Thoughts for the moment

The core of knowing God is knowing (in a relational way) His grace. The more I’ve experienced the church and life, the more I see how His grace is a foundation for every spiritual discipline, discipleship, evangelism and healing. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

However, more often than not, it gets overshadowed by our ideas of discipline and obedience. Never would I discount the important of discipline and obedience in a Christ follower’s life. But without grace our efforts turn into justifying ourselves, or earning a relationship/right standing with Christ. John 1:17 "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

I’ve seen many who are gifted with the balance of truth and grace in their ministries. But for the rest of us, I pray that God would personally reveal to us His compassion and His justice so that we can live out towards others what freedom God has brought to us. My prayer is that when people encounter me (whether now or in 50 years) they would see the joy found in Christ just as Barnabas saw in the church in Antioch (eventually Saul joins for further fellowship and growth). Acts 11:23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

By the way~ your financial support has put me at 1500!! Praise God for every gift (thanks R & N !!) I'm sure more updates to come. Please keep praying for an obvious moment of telling my workplace my future plans (trying to hold out for another week!)....

Just an update~ in just the last two days 300 some more dollars have come in. What an encouragement (thanks uncle rex!)!! I also received my 'hiking' backpack in the mail that I ordered.... now its really time to get excited!! Thanks for your continued support.... liss

By the way this is me :) Im finally figuring out not only how my new digital camera works (THANKS MOM AND DAD) but also how a blog works.... um I still haven't figured out how other people can view them (basic I know)....liss

January 24, 2007

This is Alissa and if you are reading this hopefully you know a bit about me and the exciting journey to come. I am planning on leaving for the missions field at the end of March through YWAM. I will be stationed in Samoa for Discipleship Training then off to travel with the group (who knows- Hong Kong, New Zealand....). Currently I am raising finances and have sent out the last of my support letters. Slowly trickling in and as of right now I have about 100 dollars of my goal of 6000 (2000 I have already contributed from my own funds).
I cannot express what a spiritual battleground your spirit becomes when the choice has been made to serve full time for Christ.
Ephesians 6:12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Prayer requests:
Finances
Spiritual discernment and strength
Wisdom in when/how to tell my workplace of my upcoming leave
More later! ~ liss
BY THE WAY---- GO BEARS