So what is happening here? A lot. Some super good, others not so good. Life, yes? So the good first. God is always faithful and has a plan for each of us. Sometimes we understand what He is doing, and other times, it's by faith that we stand firm on His word.
I was asked to be on the Pastor's board of our small church. Of course, I said yes. We meet once a month and discuss whatever is on the Pastor's mind and ours. He always wants our opinions and thoughts. It's very refreshing to go to a meeting and know that the decisions have not already been made by others before the meeting. And now I have to prepare a short message for our next meeting. I really want to do it in Spanish even though the pastor or our secretary could translate for me. So we will see what happens.
I also preached about three weeks ago. It was on the works of Abraham. What were his works? In a nutshell, he believed God's word and acted upon it. He is called the Father of the faithful. So if we are one of the faithful, then we should also believe God's word and do what he tells us. Faith and obedience. God appeared to Abraham, so Abraham knew him and his voice. When the three men appeared, he knew one was the Lord and the other two were angels. Jesus said his sheep would know his voice and another they would not follow. Abraham knew God's voice. When he was told to sacrifice Isaac, He never hesitated. He knew the promise that the Lord had given him concerning Isaac. That promise couldn't be fulfilled if Isaac was dead. He also knew that if he did kill Isaac, the Lord would resurrect him (Heb.11). He also knew that the Lord was different from the gods that the people around him served. They offered their babies/children to their idols. God never requires such a sacrifice. He knew God would supply a sacrifice. Jesus said that if we loved our son, daughter, etc. more than him, then we weren't worthy of him. Abraham loved the Lord more than he loved Isaac. Can we say that? And then there are those that know what God requires of them, but they are like Jonah. They choose to go their own way. I believe that there are may in the belly of the fish today, slippin' and slidin' around not realizing that if Jonah had not come to himself, repented, and prayed, he would have died there as food for the fish. And then there is Jeroboam, the one who made Israel sin. He did not believe the words that God spoke to him about ruling Israel, hence always behind his name are the words, he who made Israel to sin. What a horrible legacy. Which one of these are we? I pray that we are like Abraham and his son Isaac who believed and had faith not only in his father but also in the God that his father believed and served.
Two weeks ago today, our church went to Cantarranas for a baptism. There were five this time. Thank you Lord! After we were on the bus and ready to go, my pastor comes by and says to me that he wants my help. Doing what? Helping him baptize! Yay! my heart's desire. I have always wanted to do this. Baptisms are so beautiful. So I did. What a blessing. So I had no other clothes to change into, since Pastor didn't tell me until we were on the bus and ready to leave, but the sun dried them on me and all was well.
Ah! An earthquake tremor about 9:30 PM night before last. I was in bed and it started rocking. I'm thinking ok, here we go. A few seconds and it was over. I learned a long time ago that if God doesn't protect you, then nothing or no one else can do it. So, peace.
So now the not so good. Our school is really going through some things that I know our Lord is not pleased with. There needs to be some serious changes. I pray and believe that the Lord will move quickly. And it's something that I don't feel needs to be discussed. Just pray for the Lord's will be done.
God bless you all.
