I finished (FINALLY) the last portion from what I had in my notes/thoughts from my devotion I shared with our ladies at church a couple weeks ago. I really didn’t think I would get to this final point–because I knew my specified time, BUT I wanted to save it regardless for future writing purposes. So here it is! Hot off the press!
If I could leave you wanting ONE thing in your life it would be to have you so hungry for God that you rearranged things in your life and house so that you carved out that special time for just you and God. It is the most precious and vital part of my day. If I don’t have this every day-it’s like I am missing an important piece of my clothing…
Getting up early with Jesus, OR staying up late [as I felt led to do for two weeks in a row] is the best part of any day for me. I reached a point in my life many years ago–it was no longer “if I have time”…it was more, “what can I skip so that I can MAKE the time”.
So, join me at my prayer journal blog: avknightsjourney.blogspot.com And bookmark the page so you can return (IF you know how to help me with a subscribe button, message me on Facebook.)
Come on over to my other blog: A Knight’s Journey, my journey from fear to faith and all the stuff in between. I haven’t figured out how to make a subscribe button over there….but save the site to stay up-to-date 🙂
What do you see when you look at a piece of string?
Many years ago some friends (& cousins) had this little skit they would often joke about. Honestly, I can’t remember exactly how it came about–but I do remember the little red strings in the mason jar. As part of the “skit”–they were playing the part of what we had seen as a gimmick of some televangelists back in the day. I’m actually not sure these were on TV, maybe only radio. Anyway, for just a little $20 “love offering”, you could receive a mason jar with little red strings (I’m not sending you any strings–but you can send all the $$ you want for Missions and the Uganda Orphanage Project!).
Now the significance of the little red strings was lost on me (I’m sure they represented something), but every time I see a “red string”, I think about that funny skit, as the leader-pastor-evangelist talked in “radio announcer” voice. If he reads this, I hope he gets a good laugh at a good memory.
Several weeks ago, as I was half between sleep and awake, a thought began to formulate about how we, as a body of believers are so strategically created to work together. I thought of ropes. There are metal ropes and natural fiber ropes. This was also around the same time my thoughts were directed to the “life preservers”. A life preserver works to its fullest capacity when a rope is attached.
Every rope is made up of hundreds of strings….and woven in every string–are threads. Do you get where I’m going?
The Body of Christ’s description in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 talks about the purposes and usefulness of each part of the body. One part cannot function alone, but together–united–we can do much if we are all focused on one goal.
The hands cannot decide to work here while the feet want to go there. No, it must be a work in unison. So it is with missions. (YOU knew I would say that didn’t you?)
A single strand of string alone wouldn’t hold the life preserver to toss it out to a drowning individual…But intertwine that one piece of string with thousands of other strings and you now have a ROPE. As believers, when we are bound in prayerful purpose, we become a rope. When the “rope” is tied to the Life Preserver of Jesus Christ…tossed out in the deep waters of lost souls–they can get to safety (eternal life).
Go with me here for this last word picture: In the many strands of believers, there are many roles we all play in creating a rope: pastors, teachers, deacons, greeters and ushers, facility managers, Bible study leaders, small group leaders, nursery helpers, cafeteria helpers, missionaries, staff in the mission offices, staff in the church offices, children’s pastors, youth pastors, worship pastors, choir directors, musicians –and the list goes on and on…
When EACH and EVERY ONE of these “strings” are combined into one single purpose of reaching and leading the lost to Christ--we become a rope of great strength.
I will never forget the sights, smells and sounds of this boat ride. Nor the heat. Seim Reap, Cambodia, and it was about 139 degrees (not really, it just felt like it). We were headed to the “floating village”. Little did I know that river trip would change me forever.
School children headed to their floating homes from the “floating school”.
I had NO clue what that BIG dream would lead to. What started out as one thing–ended up as something that would show me much more than I ever believed I would see or experience…that’s what happens when we leave the choices to God. My part in all of it was a willingness to follow wherever His path chose. I will not kid you and make you think it was easy. It was hard. Letting go of one thing only to sit on the sidelines and see what He would do. It was supposed to be Egypt after all. Not Cambodia.
I remember sitting in my little praying spot in the living room and crying–asking Him–what are YOU doing?
The first miracle came with how God brought $2,400 in for the trip in less than 48 hours. After the excitement of realizing I was actually going to get to go settled in–Syria became a hot place. Egypt became unavailable for the mission trip. “What would you like to do, Angie? Wait and see? Or, be refunded?”
