Yesterday, I received a call from some friends and supporters who offered their home for a Ramadan prayer meeting last night. I jumped at the chance and sent out some mass emails to prospective field workers, church leaders, and supporters. From 6:30 to 8pm Katherine and I gathered with our hostess, her two little boys, and three others to intercede on behalf of Muslims--particularly the Malay people and women from Yemen. We also lifted up the American church and its needs--for repentance, in some quarters. Also , the international community God has placed in Phoenix for now.
A few nights ago, I was able to meet with a group from my church interested in serving somewhere overseas, though they don't know where yet. Our pastor led the way and challenged us to begin praying together, along with our elders, regarding the target God has on His heart for our church. I think God was there, and that He has some incredible plans for us in the near future.
I want to share something about my past that has caused me some regret lately. I have/had this friend who invited me to live with him when I was first coming back to Christ in 1996. Later, he said that he invited me to live with him so that he could serve as my "spiritual drill sergeant," which he did. I both resented and respected him for doing this--but, in the end, I think I benefitted greatly from his prayers, exhortations, and friendship. Throught the 1.5 years we lived together, I always sensed that he saw himself as my superior, and that was hard. I also got the impression that he felt I was indebted to him--and maybe I was, but that was hard to live with. Eventually, after he quit working for the church, I wanted him to leave, which he took a lot of offense to.
Through the years, we stayed in touch, and I managed to offend him in various ways--to the point where we're barely on speaking terms now. Knowing that my actions have helped cause this rift humbles me and causes me to desire peace however possible. But I don't know what else to do for reconciliation, other than what I've already done. He's getting married this month, and he did ask me to pray for him and his new bride. So there's that.
May God bless this man and his marriage, granting them every spiritual blessing, so they may be a light to the nations.
If there are people in your life who have something against you, I pray that you'll do all that is within your power to make peace today.
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