We are getting there. Slowly but surely. Today my plane ticket came in the mail, or at least the ticket I bring to the airport, along w/my itinerary. Here it is so you can pray. This is actually my biggest fear (if I have any) of the whole trip. I don't like or enjoy flying AT ALL.
Depart DTW 1:45 p.m. Sunday February 17th
Arrive Tokyo 5:10 p.m. Monday February 18th
Depart Tokyo 6:35 p.m. Monday February 18th
Arrive Bangkok 12:10 a.m. Tuesday February 19th
Return Flight:
Depart Bangkok 6 a.m. Tuesday February 26th
Arrive Tokyo 1:55 p.m.Tuesday February 26th
Depart Toyko 3:40 p.m. Tuesday February 26th
Arrive Detroit 1:25 p.m. Tuesday February 26th
I've been reading Ephesians 6:10-20 daily on the armor of God. It's been delightful to focus on these things that God promises to equip us with, as Christ Followers.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."
I've heard from many as to the evil they've felt in Thailand. A lady from our church who has been there, said she "felt" just an evil while there. I know that may sound very strange---but--I've heard that from others too. She was thrilled for us to be doing this: a little more Light going to a dark place, helping teach these women a skill to provide for themselves, in the name of Jesus. Doing for the least of these, in His name. What these believers do in the name of Christ...rescuing these girls/women from these situations, reminds me of the Grace of God---reaching down and plucking me from my wickedness. What a great picture, huh?
I think from what I've read about Thailand it's true. It is evil. God has opened this door so wide open though, I am busting to go. Ready to wrap arms of compassion, compassion that can only come in the context of the Gospel, around these hurting women...many that we work with are teenagers who have been trafficked as young children. They had no choice. Knew no other way. Trusted the very adults that God created to protect them--and were--sold. You know, it's kind of amazing, Gods timing. I've been reading, reading, reading....everything on the Civil War for weeks and weeks in preparation for these 4 next weeks in Homeschooling. We are in a Civil War unit. It's been so fascination to study. While the Civil War wasn't just about slavery like most people think, it was far more complex. But....yes, slavery, was a very big part of it. Bondage. When I think of the slaves from the 19th century, I think of Bondage. Bondage brings to my mind the passage in Romans 8 we've been memorizing this year. To see this verse is ME!
"For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." vs 20-21, Romans 8
How thankful I am that I've been LIBERATED from the bondage of Decay! How God has been preparing my heart in mind in so many ways, including designing our co-op to memorize Romans 8!. To really understand the bondage that I was in before my salvation. To realize the power Satan has over the lost--they are his! We can't conform to Christ as much as we could try; unless we are bought, purchased, redeemed with His blood, justified by Him the perfect, sinless one, drawn to Him by his Grace! Oh, how great Salvation! I am so thankful my debt has been paid. Oh, the depths of my sin. I am the chief of sinners-how gracious of Paul to point me to that! Because only when I realize the depths of my sin....can I know the depth of Gods love and payment that was made on my behalf.
I LOVE this quote by Spurgeon in a book I'm currently reading. Here it is:
"Too many think lightly of sin, and therefore think lightly of the Saviour. He who has stood before his God, convicted and condemned, with the rope about his neck, is the man to weep for joy when he is pardoned, to hate the evil which has been forgiven him, and to live to the honor of the Reedemer by whose blood he has been cleansed" Spurgeon
Oh-- I'm guilty of taking sin too lightly, too often.
Bondage...thats where I was. Sorry, I got way off track...but in reference to our trip and the women we are going to minster to; they, like me are sinners. No worse, no better. I am redeemed. I am still like them, a sinner who has been rescued from the wrath of a Holy and Just God. Rescued from spiritual bondage and into the blessed arms of God. I am so excited to what God will do..
Solo Deo Gloria
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