Refugees

Today, the Blood Diamond was on T.V. It's a great movie about politics, warfare, love, etc. A civil war in this movie causes the protaginist to become a refuge and find his family. These people were fleeing oppression, in hope for a new life, and future. The entired movie circles aroudn this idea. I began to think about 2 mirroring scriptures I've read recently.

"I have stirred him up in righteousness,
and I will make all his ways level;
he shall build my city
and set my exiles free,
not for price or reward,"
says the LORD of hosts." Isaiah 45:13

Compared to Romans 5:8 "That while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." A lot of people unfortunately have the misconception that God is some totalitarian dictator from heaven, and we are His slaves. He didn't create us to control us, but for us to commune with Him. Isaiah talsk about how God sets us free without price of reward.

We are not his hostages, but his refugees. Refugees out of darkness, and into marvelous light, hope, joy; and in that there is immense freedom.

one of my favorite places

on planet earth

Forgiveness

I have always had a great memory. Which is usually a helpful thing, but sometimes, it is an extremely hindering thing. I've never been able to "forgive and forget." Heck, it's sometimes a challenge for me to even "forgive." Usually, when I forgive someone, a few days later an urge to hold on to a grudge surfaces. I have to remind myself, "Wait, it's been forgiven. Move on." And I do, but it's definetely a conscious effort, and it's something I honestly struggle with.

People have been asking me about Russia. Laurin, the missionary gave us questions to help us evaluate the trip, and really make us think about what we learned. One question was regarding areas the Lord had been making you grow in. Forgiveness was one of them.

We had devotions about forgiveness, the team had to practice forgiveness, a sermon at church was on forgiveness. And we were preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is entirely about God forgiving us.

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Matthew 6:12

Forgive, Move on, and Carry On.

Highlight

A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I feel this is the only adjective to adequately explain what happened in Russia. The 18 days I was gone felt like a year, and a week at the same time. The Lord did a work in me, and I think I can say everyone on the team, and some at the camp.

The primary purpose of the trip was to serve at Carpe Diem camp, in Losevo, Russia. The camp is a Christian English camp. Meaning, many kids are sent to refine their English skills, but in the process are loved on, and hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

For every 10 kids, there are 2 Americans, a Russian counselor, and a translator. 5 boys. 5 girls. 10 kids who all have a piece of my heart.

I personally got to share the gospel with 3 girls, one who was a Christian, and 2 who went to church but didn't have a personal relationship. There was a night where the gospel was presented to all the campers, I had the privilege to lead a sweetheart, Vlada, to the Lord. The four girls who weren't Christians gave their lives to the Lord. I felt absolutely blessed to be a witness to this.

That was the absolute highlight of my trip. If I could remember only one thing, the 20 minutes that this blog described would be it.

delighting in parking spaces

Recently, I read this verse :"For the LORD delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." Psalm 149:4. And I though, sweet! The Lord of the universe takes delight in me?! Awesome. But beyond that minor epiphany, didn't really think much more of the verse.

Yesterday, I went back to work for the first time after my mission's trip to Russia (which was amazing, and will be blogged about soon!) I pulled into Barnes and Noble about a half an hour before the store opened, and got a sweet parking space in the lot. One of the closest to work, and I thanked the Lord, and went in.

I went to lunch, and came back and as praying for the same spot, so I didn't have to run across the parking lot to make it back in time. I look and it was taken. D

ang it. But I look to my right, and literally THE CLOSEST PARKING SPACE to my work is open. And this verse popped into my head.

I'm not saying this because I'm lazy or don't like to walk. I really love to walk. But the Lord wanted to bless me. And while I was parking, He said to me very distinctly;

"Don't always assumed because what you think is perfect it is. Even if something second rate is awesome, it's still second rate. Wait for my best."

The Lord almighty, maker of the Universe delights in me, and blesses me with amazing parking spaces.

"Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it"Oswald Chambers