Prague Journal—09.06.21

Day four in Prague. I've gotten settled into the Farniks' place and worked out some of the mild glitches. Still having problems with getting connected to the internet there, but McD's is getting used to seeing me there (though the connectivity there is kind of iffy too). But one of the people at the church gave English lessons to the cellphone this morning, so now I can navigate that much easier if I need to.

The worship service this morning went well. Some of the folks from the church set everything up. There were about 11 of us in worship. It was great to see some friends from previous years again. I preached on Matthew 6:25-34 regarding the problem of anxiety and God's cure in "keeping first things first." Ondrej Grabmyler translated for me, and the message seemed to be a blessing to several who made a point of mentioning it. We had a Sunday school class afterward and I began a quick overview of the biblical teaching on the covenant. I hope that will help better orient some of the people to the structure of the Bible, and to their own personal relationship with God.

It was a beautiful sunny morning, but now the clouds are moving in again. Don't know what's forecast.

I arrived at the place of worship about an hour earlier than necessary, and that gave me some time to mediate on John 3 and pray for the people and the service. Jesus said unless we are "born again" we can neither "see" nor "enter" the Kingdom of God. How basic; how true. You can travel halfway around the world, prepare and deliver sermons, but unless the Holy Spirit sovereignly opens hearts, it will be of no effect. "The flesh profits nothing; the Spirit alone gives life." How we need that Spirit—in both the preaching and the hearing of God's Word. Continue to pray that the Lord who is the Spirit will open hearts during these weeks of ministry.