My hardest struggle, a visit to the Dentist, and Who can be good enough?

Today's insights:

• The hardest thing that I do while at the orphanage in Mexico
• I had to visit the Dentist
• I’m 100% sure I’m going to heaven, and here’s the secret how I know

First off, these blog posts are hard. It's probably one of the hardest things that I do here. Each year that I come to Colima, Mexico, I have an internal fight with myself about posting my trip on social media. 

I’m gonna be honest and raw in these blog posts and at times it might seem like you’re reading my private journal. Like you’re reading some of my secrets and struggles and that those things should be private and not talked about in public. 

I’m ok with that. First off, if you’re reading this, I’ve probably included you in my friends list. Secondly, I’m a firm believer in the saying:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

My biggest fear in posting to social media is that you will think that I’m some kind of “good guy” and that the spotlight will be on me. Yuck!

To clarify, my going to Mexico is purely selfish. It’s a time of sabbatical. The dictionary definition of sabbatical is: “A break or change from a normal routine. A purposeful time of rest.”

It’s a time for me to recharge. Now lucky for me, the best way to do that is with rest, time playing with kids, time doing what God made me to do (repairing things), reading and to have some one-on-one time with God. 

Back home, often times it feels like I’m leaving a voicemail for God instead of sitting and having a conversation with Him. When I’m away from all the normal distractions, it’s easier to have that conversation with God. Can you relate? How are your conversations with the Maker of the Universe? Do you know Him? Do you understand that He wants to be part of your life and share in your joys and struggles?

Today my struggle was with the new dentist equipment. The old dentist (that use to come and take care of the kids) got too old to do it any more (he may have even passed away??). My office lady friend (Jani pronounced "Honey") introduced me to the new dentist where she immediately said that she was having problem with the suction on the chair working. She also mentioned that there was a button that was malfunctioning. So silly me I said, I'll try to fix that. After attempting to watch YouTube videos (which somehow are now mostly in Spanish because they know that I'm in Mexico) I determined that I have no idea what I'm doing. So I ask my wife that tests dental products. She immediately said, "wow, that's a really old chair, we don't use those any more". No help there. 

After attempting to understand the way the chair worked, I finally gave up on the suction and told her I would look at the button problem. The button had a leaking hose behind it! It was the problem that was causing the other problem! AND she had attempted to tell me that earlier, but I assumed she was talking about two different problems. OH THE LANGUAGE BARRIER!  I really need to learn Spanish! Ugh.

I was able to cut back the dry rotted hose and reconnect it. I believe the chair will last another day. I'm blessed that God gave me the ability to say "I have no idea how to do this thing, but let's jump in and see what happens". 

Now with all that being said, it was pure dumb luck that I was able to fix it OR it was God working through me because I gave up on my own life and said "Here I am Lord, use me". You decide.

My prayer is that you see how God used me to help someone else, not that I did anything on my own. My prayer is that you see that I'm just a guy that showed up and that I'm nothing special. In fact I had no idea what I was doing. The only credit I get is for showing up. I think that's an important take away, we need to show up and see what God will do with us.

Now, to answer the question "How do you know that you are going to heaven, much less be 100% sure". Who can possibly be good enough to go to heaven?

One of my friends back in the United States always says “Oh, you’re going to heaven for sure. You’re always going to church and helping them orphan kids”. He is so wrong! Good deeds don’t get you into heaven any more than rites and rituals will. 

By me posting on social media what I’m doing, it may give you the false notion that I’m a good guy. That’s where you would be wrong! Dead wrong! the Bible says: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23. God doesn’t judge on a curve and if you’re better than the next guy that you’ll make it into heaven.

Know this: I realize and accept that I am a sinner that is ONLY saved by grace.  (Scroll to bottom for a video link that better explains this.)

If you wanna know why I say “I’m 100% sure I’m going to heaven”, it's because I believe God's Word (the Bible) and I believe what he tells me in it:

John 3:16

1 John 5:13

Ephesians 2:8-9

Romans 6:23

And the list goes on and on

It has absolutely nothing to do with any of my good works here on earth.

The sermon series below (by one of my favorite pastors) can help you understand, if you so desire.

My prayer request for today:

• That my blog will not make me out to be a good person and that when people look at me, that they will wonder why I’m looking up. That it will cause them to also look up and see the God that has given me so much confidence. 
• That God will use my blog posts for good in people’s lives.
• That as I write these posts, that I will be able to recall and verbalize what God is doing. 

Praises:

• That God is actively working in my life and yours

If you ever wondered How Good is Good Enough to get to Heaven, WATCH THIS: