Thoughts on Valentine's Day

     As another Valentine's Day has past, I have a myriad of thoughts concerning this season.  I have many inspiring messages from husbands to wives and vice versa on Facebook.  Yesterday, students here at Puebla Christian school passed out roses and chocolate that were ordered last week.  The seniors held a "Friendship Banquet" last Friday.  The menu featured lasagna, salad, and a delicious variety of desserts. 

     I will admit that, being single, I sometimes have a feeling of bitterness on Valentine's Day.  I have to remind myself about how much God loves us.  John 3:16 begins, "For God so loved the world, ...".  The word "loved" is from the Greek word agapao , which describes a love that expects nothing in return.  In His love for us, God sent His Son to give His life for us.  In Philippians 4:7-8, Paul writes, "but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."  How far will we go to demonstrate our love for others? 

     When someone wrongs us, society says to reject that person.  Some will even promote revenge.  The amazing thing about God's love for us is that we have wronged God with our sin.  I'm thankful God chooses mercy and grace over rejection and revenge.  In Ephesians 2:4-5 reads, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),". 

     My prayer is that you and I will show love to others with an attitude of mercy and grace.  If anyone has wronged us, we need to forgive that person in a loving manner, and if we have wronged someone it is our obligation to ask the person we offended to forgive us.  To forgive or ask for forgiveness requires us humbling ourselves.  To show His love, God humbled Himself by taking the form of a man who was born in a stinky smelly stable.  That is the ultimate in humility.

     This Valentine's Day (well, day after), let us remember how much God loves us especially when we feel like the world does not love us.  May God bless you in whatever you do.

     In Christ,

     Dave

Reflecting on the Past Six Months

Next week will complete my sixth month here in Puebla.  This is a good time to do some reflecting.  Before leaving North Carolina, I asked myself many questions.  Am I really doing God's will?  Am I going to be happy?  What if things don't work out and I have to return to the States?  Well, I can definitely answer the first two.  I know for certain that I am in God's will because there is peace from God in my heart.  I am definitely happy!  Have there been struggles?  Of course!  Struggles are a part of missionary life.  It's how we manage those struggles that defines us.  The support and encouragement of my fellow missionaries have been invaluable.  My Mexican friends have also been awesome.  I cannot forget about my friends and family in the States.  Thank y'all for your prayers and financial support.  This whole experience would not have been possible without them.

Last month I decided that I wanted to return next school year, but now I'm here to say that I intend to transition to a career missionary.  Almost five years ago, God called me into some kind of full-time ministry.  Now I know that ministry is teaching and disciple-making here in Mexico.  I know there will be more struggles the next few years, but I'm ready for this "ride".  Who will accompany me on this ride?

May God bless you in all you do.  Take care my friends.

In Christ,

Dave