Service

"My first real exposure to the Court came almost a quarter century ago when I began my clerkship with Justice Thurgood Marshall. Justice Marshall revered the Court — and for a simple reason. In his life, in his great struggle for racial justice, the Supreme Court stood as the part of government that was most open to every American — and that most often fulfilled our Constitution's promise of treating all persons with equal respect, equal care, and equal attention.

The idea is engraved on the very face of the Supreme Court building: Equal Justice Under Law. It means that everyone who comes before the Court — regardless of wealth or power or station — receives the same process and the same protections. What this commands of judges is even-handedness and impartiality. What it promises is nothing less than a fair shake for every American."  Elena Kagan, Senate Confirmation Hearings, June 28, 2010


I heard this statement given by Supreme Court Justice Nominee Elena Kagan on the way home tonight.  It held greater meaning because of the message God asked me to share tonight.  I was unaware of the inscription engraved on the face of the Supreme Court building, but I am aware of James 2:1-9 which came to mind hours before hearing Ms. Kagan.  

James 2:1-9

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?

But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?


If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 

These are the principles our nation was founded upon.  These are the principles God used to convict me today.  James, Jesus' brother, understood human nature.  We tend to gravitate towards celebrities, the popular and the wealthy.  We consider it an honor to be chosen to  sacrifice our time and resources to adore and pamper this privileged class.  A celebrity's entourage ensures every need is met even before the need is known.


I serve the homeless and impoverished.  They are invisible to the world.  They have no resources, no power, and no support.  When serving those who have nothing the temptation to do less, to give less, and to care less is always present.  This temptation is revealed in thoughts like, "they can wait, they are lucky to have me, so what if it doesn't get done, it's not like they have anyone else."


Reestablishing identification has become very difficult.  Florida requires a birth certificate and proof of social security to obtain a state ID.  However, to obtain a birth certificate most states require a state ID.  Navigating through the red tape is complicated and cost $40-70 per person.  The chances of obtaining ID for someone born outside Florida is 60%.  These roadblocks provide the perfect excuse to work less hard.  


The question God asked me today as I was working on ordering birth certificates was, "if this were your application would you work harder, would you be more conscientious?  If this were the President's birth certificate application,  how tirelessly would you work to achieve results?"


Tough questions, convicting questions, course adjusting questions.  It is not only Supreme Court Justices called to higher standards.  We are each called to reach beyond our human nature and serve each other equally.  Connections will strive to serve with equality and care as we would care for ourselves or a celebrity.  We will allow God to examine our hearts often, and correct our course when we necessary.  Connections goal is extraordinary service for all.   

A Simple Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have done.  Thank you for the gift of salvation, for redeeming me through the death of your son.  Thank you for loving me, even when I was away. Thank you for never giving up on me, for continuing to reach for me even when I was too stubborn to listen.  Thank you for blessing me with family and friends, with the freedom to express my love for you freely.  


You are the creator of the universe yet you find time to hear my prayers, you know me, you know my heart, you know my thoughts, you know my desires.  Father I am not worthy of your attention,there are so many which are more worthy, more knowledgeable of your ways, wiser men and women of faith.  Thank you for your grace and mercy which reclaimed this shattered vessel and through loving patience and guidance have crafted me from nothing, to a usable tool, to a precision instrument.  It is only by your hand I am anything, in my weakness your glory will be seen.  The world will awaken to your greatness through what you accomplish through my simple life.  


I praise you with all I am Lord, awaken the rebellious, the stubborn, the resentful, the hard hearted, the wicked, the confused, the independent.  Pour out your spirit upon them as you have done in me so none will perish.  Our days are short and the need is great, awaken your slumbering church and unite us as one, the enemy is gaining ground, too many lives are at stake Lord.  I willingly stand in the gap to see others come into right relation with you.  I stand for the prostitute and drug addict, I stand for the schizophrenic and the abused, I stand for the forgotten veteran and the lost children.  I stand for the teenage mothers seeking love and value, I stand for the deadbeat fathers drowning in debt, I stand in the gap for all those drowning in poverty, I stand for the corrupted, the dealer, the pimp, our misguided leaders.  Father, hear my prayer, rescue them as you rescued me.  Provide the hands and feet, there are many to be reached, many who need to know who you truly are.


