AHH!!! Sorry guys, it's been like 4 months since I've been able to make a post! SO much has happened since then! O_O Summer came and went. I went to Peru for the third time and came back. Started another semester of school, which is SUPER crazy!
But yeah, I'm STILL sloooooowly making my way through this Dr. David Jeremiah book, "Agents of the Apocalypse".
Anyway here are my notes on these 2 Chapters!
Chapter 3
~~~~~~~~
Revelation 7:1-8 (about the 144,000)
They are:
-Selected from the 12 Tribes of Israel
-Sealed on their foreheads
-Servants of the living God
-Separated unto God
-Strong in faith
-Spared from coming judgment
-Secure in midst of tribulation
-Successful in ministry
-Set apart for the Kingdom
-Singing a new song in Heaven
(from Mark Hitchcock quote)
12000 witnesses from 12 tribes
The number 12 associated with Israel.
Revelation 14 -- seal of protection
God sealed people off from wraths:
-Genesis 6-8 The Great Flood
-Genesis 19 Lot escaping Sodom
-Exodus 12 Sealed firstborn Jews
-Joshua 2, 6 Rahab & Scarlet cord
-1 Kings 19 7000 Israelites who had not bowed to Baal
The seal of the living God will not be merely an external mark; it will also be a moral badge.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22; John 6:27; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30
Revelation 14:4-5, Revelation 6:17-7:3
"In Revelation 14:1-5, John sees the 144,000 at the end of the Tribulation standing triumphantly on Mount Zion -- the city of Jerusalem. Notice he doesn't see 143,999. All 144,000 have been divinely preserved by the Lord. Not one has been overlooked."
2 Thes. 2:3 Falling away
(massive revival AFTER Rapture)
144,000 song incorporated with harps. Harps associate with joy!
Chapter 4
~~~~~~~~
The 2 witnesses' ministry
*Their Personalities*
-Revelation 11:4; Zech. 4:1-14
-Revelation 11:3 special relationship
Elijah -- because Malachi the prophet predicted that Elijah would come before the Second Advent to prepare the way for the Messiah (Mal. 4:5-6).
Elijah was miraculously taken up into heaven (2 Kings 2:9-11) just as the 2 witnesses will be (Rev. 11:12).
The witnesses will have the same power to withhold rain as Elijah did (1 Kings 17:1, Rev. 11:6).
Elijah called down fire from heaven (2 Kings 1:10) as will the 2 witnesses (Rev. 11:5).
The duration of both the drought in Elijah's day (1 Kings 17:1, Luke 4:25, James 5:17-18) and the ministry of the 2 witnesses (Rev. 11:3,6) is 3 years and 6 months.
Enoch (believed by scholars), Moses more likely -- because Moses appeared with Elijah at the transfiguration of Christ (Mat. 17:3).
God gave Moses the ability to turn the water into blood (Ex. 7:19-20) and the witnesses will be given that same power (Rev. 11:6).
God preserved Moses' body so that he might be restored (Deut. 34:5-7); the bodies of the witnesses will be restored as well (Rev. 11:11).
Satan contended with Michael the archangel for the body of Moses (Jude 1:9). Hindering plan for the last days?
Moses and Elijah stand for the Law and the Prophets. Since the ministry of the witnesses will occur within the Jewish nation, it makes sense that representatives of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) would appear to the Jews.
*Their Prophecies* -- Revelation 11:3
Duration of prophetic testimony: 1260 days
First judgment
Deut. 17:6 -- Why 2: Used to validate truth.
*Their Power*
The power of their preaching
-Jesus Christ is the Lord of all the earth, there shall be no rain.
-Testify of human wickedness to their faces
-Testify of the character of the judgments just past as having been directly from God, and warn of more terrible coming judgments.
-Decry the blasphemous claims, --that man is to be defied, denounce all the goodness of man as a lie.
-Testify that Jerusalem is spiritually "Sodom and Egypt", announce coming judgments upon the city/people, tell the Jews that they killed Jesus (1 Thes. 2:15-16), and that He will yet be the King over all the earth.
Romans 1:18-21 People will demand the witnesses be shot.
The Power of Their Plagues: 3 forms
1. The plague of death -- protected (Rev. 11:5)
2. The plague of drought (Rev. 11:6)
3. The plague of disease (Rev. 11:6)
*Their Persecution* -- Revelation 11:7
(the hands of the Beast -- Anti-Christ)
The Death of the Witnesses
(36 references to the Beast in Revelation)
3 and 1/2 years consolidating governments, forging a peace treaty with Israel.
The murder of the witnesses will be his first celebrated act.
The Display of their Bodies
Deut. 21:22-23 ---> Rev. 11:8
-Sodom: known for sexual perversion
-Egypt: persecution of Jewish nation
Outwardly, Jerusalem will seem better than ever, but inwardly it will reek with rottenness and death, much like Sodom and Egypt.
The Delight of their Enemies
Rev. 11:10 (turned into a holiday)
Only mention of rejoicing during the Tribulation period. (real revelation of the heart of man: delight at the death of God's Witnesses)
-Rev. 11:11-12 2 miracles
Paul describes the Repture of the church occurring in a moment (1 Cor. 15:52), the rapture of the witnesses will be viewed by all. (Rev. 11:12)
Rev. 11:13 earthquake
"They would not allow burial to the slain witnesses, and now they themselves are buried alive in the ruins of their own houses, and in hell forever." -J. A. Seiss
Original text: "men of name" -- leaders/well-known individuals
Joy at the death turns to fear (no change of heart... Rev. 11:13)
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Agents of the Apocalypse ~ David Jeremiah (Chapters 1 & 2)
I'm reading Agents Of the Apocalypse by Dr David Jeremiah that I borrowed from my grandma (like many months ago!). Good stuff in here so far and I'm only on chapter 3! Here are some quotes from Chapter 1 & 2 that I loved!
Ch.1
Revelation in Greek: apokalypsis
Apocalypse in Greek: an uncovering, an unveiling, a manifestation of.
Purpose of Revelation: unveil the majesty/power of Jesus Christ.
The Rapture reference in Ch.1 vs.1 signifies that "shortly take place" means "suddenly comes to pass, rapid progression after something happens."
