Nicaragua Day 2

Good Morning! This morning we will head out into the city of Managua. It is a city of 1.8 million people, and poverty is that of Haiti. Managua is also known to be a rough city. In fact one of the travel guides simply said, "Watch Your Back!" So I am looking forward to going out into the city today.

Last night as I was flying over Central America, I couldn't help but notice the thousands of little towns throughout the region. I begin to think of how small we really are and how great our God is. The reason Jesus has not come back is because there are many of His people that have not been reached. I began to realize that there are more uttermost parts of the world besides Scottsbluff. My heart began to become heavy as I continued to see small town perhaps millions of unreached people. We got a job to do church!

This morning horns are honking and cars are jam packed on roads. We will be going to Compassion International home site here in Managua to meet pastors and children. It will be a good day. Pray that I will speak the words of the Holy Spirit…perhaps even some Spanish! By the way I am staying in a Hilton Hotel…and it is amazing. Doesn't feel like I am in a Third-World country right now, but that is all going to change in a few minutes!

Just Speak

Scripture: 11 But when you are arrested and stand trial, don't worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Observation: Another teaching moment for the disciples. They were wondering what is going to happen when all the great buildings are going to be destroyed, which then prompted more questions in which Jesus answered all they had at that moment. Probably setting in amazement God make this statement, 'That you will be arrested and stand trial." And then he makes a statement…'Just say what God tells you to say!'

Application: You could almost see their faces when Jesus told them that they are going to be arrested and stand trial. I am sure many of them thought I am done; I am not following this guy anymore. But, he then follows it up with somewhat of a bold statement…at least for me I would be squirming. 'Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.' I must never forget these words. There are times when I am not for sure how to respond or even begin to speak comforting words. But the Holy Spirit will speak through us.

Prayer: Father, I desire your words not my words all the time. Forgive me for being quick to speak, slow to listen. My desire is that I would hear you more and speak your words more. As I minister in Nicaragua today…give me your words. Help me say what you want to say…In Jesus Name! Amen

Just Do It!

Scripture: Mark 11:3 If anyone asks, 'What are you doing?' just say, 'The Lord needs it and will return it soon.'"

Observation: As Jesus was approaching the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead to get the donkey. The disciples were afraid of what the people would say when they took the donkeys. So they went and got the donkeys! I could only imagine what the Disciples were thinking! They are going to think we are stealing them, we could go to jail, they're going to take us out…you can almost hear them in their huddle discussing this! So they come back to Jesus…umm "what are we supposed to do if somebody ask?' Just tell em the Lord needs it!

Application: We often over analyze the situations that God puts us in. We weigh the pros and the cons and then make a decision. When in reality all we are doing is wasting time. I know for a fact that sometimes I just need to stand up and say…"The Lord needs it." And that's it! We must do what He says…that settles it. It may not make sense and others may think were crazy, but God is in control.

Prayer: Lord, may I have the courage and boldness to do what you say and not question, analyze, or stall. Just to do what you say! In Jesus Name…Amen!

Houston’s Got a Problem

Greetings from Houston! I am embarking on a 4 day mission's trip with Compassion International to Nicaragua. The Lord has repeatedly spoken to me about getting my passport and now I know why. About a month ago Compassion contacted me and asked if I would attend one of two mission trips they were offering. Of course was my response! I have been reading a book by Ed Stetzer called Transformational Churches. One of the chapters clearly defines that Missional Mindset has to be a key to a growing thriving church. We must care more about people than programs. And God began to stir in my heart that we must not only reach out to those in the valley but to those around the world. If we as Christians would continue to fulfill the Great Commission Matthew 28:19, we would understand that we are to go into the entire world. So I began to pray and ask God where he would have The Rock Church reach out into a third world country, wouldn't you know he is sending me to Nicaragua one month later! So I set in Houston waiting to board the plane…asking God for divine encounters and for clarity if this is where The Rock Church will do our part in fulfilling the great commission. Please pray with me that God will direct every step and conversation this week. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. I will continue to blog once a day so you can follow what is happening! Pastor T

The Heart

Scripture: Acts 15: 8 God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us.9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he cleansed their hearts through faith.

Observation: Paul, Barnabas, and Peter were talking to the council about what it must take for one to be saved…they thought you had to be circumcised in order to be saved. But in the meeting Peter made this statement that really struck them to the core, because it fulfilled prophecy.

Application: God knows peoples hearts and he make no distinction between race, color, poor, rich, young, or old. However we have free access to God's grace just like anyone else, and it is by that grace in which we are saved if we accept it. "11 We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus."

Prayer: God thank you for Grace…grace that does not require works, but requires a submitted heart. If we did not have that we would not have anything. Thank you for allowing Peters words to help those of us who think we are not deserving or separated from you because of who we are. Your grace covers all, if we allow it to. Continue to allow the Holy Spirit to draw people just like he did the Gentiles. Also, help me make no distinctions as well…Increase my Grace! In Jesus Name Amen!

Proclaim Jesus

Scripture: Acts 13:38 "Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins.

Observation: After the usual readings of the synagogue…they asked anyone to stand up and bring encouragement to the church. Paul brought the best encouragement of all. He told them that Jesus is the only one who can forgive you of your sins. He was not afraid to share the greatest news of all to the religious people. When He did this many of them repented and believed in Christ Jesus and they wanted him to come back and preach some more. The following week nearly the whole town came out to hear Paul preach.

Application: We must not be afraid to share the encouraging news of Jesus. As Paul says that ‘when the Gentiles heard this, they were very glad and thanked the Lord for his message; and all who were chosen for eternal life became believers.’ We never know who might be out there that does not know Christ. We must preach, teach, and encourage them to rely on God’s grace! Preach the Word!

Prayer: God may I have the guts of Paul to stand up and encourage people to follow Jesus! Give me opportunity to proclaim Jesus to the people in this area….and because of your words may the whole city and may the whole area be changed. Give me opportunities to proclaim your Gospel. In Jesus Name Amen!

Humility is Key

Scripture: 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died.

Observation: Herod’s greatest mistake was accepting the worship for himself. Pride crept in and reaped havoc on his soul. Thus replacing God with himself and desiring the worship of others.

Application: Humility is key to any leader. If we begin to think we are better than everyone else and deserve to be worshipped, we are only setting ourselves up for the worms to eat us alive. We must always give the worship and point the worship of people to Jesus not to any human.

Prayer: Father you deserve all the glory, honor, and praise. I ask that the pride and arrogance that killed Herod would not creep into my life. I desire that Jesus deserves all the credit and glory. Help me remain faithful and humble. Holy Spirit direct my life and I desire that you receive all the glory and honor!