I held on to hope that God would turn things around. Then the call came that the trip was changed to Cambodia–did I still want to go? I knew in my heart that God knew all of this before we even began… Yes, I will go.
Once we had rested (after 23 hours in the air), we had our church service with the students at the Dream Center, which is where we were going to work (another blog). We went to lunch and then to tour a portion of the Angkor Wat temple. Click here to read more about the area. Originally built for hindu gods, but later was dedicated to buddhism (because apparently, the hindu gods failed [no duh, there is only ONE GOD–and to put it in my NW Florida/SE Alabama vernacular, it ain’t buddha either].
Anywaywhooo, this is about the steps. I just read that this tour is not for people with heart problems, pregnant women, but for physically fit people…uhm…I was not physically fit. Not by a long shot. But I flew all this way–and by George, I was committed to experience all the things so that I could share it with the precious people who had so graciously contributed.
I don’t have a picture of the front of the first climb of mountain of steps. It was straight up like the middle photo, but without any handrails. Our guide and mission leader explained that anyone who wanted to climb was free to go–however if anyone felt they couldn’t do it, they could stay on the ground with those who had either been before and was not about to climb it again–or those whose physical condition prohibited the climb.
This next part of the story is the most significant and what I really wanted to share–but you needed some background–right? As I began the straight up climb it was not initially difficult, despite the extraordinary heat. But after about 10 steps, my legs began burning. Soon I was having to press down on my wobbly thighs and try as best I could not to hassle like an exhausted dog when I breathed. Up-up-up we continued to climb. I, along with all our mission-mates were sweating profusely.
A little over mid-way, completely spent and borderline passing out, I paused and looked down to the ant-size people on the ground and I remembered Candi’s words, “you can stay here on the ground with us and wait if you don’t feel like you can make it”…and I thought how easy it would be to turn around and go back to safety. I think I even said as much to Vanessa who was the one nearest me. She was out of breath as well.
Red faced, sweat pouring, I turned back and heard a voice from the top level as he said, “the view is worth the climb”. My eyes climbed the steps even though my feet had not yet, and I saw a tall, white haired, elderly man as he stood at the top near one of the columns–no evidence of sweat stains on his shirt and he certainly wasn’t out of breath.
I pressed further on my thighs to pull myself up, almost willing them to keep moving, don’t freeze up. When the man stepped back around the column he seemed to disappear in the stones. There were not many people at the top when we finally, out of breath completely, arrived. My eyes scanned the few people stopped to catch their breath and sip lukewarm water, and I realized he was not among them. Anywhere.
As Vanessa and I began our duet of touring with limited conversation –because of the inability to talk and walk and sweat at the same time–I kept my eyes peeled for another sight of him. I never saw him again–even in seeing many other people, he was not among them.
Believe whatever you want–but I personally believe he was stationed right there to give me that message: “the view is worth the climb.” It was as if the Lord wanted me to know, life in general is tough. But I would face times ahead that it would take all I had to keep going. It would take perseverance to not find a shade tree to stand under while others climbed. It would take a constant focus and determination to not be tempted to just “wait it out”, while others did the hard stuff.
Friends, He calls us to the hard stuff. We– all believers and non-believers have life to plow through–and there are rocks and tree stumps in it for all of us. What believers in Jesus have that non-believers don’t have–is Someone to journey with them–to guide them and be with them every single step of the way; the hard days and the easier days. I would never want to began a journey anywhere without Him.
There was a heavy feeling of darkness there that day (in my spirit), I had one other trip years later to another country and tourist location where I felt this feeling of darkness. I kept whispering prayers under my breath as I walked–stopped –took pictures and felt the immense sadness that seemed to have permeated the thick walls of stone.
I’m not sure why this trip suddenly has come to my mind–but for the last several days–I’ve thought about it. Last Sunday, just before the mission service I shared the climbing portion with our pastor because he had said something in his morning message that reminded me of the climb. I think in the days we are living–the days that seem darker than my generation has ever experienced–we are going to NEED to push down hard to keep climbing.
My heart has stayed broken over things I hear that children and teens are being exposed to and how they are treated. There are those who God has called to become foster parents–and I cannot applaud them enough. Yes the system stinks. It is slow as molasses on a January morning in Canada–but we continue to pray for the safety of these who cannot speak for themselves.
