Blessing, not a burden

I have officially begun seminars at SBTS for a Ph.D. in New Testament . . . and boy are my eyes tired! I have a substantial reading and translating (from German and from Greek) load but am taking it a day at a time. In the opening prayer of our colloquium, our professor prayed that we students would see our time of study as a blessing and not a burden; for there are many all around our world who would give anything to have the opportunity to learn and read and write what we are learning, reading, and writing. Though my studies may at times be burdensome, pray that I will accept that as part of the sanctification process and refuse to view them as burdens, but always as blessings and opportunities graciously given to me by a gracious God.

I had the blessing of attending a lecture today on Adoniram Judson, missionary to Burma. In the course of the lecture, the professor shared the letter Adoniram wrote to John Hasseltine, his future father-in-law, asking for his consent to marry his daughter Ann. Both Adoniram and Ann knew they would leave about 2 weeks after their marrige for India for missionary service. He wrote,

… I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world? Whether you can consent to see her departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death? Can you consent to all this, for the sake of perishing immortal souls; for the sake of Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?

What boldness and what faith, both of him and of Ann! May God raise up
many more.

The following graph is from http://www.gallup.com/poll/114022/State-States-Importance-Religion.aspx and shows the importance of religion for the population by state. This confirms what has always been said about the "Bible belt." However, I wonder what percentage of those who consider "religion important" have been changed by the gospel and are followers of Christ?

Snow Days

How blessed we have been this week! God has shown Himself powerful and beautiful through nature. We never lost power and didn't have any major accidents. Thanks to all who were praying for us. Classes were cancelled last week and the seminary is without power. At this point, my first class will be Wednesday. Thanks for continuing to pray. Here's some pictures of the snow!

For His glory,

The Mackeys