Revelation in Greek: apokalypsis
Apocalypse in Greek: an uncovering, an unveiling, a manifestation of.
Purpose of Revelation: unveil the majesty/power of Jesus Christ.
The Rapture reference in Ch.1 vs.1 signifies that "shortly take place" means "suddenly comes to pass, rapid progression after something happens."
Idea: not necessarily soon, but suddenly & without warning
To say that an event is near means it is the next major occurrence on the prophetic calendar.
To say that an event is near means it is the next major occurrence on the prophetic calendar.
"There is nothing new to say on the subject. But there is a new way to say it. I read Revelation not to get more information, but to revive my imagination." -Eugene Peterson
Earth can be said as being "enemy occupied territory".
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, "Revelation was written in order that God's people who were passing through terrible persecutions/adversity might still be able to go on rejoicing."
Jesus could come at any minute. We need to have an, "I don't want Him to find me here" attitude.
Ch 2.
If not 1 believer remains after the rapture, how will people be saved during Tribulation?
-God's 2 witnesses will come into the world to prophesy and perform miracles.
-144,000 Israelites who are "sealed" for God's service (Rev. 7:4)
If not 1 believer remains after the rapture, how will people be saved during Tribulation?
-God's 2 witnesses will come into the world to prophesy and perform miracles.
-144,000 Israelites who are "sealed" for God's service (Rev. 7:4)
"Removal of believers from the world at the rapture will not remove the Scriptures." -Dr. Henry Morris
Marytrdom will be as common as it is uncommon in the West today.
(Rev. I 2:11; Ps. 44:22)
Marytrdom will be as common as it is uncommon in the West today.
(Rev. I 2:11; Ps. 44:22)
Revelation identifies the enemies of God as those who have shed the blood of His people. "Every faithful Christian must be prepared to die." -Richard Bauckham
Rev. 1:9, John's exile. The restraint of the Holy Spirit will be removed from the earth!
"If there is not anything to be saved from, we do not need a savior." -Dr. W. A. Criswell
"If there is not anything to be saved from, we do not need a savior." -Dr. W. A. Criswell
Rev. 6:9 - John's vision shifts from Earth back to heaven.
The age of grace will turn into the age of judgement.
The age of grace will turn into the age of judgement.
The Lord provides 5 comforts for these martyred souls:
1. Refuge
-Donald Grey Barnhouse: "We are not to think that John had a vision of an altar with souls peeping out from underneath. The altar was the place of the sacrifice of blood. To be 'under the altar' is to be covered in the sight of God by that merit which Jesus Christ provided in dying on the cross. It is a figure that speaks of justification."
2. A Robe
-Dr. John Walvoord offers a possible answer on if people who died during the Tribulation have physical bodies: "The fact that they are given robes would almost demand that they have a body of some kind. A robe could not hang upon an material soul or spirit. It is not the kind of body that Christians now have (the body of earth), nor is if the resurrection body of flesh and bones of which Christ spoke after His own resurrection. It is a temporary body suited for their presence in heaven but replaced in turn by their everlasting resurrection body given st the time of Christ’s return."
3. A Rest
-Rev. 6:11; Rev. 14:13
4. Retribution
-Rev. 14:18-20
5. A Reward
-Rev. 20:4. Justice/peace that eluded them during their lifetime.
1. Refuge
-Donald Grey Barnhouse: "We are not to think that John had a vision of an altar with souls peeping out from underneath. The altar was the place of the sacrifice of blood. To be 'under the altar' is to be covered in the sight of God by that merit which Jesus Christ provided in dying on the cross. It is a figure that speaks of justification."
2. A Robe
-Dr. John Walvoord offers a possible answer on if people who died during the Tribulation have physical bodies: "The fact that they are given robes would almost demand that they have a body of some kind. A robe could not hang upon an material soul or spirit. It is not the kind of body that Christians now have (the body of earth), nor is if the resurrection body of flesh and bones of which Christ spoke after His own resurrection. It is a temporary body suited for their presence in heaven but replaced in turn by their everlasting resurrection body given st the time of Christ’s return."
3. A Rest
-Rev. 6:11; Rev. 14:13
4. Retribution
-Rev. 14:18-20
5. A Reward
-Rev. 20:4. Justice/peace that eluded them during their lifetime.
**A Christian is martyred every 4-5 minutes.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Matt Chandler ~ Passion '15
I had the opportunity and time tonight (now that school is winding down) to finally watching another session from Passion 15! This one is Matt Chandler's talk. This man is one of my favorite speakers! I really want to see him live one day!
He began with this:
"Get your eyes off of you. Nobody has betrayed you more than you have. Your responses to wickedness is still on you! The greater you think you are, the more enslaved you are to your perceived greatness! The more we say God is great/beautiful/mighty/etc., THEN we're free! THEN our doubts begin to disappear and we have victory!"
His main scripture he used is Romans 11:33-36, which says, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
Matt Chandler used 4 things about God that will anchor your soul.
1. God's transcendent wealth -- Psalm 50:10; Deuteronomy 10:14
"for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills."
"To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it."
Abraham Kuyper said it like this: "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: 'mine.'"
God's wealth is not limited by the amount of resources available, the way our wealth and abilities are.
God creates out of nothing, anything He wants, and as much of it as He wants, at any time He wants to do it!
2. God is sovereign in His knowing
"God knows every word in every language in every sentence in every paragraph in every chapter of every book ever written. He knows every fact of history past and future, every bit of truth discovered and undiscovered. He knows it all!"
1 Corinthians 3:18-23, "Let no man deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile. So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are Yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's."
3. You can't scrutinize God
Job 38:2-4, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. 'Where were you when I made the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding."
God wants you to feel small. You are not strong! (James 4:14 -- "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.")
Romans 9:20, "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'"
The cross proves that God is for me and I will trust Him!
You can't counsel God! Do you think that He'd withhold something you need?! That doesn't mean we don't ask. We have to see God for who He is!
"God does not drive an ambulance. He does not show up after and try to put the pieces back together. God wounds us like a surgeon, and He can be trusted because we look to the cross of Christ. And it's looking at the cross of Christ, our confidence that He is for us and not against us."
