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay