Lately I've seen Satan's deception that a lie is easier to believe; sometimes it makes us feel better about ourselves or justifies our situation but ultimately it blinds you from reality that can be love and unity and then has consequences that robs you of blessing.
The last few weeks and living in Haiti remind me of the Mighty power of truth. The unity that comes from living in the truth and the PEACE. Even when our flesh wants to respond passionately to a lie or defend what God is big enough to handle - Guess what, resting in the truth brings an inner rejoicing that breaks the internal struggle to bring justice to areas that only God can speak into.
Keeping your eyes on eternal things, living in the light and living out the kingdom will show a broken situation love and a dark world light that will make known that which is hidden. Prayer and a life lived in Christ satisfies (Psalms 103:5) the fight to try and reconcile something that can only be found through repentance and in God's grace alone. That has brought power to my spirit this week in Haiti.
A boy we love and believe in, lied multiple times. One lie hit home because it was about his mother being dead. Having lost my own mom; this was devastating to my spirit for him. This is not a stranger on the street but a boy that we have a relationship with AND spoke with his LIVING mom about. Then, he lied about sponsorship...in order to hustle more money. We can pray. We can forgive. We can love but we can not make him live in the reality of truth. We can share that this will lead to consequences beyond the cost that he wants to pay but the rest is God's work in his life and heart - not ours.
Then, as we go to bed listening to the sound of drums; discussing whether they are voodoo drums of just entertainment, we are so aware of the oppressive lie that surrounds this beautiful country. A lie that hope or salvation is found anywhere else but a relationship and faith in Jesus. What is the lie missing...Love. The truth is that love covers a multitude of sin and if we continue to be obedient to this call and living out love; the truth will set us free and prayerfully be a fire of revival that is the difference in the truth and a lie.
We wake up today to another situation; Mostly, this just hurt because the situation actually couldn't be farther from the truth. Rejoicing in the truth means praying for people held captive by a lie and rejoicing in the truth. Moving forward in obedience and knowing that you can't change a situation of confustion, only continue to live in reality of truth which is actually wonderful with so much fulfillment and unity.
So, the reality for us is that we get to share daily in life, love and ministry with the community of St. Louis, our neighborhood, various family and friends, local pastors and our disciples. We get an awesome new student this week and we are so excited about his journey of discipleship and leadership. Every day we have friends of the House of Moses students around and it is a joy to be a part of their lives. We love being involved in Pastor Job's school teaching english, connected with Sigma Omega school doing devotions and preaching at various churches around the area. It is absolutely beautiful and as Christ is being lifted up, HE is drawing people unto himself as he tells us he is faithful to do in His Word.
Today doing preschool with our 5 year olds, we did Eph. 6 The Armor of Christ.
We can not let lies bring us pain that distracts from the reality of the truth.
Hold up the shield of faith, claim victory with the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) be wrapped in the belt of truth, choose the breastplate of righteousness, guard your mind with the Helmet of Salvation AND move forward in the shoes of peace!
