Luke 19:41 - And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Psalm 119:136 - Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
Due to the last minute location change and the subsequent transportation logistics for the children, we got started 1 hour late than what we originally scheduled, but being delayed didn't impact much. The team quickly and seamlessly switched gears and were able to be quick on their feet with anything that came their way. God's grace and mercy were definitely abounding over each and every minute.
Approximately 80+ children came for the first day, even with the last minute logistical changes! Close to 40%-50% of the kids attended last year's bible club, so many more could come in the next few days. Other than some miscommunication at the end during dismissal, everything seemed to go very smooth for a first day with all the changes.
It was great to see many familiar and new faces. Most of the returning kids were very excited that we were back, and they immediately picked up where we left off from last year. In fact, some of the more difficult ones we had last year were so excited this year that they were an asset to the class! When presented with the gospel, the overwhelming response was, "So, all these things [communion, mass, confirmation, etc] don't get you closer to God?" They just don't seem to understand the simplicity of the gospel. Catholic religious traditions have been so engrained in the culture that the concept of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ by faith alone, not by works, is a totally foreign concept. Even though the gospel found in the bible is very foreign, there were some "lightbulbs" that went off as we focused on sin and what it is according to the scriptures. We're excited to see what God will continue to do!!
Evening Devotions: Compassion - Part 4
Carrying over from Psalm 103, we focused on 17 about the Lord's mercy being from everlasting to everlasting... which means that true compassion is constant. Often times in order for us to have compassion on a person it is because we have had the chance to get to know them, that other person has not done anything to break our trust, or anything else that would make us think they would be undeserving. Thank the Lord that God is not that way. Even before we were ever born God made the decision to bestow compassion upon mankind; and despite all that we would do in rebellion to God, his mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. When we have the heart of God towards others, we will be compassionate regardless of anything that may get in the way. Do you have that kind of compassion?
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