Father, I stand  for Freedom Church, give them a clear vision.   The people of Freedom will always hold a special place in my heart, it was their compassion and worship you used to draw me to you.  Prepare them for all who you are sending to them, let no one leave Freedom without encountering you.  I stand for the church of Tallahassee.  Forgive us lord for falling asleep, we know the hour is near, yet we sleep.  Even the church can become distracted.  We act too often on our own wisdom instead of seeking yours, forgive us Lord.  Marry our compassion for the lost of Tallahassee to the solid foundation of your word.  Lord, raise your church again.


Father forgive me.  Forgive my pride and negligence.  Forgive the times I fail those you have placed in my care.  Forgive me for not seeking you more.  Forgive my ignorance.  Lord, I willingly submit myself to your authority and the authority you have placed over me.  Forgive my arrogance and selfishness, I want to serve you.  I want serve those you have placed in my care as I serve you.  Have your way in me Lord and craft me into a servant capable of seeing the needs of others.  Give me the eyes to see them as you see them Lord.  Give me the tools and the hands to mend lives and raise saints. 


I choose to be completely dependent on you Lord.  The kingdom I might establish on my own is worthless compared to what I can accomplish through you.  Let your will be done.  Guide my steps and open the locked and barred doors before me, for your glory, for your kingdom, for the children you love.  Protect those who are raised Lord, give them strong Christian men and women at their sides to catch them when they slip.  My heart is your heart Lord, I do not want to see a single one lost.  The enemy is tenacious but our King has overcome the world, victory is ours.  With Jesus, who can stand against us!


Father, the world needs less of me and more of you.  Strengthen me to be a better witness.  Give me the courage to stand in the storm and proclaim your Gospel.  Search my heart and remove anything which is displeasing, break me free from this world and its snares while keeping me connected to your children.  I love you Father, I can never repay my debt.  I gladly choose to serve you.  


In Jesus Name. Amen  

Modern Warfare

Day 33


Two years ago I sat across from Robert at a table in the Burger King near Florida State University.  Robert invited me to talk about his interest in ministering to the homeless.  I had known Robert for a few years; he had made many poor choices in the past including infidelity and brushes with the law which had severely strained his marriage.  However, for the past year he had been a resident and employee at a Christian men's home and was seeking to join the fight.

As Robert shared his heart I could sense God's call on his life and his sincere desire to reconcile himself with God and his family.  Over time I witnesses Robert humble himself and rededicate his life.  Robert began speaking with his wife and soon she was talking about relocating to be nearer to him.  Against all odds Robert received a well paying job with the city.  Robert's old wounds were mending and shackles were breaking as he was freed from old patterns.

Yesterday I sat at across from Robert at a table in the Leon County Jail near Florida State University.  Robert invited me to pray with him, he was in a deeper crisis now than when we first met.  Shortly after Robert receive the job with the city he began to slip.  He confessed he was being tempted to flirt with the women at work.  Robert soon distanced himself from me; I heard he moved into an apartment with a young woman and was struggling with substance abuse.  Three weeks ago the police were called to the apartment.  Robert had been drinking and became violent.  He was arrested for beating the young woman he was living with.  Robert faces months of jail time and has lost everything. 


What happened?  Men and women who feel called to serve can expect to be tested.  Christians who remain hidden in their foxholes draw little attention from the enemy.  Those willing to stand quickly come under fire.  Do you know the bullets used today are smaller and do less damage than the ones used in the Civil War?  Military strategists learned there is a greater advantage in wounding a soldier than killing him.  Killing a soldier removes one from the battle.  Wounding a soldier removes three or four; the wounded soldier and those attending him.  


