Tea cups we made for the women's conference.

Matthew 20:25-28 NKJV

“But Jesus called them to  Himself  and said, You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.   Yet  it shall not be so among you; but  whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.   And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave   just as the  Son of Man did not come to be served,  but to serve, and  to give His life a ransom  for many.”

Do you want to be great in God’s kingdom? Then you must be willing to make yourself the least of all. Its not like God isn’t asking you to do something He hasn’t or wont do already. This is what the Lord has been putting on my heart constantly. Being a servant can never be undervalued. Being a servant like this takes humility. Humility is just being honest with God and honest with others, when you are like this it is easy to lower your self below others. Humility will allow you to confidently use your gifts for God. If you constantly belittle your abilities your only fooling yourself with false humility which is actually the worst kind (and most subtle) of pride.

This morning we did our devos on this topic. The apostle Peter eventually learned this lesson and wanted to pass it on to others, especially those who would be overseers.

1 Peter 5:1-4 NKJV

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

Peter was a fellow elder, but he didn’t command, instead he exhorted. If anyone had anymore right to command someone to do something it would be Peter, after all he had been an eyewitness to the sufferings of Christ. But just before Jesus ascended he told Peter to feed His flock. Peter did this, but he also wanted others to feed the flock of God as well.

In the following verses Peter gives his exhortation, or encouragement. He tells them to shepherd their flock. Then he tells them how to in the following verses. What stands out the most to me as a young shepherd is to be an example to others, this is the best tool I have here since I am still learning the language. But what I will need the most for this is humility. There are three sins that will get you into a lot of trouble in the ministry, but one of them will destroy you. Sexual immorality, greed and pride. Which one is the worst?

Pride. What you say? Pride can’t be the worst. Pride is the worst because the others you can have a repentant heart about (and you will find the grace of God inexhaustible if you do). Don’t get me wrong that’s no license to sin, but if you live and walk in pride even God Himself will resist you.

Today seemed like less of a busy day, but looking back we accomplished a lot. It was another day of mostly preparation. In the morning Zeke and I went into el Centro (the old part of town, I wish I had pictures but I forgot to get them from the others and they are all asleep now) to the Taca office to refund a plane ticket. I had bought a one way ticket but they recommended when I was at LAX to buy a refundable return flight or else I might get deported the moment I arrived. I still have to go and apply for my Missionary visa but thankfully Lorena, a Missionary from Colombia, said she would help me with it.

The rest of the afternoon was spent making stuff for the woman’s conference (that’s what that tea cup thing is at the top of this post is). In the evening the girls went to a women’s group in Uncovia while the guys did some research on how good the beds are for taking naps. They make for great naps so we are good on that one. I was told the women’s meeting went well.

I had to resist eating them all...

On the way to Uncovia

Capilla Calvario Uncovia

Kristina giving her testimony.

After all that we got all dressed up and headed out for a nice dinner out. It ended up being at a place that was part of a co-op so the food was really cheap and good but the atmosphere was like a high class restaurant. I was a little worried that there was a bad leak somewhere since the restaurant was on top of a bunch of water and there were fountians everywhere, thankfully who ever built it made it on stilts so we were OK. I probably should have at least told them about the live fish that somehow got down there.

That was supposed to be for 2 people, but it easily could have been for 4. And it was all for me, Jeremiah would be proud. Only 12 bucks too!

Pues, necesito dormir, entonces nos vemos!!!!