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Entry: John 13 Thursday, January 05, 2006

Tonight while reading John 13, a couple of things were brought to my attention:

1) In 'The Message' translation John 13:20 says "Receiving someone I send is the same as receiving me, just as receiving me is the same as receiving the One who sent me." (Jesus speaking)

This made me think about our role for the Brazil mission trip. We are going just as Christ would go -- we may even be Jesus to these people in Brazil. What is more encouraging and more pressuring at the same time?! This makes me want to just make every minute count when I am spending time in Brazil -- I don't want to focus on myself but reach out to these people with love that Christ Himself can only provide in and through me as His humble servant.

2) In 'The Word on the Street' translation John 13:15 says "As ever, I'm not asking you to do something I wouldn't do. I'm your example - so copy me..." (Jesus speaking)

This just made me think of the things I'm asked to do on a daily basis and how quick I am to complain about anything I might see as an inconvenience. Jesus went through so much more for me than I could ever imagine, so who am I to complain when things don't go my way or I have to do something that bothers me or I don't feel comfortable doing?! He is not going to ask me to do something that He wouldn't be willing to do Himself!

I received my first two support checks in the mail today. On my last trip (July 2003) I was so stressed and worried about raising what I needed for support, but God pulled through. This time around, I can honestly say I am not worried and I know that God will provide in His perfect timing.

I had a great discussion with a friend today (I'm not sure what he believes spiritually) and he was excited about what we were going to be doing on our mission trip and wanted to know if it was okay if he passed the info about the trip on to others he thought might like to support me. I can definitely see God at work in those around me as I am able to share about my trip!