Sept. 16 Church Meetings in Montenegro
This morning I spoke at the church in Niksic. There were 17 in attendance. My text was from Judges 11 where Jephthah suffered from rejection. His response was negative as he formed a gang that raided the countryside. But, he learned skills as a warrior that helped him later. When the Ammonites gathered for war against the Gileadites [Jephthah's father was Gilead] Jephthah was called upon to help. His response reflected the pain that he had suffered when his brothers had cast him out of the family years before because Jephthah was the son of an adulterous relationship that Gilead had with a harlot. "You rejected me before, why do you call upon me now?" But, he prayed to God as he received instruction to accept this task. So, he told them that he would lead them in the battle IF they accepted him as their leader. Jephthah was a changed man after this time of prayer. Our first response to rejection is usually not a spiritual reaction and this was the case with Jephthah. But, he changed when he prayed to God! God gave Jephthah a great victory over the Ammonites. Do you know that he is listed as one of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32? That says a lot!
Some people told me that this message was just for them and that it was a great help. God is at work!
We had lunch with a church planter, Eric Gruetzmacher, who is attempting to plant a church on the coast of Montenegro at Herceg Novi. A young couple, Brian and Sarah, joined us for lunch. They are on a survey trip considering the possibility of joining Eric. This was encouraging! Montenegro needs 50 church planters now! How about 75? There are only 3 evangelical churches in the country with about 127 believers. There are 4 or 5 church planters here in the country including Eric. Pray for more church planters!
Tonight I preached in Podgorica, the capital city, to about 30 people. They are so responsive! The theme was on Brokenness from Leviticus 6:21. Read the verse and note that the grain offering was broken into pieces as it was offered to God. God breaks us . . . our pride, our self-will, selfishness, anger, etc. . . . through difficult experiences. This is done with love. Yet, it is difficult for us nonetheless. "Broken" believers are then a sweet smelling aroma to God. Our pride and arrogance are totally opposite and not sweet smelling. Once again, several people told me that this message was just for them and expressed their appreciation. It is so interesting to watch the Word of God have an effect upon people and their personal lives.
Do these messages have meaning for you? They do for me!
Tomorrow, God willing, we begin the travel to Germany for Lynne's treatment for MS. It will be a long journey!
Eric
Some people told me that this message was just for them and that it was a great help. God is at work!
We had lunch with a church planter, Eric Gruetzmacher, who is attempting to plant a church on the coast of Montenegro at Herceg Novi. A young couple, Brian and Sarah, joined us for lunch. They are on a survey trip considering the possibility of joining Eric. This was encouraging! Montenegro needs 50 church planters now! How about 75? There are only 3 evangelical churches in the country with about 127 believers. There are 4 or 5 church planters here in the country including Eric. Pray for more church planters!
Tonight I preached in Podgorica, the capital city, to about 30 people. They are so responsive! The theme was on Brokenness from Leviticus 6:21. Read the verse and note that the grain offering was broken into pieces as it was offered to God. God breaks us . . . our pride, our self-will, selfishness, anger, etc. . . . through difficult experiences. This is done with love. Yet, it is difficult for us nonetheless. "Broken" believers are then a sweet smelling aroma to God. Our pride and arrogance are totally opposite and not sweet smelling. Once again, several people told me that this message was just for them and expressed their appreciation. It is so interesting to watch the Word of God have an effect upon people and their personal lives.
Do these messages have meaning for you? They do for me!
Tomorrow, God willing, we begin the travel to Germany for Lynne's treatment for MS. It will be a long journey!
Eric
posted by Eric Murphy at 16.9.07
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