Ah!!!! Church was so needed this morning! We sat in a small building with windows on three sides, and I could see the water rolling onto the shore behind the pastor. It was as good message too. Matt 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” The pastor talked about this specific beatitude and how persecution is a normal part of our Christian walk, and if we’re not being persecuted/tempted, then we need to evaluate how we’re living. Because if people aren’t looking at us like we’re different, then apparently we’re like the rest of the world. Not to brag by any sense, but rather to share a hardship/temptation so far, I’ve already been challenged about my faith while here. A TSgt that I work with (great guy, really smart) is an atheist and he said the first day that if swearing bothered me to let him know (he figured out I was a Christian b/c I prayed before we ate dinner). So I told him that I would prefer that people don’t swear, but not everyone shares my beliefs. Since then, he’s toned it way down. Well, then Sat night I asked about going to church on Sunday, and he said that I could go, but that I’d have to work extra hours. I looked at him very oddly because that’s not the military’s policy. Then I realized he was joking, but I could tell that he wasn’t fond of me going, as he’s so book smart, that he’s decided that God doesn’t exist b/c he thinks he knows all. So I’m determined to share more about God, and he’s said that he’s willing to have debates, but I’m going to need lots of prayer to be ready for it, b/c he knows a lot more about history (in general) than I do!
