Our choices in life can have similar hidden nastiness underneath what looks to be a great “greener grass” opportunity. Greener grass is not always a bad thing. But, when we make choices based on a longing look, an impulsive decision, and a quick move, often the greener grass simply distracts us from the bad stuff hidden under the surface.

As we continue our study of the life of Abraham in our series of messages entitled The Faith-Based Life this Sunday at Calvary, we will see a strong contrast between the decision-making process of Abraham and that of his nephew Lot. In Genesis 13:5-18, Lot seeks contentment and satisfaction in a “greener grass” opportunity while Abraham roots his contentment in the Lord. The stark difference between the two becomes obvious in the choices they make and the consequences that follow those choices.

Lot makes 6 choices that ruin his life. Abraham lives the faith-based life. Lot lives the flesh-based life. The discernment they each display reflects their individual walks with God. The contrast could not be stronger.

Unfortunately, often well-intentioned, nice Christians today constantly make the same bad choices Lot made. Many of the followers of Christ never experience the joy God intends because they make terrible everyday choices in life. The world rarely sees the contentment and blessing of being a Christ-follower because the followers of Jesus far too often follow the same path as Lot.

Sunday we will explore the dangers of discernment and contentment being based on the greener grass of life. We will see the nastiness that often hides under the surface in the septic tank. We will also see the blessing of Abraham’s contentedness in His God and how we too can enjoy that same sweet satisfaction in life every day!

TakeNote_05-13-v1a1

Click here to view the embedded video.

Tomorrow we will all be ministering in one way or another in the two morning services at Pastor Dongo’s church. I will be speaking in the main service and Lesli and the kids will be leading the kids ministries! Should be a great morning to encourage the body of believers who will gather for worship.

We have all grown in our perspective of what God is doing in the world. Pray that God would continue to grow and stretch each of us according to his plan for each of us!

It has been hard to keep you posted via my blog because of intermittent internet connectivity and speeds. So, we have invested most of our energies and resources in updating through Facebook. Go to www.facebook.com/thorntons2uganda

Thanks again for your support and encouragement! That means so very much to us!

Here is a video clip posted there too. It is of the Students worshipping during a special outdoor chapel at God Cares High School.

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We got to help serve lunch from the current kitchen and got to walk through the new kitchen under construction. In the pictures you can see Lesli and the kids serving the 800+ kids their lunch.

We took a tour of the school and met staff and students. As you can see in the pics, our kids fell in love with the children.

Also, attached are photos of Pastor and Mrs (Florence) Dongo with Lesli and me.

Today we will be visiting the God Cares High School and all of us will be helping lead in the chapel there.

Enjoy the pics. Pray for Lesli. The Malaria pills make her very sick. Lesli gets sick to her stomach for about 2 hours after taking them. Unusual for her, she is usually the one who never gets sick. Megan and Katie have also been a bit sick after taking the malaria pills.

(pics slow in uploading – we will update daily pics with daily posts as we can)

PICTURES from DAY ONE:

Scripture Reading Video of Luke 24:13-35

Click here to view the embedded video.

Every Knee Will Bow List of Names from Franklin Graham’s “The Name” (I updated it a bit)

Every Knee Will Bow list from Franklin Graham

Song Lyrics of “He Lives“

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.

Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

Song Lyrics of “The Solid Rock“

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

When darkness seems to hide His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.