You can't put God in your debt! He owes you NOTHING, yet He's granted you EVERYTHING!
4. God's glorious self-regard
Psalm 23:1-3, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
The motivation for all that goodness, grace, blessing, and that He is for you, is for His name's sake!
The Bible is full of examples!
-God did not destroy Israel in the desert. -Ezekiel 20
-God saves men for the sake of His name. -Psalm 106
-Pharaoh's heart was hardened from the glory of God. =Exodus 14
-The beginning of the Israel monarch was about the glory of God. -1 Samuel 12
-Solomon dedicated the temple for the glory of God. -1 Kings 8
-Israel the great and powerful among the nations because God making Himself a name, -2 Samuel 7
-God did not destroy Israel when it deserved to be destroyed because He did not want His name to be blasphemed among the nations. -Isaiah 48
-God decided to destroy the Israelites because they would not lay it to their heart to give glory to His name. -Malachi 2
-We are saved for His grace. -Ephesians 1
-The Christian life is about the reflection of the glory of God. -Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 10, 1 Peter 4
-The second-coming is about the consummation of all things to the glory of God. -2 Thessalonians
-The consummation of all things is so that God might be praised. -Revelation 21
God being for God is the best news to have because:
-All commands of Scripture are about leading me into deeper life and not trying to take from me anything.
-It's not about me.
Daddies always rejoice in the steps of their children. What if God sees you this way?
By the grace of Christ, God does not love some future version of you. He loves you NOW!
He never changes His mind! <3You are HIS!<3
He began with this:
"Get your eyes off of you. Nobody has betrayed you more than you have. Your responses to wickedness is still on you! The greater you think you are, the more enslaved you are to your perceived greatness! The more we say God is great/beautiful/mighty/etc., THEN we're free! THEN our doubts begin to disappear and we have victory!"
His main scripture he used is Romans 11:33-36, which says, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
Matt Chandler used 4 things about God that will anchor your soul.
1. God's transcendent wealth -- Psalm 50:10; Deuteronomy 10:14
"for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills."
"To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it."
Abraham Kuyper said it like this: "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: 'mine.'"
God's wealth is not limited by the amount of resources available, the way our wealth and abilities are.
God creates out of nothing, anything He wants, and as much of it as He wants, at any time He wants to do it!
2. God is sovereign in His knowing
"God knows every word in every language in every sentence in every paragraph in every chapter of every book ever written. He knows every fact of history past and future, every bit of truth discovered and undiscovered. He knows it all!"
1 Corinthians 3:18-23, "Let no man deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile. So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future--all are Yours, and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's."
3. You can't scrutinize God
Job 38:2-4, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. 'Where were you when I made the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding."
God wants you to feel small. You are not strong! (James 4:14 -- "yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.")
Romans 9:20, "But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?'"
The cross proves that God is for me and I will trust Him!
You can't counsel God! Do you think that He'd withhold something you need?! That doesn't mean we don't ask. We have to see God for who He is!
"God does not drive an ambulance. He does not show up after and try to put the pieces back together. God wounds us like a surgeon, and He can be trusted because we look to the cross of Christ. And it's looking at the cross of Christ, our confidence that He is for us and not against us."
You can't put God in your debt! He owes you NOTHING, yet He's granted you EVERYTHING!
4. God's glorious self-regard
Psalm 23:1-3, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
The motivation for all that goodness, grace, blessing, and that He is for you, is for His name's sake!
The Bible is full of examples!
-God did not destroy Israel in the desert. -Ezekiel 20
-God saves men for the sake of His name. -Psalm 106
-Pharaoh's heart was hardened from the glory of God. =Exodus 14
-The beginning of the Israel monarch was about the glory of God. -1 Samuel 12
-Solomon dedicated the temple for the glory of God. -1 Kings 8
-Israel the great and powerful among the nations because God making Himself a name, -2 Samuel 7
-God did not destroy Israel when it deserved to be destroyed because He did not want His name to be blasphemed among the nations. -Isaiah 48
-God decided to destroy the Israelites because they would not lay it to their heart to give glory to His name. -Malachi 2
-We are saved for His grace. -Ephesians 1
-The Christian life is about the reflection of the glory of God. -Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 10, 1 Peter 4
-The second-coming is about the consummation of all things to the glory of God. -2 Thessalonians
-The consummation of all things is so that God might be praised. -Revelation 21
God being for God is the best news to have because:
-All commands of Scripture are about leading me into deeper life and not trying to take from me anything.
-It's not about me.
Daddies always rejoice in the steps of their children. What if God sees you this way?
By the grace of Christ, God does not love some future version of you. He loves you NOW!
He never changes His mind! <3You are HIS!<3
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Rejecting / Reflecting the Glory of God
If anyone hasn't seen Lecrae's talk from Passion 2015, I encourage you to do that on youtube! That's what my blog is about tonight.
Glory can be defined as: magnificence, worship of highest praise, fame, renown, radiance, beauty.
Exodus 40:34 -- Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
The tabernacle was not complete (even with all the fancy things inside of it) until the weight of God's glory filled that place!
God's glory: Display of perfection, honor, fame, going forth/making public His holiness, infinite value.
All of creation tells the story of God's glory! That's what we're meant to do! That's what the Seraphim did in Isaiah 6. "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
When the earth reflects this holiness, we call it glory.
Our value... our worth... is wrapped up in Him! Your value is because of Who's Name is on you! God's glory is stitched in your genes!
1 Corinthians 10:31 -- "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Even the simple things point to God's glory.
1 Corinthians 6:19 -- "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"
Isaiah 43: 20 -- "The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,..."
Isaiah 48:11b -- "I will not yield my glory to another."
*You're either reflecting God's glory, or you're trying to reject it!*
You don't see creation rebelling! You don't see stars not "feeling" like shining. Flowers don't "feel" like smelling differently.
The 2 highest creatures ever made are: Angels & Men.
They are the only 2 who decided to rebel.
God decided He wants to restore us. Angels don't get salvation. They long for it, but they don't get it. We take it for granted.
Romans 1:21 -- "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Romans 3:23 -- "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
When we're rejecting His glory and caring only for our own glorification, we're exactly like Satan in saying, "It's not about Your glory; it's about mine."
