Humbleness and the cross

Today we experienced a special time with some special friends. In just a few months they will be headed to Costa Rica for 6 months and then on to Mexico for 3 years. Today our friend Mark was ordained as a minister. The whole process of being ordained is very humbling. Paul had the opportunity to sit on the panel for Mark's ordination and experienced a humbling moment reflecting on his own life. Watching Mark and Angie and their daughter today and knowing the journey they are about to embark on was humbling. Mark had a friend speak about him at the service today and spoke of the different journeys that the Dunn family have been on since becoming Christians. He had such powerful things to say. As I thought about their journey and thought about the journey we are on I'm quickly convicted. Mark and Angie were faithful servants in every aspect of their walk with God. Knowing all they have been through here at Southeastern they remained faithful to God and trusted Him with all their hearts even when they could not see sometimes where God was working. I don't think I could say that about my life. It seems this weekend I have been reminded a few times of the cross. In their life they looked hard at the cross. A new couple here at Southeastern helped to remind me of our time here and what God has done for us and how He brought us through these last 6 years. Worry is an issue that is a common issue in this lifestyle it seems. Again I was reminded of the cross. Our Pastor has mentioned so many times of looking to the cross, but this weekend it has ministered to me in such a powerful way. When we look at Romans 8:31-39 we see God's everlasting love. What can seperate us from the love of God? Nothing. If God is for us who can be against us? What a comfort. What a hope. What a joy. Why should I be distressed or cast down when I have the cross to look to. Romans 8:26-28 says that the Spirit helps in our weaknesses. For when I don't know what I should pray the Spirit Himself is interceding for me. We have seen times here when we don't know what to pray, but oh what a comfort that when we are weak and don't know what to pray the Spirit is interceding for us. In experiencing this weekend in such a unique way I am truly humbled and convicted of things that need to change in my life. "Oh God help us not forget the cross and what it truly means for us. Thank you for Your Son Jesus. Thank You that according to Romans 8:32 that You did not spare Your own Son but delivered Him up for us all. Thank You that You are for me, now help me to be for others and share Your love with all." Just as Mark's pastor encouraged him and charged him to pray for one hour each day, my heart was checked in my time with the Father. I pray that all who read this will take a moment and dwell on the cross and all that it represents.