My feet were dragging as I sniffled my nose and said a prayer as I walked into the building. I wasn't feeling well and my heart was in a difficult spot. Yet the call of duty was to go and serve and bless and share life with so many youth and their families. It's amazing what a smile can do; lifting the heaviest of hearts and easing the biggest of burdens. Hugs were given, hands were high-fived and the turkey was served. The flow of traffic was minimal at best, so with body aching, I decided to go sit down and rest a minute.
In that moment as I literally sank into the chair, I heard God whisper to me to look up, and that's when I saw her. Covered in pink and purple and bundled in well-worn clothes, she sat on the bench talking to herself, all alone. My heart was moved and I walked over and met a new friend. Her name was Ruth, and she was waiting for a church service to start. With no family here, she said she is friends with many "holy people" and doesn't have many teeth left. I gave a little smirk as my heart was warmed by her sincerity, her authenticity. With great joy I went and got her a heaping plate of hot, delicious Thanksgiving food, carefully wrapped with foil for the road ahead.
I came back and she was beyond grateful, all for a warm plate of food. A student of mine, one trapped in such anger and bitterness from not having a father, walked up and was curious as to what was going on. I made the introductions and asked if we could pray for her. The two of us laid our hands on her and we prayed as the tears began to flood my eyes and my heart began to soften. I knew the Lord was doing something, yet I didn't know what...but I knew it would be good. We said our Amens and our eyes met, tears in both of our eyes tinted by the redness...and a smile swept across all of our faces in that sweet moment.
Something had shifted in that moment, clearly Jesus was there in our midst doing what He does best. You see, it goes deeper than a face. Every face has a name behind it, every name a story that goes with it, and yes, the eyes are the window of our souls. (Matthew 6:22-23). And somehow, in that moment, it was as if God was literally calling out each of our names. In the midst of our pain, covering 3 generations represented by the 3 of us, all with a different story and different issues, yet all alone prior to this moment...we were now together, united and calling on the name of Jesus.
The hardened and tough student walked away, grinning from ear to ear with a bounce in his step. I watched as she slowly made her way outside into the brisk air of the night, plate in hand. And I sat there reflecting. Where would she sleep tonight? Does she know she is not forgotten? And then as a tear rolled down my cheek I was reminded of how incredible my God is. No, we are truly never alone. Yes, love wins every time...
Tuesday, November 16
Monday, November 15
Cheese and Crackers
It was another day full of clearing brush, watering the fold, and scooping the sheep poop. Yes, David was a keeper of the sheep. And yet little did he know that his miniscule duties would lead him to a momentous destiny. Cheese and crackers, that's it. He was instructed by his father to take some cheese and crackers to the men in battle and to check up on his brothers. It was time for the youngest brother to stand in the gap for his father, delivering food and checking on the others. So with staff in hand and grazing cotton balls left behind, David took off.
As David approached he saw the landscape of the battle that had been unfolding: 2 teams, 2 mountains, 1 valley, and 1 giant. Perhaps the greatest moment of David's life was about to explode, all with cheese and crackers in hand. There are 4 words in verse 23 that forever changed history that day: "And David heard him." Remember, he was sent to check on his brothers and deliver the goods. But God had something greater in progress.
The people of Israel had faced this giant for 40 days. Can you imagine? Wake up each morning, put on the armor, have a little bread and then go and take your stand...facing the same enemy day after day? Not moving forward, no gaining ground, but just standing there. You're fully suited, and yet not fully equipped. Gripped by fear and insecurities, all you know to do is stand there. And on top of all of this, day after day, the giant named Goliath would come out with the ranks of the Philistines and torment the Israelites, laughing in their faces as he mocked not only them, but their God.
You see, it's not the mere presence of a giant that causes one to fight. The land is filled with giants, and is also filled with the people of God suited up and ranked out just standing there. But something is shifted when a child of the King hears the giant mocking his God. David heard him. And David ran to the battle line to stare this giant in the face, for he knew that victory was his through God. Go ahead, read the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17...I dare you!
So I leave you with this. What is your giant(s) speaking against you and your God? Unplug your ears. Do you hear him? They are defying the very God that has rescued you and redeemed you. Does that not move you? Does something within your chest rage at the enemy that laughs in your face? If we are not moved to fight when we hear the giant mocking our God, maybe we need to check our alliances. Can you hear him?
I believe that David not only heard the giant, but he also heard the voice of his champion, God, that day. His champion was cheering him on, "Come on David! That's my boy! I'm with you! You have victory through me!" Oh Goliath was offended at the sight of a young shepard boy, but God will you use anyone who is willing. Anyone who has ears to hear. Anyone who has complete faith and unshakeable confidence in his God. It is the voice of our Beloved that beckons us, calls us deeper, speaks with more authority and power than a stupid giant. Can you hear Him?
Yes the land is filled with giants. Yes the enemies laugh in our faces and mock our God, the only true God. Yes the Father is looking for ones to stand in the gap. Yes, our champion is cheering us on. Yes, mere cheese and crackers can lead one to their destiny. Be faithful in the small things. And yes, unplug your ears and hear. For our God is greater, our God is stronger, God You are higher than any other. And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against us?
As David approached he saw the landscape of the battle that had been unfolding: 2 teams, 2 mountains, 1 valley, and 1 giant. Perhaps the greatest moment of David's life was about to explode, all with cheese and crackers in hand. There are 4 words in verse 23 that forever changed history that day: "And David heard him." Remember, he was sent to check on his brothers and deliver the goods. But God had something greater in progress.
The people of Israel had faced this giant for 40 days. Can you imagine? Wake up each morning, put on the armor, have a little bread and then go and take your stand...facing the same enemy day after day? Not moving forward, no gaining ground, but just standing there. You're fully suited, and yet not fully equipped. Gripped by fear and insecurities, all you know to do is stand there. And on top of all of this, day after day, the giant named Goliath would come out with the ranks of the Philistines and torment the Israelites, laughing in their faces as he mocked not only them, but their God.
You see, it's not the mere presence of a giant that causes one to fight. The land is filled with giants, and is also filled with the people of God suited up and ranked out just standing there. But something is shifted when a child of the King hears the giant mocking his God. David heard him. And David ran to the battle line to stare this giant in the face, for he knew that victory was his through God. Go ahead, read the rest of the story in 1 Samuel 17...I dare you!
So I leave you with this. What is your giant(s) speaking against you and your God? Unplug your ears. Do you hear him? They are defying the very God that has rescued you and redeemed you. Does that not move you? Does something within your chest rage at the enemy that laughs in your face? If we are not moved to fight when we hear the giant mocking our God, maybe we need to check our alliances. Can you hear him?
I believe that David not only heard the giant, but he also heard the voice of his champion, God, that day. His champion was cheering him on, "Come on David! That's my boy! I'm with you! You have victory through me!" Oh Goliath was offended at the sight of a young shepard boy, but God will you use anyone who is willing. Anyone who has ears to hear. Anyone who has complete faith and unshakeable confidence in his God. It is the voice of our Beloved that beckons us, calls us deeper, speaks with more authority and power than a stupid giant. Can you hear Him?
Yes the land is filled with giants. Yes the enemies laugh in our faces and mock our God, the only true God. Yes the Father is looking for ones to stand in the gap. Yes, our champion is cheering us on. Yes, mere cheese and crackers can lead one to their destiny. Be faithful in the small things. And yes, unplug your ears and hear. For our God is greater, our God is stronger, God You are higher than any other. And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against us?
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