The one constant here is God. God has not changed. He’s still available to me in the morning when I wake up, He’s the same in Russia as He is in Kentucky. Fact. I’m still His child. I hope that doesn’t come off as cliché. Check out 1 John 3. I’m so enamored right now by the fact that He’s given us the title of child. Imagine how lavished with love we are because He’s called us His children. Think about your own child! (If you have one). I don’t have one, but I recently became an uncle! That’s right! Uncle Sam! I’ll love that kid until the kingdom comes. This is nothing I’ve done myself, but that title has been given to me because of my new niece Lyla Jane Cunningham 7lbs 3 oz. (I think) and 21’ long. Woo! I’m so excited for you Mary! I love you and Jay both! I’ll be praying for her.
Today (Sunday) was a good day of rest for our whole team. We had church this morning in one of the hotel rooms. I played music and we listened to a sermon titled “the Kingdom of Heaven” by John Piper. It was very eye-opening in terms of how to approach the service of the Lord. We are called to serve the Lord out to righteousness and not of an obligation to Him. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We need to serve Him in the same way. So, if we serve Him as if He needs to be served, then we are serving Him incorrectly. All of our actions are in vain this way. So, ask yourself what types of things in your life are services that please and displease God according to this truth. If this is all very confusing for you…read more about it or listen to the sermon.
Yesterday Russell Thomas, a 2nd year ST’INT-er, said something to our group that was very challenging to how I view the next four years of my life. He said, “What will require you to have more faith in the Lord?” I think the main reason I was challenged by this was because I haven’t been thinking of ways to trust the Lord for my future as much as I thought. I live by a “come as it may” ideology most of the time. I have some structure, but it’s not as much as most. So, for me it’s a challenge to plan out things that aren’t immediate (happening in the next month or so).
I’m not even sure who will read this. But the point here is to step back and look at your life. How much of your life is entrusted to the Lord. Is it just enough to make you feel comfortable about your salvation? Or is it entirely His? I’m challenged by this thought very often here. I have so many comforts and securities in America that I can easily go to when I desire satisfaction. Getting lost in my own comfort is not as easy here. The language is not comfortable, the people are not familiar, the bed is very uncomfortable, and the food is different (but good).
I hope you’ve enjoyed all the random thoughts from my head. Thank for reading if you made it this far.
-Sam
This was the best picture of the day at a local arts fair. Couldn't pass up the opportunity for this picture...CATS are back!
Sweet War Monument
The best mullet in Russia is actually not Russian at all. Thank you Bob. I'll never forget the flowing glory that Bob's mullet has brought the the race of mankind. Wow.
A set of new apartment buildings on the river. We took a boat ride to see a portion of the 40 mile-long city.
Aunt Sarah isn't to be messed with when eating. FACT.
1 comments:
Sarah, wow...I can't wait to hear the story about the CATS photo. That is pretty amazing. Sam, Lauren recounted the story from the boat ride. Sounds like you have had an eventful beginning to your summer. :) Thanks for passing on the stories...at this point I am wishing a bit that I was there to experience it with you. Praying for y'all!
Abigail
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