This is my buddy, Vincent. He’s just starting out with Christ in the Hesperia, CA, church.
A Christian who doesn’t amount to much in this world should be glad, for he is great in the sight of God. — James 1:9 Living Bible.
I’ve been tripping out on this verse lately. I guess I’ve been knocked down a few rungs. I used to the general pastor in Guatemala, with four churches under my jurisdiction. Now I’m one of approx. 50 kabillion assisting pastors, and I hardly ever get a chance to preach.
Hahaha! No this is not my car. This is my son, though. This car was at the same mechanic where I took my car. My car is a Ford (almost like a Model T… well, it’s old, but not a classic).
I used to be founder and principal of the Guatemalan church’s school. Now, I’m a teacher kicked around by students. Yes, it’s been time to eat humble pie.
But while I have “descended” in worldly status, I have “ascended” with God. I have more time to pray. I have time to write (being too busy to write was my black eye neglected gift for eons). I have more time to pray.
Leanna is one of my nice students. She’s also very funny. She wasn’t feeling well on the day of this photo, and so she thought she didn’t have to answer any questions in Spanish class — hence the post-it on her forehead “Be nice to the sick girl. Don’t ask her questions.”
Did I say that I have more time to pray? That is special. The “lowly” brother isn’t “lowly” to God. He can work anonymously and accomplish a lot more than the church’s showmen. He can pray.
So really, what I said was a lie: I haven’t been knocked down rungs. I’ve been catapulted into new dimensions of ministry with God. Never scorn the ministry of prayer. Kick things up into high gear — pray!
Mustard Seed Budget 
Watchman Nee came across a famous missionary/preacher in a tiny backwoods village in China. He was aghast- How could she waste her gifts like this? Her response? This is where God wants me, praying in solitude so this is where I am most powerful.
wow.
are you French?
It’s great to feel like you have more time to pray. That is a blessing. And I’ll bet you’re a great teacher and that your students LOVE you! 🙂
Amen!
😀
Wonderful! You know, I find too that when I am blogging/writing about Him, I am in communion, and intermittent prayer with Him then too. It is a gift to have the ability to find that time to write for the Lord and inspire others in Him! Praise be to God for all that you are in HIM!!!!
Praise Him!
So true. Our prayers matter greatly to God!
😀
What was it my pastor said at Bible College? When you are a missionary, don’t step down to be a king. (He was one day lamenting his 30 years as a ‘lowly’ missionary, when Father said the above to him.)
THANKS for the encouragement!
I love this too! (Yes, I know I say that a lot, here). 🙂
How wonderful to see your situation as a gift and an advancement, which it is!
You know… this is why I enjoy popping in here. You are down to earth and optimistic, and you see great truths where others might see nothing but something to complain about. This is a wonderful thing to pass on to people because there is huge strength in recognizing the benefit behind all things.
Cheers in all you do. 🙂
Well, I certainly don’t mind the compliments at all. As a matter of fact, YOU are always uplifting. I hope I am down to earth. But what should we say of you? That you are floating in space? “Down to Mars?”
JK.
Well, so much for the space travel joke…
God bless you.
Keep time-traveling!
Yours, Mike
😀 Thank you, Mike, for YOUR compliment to me.
I don’t think I’m floating in space – my characters maybe… LOL. I try to be down to earth, and I try to see the good in and behind all things. It doesn’t always happen, not straight away, which is why reminders are so helpful.
Your words help me more than you know, I think. I get from you a constant gentle nudge not to get too tied up in physical things and events, and to be aware that God is always right there – and I mean Right There.
That’s very comforting and helps me keep on track, and also reminds me to pay attention to my inner dialogue (and relationship) with God – and not just waffle.
God bless you, too.
Cheers! 🙂
Allyson