This is where I get to come everyday. What a beautiful office, huh? I had no idea how busy not having a paying job could be... My original intentions were to update my blog once a week to keep people updated with what's going on in LDI. My last post was in early August, and here it is nearing the end of September, and I'm just now getting to my next posting... I'm surprised the entire internet didn't shut down in wait of this posting :)
Anyway, LDI is full of reading. I am taking 5 classes now. They started early in September and run through December. Monday nights I have an inductive study of the book of Mark. This is a new means of study for me. It requires that I (everyone in class) to check our theological baggage at the door, and only use the text in front of us, as well as Old Testament references. It's a tough, slow process, but so amazing to see how God is working through all things and all people. He is truly sovereign. We've had 3 - 3 hour classes and have gotten through the 1st chapter of Mark. Just Awesome! Wednesday afternoons we have 3 hours of Old Testament Study. This class is a book-by-book study of the OT. We are through Numbers now. Leviticus and Numbers are not the most exciting books to read, however, give great insight into God's infinite mercy, AND our infinite worthlessness to receive that mercy. Wednesday night is SHAPE. S - Spiritual Gifts, H - Heart, A - Abilities & Talents, P - Personality, E - Experiences. This class digs into each persons uniqueness and tries to help see how God has made us to do His work. This is a fun one... Not super deep and NO HOMEWORK. Thursday afternoon we have a 3 hour class for LDI interns on Leadership. This class is great. We're reading Willard's Renovation Of The Heart, right now. We'll get through 5 books between now and mid-December. Thursday night is Systematic Theology. This is the biggest class with about 15-20 people. Steve Treichler teaches, and this is a look at Theology topic-by-topic.
Outside of LDI, God has shown himself off as only He can. He has provided me with many very generous supporters, for whom I am thankful to God for their hearts. Official "Thank You's" are coming... I'm slow. I know God has called me to chase after him, and pursue ministry as a full-time vocation. Prior to starting I had a condominium in St Paul that was too expensive to keep and do LDI. After much prayer and conversation with trusted friends, I made the decision to sell/rent my place, and join LDI. Well, my place has neither sold or rented. Almost all of my support for the year is spent. I am learning to trust that God will lead where He wants, and will provide what He knows I need. I have considered the options of working more or quitting LDI for now. I was reminded of how God provided what He knew Hope Community Church needed versus what we thought we needed. We were located on the campus of the U of M, and busting at the seams. The elders prayed and searched for money to get/build a new church. They prayed, and prayed for money. One of the elders stood up and said, "We don't need money. We need a building." Shortly thereafter, we were given a building in downtown Minneapolis at no cost from a church (Central Free) that was going under. I am feeling like I need money, when I all I need to do is trust God. If I can do that, the rest will fall into place.
Prayer requests:
Peace - That I would rest in God's sovereignty, and trust that He is in control.
Perserverance - That when I feel overwhelmed by the reading that I will stick with it.
My Condo - That God will provide a buyer or renter, so I can take care of the debt I am responsible for.
Pride - That I get rid of my pride and begin to respect those around me as God would have me.
Food for thought... (i.e. would love some feedback/comments) - Did Moses change God's mind in Numbers, when God says that He is going to destroy the Israelites, and Moses tells Him not to, that the Egyptians will see that as a victory (of sorts). After hearing Moses, God says, "I have forgiven them as you asked", and spares them from destruction? Did Moses know better than God? Did God make a mistake? Can't be... right? Let me know your thoughts...
