Romans 5:2-5
2. We have also obtained access through Him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
3. And not only that, but we rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance,
4. endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.
5. This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Last week, as I reviewed my notes on Sunday's message, I focused on verses 3 - 5: afflictions in the HCSB translation or tribulations in the NKJV and NASB translations. I completely missed the importance of verse 2.
We (believers) have also already obtained (obtained is the perfect tense in the Greek, which means it occurred in the past and produces a result in the present; the emphasis is on the present state) access through Him by faith (the means we have this access) into this grace in which we continue to stand (perfect tense), and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Words in italics are explanations added to the text, courtesy of Pastor Jeremy.)
In 28 days, we will head to the Republica Dominicana (the Dominican Republic, a little Spanish lesson).
Important tasks:
- Pray
- Connect with a prayer partner
- Pray
- Plan on team commissioning/mission meeting/packing party on January 12
- Pray
- Consider malaria prophylaxis (contact your doctor, a travel clinic, or Roxanne for questions/prescriptions)
- Pray
Suggestions for your packing list:
- Remember, less is more
- You will have room in one checked bag and carry-on for all your items. You may also want to leave some room for coffee and vanilla in your return suitcase.
- Our laundry will be done daily, and people on the medical team will wear scrubs (which our guest house supplies) during the day
- Bedding and towels/washcloths are provided
- Consider leaving most of your electronics at home
- Your Bible and a journal are essential (I have a new mission journal for anyone who needs one)
- A book light is a good idea (so you can read past lights out for your roommates)
- A water bottle (SRI supplies one, but some of us have a favorite one we bring)
- Sunglasses and sun-block (essential)
- Sturdy shoes (closed-toe ones are required for everyone on medical)
- A flexible attitude
~Roxanne
We are 6 days out until Christmas, and our hearts go to those who have been impacted (whether directly or indirectly) by the tragic shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison on Monday. As we pray, please pray for unity in the Body of Christ, healing for all involved, that the truth will be revealed, and that we will be sensitive to and meet the needs as we become aware of them,
Ephesians 4:2-6 says, "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." NASB
It is easy to get preoccupied with all the details of the world around us and lose focus on Jesus; distractions are our enemy's favorite tactic, and man, he has perfected them. He wants to steal our joy, so let us not give him the opportunity.
Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." NASB
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Deb
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