Worldly influence or Godly influence?

Let us pray.....
Dear God... today I pray that we all take a look at how much we allow the world to control us and focus more on how much we allow You to control us.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us with enough discernment to recognize when we allow the worldy influence to block out Yours.  Fill us Lord with the power to say "NO" to ungodly things and "YES" to that which You send us.   In Jesus's name... Amen.

Morning devotion was shared by Barry, and the scripture was from Luke 18:9-14.  We talked about how when we began this mission journey, we thought we were coming here to build something in an impoverished area.  But the truth is, there are riches here beyond what can be measured by material and worldly standards. What we found was that this church is much richer than any of us could have imagined.  They are rich in the way that counts most, in the Godly sense.   The people here do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry, and you would certainly not see a new car, but what we find all around us are people filled with the Holy Spirit.  They are well aware of worldly goods, and they are okay without those things.  They are filled with what is important, and that is God.  I think we forget about God so often, and we allow the world to control us, and we miss so many opportunities to show how the Spirit fills us.  As Barry put it, lets spend more time being less like the world and more time being more like God.

Today's work consisted on more sanding and mudding and preparing walls for paint.  So, since we've shown so much of that, I thought I'd take an opportunity to introduce you to our team. 

     

Reid Hildreth - Team Leader

 

 

Wanda Hildreth

 

Jason Vinson

 



 

Ashley Vinson

 

George Beck

 

Dennis and Kay Coggins

 



 

Damian Whitley

 

Susan Whitley

 

Terri Griffin

 

Barry Rehm

 





 

Tony Stokley

 

Debbie Stokley

 

 

Patrick and Ashley Marks

 

This is our team.  We would greatly appreciate your prayers while we here, and when we get home.  We know we'll be changed and we want to share our experience with you.

 

After a pretty productive day of painting and framing doors, we had a wonderful dinner of fried pork chops, black beans, rice, salad and fried plantains.  Ashley and Patrick arrived as scheduled tonight, so they are safe and sound.  Tomorrow, we'll get them to work as well.

 

We'll leave you with this:  Luke 8:14  “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

 We send our love home to our children, our parents, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and our friends.  We will see you soon.  Good night, and God bless you all.