Relationships

In today's devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chamber's writes, "The challenge to missionaries does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the missionary's own personal relationship with Jesus Christ." One of the common themes in soul care is dealing with attack on relationships. Getting caught-up in the work, and losing site of the relationship, starts with our personal relationship with Jesus, and transmits throughout the other relationships in our lives. Solutions to problems within the missionary team, family, or even ourselves...begins with knowing Jesus and believing in the the power that He brings in the relationships of our lives.

Standing Firm in Jesus

 Standing Firm in Jesus

There is a bridge in Costa Rica overlooking murky, crocodile infested, waters. Really, really large crocodiles. I would venture a guess that they are fed by local businesses that offer everything from souvenirs to raft trips. (Are they crazy?) These beasts were twenty feet long! Viewing them from the safety of the bridge was good enough for me...and the bridge did seem fairly well maintained. This reminds me of the significance of maintaining our relationship with Jesus. As long as we stand on Him, we are protected from peril. While we may not be so stupid as to leap from Him...If we don't take the time to "inspect and improve the bridge" we may not realize that we are not firmly rooted in His protective love. Without Jesus...we are surely croc bait.

The Soul Felt Its Worth

We returned from South America in time to spend Christmas at home with our family. In a rush to get food and gifts ready in just two days time...I did a quick internet search for a Christmas devotional and was once again reminded of the strategic presence of God in our lives. The devotional, by John Eldredge,reflected on my favorite Christmas carol, "O Holy Night." We were rescued by Jesus! Our soul feels the value that He placed on us. We, at The Soul Care Project, wish you a blessed New Year...and may your soul feel its worth.