Hospitality

I think there needs to be an anthropological study on the culture of hospitality among the people called Christians.  Over the past few weeks, especially the past week, I have been amazed at how people have invited me to share in the celebration of family and thankfulness, as if I were family.  It gives me a lot to be thankful for, even though I couldn't spend this special time of year with my own family.  It's such a beautiful thing to think about, especially during this time of year.  For some reason, late November through late December comes with an odd sense of heaviness and longing, with no apparent reason.  In this season, it pays to have joy, because God has done so many great things for me, and is using a lot of people to lift me up with encouragement and blessing...and food...so much food...  God has also been showing up in waves of His spirit.  In times that I'm alone, I'm not lonely because He comes with an overwhelming sense of joy and comfort.


In times of ominous defeat
When enemies come to destroy
The wind of bliss comes down to meet
My soul and overwhelms with joy.

In times of gratefulness and love
When hearts are filled with mystery
The peace of God from far above
Descends in tenderness to me.

Steps in the Sand

It's amazing how the plight of the Israelites coming out of Egypt in the Book of Exodus is quite similar to the life of the believer.  Trapped in his slavery, the Deliverer covers him from death by the blood of the Lamb, leading him through the water, passing from one life to the next, as those things that plague him are washed away, then to be led by the fire and smoke of the Spirit through the desert until the promised land of his purpose, which isn't just handed over, but requires work.  I can say that I am in the desert.  The fire of God is leading me day by day.  I see the Jordan shimmering in the sun, and the lushness of the Promised Land on the other side, and I feel like running straight toward the cool of the water, but the Pillar of my deliverance gently tells me "not now, the time hasn't come yet".  I am being led baby step by baby step across the sand in the hot sun.  Have you ever tried taking baby steps in the sand?  It's difficult, but I know God is teaching me new lessons everyday through it, so that I may be equipped to take on the challenges faced in fulfilling the purpose God has for me.

What can I say?

God has been good, and has been continually revealing Himself in my life over the past few weeks.  I am confident that God answers our prayers.  He hears our cries for help.  He has always been faithful, but we cannot give into laziness.  Giving God control of our lives does not mean that we are to give up our responsibilities.  God's burden is light, but that doesn't mean we have no burdens.  Man was designed to walk with God, and if God trust us, He will give us a real burden, to share in His suffering. This does not necessarily mean that something bad is going to happen to us, but that God will put a strong sense of concern or longing for something in regards to His kingdom.  Some are burdened to go to different countries and reach different people groups with the Gospel.  Some are burdened to help those who are sick, hurt, abused, or under oppression.  God has given me a burden for the Church of Jesus, I have felt called to be the paramedic of the dying church in the West, because we face a lot of problems, and need to be revived once again.  I love the Church, and every time I walking into a different gathering place of God's people, I feel the need to assess the atmosphere of what's going on, to love, to encourage, and to learn from everyone, everywhere I go, but also to bring renewal and reformation in areas of weakness.  How can this call on my heart be made practical?

1.  To hold fast to God, His Word, and the promises of Him who sent me
2.  To do a lot of traveling.  I want to learn from the Body of Christ in different parts of the country and the world.
3.  To take what I have learned, and to train believers who are part of a church family to be a light to their congregations.

Please pray for me, as God continually shows Himself to me, and directs my path toward His calling for my life.  Pray for God to give me wisdom in this confusing time in my life, that I would be able to be a good steward of what He has given me.


"Here am I, send me, though there's really not much I can do.
But I've answered the call, and I want to give it all to You."  -Keith Green