Regarding the List

110924: Regarding the List

I prayed about the list last night, and what is best.

In this village, if you get power during the night, it usually means you’ll have electricity until 5 am.  Not always, but usually. 

So, this morning I hopped out of bed at 4:45.  I got out my french press (for which I give thanks to Heather every morning for leaving me), brewed a quick cup of coffee, and ran through my list.  Bible....Check.  Tablet...Check.  Journal....Check.  Pen.....Check.  Devotion....Check. Kerosene Lamp...Check....Kerosene Lamp Lit? Check.  

Just as I sat down and settled myself to pray, pop went the power and I was sitting there by the light of the lamp.  

Ha, hahahahaahahahah,  I thought.   I might not have much figured out in Haiti, I might be a wet-behind-the-ears whippersnapper, rookie of a white-boy missionary, but doggonnit, I was gonna relish the fact that for once, I was prepared.   Whatever else comes today and knocks me over, so be it.  This morning is mine. :)

So after praying about the pastor and his list of 58 names, this is the scripture I read this morning.  Tell me what you think?   I’m pretty sure I have my answer.

‘Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! ‘  2 Cor 9:6-15