Life of humility

Most of my "posts" on this website are fairly formal about our work in Porto Alegre. I am feeling the need to just ramble a little about life and what I am feeling and learning being a missionary in South Brazil.

I am just now coming out of a stint of anger. It is hard to be real and confess that for all to read. I don't want people to think differently or poorly of me because I can get angry. But, that is what I have been feeling.

I had an incident about 6 weeks ago that I haven't really told anyone in the states about just because I didn't want anyone to freak out. This "incident" really got to me. For some reason I allowed it to fester like a bad blister. Any little thing would set me off. I became rude and obnoxious to a lot of people.

Finally, my lovely wife pulled me aside one night and asked me what was going on. After some good conversation I felt like my attitude problem was coming from the "incident". I was seeing that Satan was using what had happened to effect me, my relationship with God, my family and my ministry. Jennifer encouraged me to spend some time specifically praying for humility. What a gift she is to me! I don't like other people telling me what I should pray for to better myself as a Christian. I think that feeling alone is a good reason why I should pray for humility. I need it.

As I began to pray I started feeling more peace in my heart. I was feeling a calm that had been missing. I know that God is not pleased with me when I am angry. He longs for me to honor him through peace and humility. Colossians chapter 3 has really been helpful to me getting back on track with a good attitude and a tender nature.

I ask that you pray for me to continue strong in my relationships and ministries. I don't want to allow Satan to have a stronghold in any area of my life. I want to be armed and ready for any "incident" that may come along. I want to be a man of humility and peace.