My Final Thoughts

As Monte is working on a posting, I am going to share some overall things that have impacted me these last two weeks. When I get back, I will go through and put some pictures up so you can at least see some of what we have talked about. These will be random thoughts and not tons of detail - but hopefully will give you a taste of what is jumbling around in my soul.

* The power of the persecuted church: The pastors here know God at a whole different level. They are forced to depend - to cry out- on God. We talk about "Abide to Abound;" they live it!
* 80% of the Christian resources are found in the United States yet 80% of the children live outside the US - what's up with that?! They are so grateful to get a cd of the songs and are so grateful. We (yes I realize I will fall into this category!) go to conferences and buy tons of materials to learn more yet our churches are stagnant or declining and theirs are booming. (See Monte's blog today)
* Puppets are universal. Thank God for planting this in me when I was a little boy.
* The Body of Christ is global. They need us, but we equally need them. Monte and I have learned tons from these people about living for and serving Jesus. Americans don't have all the answers.
* "How can I serve?" putting these glasses on, continually seeking the Lord as to who and how I should serve those He would serve. Also means I need to have that quiet time with Him to hear His still small voice.
* "I deserve nothing" - everything is a gift from God and I need to be thankful. Got tested big time on this very thing while I have been here. Boy was it hard, but when I said thanks to the Lord - a tremendous peace came over me. Can't wait for more times like this!! :o)
* I am only as useful for the Kingdom as I am willing to serve God where, how and when He asks. I need to be where He wants me to be. Be still before Him so I can move out boldly from Him.
* Seek to serve a life of no regrets.
* Some verses I read this week that were significant:
- I Cor 9:26: run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. (WOW!)
- I Cor 9:? : find common ground with people to reach them for Christ. (You
need to live life with them)
- Psalm 138:8: The Lord will work out His plans for my life for your unfailing
love, O Lord, endures forever. (Not I will work out His plans,
or the Lord working out my plans. Also, endure means hardships
are inevitable or His love will endure because of my stupidity
at times!)

Thank you so much for your prayers over these last two weeks and prior. God has been faithful to us all and specifically giving me some next steps in what He has called me to. That's what I asked for - just the next step - not sure if I am ready to know the whole thing yet!! :o) Besides, I would probably try to do it myself and then say it was Him - how silly is that?!

ps: Since Monte has mentioned this, I might as well too. Montezuma has been my friend all week and I am ready to leave him behind - if you know what I mean!