I would die for you

As I was packing to leave for Peru, one of the things I wanted to be sure to bring with me were plenty of good books. There wasn't a lack of recommendations of books I was eager to read. As I walked through the christian bookstore searching for some of these books, I found a book that no one had recommended but obviously God wanted me to read. This book is called "I Would Die for You" by Brent and Deanna Higgins (www.amazon.com/Would-Die-You-Students-Passion/dp/0800732448). I was drawn to this book because Brent and Deanna's son BJ (Brent Jr) had served as a missionary in Peru. Three years ago tomorrow BJ, shortly after returning from his second missions trip to Peru, was taken home to be with our Heavenly Father. BJ knew what he would die for, little did he or his family know how soon God would call him to his eternal home. The book is not about BJ dying for Christ on his deathbed. While it definitely gets into the struggles of his illness upon returning from Peru, his families amazing faith through a very difficult time, the support of the community of believers, and eventually his death, it is more about BJ deciding at a very young age to die for Christ each and every day. (If you are considering missions or just considering how to live a godly life in general I would recommend this book.)

So this really challenged me to think, Am I really doing that? Am I really willing to do that? What would doing that look like? We see examples from Paul he writes in 1 Cor 15:31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. Paul also writes in Col 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. We also see this in 1 Pet 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Lastly, but most importantly the words of Christ as written in Luke 9:23-26 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. So many of us don't realize that daily we are dying for something whether we admit it or not, something is motivating us to do many things. What do you spend your free time doing? What is it that is driving you in your daily life? Is it a desire to glorify God and enjoy him? Or is it some other false idol that we so often fail to recognize. In my own life there are and have been many of these false idols, I hope and pray that God will continue to draw me nearer to him and further from the distractions of this world. I pray this for you as well.

So now a little update on Peru. I have been here a little over a week, a day after I arrived Sandy and the children all left to return to the states. Yesterday Larry went to Lima and tonight he flies back to the states as well. Please keep them in your prayers. Specifically for the girls Lynae and Mackenzie as they adapt to a new christian school (they have been home schooled all their lives). Pray also for them as they travel to reconnect with supporting churches and seek additional support as well. Here in Peru I am starting to get a bit of a routine, there is plenty of work to be done keeping up the center here and visiting with many of the folks to whom the Rockwell's have been ministering. My biggest prayer request would be for my seminary classes. I have a feeling these will be a struggle for me. Pray that God would allow for less interruptions of the internet and that I would be able to focus during this time. Another big request is for my witness and opportunity to share the gospel with Odilio. Odilio is a friend of the Rockwell's a Peruvian who is staying at the center with me off and on to assist me. He is not a believer, but does seem to be open and seeking. He has mentioned he would like to do a bible study with me and said he is willing to go to church with me as well. Please keep Odilio in your prayers.

These are the lyrics from a song by Mercy Me entitled "I Would Die for You"

And I know that I can find You here
'Cause You promised me You'll always be there
Times like these, it's hard to see
But somehow I have a peace, You're near
And I pray that You will use my life
In whatever way Your name is glorified
Even if surrendering
Means leaving everything behind

My life has never been this clear
Now I know the reason why I'm here
You never know why You're alive
Until you know what you would die for
I would die for You

And I know I don't have much to give
But I promise You I will give You all there is
Can I possibly do less
When through Your own death I live?

No greater love is found
Than of those who lay their own lives down
As sure as I live and breathe
Now I know what it means to be free

I hope and pray you know what you would die for!