Learning about God.

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8

I read a quote recently from John Timmer that advised “You can learn about God with your mind or through your life’s experiences.  God prefers the latter.  He wants us to know Him experientially, to engage Him with our whole lives.”

I recall from leading the Lutheran Confirmation classes that we cannot know Jesus through another person's acquaintance with him; my faith in Jesus cannot save my children.  It must be their own personal faith.  Our faith in the handful of children who attend this Lutheran school at Lauture cannot save them; cannot save one of these lives.  They, like us must know him on our own account.

The Holy Spirit comes to us through the Word and reveals our Salvation found only through Jesus Christ.  God has called each of us here and in this school in Haiti to go and share this ‘knowledge’ of Salvation with the lost.  This knowledge of Christ Jesus will elevate us and them above all trials, and doubts, and sorrows; and it will prepare each of us for the immortality of being with our Savior enjoying His eternal joy.

Thank you for continuing to help prepare them for this journey in Haiti, with the gifts that you have sent to provide them with a feeding program while they too are prepared through Lutheran Pastors and teachers in Lauture.  In 1832 James Montgomery wrote the words for the hymn ‘Pour out Thy Spirit from on High’ and they will close this devotion.

“Pour out Thy Spirit from on high, Lord, Thine assembled servants bless; graces and gifts to each supply and clothe Thy priests with righteousness.  Before Thine altar when we stand to teach the truth as taught by Thee, Savior, like stars in Thy right hand the angels of Thy churches be.  Wisdom and zeal and faith impart, firmness with meekness, from above, to bear Thy people on our heart and love the souls whom Thou dost love.  To watch and pray and never faint by day and night strict guard to keep, to warn the sinner, cheer the saint, nourish Thy lambs, and feed Thy sheep.  Then, when our work is finished here, we may in hope our charge resign, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, O God, may they and we be Thine!” 

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay