Hi friends … it’s me again … I know I said that Gloria would be blogging this time around, however, it’s been a bit crazy over here in Hong Kong.  Promise.  She will be blogging soon.

A few Blogs ago, I shared from the Book of James.  Our family just finished James a couple of evenings ago … which is good.  There’s so many lessons packed into such a small book … and I’ll do my best to succinctly share some of the lessons from James that I’ve been personally learning.

James 1:19 says, “be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” … during our time of transition, this has been somewhat challenging and difficult, especially toward our boys. It’s more been “quick to anger, quick to speak, super slow to hear” … there have been moments where I would rather forget and pray that my boys would not repeat my words or actions.  The Lord is working on this area of my heart.

James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”  Wow … it’s been a huge blessing and responsibility to be able to teach my class God’s Word every single day.  I need to hold God’s Word high, but importantly, ensure that what I’m teaching is sound doctrine and Biblical.  In our short time here in HK, we have come to notice and realize that although there are many churches, sound doctrine is not something that we see nor hear.  Biblical teaching has been a challenge as well.  In having some meaningful conversations with friends and colleagues, the positive, is that many also see this, have a concern about it, and do have a genuine desire to see people grow in the knowledge and understanding of who Christ is, what the Bible teaches.  We are leading a Small Group every Wednesday and starting this weekend, Gloria and I will be leading another Small Group with some of high school students whom we’ve come to know and dearly love!  Pray that we exposit the Word correctly … handle the truth with much grace, mercy and love.

Chapter 5:7 … “Be patient, therefore, brothers …” Let’s just stop there.  I think God is working on this particular area of my heart as well … be patient.  I’m really not a patient person … I like to get things done, quickly, efficiently.  I’m praying about this one.

Chapter 5:13-20 … this section mentions the word Pray / Prayer 8 times.  I think it’s safe to say that’s it’s important … a real good reminder that we need to be in prayer – in trials, thanksgiving, when sick / ill, for one another, fervently in prayer for something / someone.  What does my prayer life look like right now? Who / What do I often pray about?

So much to work on!  And so, we continue with our transition, we continue to put forth our best here at ICS and in HK.  We truly believe that God is working on our hearts, pruning us, preparing us for the work of the ministry. Preparing us for something down the road!

Friends in Canada, we miss you … Friends here in HK, thank you.

You are loved!