Every mission trip God has blessed me with has widened my eyes and pricked my heart to pray more–give more and do all I can with the days I have ahead of me. My prayer is that He continues to widen my eyes. Enlarge the borders of Focus Forward Ministries and the church. My deepest desire is to make a difference for God, in the lives of others.
So if your climb has given you wobbly legs…. don’t look down or back… press forward. There are others right beside you, others following your footsteps, and the One ahead of you will lead you Home if you keep your focus on Him.
Picture yourself standing on the deck of a cruise ship. You are happy—and quite content. Well provided for, with all the meals you could want.
There are medical facilities on the ship available 24/7. There is even a chapel, a pastor and prayer team so that you are fed spiritually as well as physically.
GREAT SHIP, RIGHT?
Off in the distance, you spot several smaller boats, loaded with people.
You see individuals treading water, crying out to get into someone’s boat.
But their little boats are full. besides, they have no food. No message of hope. No prayer team… and no Captain.
Your heart longs to help them—but, how can you? You are just one person, right?
Then, others begin to join you at the handrail and suggestions are made to throw out the life preservers.
The Captain of the ship gives everyone something with which to rescue the drowning.
Some people just hold on to the life preserver in case they need it.
But many people lean over and throw it as far as it will go. You want to do the same, but you see that theirs didn’t go very far.
It was as if the Captain read your mind. He points you to a lifeboat and gives you a nod. The life preservers won’t reach them all, but if you can go to them, they stand a much better chance of being saved.
When we give to missions—
we are in essence doing more than just throwing out a life preserver. We are equipping missionaries with a lifeboat.
These lost souls cannot come to us—it is up to us to get to them.
God has called us all togo into all the world to preach the Gospel—if God has not burdened your heart to go –there are other ways…
If we truly want to reach the lost, but don’t feel called to serve in a foreign country —we can GIVE.
Giving to missions does far more than we could ever do—by simply staying on the ship.
So—what do you want to do? Go…or send?
This is Chase Curti’s sponsored child. This is his sleeping quarters, supplied by the pig farmer he works for.
You may think –well, I don’t have $100 or even $50 a month to spare. Do you have $20 or $10 a month? Whatever you feel led give—God will multiply it in the hands of the missionary. Trust me. We’ve been there. We know firsthand what a $20 a month offering can do.
Well, where can I give? Glad you asked! Our church (Evangel Church) and Focus Forward Ministries is playing a big part in building an orphanage in Uganda! (One of the hundreds of homeless children pictured here.) Partnering with COFAM (Children of Faith Ministries), it is our desire to give the homeless children a permanent roof over their heads. These children are homeless because they are parentless. Their parents either died or they just abandoned them. If you are local, you can give to any of the FFM team (Jeff, Chase or Floyd), drop it off at our church (Evangel Church, Marianna, FL) or mail it to Focus Forward Ministries, Inc., Post Office Box 573, Marianna, FL 32447.
Today, can I challenge you to consider joining us? Let’s leave the handrail watching, and get into action. Let’s head to the nearest LifeBoat and grab the life preserver with the longest rope…it is our desire to go to them, cast wide and save many!
With the exception of the last photo of the young child in Uganda, photos from this blog post are from pixabay.com, a website of free photos.
This morning when I opened the back door to Let Gracie out, I inhaled deeply.
The air had a slight fogginess to it. Not as much as earlier in the week–but there it sat, misting on the property boundary. Like it had already been up at the house and was excusing itself before the sun brightened the day. It was cloudy though, so not much chance of seeing sunshine today.
As I inhaled, a familiar smell teased my nose: outdoor cooking, old wood burning, possibly, a distant field from days ago finally filtered down to our area, and I smiled.
Bolivia. That was my first thought. I stuck my head back inside to where I could see Jeff as I said –“Hey, it smells like Bolivia this morning”.
I know we live and work here. We both love our jobs, who we work with, and what we do. But we also have a purpose and goals to see more –young and elderly alike, experience their first mission trip.
Focus Forward Ministries, Inc. has a heart that wants to encourage others to get out of their comfort zone and help their neighbor….the one who lives an eight hour plane ride away. Focus Forward is blessed to currently be working in three countries: Bolivia, Jamaica, and Uganda.
Still though, my heart sees pieces of Bolivia in my mind often throughout any given week. So the smell this morning really gave me a hunger for our friends and family there. (If our Bolivia family are reading this–please know you are all thought about so much every week!).
