Satan - the party thrower

The funny thing about mission work is Satan doesn't want it done! He can use churches to become lazy and inward focused...even "mission" churches. He will discourage churches from sending money to missionaries or even taking care of their own ministers. He will discourage and tempt missionaries! He loves for us to throw a pitty-party, he gets a huge kick out of "building projects" that take money and time away from God's purpose for us, advancing the gospel and he loves for members, and even missionaries to fight, so that no one will care about "out there"...there's too much going on in here!

I've been so challenged in so many ways. Terry Rush has rebuked the hound out of me through his blog! I know his life has not been all peaches and cream...I KNOW it hasn't! But if you have ever read his blog post you would think the man NEVER dealt with a single problem. Kudos to Terry!!

I have also begun to realize my role more and more as a shepherd. NO, I know I don't meet the "qualifications" and no church has named me...well, any name worth repeating :), but God is pushing our family toward leading and shepherding those around us. Throughout our time here though, I have been at different stages in my ministry. Some times I was the construction worker, often I have been the "pinata" with some kind of HUGE target on my back, while other times I have been called to grow up and do more than I even thought I was capable of accomplishing. This year has been one of those years where I have had to grow up a lot. I'm often surrounded by people making poor choices; job, family, etc. I can't afford to live like that. This year I decided I would be a "ministry developer" and use my time for others. What's that mean? Well, I have been working a lot with members; encouraging, equipping, challenging and supporting them in whatever ministry they choice to take on. Some times that means super late nights, early morning, tears, pain, finding resources for others or even a trip to Athens, Tx.

Lynn Anderson in his book "they smell like sheep volume 2" talks about a non anxious heart. Unfornuately, I have allowed curcumstances and others to keep me pretty anxious most of my time here in Leon, but I'm learning to let things go, stay steady and focus on the good God is doing. In our situation, probably just like yours right?!, it's easy to be anxious, frustrated, feel angry and worn out, but God wants so much more than that for us! Don't just join the "party" that Satan is throwing! I would encourage you today to follow the example of men like Terry, Tim, Ben, Aaron and others who despite their situation, challenges in life, etc, have focused on Christ and tried to live like Him!