This year I started reading the gospel of Mathew. This time I began with a different attitude. Before, I would go to the text to find out what the text said. Now I have an attitude of letting the word of God talk to me. How do I do this? I read and I pay attention to my inner reactions and thoughts and then I journal.
I’m honest about how I take what the Bible says. Emotions like anger, disappointment, doubt, fear, frustration that I may experience while reading, I write down on my journal. Then I ask “Where is this coming from?” and keep journaling. I have to come to terms with many things. The idea for this came thinking about my counseling practice and remembered about Jesus being the Beautiful Counselor. So I picture myself sitting before Jesus counseling me. You may want to give it a try! It may refresh your devotional life.
Kingdom Mentality
While reading Mathew I have to face how far I’m of a Kingdom Mentality. Things like “turning the other cheek” or “Love your enemy” are far from being “Natural in me” they actually are supernatural!
I had to confess before God that I was seeking my righteousness instead of the Kingdom’s righteousness. The righteousness of the kingdom is to love the enemy instead of hating him. It is to solve your issue with your brother or sister before any act of worship to God from your part. These are difficult things that I was putting aside because I was choosing to hate my enemy and going to God even when I had things to solve with my brother and sister. Pray for me that Jesus would manifest his love and truth through me!
Things that Happened in the last 3 months
I guess some of you already know that after many years I have come close to my sister Elisa. Some years ago she got mad at me (and I was upset) because I ask her to take some responsibility regarding supporting our mother, especially when at that time she (mom) was very sick.
This past year I called her and invited her home and she came and we had a good time. Then she invited us over to her place and we met all the family of her husband. It was a really neat time.
My sister is the one in the middle with the red shirt. Pray for her that she ask Jesus into her life.
We had a 10 days vacation thanks to a good friend who donated the money for it. We had a very great time in a Baptist facility in the province of Córdoba. I could read my Bible and other books and speak to friends and play soccer with Martin Jr. We really had a very good time.
The 10th of January Claudia and I celebrated our 13th Anniversary and went to watch a movie and eat. Time flies when having fun
Praise the Lord with me:
1. I have a good number of people for counseling. Couples are coming closer together and individuals are discovering how to live in freedom thanks to God’s grace and love.
2. God is helping me heal a lot of relationships that were deteriorated and now are blossoming.
3. I got an Ad Honorem (for free) assistant teacher position in a counseling institute. This will give me a good environment to meet people and show Christ.
4. God with some friends have help me to overcome sin in some areas of my life. I’m so happy for this!
5. That God provided some support of what we need.
Ask with me:
1. a reliable vehicle. Need to sell the one I have and get a better one. I’m asking for a new or used in mint condition car. I praying that God would provide without going into credit.
2. that God would provide more support.
3. That the ministry of the Navigators would flourish in Argentina. I’m asking at least 6 couples to go North, West and South of Argentina.
Thanks for your friendship and support!
The Bonandini’s
Follow me in Tweeter MartinB_navsarg
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