Exodus 33:11a -- "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
God will not leave you on your own to figure things out.
Exodus 33:12-14 -- Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
He is all we've ever needed!
Sometimes, we're like Moses and say, "I hear You, but show me!" On top of Mount Sinai, Moses caught a GLIMPSE of God's glory. (Seeing all of it would strike him dead.) Once he went down from the mountain, his face was shining!
REFLECT the shining face!
YOU are the Tabernacle!
The glory of God rests inside of YOU! To reflect how awesome He is, to this world!
The focus = gaze on the glory of Jesus, then look to this world.
People around you should be able to tell you that your face is shining!
Glory can be defined as: magnificence, worship of highest praise, fame, renown, radiance, beauty.
Exodus 40:34 -- Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
The tabernacle was not complete (even with all the fancy things inside of it) until the weight of God's glory filled that place!
God's glory: Display of perfection, honor, fame, going forth/making public His holiness, infinite value.
All of creation tells the story of God's glory! That's what we're meant to do! That's what the Seraphim did in Isaiah 6. "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."
When the earth reflects this holiness, we call it glory.
Our value... our worth... is wrapped up in Him! Your value is because of Who's Name is on you! God's glory is stitched in your genes!
1 Corinthians 10:31 -- "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
Even the simple things point to God's glory.
1 Corinthians 6:19 -- "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"
Isaiah 43: 20 -- "The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,..."
Isaiah 48:11b -- "I will not yield my glory to another."
*You're either reflecting God's glory, or you're trying to reject it!*
You don't see creation rebelling! You don't see stars not "feeling" like shining. Flowers don't "feel" like smelling differently.
The 2 highest creatures ever made are: Angels & Men.
They are the only 2 who decided to rebel.
God decided He wants to restore us. Angels don't get salvation. They long for it, but they don't get it. We take it for granted.
Romans 1:21 -- "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Romans 3:23 -- "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
When we're rejecting His glory and caring only for our own glorification, we're exactly like Satan in saying, "It's not about Your glory; it's about mine."
Exodus 33:11a -- "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
God will not leave you on your own to figure things out.
Exodus 33:12-14 -- Moses said to the LORD, "You have been telling me, 'Lead these people,' but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, 'I know you by name and you have found favor with me.' If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
He is all we've ever needed!
Sometimes, we're like Moses and say, "I hear You, but show me!" On top of Mount Sinai, Moses caught a GLIMPSE of God's glory. (Seeing all of it would strike him dead.) Once he went down from the mountain, his face was shining!
REFLECT the shining face!
YOU are the Tabernacle!
The glory of God rests inside of YOU! To reflect how awesome He is, to this world!
The focus = gaze on the glory of Jesus, then look to this world.
People around you should be able to tell you that your face is shining!
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Passionate Pursuit
Today, I want to share a parable with you by Soren Kierkegaard titled, “The King and His Maiden.” I think it will bless your heart.
Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden. The king was like no other king. Every statesman trembled before his power. No one dared breathe a word against him, for he had the strength to crush all opponents.
And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden who lived in a poor village in his kingdom. How could he declare his love for her? In an odd sort of way, his kingliness tied his hands. If he brought her to the palace and crowned her head with jewels and clothed her body in royal robes, she would surely not resist—no one dared resist him. But would she love him?
She would say she loved him, of course, but would she truly? Or would she live with him in fear, nursing a private grief for the life she had left behind? Would she be happy at his side? How could he know for sure? If he rode to her forest cottage in his royal carriage, with an armed escort waving bright banners, that too would overwhelm her. He did not want a cringing subject. He wanted a lover, an equal. He wanted her to forget that he was a king and she a humble maiden and to let shared love cross the gulf between them. For it is only in love that the unequal can be made equal.
The king, convinced he could not elevate the maiden without crushing her freedom, resolved to descend to her. Clothed as a beggar, he approached her cottage with a worn cloak fluttering loose about him. This was not just a disguise—the king took on a totally new identity—he had renounced his throne to declare his love and to win hers.
And yet this mighty king was melted by love for a humble maiden who lived in a poor village in his kingdom. How could he declare his love for her? In an odd sort of way, his kingliness tied his hands. If he brought her to the palace and crowned her head with jewels and clothed her body in royal robes, she would surely not resist—no one dared resist him. But would she love him?
She would say she loved him, of course, but would she truly? Or would she live with him in fear, nursing a private grief for the life she had left behind? Would she be happy at his side? How could he know for sure? If he rode to her forest cottage in his royal carriage, with an armed escort waving bright banners, that too would overwhelm her. He did not want a cringing subject. He wanted a lover, an equal. He wanted her to forget that he was a king and she a humble maiden and to let shared love cross the gulf between them. For it is only in love that the unequal can be made equal.
The king, convinced he could not elevate the maiden without crushing her freedom, resolved to descend to her. Clothed as a beggar, he approached her cottage with a worn cloak fluttering loose about him. This was not just a disguise—the king took on a totally new identity—he had renounced his throne to declare his love and to win hers.
This parable is such a beautiful reflection of how King Jesus has pursued your heart…has pursued mine. Paul described it this way:
[Jesus] who, being in very nature God,
Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
But made himself nothing,
Taking the very nature of a servant,
Being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled himself
And became obedient to death –
Even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
And gave him the name that is above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
In heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
To the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11)
Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
But made himself nothing,
Taking the very nature of a servant,
Being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled himself
And became obedient to death –
Even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
And gave him the name that is above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
In heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
To the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11)
Why would God do such a thing? Because He loves you and longs to have an intimate, personal relationship with you. It was a high price to pay, but Jesus knew you were worth it.
The entire Bible from Genesis 3 to Revelation 22:21 is a record of God’s passionate pursuit of the human heart. We end the last chapter of the Old Testament with silence. And then 400 years later, God breaks the holy hush with the cry of a babe in a manger as the story picks back up in Bethlehem.
From God’s first question, “Where are you?” until Jesus’ final words, “It is finished,” we see God drawing mankind with cords of kindness that sometimes appear anything but kind—drawing people back to Himself with ties of love (Hosea 11:4). We’ve wiggled and wrangled trying to break free of those cords, but He continues to lasso us with love and draw us in again.
