Near Through the Blood

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13

My friend Savannah and I went to donate plasma today in order to raise support for our trip. (Crazy, I know :) Anyway, as I was sitting there squeezing my hand so that the blood will flow out better, I thought of Christ. I might have felt a little light-headed, but I was sitting in a comfortable chair with pillows, a blanket, a T.V. to watch, and nurses around me to make sure everything was ok. However, Jesus had no such “luxuries” when he shed his blood on the cross. He was stripped, beaten, spit upon, mocked, slapped, pierced, and marred. He took my punishment so that I could be seen as righteous. He stepped down from the luxuries of heaven because he loved us so much. What a wonderful God!

On another note, the Lord’s been opening up some unexpected doors for support. I talked with my dad the other day on the phone and he said that my mom’s best friend (who was there the day I was born), came up to him with a support check from Sherwood Baptist. This was the church that I was baptized in and attended until I was ten. I was not expecting anything, especially since I did not even ask for anything. God is so good to provide through this sweet body of believers.

I also got an opportunity to share with Redeemer, my church here in Florence, about my trip last Sunday. The congregation was so encouraging and excited about my trip. They decided to take up a love offering for me and some team members from UNA. Please continue to pray for me and my team. Right now I’m at about 27% on my funds, praise God!

I continue to thank you all for your prayers. (I especially need them as I take my finals next week). You can pray this for me and my team members, “10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light“ (Col. 1:10-12). I love you all and pray that God is teaching you to live a life worthy of him.