God's using our small group.

Hi Guys,

Last night we only had a few people who were able to make it to the meeting. We decided to split up between the guys and girls and chill together. The girls went to the Stone's place and Mike and I stayed at my crib. It was a bunch of fun and a great time to connect.

The highlight of the night came from what God is doing in Mike. There are 2 things that stick out like a screaming kid in a grocery store.

1. A few weeks back you may remember that we threw Mike in the hot seat to encourage him and pray over him. One of his requests was for more work. With the economy the way it is, he was only getting 1 or 2 days at work which was putting him in a little stress being the sole breadwinner for his family. We prayed and God answered.

Since that night, he has been overwhelmed with work. he has been given at least 5 days a week which is more than enough and actually overtime for him. How great is our God? He is faithful to answer and provide.

2. 15 days ago we decided to start to go through Luke together. In doing so, Mike has begun to read through scripture on occasion. For a while now Mike was dealing with some issues with a co-worker. She was being very bitter to him. Naturally, like we all have done, Mike treated her with the same contempt as he was receiving from her. He was being nasty, leaving her extra work, etc. Then he came across God's word.

Luke 6:27-36

27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Mike went on to bless her even though she was being nasty to him. He would stay at work longer to do more work so that she wouldn't have to do it. He would try and make her job easier, and be extremely nice and sincere to her every chance he had. he even said that he left her notes with smiley faces (That's a stretch for Mike if you know him.)

Can you believe that she bought him breakfast the other day while she came into work. How cool is that. Mike said that God's word is right, it is the sick who need Christians. Not the well. That's awesome.

I love all you guys,

Matt

Keep reading. We are on day 15 right now.