Passionate pursuit. He’s pulled out all the stops. Moved heaven and earth—literally—to win us back, to reestablish the glory that was lost in the Garden. As Tozer said, “The whole work of God in redemption is to undo the tragic effects of that foul revolt, and to bring us back again into right and eternal relationship with Himself.”
Most of us feel that we have to pursue God continually, as if He is hard to find. And as long as we believe that, our faith journey will be difficult. But didn't Jesus say, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)? God always makes the first move! :) #TrueLove
Friday, October 24, 2014
Spiritual Warfare
It's been months since I've had the time to make a post! So much has been happening with school and work and life in general.
I decided to catch up on some of my devotion reading out of my one book I got for Christmas last year. It's called "Voices of the Faithful" by Beth Moore. It's basically a book of inspiring stories of courage from Christians serving around the world. Yes I did just copy that from the front of the book. :P But Beth Moore is one of my favorite speakers, and she writes the intro for each new topic at the beginning of each month. Yes, I'm way behind since I'm just now starting the ones for October....
Anyway, October's devotions are on spiritual warfare, and at the beginning of October, Beth wrote something I thought I'd share.
J. R. R. Tolkien: "The board is set. The pieces are moving."
As we prepare for the return of the real King, the board is set and the pieces are indeed moving. Satan is sly. His motto? "Whatever works." He doesn't come in a red suit carrying a pitchfork. He fools spiritual people most easily when dressed as an angel of light. He comes as a friend. A Judas. Something that comforts our dysfunctional souls, pats our fleshy heads and sympathizes with our strongholds. He tries to gain our trust and assure us of things like this: "I understand you. No one could blame you. You deserve this. No one will ever know. God will forgive you anyway. You can't help it. Go ahead. Don't resist it. It's not that bad. Everybody's like this. No one's really free. Indulge. No harm done." Then one day Judas kisses you on the cheek and betrays you, and you see him for who he is. The result isn't pretty.
Stop flirting with the devil! Stop it before all hell literally breaks loose. Fight the fire. Let God deal with our stuff and surrender completely to Him. He knows best, whether we like it or not.
"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thess. 5:21-24, NIV).
I really thought that was awesome the way everything was worded here! It's so true! We, as Christians, often need to be "sifted like wheat" (Luke 22:31, NASB) like Peter had to be.
Imagine Christ saying, "You can either let me prune you [John 15], or I can use the devil to scare it out of you." We want the former, not the latter.
(I will try to not be so late with my next post. I originally wanted to post at least once a month, if not twice.)
God bless everyone who reads this!
I decided to catch up on some of my devotion reading out of my one book I got for Christmas last year. It's called "Voices of the Faithful" by Beth Moore. It's basically a book of inspiring stories of courage from Christians serving around the world. Yes I did just copy that from the front of the book. :P But Beth Moore is one of my favorite speakers, and she writes the intro for each new topic at the beginning of each month. Yes, I'm way behind since I'm just now starting the ones for October....
Anyway, October's devotions are on spiritual warfare, and at the beginning of October, Beth wrote something I thought I'd share.
J. R. R. Tolkien: "The board is set. The pieces are moving."
As we prepare for the return of the real King, the board is set and the pieces are indeed moving. Satan is sly. His motto? "Whatever works." He doesn't come in a red suit carrying a pitchfork. He fools spiritual people most easily when dressed as an angel of light. He comes as a friend. A Judas. Something that comforts our dysfunctional souls, pats our fleshy heads and sympathizes with our strongholds. He tries to gain our trust and assure us of things like this: "I understand you. No one could blame you. You deserve this. No one will ever know. God will forgive you anyway. You can't help it. Go ahead. Don't resist it. It's not that bad. Everybody's like this. No one's really free. Indulge. No harm done." Then one day Judas kisses you on the cheek and betrays you, and you see him for who he is. The result isn't pretty.
Stop flirting with the devil! Stop it before all hell literally breaks loose. Fight the fire. Let God deal with our stuff and surrender completely to Him. He knows best, whether we like it or not.
"Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it" (1 Thess. 5:21-24, NIV).
I really thought that was awesome the way everything was worded here! It's so true! We, as Christians, often need to be "sifted like wheat" (Luke 22:31, NASB) like Peter had to be.
Imagine Christ saying, "You can either let me prune you [John 15], or I can use the devil to scare it out of you." We want the former, not the latter.
(I will try to not be so late with my next post. I originally wanted to post at least once a month, if not twice.)
God bless everyone who reads this!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Lima Peru Mission Trip #2
This entire trip was completely amazing and life-changing! So incredibly blessed that God called me to minister to those beautiful people in that beautiful country again!!! <3
7/22
We made it to Dulles airport with the Team! I had like an hour and a half of sleep. Woot Woot! Before we left, we ate at Denny's for breakfast at midnight with 6 members of the Team and had a great time. We had a devotional and lots of laughs. At the airport, we waited for Tim and Ethan to arrive. They finally came and Ethan went for a handshake to me and I went for a hug so we were confused haha. Ethan and I started harassing each other right away and the old inside joke of I broke his heart came up very often.
Chatted with Tim and about our Peruvian friends and they things we have exciting for the week!
On the flight to Panama City, El Salvador, I saw between Dee and this spanish-speaking lady. We tried to talk to each other and it was pretty funny. We both laughed about the language barrier. Her little girl was adorable though!
Tim kept asking everyone if they're his friend and I guess that meant we'd help with VBS if we said yes. Very funny! :) Then Tim called me name and I turned around and he made the barking duck sound from last year. We wanted to go back and see it. Tim mentioned seeing Jerson again too.
Tim: I wonder if he'll remember me.
Me: Jerson?
Tim: The duck. Or was it a girl? I talked to it. Did the Peruvians eat it?
We had the most weird conversations sometimes, but they were awesome ones!
We had favor all through customs and got into the compound. Found Marcos and Israel! :) I ran up to Neiser and he picked me up and spun me around hugging me really tightly! I was squealing in happiness! <3
7/23
Got up at 7 and got ready for breakfast with the Team, then hung out with Neiser for a while. He told me he wants to destroy Obama at the White House and flush him down the toilet. We laughed and cheered!
