Rucar Missions Trip

About two hours away from Brasov is a small town by the name of Rucar. We took a trip there a couple weeks ago to visit some American missionaries who had been living there (now they are in the States until March). This couple had been visiting our church every Sunday for a while. They had mentioned that they wanted us to visit for a long time. We only made the trip on the last week they were there.
The trip there was beautiful. Through the mountains right as the leaves were changing. We even stopped for a couple pictures. (Here's one:)

When we got there, man what a surprise we were in for. There was around 20 people waiting for us to hold a church service. It was incredible! We felt right at home. P.Valli, P. Mihael, and Gabi led us in a time of worship. After that, P.Mihael asked me to give a short testimony. I spoke on the love of God (from 1 John 3), but what really stayed with me was P.Valli's intro about the Shepherd. He gave a great analogy of how a shepherd's heart is for his sheep, for seeking them, for loving them. That was such a great thought for us. 

I was there with three other teachers from GGIS Brasov. After the great time in Rucar, we did a bit of a "team building" in a nearby cave. I was never claustrophobic, not even a little bit, but as soon as I walked into the cave, I have to admit, I shrunk a little. It was pitch black in there. Reminded me of the story of David and his mighty men in the cave when Saul came in. The way David's Shepherd protected him in that place is truly incredible. Such a love we have received, such a love we have to give. God forbid these trips end and we stop letting our "cups overflow" (Psalm 23:5). I thank God for such an opportunity and I can't wait for the next one!

No Turning Back

Acts 7:39-"...and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt."

There is a great message here; a great warning as well. This passage is Stephen's message right before he is stoned to death. He is speaking about the Hebrews in the wilderness when Moses went up into Mount Sinai. After no contact with Moses for a period, the people grow restless. They go to Aaron and demand that a new god be made for them to worship, a golden calf. Aaron, being afraid of the people, relented and we know the rest of the story. The people bring their gold to be melted and form this false idol.
The passage in Acts 7:39 really makes an incredible statement as to how they could have done this. Their hearts turned back, or we could say that their hearts were deceived. When referring to Moses they called him "this Moses." Pretty interesting way to refer to the man of God who led you out of slavery, but this is what happens when our hearts are turned away. All of the truth in their situation had become distorted. We see them in Numbers 11 complaining again about how "great" it was in Egypt. "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic." - Numbers 11:5
This is so important to us because we want to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). It's so easy for us to have a negative thought; for the devil to get it and say that we are worthless, or that God doesn't care. It's even easier to believe it's true! One thing that cannot change is God. His thoughts are peace (Jeremiah 29:11); and they never change. His word is eternal (John 6:68); and it is life. We get depressed, things upset us, often times we may be sad about something, but there is something so much greater that can keep my heart. Philippians 4:7 says the "peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That's it! The thoughts of God - that NEVER change - are peace, and this peace passes all understanding and is able to keep my heart!
Seven times in Psalms and Proverbs it talks about keeping his law/precepts/statutes. People strive to make their life about doing something that will keep their heart clean and pure. And while this is what the Bible says, these people are skipping the most important part. They have no peace. It's so peaceful to live in the will of God. Why would I want anything else? What a thought, I have the privilege to live with a peace that passes all understanding. And because of this peace, keeping His precepts has become such a joy to me. And without me even realizing it, my heart is kept; I have not turned back to Egypt, I only look to His face.