[8] For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10
The blessing of hindsight is that it affords us the ability to look at circumstances in our lives with a wider lens in order to see God's specific purpose in His larger sanctification process. As we continue to prepare spiritually for this trip to Nepal, God has urged us to look more closely at the circumstances through which He brought us to get to this point. And in doing so, we are spurred on to truly live out our faith by loving others and pursuing their hearts for His glory.
At Lighthouse Community Church, we have been studying through James 2:14-26.
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:17
James' convicting words reminds us that with our salvation we were purchased a new heart and a new life. A life that is designed specifically to love others and seek the good of others. Our actions as Christians to love one another, serve the people of Nepal, fellowship with new friends, minister to our families, and all the countless ways we have yet to know, should simply be an outflowing of a changed heart and a changed life.
But hindsight reveals only part of His greater picture. Clarity is achieved through the example of how the people in our lives live out genuine love for others. So, to all of you who have generously (and sacrificially) given of your finances, your time, your love and true care for us, and your dear servant's heart, we thank you and praise God for how He is using you in this greater plan. Family and friends, we have experienced God's love through the way you have loved us in such a manner that humbles us before a great and holy God. Really, words cannot describe how deeply moved and utterly amazed we are by how God is working in us all to be a part of this medical missions trip to Nepal to demonstrate the Gospel by loving others as He loves us.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Isaiah 52:7
i <3 pictures btw... did you glean those off the internet or did you take those? =)
ReplyDeleteThe picture of the cross is one that Tom took when we were in Guatemala. And the picture of the mountains are from Tom's trek in Nepal when he was there in 2002! Thanks for your comment!!!
ReplyDelete