Reflections from a jet-lagged mind

I’m baaaack!

Of course, most of you didn’t know that I was gone, since I prepared my scheduled posts in advance before I left.

Two weeks ago today (as I write this), I left for ministry in Hungary and Romania with the Singing Men of North Central Texas. I pretty much went electronically silent while traveling except sharing Facebook posts from the Singing Men page. I’ve gotten a little more cautious on posting while traveling.

It was an amazing and exhausting trip. Of course, the highlight was seeing 3903 registered decisions for Christ in 10 concerts in 8 days in 8 different cities.

Amazing grace of Jesus!

I’ll be ready for the next trip, but it is great to be home for awhile.

We had some challenges on the trip, including our director becoming ill the day before we departed and not being able to make the trip. His illness resulted in a triple bypass surgery on the day we were flying home.

Several of our men also got word while we were away that their wives had to go to the hospital. And one man’s mother-in-law passed away during our trip. All these things, as well as difficult border crossings and last minute schedule changes resulted in some intense prayer and focus.

It’s good to reflect on how God is always at work in our lives, even in the times of adversity (perhaps especially in the times of adversity).

This morning has been a great time of reflection for me, as I have spent the past two hours with the books that I couldn’t carry in my suitcase.

This morning’s hymn text reminded me that Jesus is my present joy will be my eternal reward.

My reading from Oswald Chambers reminded me that I can enjoy the time of adversity by delighting in the opportunity to obey God in those times.

My reading from Ted Dekker reminded me that my true life is in Christ, so that what happens in my “earthen vessel” is not to be feared.

And 2 Corinthians 4:7-11 tied it all together: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.”

So, here’s my summary: The life of Jesus in/through me—as me—reveals the grace of God through godly habits. Every challenge is an opportunity to choose delight – “Lord, I am delighted to obey You in this.”

I’m glad to be back with you.

Be amazing today, my friend.