From the very first trip I took, it has always been about the children. Yes, we build churches. But for us, our goal has always been to help the next generation find and know Jesus–and it often takes place in the church buildings we help build. We do our best to get involved in the schools surrounding the new church construction. And we return to all our other schools every year. We have always sought God for the place and time to do what He has called us to do.
Lately, I’ve been seeing the most horrifying and heart rending scenes on social media regarding children.
The exploitation and mind altering to cause children to want to alter their bodies–the devil is at work. Society tells them they can be a boy if they want–or a girl if they’d rather. I told a grandson today as we were discussing some of the evils this generation is seeing–that these people who were manipulating children’s minds would burn. The physicians doing such would also–I’m only judging by what I’m seeing and hearing.
I remember the shock and sadness that overwhelmed me the first time I saw a beautiful little girl who looked to be about five years old, dressed up in ruffles of taffeta, similar to a type of costume worn generally in parades in Bolivia, dancing on the sidewalk. With her CD player, she was dancing and appeared to be completely alone. But her “owner” was within eyesight I am quite certain. She was there to collect money. She danced for whoever would give her coins to clink in the can that sat on the sidewalk. Even better if the money folded.
I looked around in anger. Honestly–at that point I had never in my life seen such a thing –had heard about it but never witnessed the exploitation of a child before. The missionary leading us that day (2011) described to us what was going on and urged us to walk on by and not pause. I remember there was sadness in the eyes of the little girl. She wasn’t holding a doll and playing in her yard–she was dancing a provocative dance to allure the attraction of whoever was willing to watch and pay. Sick.
We are right there. In America, we can no longer hold our head up and say, “not here, buddy”!
It is here! It has been for many years–it’s just more out in the open now without regard to others–shameless disregard for the innocence of the children.
In my kitchen window I have four little glass votives. I light them sometimes to highlight what is going on in the early morning at our house. They are almost burned down, but easily replaceable. Our prayers are just like these little candles. Giving a light in the darkness of this world and we have got to make sure the prayers continue. When we see the light running low–the call to action is to be ready with the next candle to light. We need to pray while we can. We need to go while we can. We need to speak and share and sow the seeds of the Gospel, while we can. The day is coming when we won’t have the privilege to do all the things with the freedoms we have so enjoyed in America.
Friend, I don’t know what kind of reminder you need in your life to pray–but we have eleven precious grandchildren from age 21 down to 3–and they are reminders enough for me that this world is shaking up in such a way it should keep us in our prayer closets. They are the generation that will experience this last day revival- Let us pray it down on them–let us be ready to experience it ourselves! Let us live by example the readiness of heart and spirit to go to the ends of the earth if God calls–to share the Gospel with those who have never heard.
Today would have been Wanda’s 59th birthday. Wow! Seems so long ago now that we said “see you later” to our sweet sister. February of 2008 we celebrated having been blessed with such an amazing sister. Her quiet demeanor spoke volumes of her amazing character. She had a sense of humor that caught one off guard, mainly because you didn’t expect it. I like to imagine what she’s been up to in heaven these past 15 years…. A lot I’m sure. She is healed and whole-and no heart conditions exist in heaven.
I have been blessed-beyond measure with the siblings that God gave me–and there are several I have claimed through the years as being part of our family–even though there is a distance in many–and even though we don’t even talk as often as we would like–or should–it is still a blessing to have those in our lives who impact us in such a way, we forever carry their memories and it brings a spark of joy to an otherwise sad or gloomy day.
We have such amazing memories–and this porch and “Sister’s Retreat” was a highlight of all our sister retreats. There were the cookies and other surprises we enjoyed along the way. Tea Cakes baked by Aunt Evielean, scripture verses searched and read as I drove (not sure why–but was always the chauffeur. There were yummy meals and cozy fireside sing-alongs and prayer times. Yes, this retreat is one I will never forget. Thank you Jesus, for such amazing blessings and memories! I know everyone isn’t as fortunate.
I may not have talked about her to you lately, but I still miss her–think of her–and truly cannot hardly wait to see her. It is Jesus who made the difference in our lives and family connections. He still does.
I hope, as we prepare for March (coming to a city near YOU TOMORROW!) that you allow God to speak into your life about the hearts and souls of others.
Let us March into March with the passion and desire to tell the world…Jesus saves. Wanda would remind us tonight-HE is coming SOON!
