Let’s face it- we are living in a world with unparalleled pain, suffering, hopelessness and despair. It is vital for us who claim Christ as our Life to keep in mind that THIS is not what God intended for the “Apple of His Eye”. He intended Paradise but we chose independence. And we are living with the dire results of our choice. But God, in His love, mercy and grace is calling us to recapture the life He intended for us through the New Life in Christ!
The Kingdom of God must come ALIVE in us for the world to be saved- set free from the results of sin. “I have come that they might have life to the full”- this was Jesus’ message to the world and this must be our message as well. If we are truly following Christ- this message will flow from our hearts (Christ in us the Hope of Glory} to the world. We must stop focusing on our differences and must no longer try to “sell” someone on the benefits of becoming a Christian. People do not like to be pressured or sold! Throw aside the biblical sales pitch and live out loud a life of love, serving one another- BEING JESUS- NOT – SELLING JESUS!
As I have carried my “banner of hope and encouragement”, I have been so blessed by the many who have been encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:7- For God has not given us a spirit of fear but a Spirit of power, and of love and of a sound mind.
In these trying times we all need encouragement! We need the Truth to combat the lies of the evil one! I have noticed over and again that people are also encouraged by my boldness and commitment- my willingness to take “my time” to share a message of hope. If we who believe need multiple daily reminders of the “Truth that sets us free”, how much more a lost world? If the world has a hope of salvation it will be due to a Church that has come alive. A church living what it believes. Not a defeated and weary bunch who are just “biding their time” until Heaven. Jesus brought “heaven to earth”! He awoke in people what had been lost and buried- a deep desire to live abundantly in relationship with our Creator- How it was meant to be!
John 7
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38-Whoever believes in me, as[c] the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him
John 10:10
10-The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
What has the thief stolen from you? What about your joy?, Peace? Hope? Courage? Heart?…………… Have you allowed him to kill and destroy your dreams, relationships, purpose and vision?
Jesus has come to give it back to you! Right where you are! To reclaim, heal, and free you to live with Him a life of power, love and sound mind!-
The Glory of God is man fully Alive! – St. Irenaeus
Come as you are where you are!
In regards to my trip to Memphis… After the game, I still did not have a place to stay. The plans I had made fell through and I was asking God what His plan was. At this point in my journey I am past any concern that He is not in control. His peace was with me as I found a Starbucks to get on the Internet. After restarting a dead computer, I finally got on at 10:45 pm. Please allow me to explain the circumstances. I went outside in search of an outlet but it did not work, meanwhile my computer died. So I moved inside and began the restart process. While waiting, I saw a college student and the thought came to me to ask him if he knew of a Hostel. He quickly replyed that he did. “It’s right around the corner”, he said. So I called and thankfully got a live voice- Meagan, a college student working her way through a Spanish degree. She said, “you caught me just in time, a few more minutes and I would have been closed”. God does not work on our time frame but He does always work. He know our needs before we need them, He wants us to bring them to Him and then Trust Him to provide.
After I got settled I walked down the street and listened to some live music at an Irish pub. Thankfully, it was outside and the evening was pleasant after a very hot day! When I returned to the Hostel I struck up a conversation with Roger from Seattle and Jim and Jenae from….. you guessed it… Denver! Note. Immediately, I felt the urge to share my story with them. We all sat around the kitchen and shared our stories. Great fun and fellowship! Interestingly, Roger is on an exciting journey of his own. He is riding a bicycle cross country with Asheville being his final destination. He is on a quest to find his calling.
After helping in the hostel’s kitchen for breakfast, I went for a nice jog in the Cooper Young area of Memphis- where the Hostel is by the way. After a shower, Meagan strongly suggested I go to Sweetgrass restaurant for lunch. Though warm, I chose to sit outside. After I ordered, two ladies, Heather Wynne and Ann Phillips, joined me on the terrace at the table next to mine. Note: Turns out that the Chef of Sweetgrass trained in Charleston and his menu is filled with Low Country inspired meals! http://www.sweetgrassmemphis.com/About.html
It turns out that Heather is good friends with Jimmy Sexton’s first wife! – Jimmy is Tim’s agent whom I am seeking to meet with tomorrow!
During the course of conversation we exchanged stories of faith and it turns out these ladies are members at the Church where the Hostel is. Ann also shared that Jimmy’s dad was her dentist! She went on to tell me a wonderful story of how Dr. Sexton was treating her one day and noticed she was unusually stressed. He thoughtfully stopped the procedure and asked her what was bothering her and then lovingly prayed for her. She was so profoundly impacted by his kindness and care! She said, “I will never forget it!”
When Ann got up to pay her bill, Heather had the wisdom and insight to tell me that Jimmy would be blessed to hear the story about his dad! If this is not one of many Divine appointments that God has orchestrated in my life, then there are none!
After driving around downtown Memphis I headed to Starbucks to blog. While blogging, God had Loren Porter sit next to me. Lauren, a mother of three is working on her masters, raising three kids and helping her husband with his inner city church- All Saints Presbyterian. It sure sounds like All Saints is living the Kingdom of God here on earth. I was blessed to hear their story of faith and counter intuitive living for God. An interesting note; they have teamed up with Young Life to do ministry! What and awesome, God idea! http://www.allsaintspres.com/
During my trip I have been purposefully focusing on the truth that I am one of God’s beloved son’s in whom He is well pleased. I am purposing to ask the Spirit to let this truth penetrate my heart- asking God to father me. Recently, God moved me to make a special trip to see my Dad and convey that I know He loves me and that he did right by me. I needed to honor him and let him know and that “we were good”. This has freed me up and hopefully my Dad too! I am free now to seek fathering from my Heavenly Father!
God is good all the time! Peace! Jon
Please cover me with your prayers and pray for Jimmy Sexton and those I will meet at Athletic Resource Management. To God be the Glory!
Brother, thanks for your blogs and site. As a friend I can attest to your faith and trust in our Father. Great to be back in Charleston to hang with you. Though will miss you when His blessing comes and takes you to Colorado. Peace n joy. Love Randy
thanks Randy! I thank Abba that He has blessed me with your friendship and wittness. I pray that you will continue to seek Him first and submit to His word and Spirit. Love, Jon