I've been sick since Tuesday. I kind of wonder if God isn't keeping me incapacitated for my own good. Today I've barely left the bed.
Tim is running Alpha solo tonight. The topic is "How can I resist evil?" I think it will be a poignant message for two reasons. One is that I think we have several new believers in our group who I'd guess are dealing with this issue of temptation and spiritual warfare. The other is that I've had some interesting conversations this week about superstitions and witchcraft. It's real here. I promise.
Yesterday I led Sierra's Bible study for the first time. We looked at John 1 and got into what is the difference between the law of Moses and the grace of Jesus. The big question they all had was "Does God punish people for doing bad things?" In a legalistic culture like this, it was exciting to share with them that if they have put their faith in Jesus' work on the cross, their debt has already been paid-- past, present, and future. They don't have to wonder if their cold is punishment for the lie they told this morning. They don't have to fear God in that sense. Perfect love casts out their fear.
My "anonymous friends" (Al-Anon women) took me out for a birthday dinner last night. It was a sweet gift. I appreciate having a place in my life where I'm not a leader, and they're a generally jolly group.