The different age groups in the school performed dances for us. It was misting during it, too.
After lunch, some of the Team went on-sight to build the first home, but I stayed to help with the craft and get ready for VBS. The kids kept begging to play tag with me. It was a fun time! :) Those kids make my heart so happy! We ate fresh bread in the morning from the bakery. It was so good it didn't even need butter.
Neiser said my hair is bonita! I met Miguel and he plays guitar, too! We didn't get to play together though, unfortunately.
The rooster would not stop crowing! We thought it was confused.
7/24
Neiser's new favorite word is "weird". He kept walking up to me and putting his hands around my neck saying, "chokey chokey" hahaha! At breakfast Pastor Gary talked about the Book of Philippians and 1 thing in each chapter that can steal your joy.
Chapter 1 - Circumstances
Chapter 2 - People
Chapter 3 - Things
Chapter 4 - Wrapped up everything and said to find joy in the Lord.
We did 1 chapter each morning.
We worked at the house, and they had Inca Kola and crackers for us there. Coming back from the home, Ethan slipped and got his foot caught in the wheel of the motto. He's fine now though. It was so cold that day! Sazaar drove Alyssa and me back to the compound and he is a speed demon on that motto!
We had chicken made with orange juice. It was really good! We also had several other missionaries come and eat with us. After dinner, we all attended a small group meeting in the church with the Peruvians where the new pastor, Tony, was speaking on the 9th Commandment. Neiser sat by me and kept pulling my head down to ay on his shoulder haha. He kept pinching me and playing footsies, too lol. After the lesson, there was a short skit and Neiser volunteered me to go up and be part of it. Then I made him go up when Tony said to do it in Spanish after him and I did it in English. He growled at me and I just smirked and pushed him in front of me. Afterwards, we stayed to watch a video about evangelism. It was awesome! Then we went back into the cocina and played UNO! :D Neiser and I handed each other cards and cheated that way. Had a great time yelling at everyone. When only 5 of us were left, we managed to play a game without cheating! First time in years!!! I said "aww" but it came out as "oww" when Marcos handed me 2 cards and Marcos said "ouch". We all started laughing so hard, and it became our inside joke.
7/25
I had a hot shower finally! My other 2 thus far were cold. The one was so freezing it took my breath away! Welcome to missionary life.
We finished building the house and the family was so grateful. They kept saying it was muy bonita! <3 We took pictures with the family. Took a crazy one where we all made faces and held up something that shows what we did to help. I found a rock that looked like a heart and Tim held up a hammer like he was going to hit it. :O That rock was so heavy, and I was complaining about it, and Tim said I was lifting weights! LOL.
Neiser held me like a baby and said, "mio". lol.
Riding on the back of the motto with Ethan, we watched a little boy running after us and eventually passed the motto!
We went shopping in the city downtown and ate at Norky's. In the restaurant, Neiser set up plates and 3 Liter bottles of soda in front of Nicole and Ben to make it look like they ate it all. Tim gave the cross demonstration to the workers. During shopping, Sazaar helped me count my sole because I'm bad at Peru money. We stopped in the park and took pictures. On the walk to the bus, we passed a show store, and Ethan kept trying to hols us girls back from racing over there. Then he kept picking up the girls randomly and we were all screaming and trying to shield each other and run away. Hilarious moments! I lended the one girl my hoodie since it was really cold. Neiser made a good pillow on the ride back.
When we got back, we learned the dances for the outreach.
7/26
The park outreach got moved to the church. 75 kids came! The Peruvians danced, the kids played musical chairs, and there was a Pooh costume. Clinton was a clown. The Team danced to 2 songs we did last year, then God's Not Dead. The kids had streamers and masks to wear during it. We danced while setting up too and Neiser thought we were crazy. The kids got told about Jesus, woot woot!
We walked out to Liliana's fields and helped her pick crops. Neiser helped me over a ditch and pretended to drop me in.
After dinner, we had a church service for the youth and Tony spoke on sex. Tim did a short message on being worn, and a group of us did a pantomime to Tenth Avenue North's song Worn. Each of us picked something that might be a struggle to the Peruvians and acted it out, then each coming to the cross at the end. We had signs that showed our problem, then had a new sign with words like "Redeemed", "Saved", "Loved", and so on. Cassidy was the self-image, Nicole and Ben and I did relationships, and I was the loner, Clinton did drugs and alcohol, Tim did suicide, and Stephen was Jesus. The cross call at the end was amazing! Most of the church came to the altar to lay down the things they were worn out about. We stayed on the stage to lay hands on and pray with the people who came up. Most of us were crying, and you heard many languages being spoke at once. It's the coolest experience in prayer and worship! We hugged everyone for awhile. Then I saw Alexander by his sister Luce and Tim and I talked for awhile in the church with them. Alexander played guitar for us, too!
Cui (guinea pig) was served for dinner. I didn't eat it again though. I talked to Jerson's aunt and she told me he isn't a believer in God anymore and asked if I'd tell him about Jesus since I keep in contact. I told of course I would. That's very disheartening though. :(
7/27
We ate pork and sweet potatoes with our breakfast. So good! We also did the pantomime again after the Sunday service. The altar call there was amazing as well! The Holy Spirit was really felt this week! So many lives were touched!
Nicole and Cassidy and I gave out a bunch of stuff for the children. I gave Alex his and showed him and his mom the pictures of my life back in the States. They loved it!
We had spaghetti for lunch. I saw Pastor Jacob and his wife and their new baby too! So happy!
Played Dutch Blitz with Tim and Cassidy and Ethan. We all Blitzed at the exact same time during the last game and we were crazy!
We walked to this other church for another service. They really knew how to rock it! We sang in Spanish and English and worshiped God together! We danced and Neiser kept spinning me around. We were laughing and raising our hands cheering for Jesus! There was another altar call that was awesome, too! We watched a group dancing, all wearing black, with white gloves that glowed in the dark. They acted out and spelled words, and all we saw were their hands. It was the coolest thing ever!!! We were so energized after that! I wish more church services were that into it!
The girls rode back in the motto because when it gets dark, it can get bad out.
After dinner, we had cake to surprise Marcos! And Sazaar gave me a massage.
