For some reason, I cannot get enough of the books of James & Philippians. Some of my favorite most bold, direct, challenging, and inspirational teachings of how to live my life on this Earth are found in these 2 books. I read the whole book of James, but while I was listening to a Francis Chan sermon, He specifically focused on chapter 3:3-12 which talks about how powerful our tongue (our words) is. Our words can either lift a person up from depression, or send a person to their destruction. I always walk away from this scripture with my head down in shame, because it seems I have always failed when it comes to using my words responsively. Even with this blog, I try my best to be careful with my words; Trying to give the most honest accurate, unbiased perception of what I experience without offending anyone. Yet, it seems I somehow manage to mess that up. So this verse continues to be a reminder and a challenge to let God use my words to not only Glorify Him, but to lift up the lives of others around me.
Out of all the Missions Trips, the most poverty I have ever seen was in Haiti. As much as it is difficult to see the poverty all around me, I needed to see it. Although I was very saddened by their poverty, I was even more saddened by my wealth. Everyday I drove through the streets of Haiti, I was reminded of how wealthy I am. I am frightened by the fact that it will be extremely difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus says that it is easier for a camel in go through the eye of a needle, than it is for a rich man to enter the Kingdom, and when I see what I see, there is no doubt that I am rich. Everyday I drive in Haiti, the visions that I witness convict me by how much I have used my wealth for comfort, rather than to serve the Lord with it. What scares me the most, is that one day I will have to give an account to that.
A verse that I believe demonstrates the potential richness of Haiti and many other places in the world would be James chapter 2:5 where God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom to those that love Him. It is no wonder why Jesus talks about how difficult it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom. This verse continues to challenge me and makes me realize what my true riches are. My earthly wealth means nothing. It will never afford me inheritance to the Kingdom of Heaven. True wealth is found spiritually by the strength of our Love & Faith in Jesus Christ. This is where I see how rich Sergio is. Even by looking at his French Bible, it was completely mangled with no spine, cover, and had torn pages. The word of God is sharper than a double edge sword, and there is no question his sword has been in many battles, where mine has been in few. It shows how close he is to God and how often he allows God to speak into his life and direct it. This where I am at a complete disadvantage back home. I face distractions of many kinds that try to blind me into thinking I am rich and that I do not need God. Spiritually, I am not rich. I need God, and it is up to me to continue to depend on God even when I think I am doing fine.