Satan uses a similar strategy, whole congregations can be removed from the battle by one wounded Pastor.  To thwart this strategy, God allows those who answer the call to minister to be tested.  Robert sincerely wanted to serve God.  His call was genuine, but before he could be placed in service he was tested.  Bad judgement led to poor choices, poor choices created a distance between Robert and God, away from God Robert fell victim to the enemies scheme.


Can Robert be saved?  We are all in trouble if he can't.  Thankfully we serve a forgiving and patient God.  The way back will not be easy, but in time God may still have a ministry for Robert.  He has already begun telling the other inmates about Jesus, the one who saves thieves, punks, and prostitutes. 


I submit myself to God, search my heart and remove anything displeasing.  Do not allow me to shame you. Protect me from the enemy as I stand to serve you and those you have called me to reach.  Connections will encourage others to stand, submit to God, and find joy in the test.


The following passages illustrate the importance God places on testing those who care for his children.  James cautions pastors will be judged more strictly than others.  In Luke 22:31-34, Jesus allows Peter be tested.  Peter was not discarded when he failed.  Because he was willing to submit, Peter's wounds were healed and his faith grew.  Are you willing to submit yourself to open heart surgery?  The harvest is great and the workers are few, ready to stand?

James 3:1

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Luke 22:31-34 

 ³¹"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. ³²But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

 ³³But he replied, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."
 ³⁴Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

 

Tolerance

We met today with the Outreach Coordinator for a youth shelter program in Tallahassee.  It is an amazing program which offers shelter to at risk youth and runaways.  Their goal is to reunite families through individual and family counseling while teaching discipline and respect.  The conversation took and interesting turn when we asked about the average length of stay.  The coordinator explained the stay is normally short but can sometimes last as long as a year for children with gender identification issues.  She then related a story about a boy staying with his aunt and uncle (uncle a Pastor in the community), whom was abandoned after "coming out" to the aunt.  She simply chose not to pick him up after school.  The coordinator then spoke of the overall intolerance of our community.  We understood this to mean the intolerance of the rigid Christian Community.  Is the Christian Community intolerant?  


We understand this is a hot button issue and we risk upsetting our conservative and liberal friends.  However, our ministry calls us to serve the homeless.  People experiencing homelessness can be liars, cheats, thieves, brutes, perverts, prostitutes, dealers, addicts, abusers, sex offenders, and murderers.  If we are afraid to ask the question, what answer can we provide those we serve.


Intolerance and discrimination recently made front page news in Tallahassee.  The county sought to change a non-discrimination ordinance to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.  Today, Florida State University announced similar changes in their policies.  Below is a sample of the firestorm set off on both sides of the issue.  


replying to coolhandluke50:

Leviticus 18:22
22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.

Any policy that disagrees with this is not acceptable. God, have mercy on this nation. 

Get your religion out of my government. Your rights to practice your religion under the constitution also grant me the right to be free of your religion.   Also take a look at Mathew 7 Verse 1 - Judge not lest you yourself be judged and by what judgement you judge you shall be judged. (Tallahassee.com)

Who is right?  During the county debate there were churches represented on both sides.  The churches which expressed coolhandluke50's view were painted as intolerant by the churches supporting the ordinance.  The churches supporting the ordinance were painted as compromised by the coolhandluke50 churches.  Could someone finally settle the debate, is Jesus a Republican or a Democrat; conservative or liberal?

The answer is, neither.  Is homosexuality a sin, yes; no greater or less than the rest of the sins found in this world.  Jesus came, not for the righteous but for the sinner.  By the standards of the religious leaders of His time Jesus was considered a liberal.  At the risk of his own reputation Jesus sought out and associated with known sinners.  He welcomed thieves and prostitutes.  He showed compassion to the woman dragged before him caught in the act of sexual sin.  He drove out demons and healed the sick without assessing worthiness based on previous lifestyle choices.  He simply stated, "follow me" or "go and sin no more".