There are days…probably for most all of us….when we feel a bit “down and out”. I remember when our girls were growing up there would be days when they would be so pitiful and say with such passion, “nobody loves me”.Â
Haven’t we all felt that way? We know in our deepest heart that we are loved, but somehow the pressures or stress of life so overwhelms us that we start sinking into ourselves and the enemy can cause us to believe that we are nothing special….not lovable….not desirable….completely forgettable. But sweet friend…that is not so at all.
I love to get things finished—accomplishing all the tasks in a day would be SO amazing!
There are ringing phones at all business offices and it keeps the day super busy—but often much work does not get completed.  I remember one particular day in 2007 when I was busy answering a 6-line phone system and was getting frustrated.  But there was one call that stopped me in my tracks and wrangled my full attention.
At exactly 3:16 p.m. the phone rang and it was a man named John.
Did you get that?  The call came from John at 3:16. And the Lord’s message to my heart came through LOUD and CLEAR.
“Angie, I do love you, and I care about every detail of your life. But I need you to focus on Me. For I loved you so much….I gave My All. So that you would have ever lasting life. With Me. Do you understand child?”
This particular man named John called the office frequently. As does many other people each day.
So why did John call at exactly 3:16? Why not 3:17? Or 3:15? Because my Father had a message. For me. Since it is my custom to take down the exact time and date of each and every call… God knew I’d notice. Since we use duplicate message books, I had a copy of the message I took to prove this call came. When the call came, God’s love flooded my heart.Â
Weeks before this call came, I was sitting in a doctor’s office waiting to meet with the one who supposedly had the answers for my pain.
The Lord showed me exactly Who has the answers to not only my pain, but the healing as well. Not only the healing, but He has the answer to the questions in my heart. No, the answers may not come when we ask. Sometimes the answers come after a time of trial. So that we can see.
He wants us to see with eyes of the heart (spiritual), and not just eyes of the head (physical).
I saw a cross made of two nails sitting on the desk. I was thinking of all the things I should be doing rather than “wasting time” in a doctor’s office. If you know me at all….you know that going to the doctor for me is the ultimate last resort. When I have exhausted every home remedy known to mankind, then I will go to the doctor.
Do we treat our “soul needs” the same way? When we have exhausted every effort in trying to “fix” whatever the problem is our self, do we then go to the Father?
The words on the plaque where the nails were said, “Feel the Love”.  The sharpness of the nails were intended to remind us of the eternal love of God.
When you are feeling unloved, in pain, left out, alone, scared, depressed, heartsick, burdened with something you can’t seem to put a name to, place your hand on the nail. Feel the love—it came with the pain of everything we could possibly endure today….and more. For He loved us enough to die for all the sins we would ever commit. Not just you and I. But for every single human being in this entire world. Living, dead or yet to be born. All of us.
This may seem an odd devotion for Valentine’s Day, but I am sharing this today to remind you that you are loved. He proved it when He left the throne–further proved in the manger, then the cross—finally, from the tomb when He arose. His love is like none other.
So precious friend…if you are feeling unloved…. Put your hand on the nail.
Do you remember the old Heinz® ketchup commercial? The song that accompanied the slow pouring, best on fries ever—ketchup: “Anticipation”. “Anticipa-a-a-tion is making me wait”. It’s one of those songs that gets stuck in your head when you hear it—but in life—it’s one of those things we grow weary of doing. Waiting.
Well, you waited 365 days for 2023 and here she is! Bright-sparkly and brand-new! Maybe in your house—she’s not as sparkly. But 2023 is “new”, nonetheless. She’s never had footprints walk here before— but you and I are about to change that—putting our mark on 2023.
I generally begin considering what might be “my word” for the year in October or November. I always ask the Lord what He wants to say to me—or show me in the coming year. It was much later this last time. I asked mid-December. I asked—and the only thing that came to my mind in that very moment was “Anticipate”.
I’m not a gloomy person—but when I heard that word, I kind of sank inside. It meant (to me), I was about to “WAIT” for something. But couldn’t it also be…my “waiting” was over? Meaning, the things I had been seeking God about -was going to be realized this year. That’s the way I chose to see it.
Often, a big part in “anticipating” something is—letting go. Letting go can be painful. A big Band-Aid® won’t cover the pain that accompanies letting go.
Since I work at a funeral home—the letting go is something I see first-hand every single day. Letting go of someone you love is the absolute hardest—no two ways about it. Grieving happens in life with letting go of other things—but things can be replaced…people cannot.