7/28
We cleaned the 3 outside bathrooms today. It was so gross, but the squeegie thing amused me. Pastor Jacob was putting up a brick wall in the boys' bathroom and I talked to Benjamin for a while. He told me his testimony. At the third house that was built, there was a beautiful bird that we got to hold! It pooped on Ethan! :P We got back and I ran around with Alex and /Franco yelling that each other is crazy. Love those guys!
Tony and Gabriella invited each member of the Team into their home one at a time to pray for us. It's their first year there and they wanted to let us know that we could emotionally unload on them and they wanted to encourage us! <3
Had to say bye to the Peruvians. Lots of, "I love you" being said and hugs. It was so hard. Sazaar told me to not cry, but it was so hard not to when he kept telling me how he loves me. Alex and his family gave me a purple hat they made! I ended up losing it when I was running around. We found it in the corner on a bag. I swear it wasn't there when I checked there before. Nicole asked if I prayed for it, and I said I did. She did too. It was a total God thing! It's special to me since it was from my sponsor kid! <3 :) God heard and really cares about the little things that make us happy. It amazes me! Neiser gave me a pencil to remember him by (lol) and he left. Marcos said I'll always be in his heart, too.
Cassidy and I fell asleep in our room for an hour and a half before we had to meet down in the feeding center to leave. Ethan woke us and we walked down to talk and eat popcorn with the Team. Tim lost his passport, but ended up finding it. We left in the bus and checked our bags in. Tim kept saying random things and we were laughing, we were so tired. It was 4am and we met Neiser and Jordan in the cafe. I got ice cream. We said bye to them and Sarah and Marcos. We had a speedy time through customs and waited for our flight back to Panama to leave. Cassidy and I kept saying we smuggled Tiago (Tony and Gabriella's dog) and Axel into our suitcases.
We danced to "Get A Little Crazy" on the plane before we took off. We didn't even care who stared at us.
7/29
We flew from Panama to Dulles and slept most of the way back. We ate on the panes, too. I miss Peruvian breakfasts! We got to the baggage claim and said goodbye to Tim and Ethan. I can't believe the trip is over already! It seemed like we were barely there, but yet we felt like we've known everyone forever! <3
Peru will always have my heart, no matter where God leads me in the future. I'm open for anything. But I really can't wait to return down there next year and see everyone. A week once a year is not nearly long enough!
7/22
We made it to Dulles airport with the Team! I had like an hour and a half of sleep. Woot Woot! Before we left, we ate at Denny's for breakfast at midnight with 6 members of the Team and had a great time. We had a devotional and lots of laughs. At the airport, we waited for Tim and Ethan to arrive. They finally came and Ethan went for a handshake to me and I went for a hug so we were confused haha. Ethan and I started harassing each other right away and the old inside joke of I broke his heart came up very often.
Chatted with Tim and about our Peruvian friends and they things we have exciting for the week!
On the flight to Panama City, El Salvador, I saw between Dee and this spanish-speaking lady. We tried to talk to each other and it was pretty funny. We both laughed about the language barrier. Her little girl was adorable though!
Tim kept asking everyone if they're his friend and I guess that meant we'd help with VBS if we said yes. Very funny! :) Then Tim called me name and I turned around and he made the barking duck sound from last year. We wanted to go back and see it. Tim mentioned seeing Jerson again too.
Tim: I wonder if he'll remember me.
Me: Jerson?
Tim: The duck. Or was it a girl? I talked to it. Did the Peruvians eat it?
We had the most weird conversations sometimes, but they were awesome ones!
We had favor all through customs and got into the compound. Found Marcos and Israel! :) I ran up to Neiser and he picked me up and spun me around hugging me really tightly! I was squealing in happiness! <3
7/23
Got up at 7 and got ready for breakfast with the Team, then hung out with Neiser for a while. He told me he wants to destroy Obama at the White House and flush him down the toilet. We laughed and cheered!
The different age groups in the school performed dances for us. It was misting during it, too.
After lunch, some of the Team went on-sight to build the first home, but I stayed to help with the craft and get ready for VBS. The kids kept begging to play tag with me. It was a fun time! :) Those kids make my heart so happy! We ate fresh bread in the morning from the bakery. It was so good it didn't even need butter.
Neiser said my hair is bonita! I met Miguel and he plays guitar, too! We didn't get to play together though, unfortunately.
The rooster would not stop crowing! We thought it was confused.
7/24
Neiser's new favorite word is "weird". He kept walking up to me and putting his hands around my neck saying, "chokey chokey" hahaha! At breakfast Pastor Gary talked about the Book of Philippians and 1 thing in each chapter that can steal your joy.
Chapter 1 - Circumstances
Chapter 2 - People
Chapter 3 - Things
Chapter 4 - Wrapped up everything and said to find joy in the Lord.
We did 1 chapter each morning.
We worked at the house, and they had Inca Kola and crackers for us there. Coming back from the home, Ethan slipped and got his foot caught in the wheel of the motto. He's fine now though. It was so cold that day! Sazaar drove Alyssa and me back to the compound and he is a speed demon on that motto!
We had chicken made with orange juice. It was really good! We also had several other missionaries come and eat with us. After dinner, we all attended a small group meeting in the church with the Peruvians where the new pastor, Tony, was speaking on the 9th Commandment. Neiser sat by me and kept pulling my head down to ay on his shoulder haha. He kept pinching me and playing footsies, too lol. After the lesson, there was a short skit and Neiser volunteered me to go up and be part of it. Then I made him go up when Tony said to do it in Spanish after him and I did it in English. He growled at me and I just smirked and pushed him in front of me. Afterwards, we stayed to watch a video about evangelism. It was awesome! Then we went back into the cocina and played UNO! :D Neiser and I handed each other cards and cheated that way. Had a great time yelling at everyone. When only 5 of us were left, we managed to play a game without cheating! First time in years!!! I said "aww" but it came out as "oww" when Marcos handed me 2 cards and Marcos said "ouch". We all started laughing so hard, and it became our inside joke.
7/25
I had a hot shower finally! My other 2 thus far were cold. The one was so freezing it took my breath away! Welcome to missionary life.
