Dear Friends,
We’ve all been in that place before. We are serving God. We are doing it with people… and then BAM! Someone rubs us wrong. We leave the interaction replaying negative thoughts and emotions. Whatever we naturally do after getting stirred up inside isn’t pretty. In those moments we are reminded that we are a work in progress. Thank God He helps us carry our hearts in victory (2 Cor. 2:14). God brings about good things from every conflict. For one, He uses relational conflicts to bring healing in us. One of the best ways we heal is when we have to return to a place that hurts. If we open ourselves up to the Lord, He is there to give us a new outcome and a new heart. The heart like Jesus has.
Folks, we can get so outwardly focused that we forget our biggest ministry—how we carry our hearts. If we are doing things with a bad heart, then the quality of the things we are doing can’t be that good.
In January, as I returned to the mission base, I entered several new team settings. In each setting we have different leaders and different team cultures. We are targeting a variety of issues to pray for in the Body of Christ around the world. We have a lot of prayer we want to lift up to God. When we are praying to the Lord TOGETHER, we daily keep a close inventory of our heart towards others. We want to stay at peace with everyone. Because, without unity, we don’t get the same blessing. This is something we can all be moving towards in our families, church, and work places with fellow believers. God blesses people that seek unity. He calls them peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). Here is a Psalm that mentions the benefits of unity.
Psalm 133 Says,
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!2 It islike the precious oil upon the head,
Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.3 It is like the dew of Hermon,
Descending upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing—
Life forevermore
The Holy Spirit is the oil. We need the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in our lives. Jesus is the High Priest greater than Aaron and is the head of the Church, wanting to realease MORE of the Holy Spirit. In His finaly prayer on earth before going to the cross, Jesus also mentioned His desire for unity in the Church (John 17:20). My prayer for my life and for yours is that we may be one, all connected to Jesus who is head in unity to receive a greater blessing in our lives (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22). Thank you for your support and for standing with me in prayer.
–Brian
[featured]Personal News:[/featured] During January, my girlfriend, Joannie, and I had a great visit in Indy. We got to share in a few churches and small groups. We left encouraged after reconnecting with many of you. Joannie got to share her testimony and play piano a few of the nights. We got to do our first “ministry” trip together. I was so proud of her. She’s been in the States for four years but did well connecting with us Hoosiers during her visit! For all you who got to spend time with us, thank you for your kindness. [featured]Prayer Requests:[/featured]-
Grace as I start playing piano on new worship teams and making life transitions. That I would keep the Lord always before me (Psalm 16:8) and keep a onething focus on the Lord (Psalm 27:4).
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Lots of upcoming transitions in life, housing, everything. I feel stretched but am happy. Please pray for continued help in getting me established to continue serving the Lord as an intercessor and musician.