It is good to be home from Haiti. There are some parts of the trip that flew by and then there were parts that were slow moving. Not being with my family was the slow part. Our last day on Monday was spent finishing up the dormitory with a fresh coat of paint on the exterior trim, staining wardrobe cabinets, minor plumbing issues, and installing small desks in the rooms. All in all, it was a productive morning. We then ventured out to see some of the countryside in the afternoon and finished up with a big Haitian meal cooked by Elise. We will be announcing a service soon where our team shares the whole experience.
As we got up at 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning to return home, Barb Campbell wasn’t feeling real well. Barb and Lyle ended up having to stay in Haiti because the airlines would not let her fly back in that condition. A prayer request was sent out and our prayers have been answered. They have boarded the plane and will be home this evening. Praise the Lord!
When you return from a mission trip like this, you always evaluate what you hold dear to your heart, how you approach life, and what God says about it. Let me share with you a passage from Philippians where Paul talks about these kinds of things.
“10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:10-13
The church of Philippi just gave Paul a monetary gift and he is expressing his appreciation to them. Noticed that Paul says that he has learned to be content with whatever situation he finds himself in. Whether he had plenty or in need, he states that his contentment is found in Christ. He has found the secret to living a life totally submitted to Christ. It is not a matter of what you make or what you have or don’t have, it is a matter of how much Christ has of you. For when Christ is not the center of your life, then the things you possess, no matter how much or how little, can possess you.
As I travel around and meet many people in all walks of life, I cannot say that I have seen a common thread of people who have found the contentment of Christ. I have met Haitian people who don’t have much but the Spirit of God has consumed them. They totally rely on the Lord. I have also met people who would be considered rich in monetary possessions resemble that same kind of contentment.
Look at what Paul says earlier in his letter,
“4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
Having God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus is a matter of totally depending on Him for your everything, whether you are rich or poor. Don’t allow things to begin to own you and dictate your source of contentment. Allow God who transcends all understanding, give you a peace that is out of this world.
May God bless you as you make Him your source.
Joy in Jesus!
Pastor Mike
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