We finished building the house and the family was so grateful. They kept saying it was muy bonita! <3 We took pictures with the family. Took a crazy one where we all made faces and held up something that shows what we did to help. I found a rock that looked like a heart and Tim held up a hammer like he was going to hit it. :O That rock was so heavy, and I was complaining about it, and Tim said I was lifting weights! LOL.
Neiser held me like a baby and said, "mio". lol.
Riding on the back of the motto with Ethan, we watched a little boy running after us and eventually passed the motto!
We went shopping in the city downtown and ate at Norky's. In the restaurant, Neiser set up plates and 3 Liter bottles of soda in front of Nicole and Ben to make it look like they ate it all. Tim gave the cross demonstration to the workers. During shopping, Sazaar helped me count my sole because I'm bad at Peru money. We stopped in the park and took pictures. On the walk to the bus, we passed a show store, and Ethan kept trying to hols us girls back from racing over there. Then he kept picking up the girls randomly and we were all screaming and trying to shield each other and run away. Hilarious moments! I lended the one girl my hoodie since it was really cold. Neiser made a good pillow on the ride back.
When we got back, we learned the dances for the outreach.
7/26
The park outreach got moved to the church. 75 kids came! The Peruvians danced, the kids played musical chairs, and there was a Pooh costume. Clinton was a clown. The Team danced to 2 songs we did last year, then God's Not Dead. The kids had streamers and masks to wear during it. We danced while setting up too and Neiser thought we were crazy. The kids got told about Jesus, woot woot!
We walked out to Liliana's fields and helped her pick crops. Neiser helped me over a ditch and pretended to drop me in.
After dinner, we had a church service for the youth and Tony spoke on sex. Tim did a short message on being worn, and a group of us did a pantomime to Tenth Avenue North's song Worn. Each of us picked something that might be a struggle to the Peruvians and acted it out, then each coming to the cross at the end. We had signs that showed our problem, then had a new sign with words like "Redeemed", "Saved", "Loved", and so on. Cassidy was the self-image, Nicole and Ben and I did relationships, and I was the loner, Clinton did drugs and alcohol, Tim did suicide, and Stephen was Jesus. The cross call at the end was amazing! Most of the church came to the altar to lay down the things they were worn out about. We stayed on the stage to lay hands on and pray with the people who came up. Most of us were crying, and you heard many languages being spoke at once. It's the coolest experience in prayer and worship! We hugged everyone for awhile. Then I saw Alexander by his sister Luce and Tim and I talked for awhile in the church with them. Alexander played guitar for us, too!
Cui (guinea pig) was served for dinner. I didn't eat it again though. I talked to Jerson's aunt and she told me he isn't a believer in God anymore and asked if I'd tell him about Jesus since I keep in contact. I told of course I would. That's very disheartening though. :(
7/27
We ate pork and sweet potatoes with our breakfast. So good! We also did the pantomime again after the Sunday service. The altar call there was amazing as well! The Holy Spirit was really felt this week! So many lives were touched!
Nicole and Cassidy and I gave out a bunch of stuff for the children. I gave Alex his and showed him and his mom the pictures of my life back in the States. They loved it!
We had spaghetti for lunch. I saw Pastor Jacob and his wife and their new baby too! So happy!
Played Dutch Blitz with Tim and Cassidy and Ethan. We all Blitzed at the exact same time during the last game and we were crazy!
We walked to this other church for another service. They really knew how to rock it! We sang in Spanish and English and worshiped God together! We danced and Neiser kept spinning me around. We were laughing and raising our hands cheering for Jesus! There was another altar call that was awesome, too! We watched a group dancing, all wearing black, with white gloves that glowed in the dark. They acted out and spelled words, and all we saw were their hands. It was the coolest thing ever!!! We were so energized after that! I wish more church services were that into it!
The girls rode back in the motto because when it gets dark, it can get bad out.
After dinner, we had cake to surprise Marcos! And Sazaar gave me a massage.
7/28
We cleaned the 3 outside bathrooms today. It was so gross, but the squeegie thing amused me. Pastor Jacob was putting up a brick wall in the boys' bathroom and I talked to Benjamin for a while. He told me his testimony. At the third house that was built, there was a beautiful bird that we got to hold! It pooped on Ethan! :P We got back and I ran around with Alex and /Franco yelling that each other is crazy. Love those guys!
Tony and Gabriella invited each member of the Team into their home one at a time to pray for us. It's their first year there and they wanted to let us know that we could emotionally unload on them and they wanted to encourage us! <3
Had to say bye to the Peruvians. Lots of, "I love you" being said and hugs. It was so hard. Sazaar told me to not cry, but it was so hard not to when he kept telling me how he loves me. Alex and his family gave me a purple hat they made! I ended up losing it when I was running around. We found it in the corner on a bag. I swear it wasn't there when I checked there before. Nicole asked if I prayed for it, and I said I did. She did too. It was a total God thing! It's special to me since it was from my sponsor kid! <3 :) God heard and really cares about the little things that make us happy. It amazes me! Neiser gave me a pencil to remember him by (lol) and he left. Marcos said I'll always be in his heart, too.
Cassidy and I fell asleep in our room for an hour and a half before we had to meet down in the feeding center to leave. Ethan woke us and we walked down to talk and eat popcorn with the Team. Tim lost his passport, but ended up finding it. We left in the bus and checked our bags in. Tim kept saying random things and we were laughing, we were so tired. It was 4am and we met Neiser and Jordan in the cafe. I got ice cream. We said bye to them and Sarah and Marcos. We had a speedy time through customs and waited for our flight back to Panama to leave. Cassidy and I kept saying we smuggled Tiago (Tony and Gabriella's dog) and Axel into our suitcases.
We danced to "Get A Little Crazy" on the plane before we took off. We didn't even care who stared at us.
7/29
We flew from Panama to Dulles and slept most of the way back. We ate on the panes, too. I miss Peruvian breakfasts! We got to the baggage claim and said goodbye to Tim and Ethan. I can't believe the trip is over already! It seemed like we were barely there, but yet we felt like we've known everyone forever! <3
Peru will always have my heart, no matter where God leads me in the future. I'm open for anything. But I really can't wait to return down there next year and see everyone. A week once a year is not nearly long enough!
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