I don’t know anything about road repairs, really, but I have observed one thing: there seem to be two basic approaches–patch it up or rip it out. Our little street had been patched numerous times, and it worked for a while, but finally someone must have said–“Enough!” I don’t know about you, but I sometimes treat sin that way as well. I address the behavior–patch up the outside. However, if I don’t really allow for a “ripping out,” all too soon I find myself in a similar condition.

Addressing only the top layer of sin is pretty much just behavior modification (basically spiritual pot hole repair), but it seems to me that we’re called into something significantly deeper than that. I don’t always go there either. However, I know that visiting those deep places with the Holy Spirit is how the ripping out and lasting change happens.

¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. ¹⁵ All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.” John 16:13-15

A team member recently spent a week teaching the Bible at a discipleship program for new believers from surrounding countries. This community has become very special to him, and it’s an honor to spend time there. After class one day, a dear friend, E, asked for a time of prayer at home with his family. The request: a way forward, a way to stay in this country. Just a couple of days later, the family was granted an interview with the government. Many of you have prayed for E in the past, please do so again as they seek to honor and serve God here–that there would be a clear path and Peace along the way.

A rare capture–lightning hitting a palm tree. This storm was pretty crazy, and here’s a crazy fact for you–this little country boasts around 30 different climate zones.

We bought this swing from a local village about two hours away from our city. It has been a favorite place to sit and read or reflect. We pray that you will find time for that on this Sabbath–rest in Him and reflection.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2