Dare #3

The third thing in my list of five that I am trying to do over the next year is give my money for a specific purpose.  To me, this means I need to give until I don't have anything left to give.  Before you label me as completely crazy, hear me say that this doesn't mean I will deplete my savings, or even that I will stop saving for this year.  It means that whatever extra I have will not just remain in my bank account because it makes me feel better.  I have been praying about how the Lord would have me spend my money.  Some day soon I will get into my spending habits, but for today I want to focus on a new project.

At work we received an email giving us the opportunity to adopt an "angel" from the Salvation Army.  The idea is that a class or school could do this together.  Well, I decided to adopt on behalf of my choir, so I will have 1 boy and 1 girl about the same age as the kids in my group.  I will talk to them about the whole process and then have them give me ideas for gifts.  I want to take pictures of the whole process, have the kids make a card, and hopefully this will be a life lesson about giving to those who are less fortunate than us.  I'm excited about it!!

Pray:

Thailand.  Did you know Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice and that they have the world's longest-reigning monarch?  Religious freedom is also guaranteed in their constitution, but still 85% of the people are Buddhist.  

Answers to prayer- The Church in Thailand is growing!  There has been a noticeably more rapid increase in numbers.  There has also been emerging indigenous leadership that are setting ambitious goals.  Missionaries have also learned to be more effective by understanding the culture and using it, instead of trying to fit their foreign ideas into the Church.  

Genesis 30-31:16

What mama drama!  Jacob has two wives: Leah can have children, but Rachel is barren.  So Rachel gives Jacob her servant as a wife to increase his sons, so Leah does the same.  Then Leah bears more sons and Rachel finally has one of her own.  This just seems crazy to me!  Next, the Lord tells Jacob it is time to leave and return to the land of his fathers.  He does not leave on good terms, but he gets ready to go.  

Matthew 10:1-23
Jesus sends out the twelve disciples.  He tells them specifically where to go, and where not to go.  I know He still directs us today.  Then he tells them there will be persecution, but He also assures them that they will be given the words to say.  I desperately need those words.

Psalm 12
"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a fire" verse 6

Proverbs 3:13-15
Wisdom is better gain than silver, gold, or jewels and is beyond comparison for things that are desirable. Those who find wisdom are blessed.