How do you see Jesus?

It’s my favorite time of the year, fall and Thanksgiving. Yes I love Christmas, remembering and celebrating the birth of our King but there’s something about the November season, the month that to me seems to bring about peace, with the importance of coming together with a lot of family (now on an island it’s more friends like family) with some of my favorite food and a focus on gratitude. We truly have so much to be thankful for, such as being involved in international missions, well it’s something that helps to place you in a most humbling position.

In some of my recent readings in God’s word, these verses stood out to me-

“Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
“They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.'” – words of Jesus, to the Scribes and Pharisees. Matthew 23:6-7
“This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.” – words of Paul. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

I’m not really sure why these stood out to me (possibly the Holy Spirit) or it could possibly just be that they resonate so much with what we can see and experience in the Dominican Republic as we serve the people here, leaving in most situations, a lasting impression on our hearts.

Compassion is key. (Resonates with the 1st verse above, Matt 9:36)
Be mindful of many false believers. (The 2nd verse, Matt 23:6-7)
Hearts aligned in truth, forgiveness is available. (The 3rd, 2 Cor 2:6-8)

It also reminds me of the lyrics in the song, Hosanna, “Break my heart for what breaks yours”. Again, why? Well for one, as believers- having a personal relationship with God, through His son Jesus Christ, the more we follow and learn from Him, the more we should want to live out life to glorify, reflecting Him. We live to help those in need of Him.

So as our family experience moments such as: one morning, on the way to school, my 15 year old son and I witness a Haitian man being chased, pushed down by authorities, then confiscated into an immigration detainment truck, children wearing clothing that’s too small for them yet smiles on their faces, lonely and sick elderly men and women resting in a space that smells of urine but become filled with joy as we visit, and the constant moments without electricity and running water, we’re reminded of who we follow and learn from- Jesus, His word and deed.

We thank God that He gives us the words to teach our own children in those moments and encouragement when it gets hard and discouraging. Embracing His life in truth, comforts us to know that we’re not alone with the sad/scared emotions, the hard moments that exist and lastly, that is why His Spirit leads us all serving Him, for His people here, loving them as He would.

However, being transparent, recently I thought of those lyrics with a side note of, “well, but maybe God, could you please allow the breaking of my heart to not be too painful?” Witnessing in prisons is one thing but would you pray along with us, we just received an invitation to serve alongside in something even more and the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We thank God always though, who we model after, He paves the way to be encouraged in my own personal favorite character trait of Jesus- the fact that He’s relational.

When other people or other things may distract us, like when Martha was hosting, Jesus said,

"And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'" - the words of Jesus to Martha. Luke 10:41-42

So as we’ve chosen to sit at the feet of Jesus in relationship with Him and He with us, we want to model that for those that need Him in a more relational way. Being there for those that need someone. It’s a part of our creation, His design. We are not meant to be alone but we are to be there for one another, always. Believers as one body and for non-believers, so that they can not only hear the gospel but experience it as it’s lived out. We all, moving forward and growing healthy in love, especially since genuine love is hard to come by.

Interesting temp reading from American, our Pastor Ben asked if we knew if there was a weather shift

So to end this update, as an encouragement for all those reading this, it seems fitting to leave you with some of the ending words of the Apostle Paul’s letters, in chronological order, encouraging the body of believers:

“Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” Galatians 6:18
“He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” – on sanctification, 1 Thessalonians 5:24
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. ” 2 Corinthians 13:11
“Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith- to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.” Romans 16:25-27
“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Ephesians 6:24
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
“Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.” Philemon 1
“And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17
“O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge- by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21
“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14
“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” 2 Timothy 4:18