The theme in my classes for 4th & 5th grade this week is the Ascension, or simply when Jesus rose to glory to shine on His throne in all the splendor received from the Father. Some marvelous things I think we tend to take for granted after being a Christian for awhile, knowing that it is part of our belief in what the Lord accomplished through His role as the Christ (not His last name, btw). I am starkly reminded of how credible that may appear to folks (let alone children) who have not yet grasped the concept that Jesus of Nazareth was originally from glory and came to Earth as God in the flesh. This gives me the idea to issue standard textbooks next term, namely the bilingual New Testaments that are usually given away for free. I figure I might be able to get a good deal on them, especially now that the Shekou Fellowship will no longer be a place to freely distribute them.
The building where Shenzhen’s only International Christian Fellowship gathers will close this month for remodeling and because of new ownership. Originally built as a chapel for foreigners 15+ years ago, it became part of the Shekou International School over time and has served as the gymnasium during the weekdays while being utilized by the cornucopia of denominations that get together on Sundays for their weekly service & the occasional Saturday social function. If it weren’t for this place, I may not have evr met Spring, since it happens to be the only ICF that I know of which allows Chinese and non-Chinese to learn about the Lord together. It turns out that the government has known for some time that this is not a legal meeting, but has looked the other way. Now the 300+ attendees will also be looking (for) another way.
This new development interests me for the sole reason that some souls I’ve interacted with in the past will no longer be able to meet in the same location on Sundays and may soon be looking for other options. Some serious sifting I pray will be done by the Lord and however many truth-seekers He sends my way I will be ready for. Please pray for these opportunities to manifest in ways that only glorify our King and His purpose to restore all things, especially the power to overcome the world. May we each be ready to rise and shine, as did our Lord before us, so that His glory would be seen through our actions and words imitating His.
So the LORD said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.”
Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” Exodus 33:17-19
Goodness, grace, compassion and many more traits are passed on to us by our Father through His indwelling Holy Spirit. Let us continue to cultivate His growing presence in our lives, that fruit would abound and blessings be plentiful.
Loving Him and my neighbors,
David