We spent the day sifting rocks, pebbles, and sand for concrete. Melting in the sauna like conditions, each of us took turns sifting through the dirt. Rocks are everywhere in Haiti, but we had special loads trucked in for us to sift. One group was sifting through the coarser sand, getting the rocks out of the sand and pebbles. The next group then sorted the sand from the pebbles. Finishing concrete can only have the finest sand in it to allow it to spread the smoothest. The finish work of the Latrine requires the finest sand. But, all of the rocks, pebbles, and sand will be used in this project. Each plays their role.
The temptation to make a parable out of the sorting is great. Even Laura mentioned, that there must be a sermon in there somewhere. But, the are just sand, pebbles, and rocks. The sermon is in the love of people from thousands of miles away who would give of their time and money to make Haitian jobs and strive to re-present the love of Christ to the church and school in Haiti.
Lord, we each play our role. Lord, you are the master sifter. Sort us and arrange us and then use us to your service. Put us to work for your good purpose and empower us to be your people. Break down the walls of our ignorance and indifference to the suffering of our neighbors and help us to love and live out of your abundant grace!
For people who are unfamiliar with the Bible, studying Holy Scripture can seem an intimidating experience. There are so many things about the people, places, and situations described in the Bible that it can seem as though one has to be an expert in biblical studies to be able to grow through Bible study. This is not so. Let me encourage you in your study of Holy Scripture. If you seek to learn about God through the study of scripture, God will meet you in that endeavor. No matter how brilliant or simple you consider yourself, studying the word of God will vitally shape your daily walk in faith. The word of God is accessible to you, at any level of reading comprehension, historical understanding, etc.. Because, when we read Holy Scripture, we do not read it alone. As Christians, when we read the Bible we ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our reading so that the words from the text become real in our current lives and life situ...
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