As I was trying to decide what to write about today, I realized it would be either sad – I miss the kids in Kenya, our family and friends, etc., or it would sound judgemental – why are people so worried about taking vacations, going out to dinner etc. when people in Kenya (and around the world) are literally starving TODAY. God has placed a burden for Kenya on my heart and yes I get a bit passionate about serving God and what He calls me to in Scripture such as: “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (Romans 13:14 NIV) and “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves, do what it says” (James 1:22 NIV) and “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..” (James 1:27 NIV)
I have to pray for strength from the Holy Spirit every day to not “gratify the desires of the sinful nature”. And I must pray that when I talk with people it is truth in love. In a wonderful book, Living Water by Brother Yun he says, “So many churches and individual believers think they should make their own plans and strategies, then ask (or in some cases, command) God to bless them.” It isn’t easy but if we seek His Kingdom and His will for our lives BEFORE making our plans (such as our next vacation, the next new “techie” toy, etc.), we may hear Him call us in a different direction rather than gratifying our own selfish desires.
How many times I have fallen into this trap! Our plans were to return to Kenya in June, but God had different plans. And by being obedient to those plans instead of forcing our plan we met some wonderful people, were used by God here in Phoenix and He continues to guide us in His calling for us.
Please seek Him. Begin a relationship with Jesus, dive into His Word and learn about the One who loves you so much He died for you – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)