The time is nearing for me to return to school and I am definitely eager to return. I made a call to let the manager of Moody Radio know I was still interested in the position I spoke with him about before leaving. He was glad to hear from me. I'm confident I'll have at least that job when I return. Prayer is continuing that it will bring more hours than one day a week. By God's grace, I pray for three 8 hour shifts. This would adequately and confidently help me pay for school, allowing me to rely less on my father and/or working on breaks. It would provide a campus job on which I could study as well. This is an ideal situation.
I haven't picked up my Greek textbook in about 2 weeks. I keep getting stuck on grammar concepts that require memorizing charts to be able to understand. Sunday night I taught out of Genesis 19 for the Sunday night service held at the Pastor's home. I was unbelievably nervous and my body language showed it. Feedback said I didn't seem nervous. I only wiped the sweat once :). I need to get a few more thoughts, but currently I was told my ending was abrupt and more application would be good. I wasn't used to the sit-down somewhat small group environment. Looking back from a positive perspective... I think I did alright. I begin teaching the youth about Jehovah's Witnesses in 2 weeks. May the Lord give confidence and show the same compassion on me as He did with Lot in his moment of hesitation.
I'm close to finishing the Moody Handbook of Preaching I bought before leaving the campus. I will say I'm a little disappointed with the book so far. It's been lighter in practical advice and meat than I expected. Some of the views on the incorporation of film, theater, and similar contemporary elements in the worship service have opposed my own yet with unchallenging or at least unconvincing arguments. I say this while admitting the chapters are short and I know they can't cover everything or make the sole goal providing a case or arguing a point. The book isn't finished though. If nothing else comes up, I should finish it today. then I won't need to lug it back through the airport and reduce the weight of my luggage. Can you believe they're now charging for check-in bags?!?! I'm so annoyed I might sprout wings and fly to Chicago!
My witnessing with nick from church is continuing to go well. I'll have to back off on providing constructive criticism for a bit. I think he more expects to learn as he goes. This may be a case where I provide the feedback only when he asks... on style and technique that is. I went ahead and bought him a few items from Livingwaters.com to encourage his evangelism and provide a few more tools. The Lord has been continuing to convict me on my LACK of generosity. The majority of my adult life has been rather individualistic and self-seeking in the name of efficiency. I realize this the more introspective my mind thinks. My savings is such a huge concern and spending is always tight. Near the beginning of the summer though I had lunch with a gentleman at my church who challenged me in a discussion about the homeless and how we are to treat them. As he spoke, the Lord impressed upon me that I need to remember the fact that (in general) I can't take it with me when I die. Since that time, God has given me the courage to buy others food instead of them paying for me as so often has been the case. It's sad that someone has to buy you food just for some time of fellowship. I can't even believe I allowed my ex-girlfriend to do this as often as she did. The Lord has even moved me to make a substantial donation/purchase to a ministry I am grateful to. These I can do in total faith and the credit goes to God. Sanctification is a beautiful and exciting thing.
On a similar note, I'm borrowing the audio book of His Needs, Her Needs by (last name) Harley. It provides some very practical advice and real-life scenerios that are eye-opening. The major principle of the book seems to be summed up in the commands the Bible gives for husbands and wives to love eachother and put eachother before self. All of this and the thoughts on generosity have begun to impact how I consider others and I'm beginning to get a better grasp on putting others first.... what that really looks like in real life. I'm also able to look back on my past in all kinds of relationships and see where it went wrong. Now I can understand why.
My best friend whom I love as the brother in Christ he is, has run into some serious struggles recently. I only hope I can be there for him through this all as he has been there for and tolerated me so often. My earnest prayers go up on his behalf. May God continue to provide wisdom that comes from the direction of the Spirit and not from me.
Prayer requests:
-Wisdom in comforting and growing with my friend
-Confidence in teaching soon
-Devotional priorities and reading would continue to grow (it's getting better)
-Frugality on needless food spending (gotta eat more canned ravioli and Ramen instead!)
No comments:
Post a Comment