When I began thinking of all the things that I let go of in the last 61 years of my life—I couldn’t help but recognize that to let go meant that sooner or later—I would be receiving something else. I jotted a few things down:
When company cutbacks caused Jeff to lose his job (many years ago), even though I cried and grieved about this—soon, God showed us that this was the opportunity for Jeff to do what he had always wanted to do—begin his own business. That business led Jeff to do some fill-in work at our church fellowship headquarters—and in turn—that led to a full-time job with benefits.
Years later, when we were called to the mission field, it required for us to let go of the life we had loved and enjoyed for 12+ years. Yet in doing so, that offered us the opportunity to live in two different countries, experience two different cultures and meet and love so many new people.
In life—we are all in a constant state of letting go. But do we anticipate what comes with that action? Sometimes we have to let go of our children to allow them to walk in the mission field that God has already mapped out for them. Sometimes we have to let them go “their way”—even knowing it is against all we taught them—but praying with a fiery passion that God will bring them back to the place they need to be in Him—even if it means a crushing in the process. Oh, that hurts.
In a conversation with one of our grandsons recently, I reminded him that all his decisions would affect more than just himself. And consequences of poor decisions would often follow him for the rest of his life. God forgives…yes. But our memories of rebellion are a constant reminder of the pain we caused others.
We still have prodigals in our family—and I’m still praying the diligent prayer—anticipating the day when God has their full attention and they want nothing more than Him. Am I willing to endure the slow process if it takes it? Yes. The wait for Heinz® ketchup is nothing compared to this. Eternal life with all my family is worth whatever He feels necessary.
And now—as we have anticipated, 2023 is here. What kind of mark do you want to make? I want my mark to be a mark of powerful prayer. I want it to be impacting prayer. What does that take? Practice. Daily. Not ritualistically, but as a privilege. That’s what it is to me. I get to have a conversation daily with the Creator of the universe…
What is He saying to you? Nothing, you say? You must not have asked Him…because He is always saying something. Sometimes it’s a simple, “I AM here”.
I want to close this out with a challenge: Ask Him. Anticipate a response. Wait for it. It’s the best you will ever taste.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
The topic of “purpose”–your purpose, my purpose, it’s purpose (as in circumstances) is often discussed in Christian circles. We all want to know ours. What we’re here for, and we want to know now.
I don’t believe finding your purpose is completely like declaring you are going to medical school so that you will become a doctor–or law school to become a lawyer. I believe deep in each one of us, our purpose was a planted seed as God created us…in our mother’s womb. For some, it IS to be a doctor–or lawyer–an educator, etc. The point is, we all have a purpose. The biggest one: To be light in a dark world.
Of course there’s more to it than that.
At the end of the first chapter of Luke, he describes John’s purpose:
“… to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit usto shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:77-79 HCSB
These words came directly from the Holy Spirit, through the voice of Zechariah when he was no longer silent. John’s daddy declared his purpose to the world on the day he was born. He shared what had been given to him by the angel, Gabriel–that well known passage when we learned ‘ole Zechariah had some doubt about what God could do. I mean, didn’t he remember Abraham and Sarah? For real! God did an all out miracle there. But instead, his focus was on his inabilities, not God’s abilities.
But the day of declaration came and I like to believe he was LOUD with it! I believe by the time he wrote “his name is John”, I believe he cleared the cobwebs from his unused vocal cords and his voice rang out like he had a lapel mic attached to his robe. The Bible says he instantly began praising God… and after that, you just can’t praise quietly.
The last sentence of this chapter caught my attention this morning–and in truth, it’s the very reason I started typing this morning:
The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Luke 1:80 HCSB
The main part that grabbed me were these: “and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance”. Another translation says “he lived in lonely places until….”
The bottom line is- that place where you and I have been–or maybe still are? That place that feels like a wilderness–that loneliness you feel even when surrounded by people? The only way out is to stay faithful to seeking His Presence and His Word. It might FEEL like a wilderness…but in fact, I believe it’s the preparation ground for what God is about to reveal–and do in and through your life. The things you are experiencing and learning through those dark days will undoubtedly be used by God to help another. I heard a minister once say that God never wastes suffering. I believe every smidgen of what we walk through, the good and the bad is able to be used by God.
So, your purpose? Declare love of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know… sometimes those who DO know–need reminders of His faithfulness. And hold on honey. If you don’t know yet—it’s coming (your purpose). Because HE is coming soon—and HE is going to use YOU!
And friend, I am ready for the revival that is on the horizon—and I want it to begin in US!
Jeff & Angie 