Recently I've been reading through the New Testament. I've been trying to study Paul a little bit more and have a better understanding of what it means to truly live for Christ. While reading Philippians one verse stuck out to me. Phil 1:21 "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I began to wonder could I truly say that? I quickly realized no... But I think I need to understand what that truly means. I think that reaching a point where you truly grasp how to live only for Christ and to be so in tune with God and His will and to understand what treasures and peacefulness are waiting in heaven is something everyone should strive for.
As we drive around India going to schools or shops or internet shops we pass countless temples. I see so many people going to worship gods and perform rituals in hopes of gaining a better position in their next life. I prayed that God would break my heart for these people, as His is broken. I think he answered that prayer, at least a little bit to allow me to see the need for Him here. God longs to see everyone of His children praising Him and loving Him, yet so many people are lost and simply hoping for a better next life. When I realized how sad and lost I would feel if I thought that my every action was being counted towards my worthiness of a better next life, I began to understand the desperation that Paul had to bring people to know Jesus. I began to understand why he would want to say "to live is Christ". If we know who God is and who Jesus is and we know of His love and salvation, we know that we have an eternity in heaven with Him. So how could we not want to share that with the lost? How could we not see someone who is bowing down in front of an idol made of medal and jewels and not have our hearts cry out for their brokenness and need? I don't think I completely understand this. I don't think I'm even anywhere near fully understanding this but I am continuing to pray that God teach me and help me to understand.
So anyways that's a random thought I've been having and thinking about. If anyone is so inclined I'd love feedback or ideas or anything really.
As for life in India. I've begun taking weekly walks through the village. All of the women from the jewelry group have shown me their homes and I've met many of their families. Even the women who are in the tailoring class have been welcoming me into their homes. I think if I accepted the invitation to eat at every person who offered an invitation's home I would have about 15 meals each walk. But I've been learning a lot about the village and the people. One thing for sure is that I absolutely love it here. I love the village and the people and the kids at LF. They're all so sweet. Of course like typical kids there are arguments and fights but I really am enjoying being here. So anyways my time at the internet cafe is up, the car drops me off on the way to pick up the kids from school and gets me on the way back. But I hope everyone whose reading this is doing well, and I truly appreciate the prayers and support!
Bye!
~Amanda
As we drive around India going to schools or shops or internet shops we pass countless temples. I see so many people going to worship gods and perform rituals in hopes of gaining a better position in their next life. I prayed that God would break my heart for these people, as His is broken. I think he answered that prayer, at least a little bit to allow me to see the need for Him here. God longs to see everyone of His children praising Him and loving Him, yet so many people are lost and simply hoping for a better next life. When I realized how sad and lost I would feel if I thought that my every action was being counted towards my worthiness of a better next life, I began to understand the desperation that Paul had to bring people to know Jesus. I began to understand why he would want to say "to live is Christ". If we know who God is and who Jesus is and we know of His love and salvation, we know that we have an eternity in heaven with Him. So how could we not want to share that with the lost? How could we not see someone who is bowing down in front of an idol made of medal and jewels and not have our hearts cry out for their brokenness and need? I don't think I completely understand this. I don't think I'm even anywhere near fully understanding this but I am continuing to pray that God teach me and help me to understand.
So anyways that's a random thought I've been having and thinking about. If anyone is so inclined I'd love feedback or ideas or anything really.
As for life in India. I've begun taking weekly walks through the village. All of the women from the jewelry group have shown me their homes and I've met many of their families. Even the women who are in the tailoring class have been welcoming me into their homes. I think if I accepted the invitation to eat at every person who offered an invitation's home I would have about 15 meals each walk. But I've been learning a lot about the village and the people. One thing for sure is that I absolutely love it here. I love the village and the people and the kids at LF. They're all so sweet. Of course like typical kids there are arguments and fights but I really am enjoying being here. So anyways my time at the internet cafe is up, the car drops me off on the way to pick up the kids from school and gets me on the way back. But I hope everyone whose reading this is doing well, and I truly appreciate the prayers and support!
Bye!
~Amanda
Thanks for the update Amanda! I really like your thoughts on that passage in Philippians, and since I know you love these discussions to be two-way affairs, I will attempt to follow suit. I totally agree with what you were saying, and when you mentioned the contrast between seeing people bowing to idols and the scripture "to live is Christ", something about that caught my attention. It's common for people to feel then need to work to earn salvation, to live in fear that they've done something to screw it up, and/or to sit and hope for that day when they leave this life (Christians and non-Christians alike). One thing that isn't emphasized as much by Christians is the scripture "to live is Christ". Many who experience hardship and pain just can't wait for the day when they reach Heaven's gates and every tear is wiped away. However, there isn't as much emphasis I feel on the fact that the Kingdom of God is coming now on Earth as well--how God has been extremely gracious to allow us the chance to remain on the Earth in our mess so that we may grow from it and be blessed by playing a part in His plan. You're right about Paul's urgency, and I should think we would need the same urgency, and not begrudgingly or because we feel it is our duty, but out of excitement and sheer joy at being able to work alongside our Abba, like a child coming to work with their dad his office for a day. It's our only chance to do it, and it's one of the few things we will not be able to do for the rest of eternity. And you are doing an amazing job at doing just that where you are! What a gift! So thank you for sharing your thoughts Amanda, and there are some of mine for what they're worth, but thanks for getting my gears turning as well! And what bold prayers for you to pray as well! Keep doing that, and God will delight in answering them!
ReplyDeleteNick :)
Thank you for keeping us updated Amanda! I just said a prayer for you and your work and all our dear little ones! I prayed for perseverance, effectiveness, protection from discouragement and general protection for all of you, peace, joy and provision. I am wishing I could be there with you right now and missing everything about Little Flock. I will continue to pray for you as well, friend. God is good.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Michelle Mathew
Hi Amanda! Thanks for the updates and thoughts! I get to excited when I click on the link and I find a new update :-) It's always fascinating to hear your stories and your thoughts and you are definitely in our thoughts and prayers! I remember experiencing something similar to what you describe when I lived in Taiwan. In that place, there were "god shelves" in people's homes and businesses where they would make offerings of food or incense or whatnot. Each of these god shelves had a red light on it that was always on. And I would climb up on the top of our apartment building at night and look around the city and literally see hundreds of these lights everywhere. It was depressing to see so many people holding on so tightly to things that are just human-made objects. But at the same time it was a reminder that the souls of humans are intensely spiritual. There is this universal desire to find God. And while the process of searching may often be misdirected, the act of searching is a sign of the hunger that is there. My prayer for you is that as the people you interact with share their hunger with you, you will be able to point them to the food that truly satisfies. May God grant you love and compassion for each person you encounter and may he continue to do a good work in you.
ReplyDeleteAMANDA! I just caught up on all of your blog posts. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a gift from God and I am so proud of you :)
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Haley
Amanda- you are often in my prayers. Our Oasis small group ladies all pray too. Asking God to reveal what breaks His heart can teach us so much about His love. Do you notice that He gives you everything you need to handle the pain that comes from seeing with His eyes? Love you dear one. Mary Lou
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