I am not here to serve YOU!

Who do we serve? Money, people, things, idols or God? Who do we put our trust in? Man, things, money, or God? God can not be divided and so therefore neither can we be divided in the things we love, serve and put our trust in. Who do we think we are? Who do we think God is? He is the one who was crucified for you. He is the one who was ridiculed for you. He is the one who created you. He is the one who forgives you. He is the one who heals you. Can your money die for you? Can your things forgive you? Can your friends create you? Can your idols heal you? No! Christ is the only one who loves us that much that He would endure the cross knowing that many would never acknowledge it. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Churches and people all over the world are trying to divide Christ. Taking parts they like and pushing to the side the parts they don’t feel comfortable with. Christ has not called His children to a life where we look to man for wisdom. He has not asked us to build as many buildings as we can with glitz and glamor so that only those who feel comfortable can enjoy. He did not call us sit in our homes and Sunday school rooms and church services to enjoy His words but never act on them. He called us to abandon ourselves and lay down our pride and serve Him by serving others. To build up His Kingdom, which is far better than any building we can build(Haggai 1:1-11). He asked us to seek His wisdom. He told us to GO and preach and make disciples. How foolish are we to think that we know better than the one who created us!? We are not perfect, we are sinful and wretched. We ask for miracles and then deny and rationalize them away when they happen. We cower when we hear a calling to go, after we’ve asked God to use us, to do His will with our lives. We doubt ourselves and believe that someone else, someone better will do God’s work. We judge others who are doing God's will, as we sit comfortably in our homes. He says in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.".”

So who do you serve? Before you can do anything, you must know the one you serve. Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all else will be added unto you." Proverbs 3:5 "lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.". We choose daily who we are going to serve. Who are you going to choose?

Catching Up

So I haven't written about what's going on in Bangkok in awhile, let me catch you up. Teaching English, while sometimes rewarding, is definitely not my calling. What is rewarding is the friendships I have made through teaching. I have met so many talented, friendly people and am so blessed to be apart of their lives. The students are not the only ones who have touched my life, the teachers at the BSC have also found a place in my heart. I have come to be great friends with people in such a short time and I am so excited to see what the next portion of my trip brings!

So much has happened in the past month. I had a chance to participate in Chinese New Year, and take in the customs and much to my dismay the food! I had the chance to eat a fish air sac that was fried and then added to a soup, needless to say it was not my favorite! I also celebrated Valentines day with a group of Christian Thais called 300 Group. It was filled with food and songs and fun! I am loving Bangkok and all it has to offer, even if it makes breathing a little bit harder(pollution) and me a little more sweaty! I have been able to travel to Hua Hin which is a province in Thailand on the beach. It was a nice trip and so wonderful to see a different side of Thailand, without the construction and pollution. The sky was a beautiful blue and the tide came all the way up the beach to the walls at night. It was very peaceful and gave me a chance to refocus and rejoice in my Lord!

April is fast approaching and that means more hot weather. April is the hottest month in Thailand and during the week of 12-15 they celebrate Song Kran. It is a festival where all businesses and schools are closed and people gather in the streets and play with water and powder, to cool themselves off. This is the time for Thais to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their houses, and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect. Anyone who ventures out on the streets is likely to get a thorough dousing of water, all in good fun, but also quite welcome at the peak of the hot season. I can't wait to take part in this celebration, I could use a good water fight!

Next term of teaching starts tomorrow and I will be teaching 2 classes on Wed and Thurs night and on the mornings of Tues, Wed, and Thurs I will be teaching cheerleading at the BSC's summer camp. Im not quite sure how this is going to workout, Im sure that none of them have ever done cheerleading before so Im a little nervous! It should be a very interesting term haha! Can't wait to fill you in on how that turns out, pray for me please hehehe!

God has been speaking directly to my heart and though some of it is still in code I am seeking to find the meanings. I have grown so close to Him and yet there are still new mysteries and questions and insights that form each day. I ask that you would pray for me and decisions I make and that I continue to do what God is calling me to do, and not what I think I should do. Pray that He speaks and I am the messenger. Pray for peace and understanding for me. Pray for the hearts of His people who still do not yet know the fulfillment of His love, that they may hear and know. Thank you for your support and prayers and know that you are in mine as well! Love you all