| February 2008 newsletter |
|
Obeying from a Heart of Joy— Rather than From Compulsion Lately, the Lord has been reminding me (Wayne) of the importance of loving Him and obeying Him--obeying Him, not out of compulsion or because I have to, but simply because I love Him. One of our greatest testimonies as believers is in choosing to live a life of obedience, and then rejoicing in the privilege of being able to choose obedience as a lifestyle. I John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” For this is the agape love of God, that we diligently observe His precepts and teachings. But also remember as we observe His teachings that the teachings are not to be oppressive to us, but a joy. What a joy it is to live in His truth! I want to encourage us all to choose to love Jesus, and to enjoy living according to His teachings. Again thank you so much for your prayers and continued support of Complete in Christ. We invite you to celebrate with us on February 21, as we thank the Lord and you for five years of ministry. Please join us at Wanda’s Catering on West Jefferson Street in Kosciusko at 6:30 p.m. for our Complete in Christ Celebration. It will be a time of food, fellowship, music and testimony, but most importantly a time to thank God and you for all you have allowed Him to do through you to support us. God has been very faithful to give us physical strength to keep going. We have both been sick during the month of January, but were able to go to Mexico to help tile two bathrooms—one at the mission compound and the other at the children’s home. Thanks to Brother Junior Davis, who excels in tile cutting and concrete wall construction, to Butch Bell, expert (and fast) tile installer, and to Donna Snuggs for her willing heart, hard-work ethics and versatility as she hopped back and forth from the tiling job to the kitchen work. Thanks also to the ladies in Sunnyside and Ely, NV who attended the ladies retreat weekend at Sunnyside Youth Ranch and to Leota Johnson and her family for the wonderful food and hospitality. We greatly appreciate Kim MacKenzie, Judy MacKenzie and Cathy Bishop who served as group leaders for the weekend. We went to be used to bless others and as usual, came away with the greater blessing. God is so faithfully good and awesome. Because of His greatness and love, we are motivated to obey Him out of grateful hearts. Indeed obedience is a blessed privilege! |