However, Jesus expected his followers to live to a much higher standard than held by the most conservative leaders of his day.  Jesus expects the same from his followers today.  Pastors which hold their congregations to lessor standards harm the people Jesus loves.  The message was never, "come when you are able" or "go and try not to sin so much".  To truly follow Christ we must seek him and strive to live without sin. 

Too often the church appears intolerant.  How will we reach those God has asked us to reach if it appears we are lined up against them?  How do you show love to those mired in sin without compromising God's word?  Jesus is the answer.  Connections, at the risk of our own reputation, will hang out with sinners.  We will welcome thieves and prostitutes, deviants and rebels.  We will pray for healing and offer compassion to the hurting without asking if the wounds were self inflicted.  Connections will extend Jesus' invitation to follow Him and sin no more.  Those who join our ministry will be held to God's standards, we will not compromise His word.

God so loved the world he sent his only son to die on a cross so we may receive forgiveness for our sins.  Who is going to be more grateful the one who has been forgiven much or the one forgiven little?  Jesus commands us to reach the world.  Those in the world can be liars, cheats, thieves, brutes, perverts, prostitutes, dealers, addicts, abusers, sex offenders, and murderers.  Are you up for the challenge?

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners." ' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."  (Matthew 11:19)

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³The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.⁵In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" ⁶They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
   But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." ⁸Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
 ⁹At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
 ¹¹"No one, sir," she said.
      "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:3-11)

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⁸Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." ⁹At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
      The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, ¹⁰and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."
 ¹¹But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.' "
 ¹²So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?"
 ¹³The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
 ¹⁴Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." (John 5:8-14)

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¹⁶"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. ¹⁹This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.²¹But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. (John 3:16-21)

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Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 7:47)

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¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19,20)

Preparations

Day 31

We just received our materials for Boot Camp in July.  Boot Camp is designed to help turn visions into reality.  We are looking forward to obtaining spiritual and administrative tools and returning home to implement them.  There is work we are expected to accomplish before we arrive.  As we reviewed the material last night we were encouraged to consider the path traveled by those who had gone before us.  We were especially inspired by the story of David, King of Israel.

For those unfamiliar with David’s story.  David was the youngest and smallest in his family.  When God directed the prophet Samuel to his father’s home to anoint a new king because of the disobedience of King Saul, he was drawn immediately drawn to David’s brother who appeared kingly.  However, God reminded Samuel he does not choose men based on outward appearance; He examines their heart.  David, the youngest and smallest brother was God’s choice and David was anointed King of Israel.  God often chooses the least of us to lead so every man can see Him at work.  

David’s victories were achieved not by might but by faith. The road to the throne was difficult but David trusted in God.  He faced Goliath to defend God’s name using unconventional but effective tools.  He refused to use King Saul’s armor or weapon, choosing a stone and sling instead.  

As David’s acclaim grew so did his troubles.  The haunted possessed King would not give up his throne easily.  He set out to kill David on several occasions, but each time David refused to harm the King God had anointed.  David respected the authority God had placed over him.  While Saul pursued David God raised strong men of faith around him who were willing to sacrifice themselves to serve him.  Through adversity a core group of battle hardened servants were shaped.  When it came time for David to assume the throne all of Israel was united behind him.

David faced a very real, very physical battle.  Many of David’s Psalms express deep emotions against physical enemies.  There are very real physical battles against evil men today.  Images of the Holocaust, Darfur, Rwanda, Nigeria, Serbia and Kyrgyzstan all confirm how evil man can become.  We are fortunate to live in a country where freedom still reigns.  However, Ephesians 6:10-20 reminds us there is a large battle raging; a spiritual battle with as many lives at stake as the physical battles faced by David.

We have been chosen to minister not because of our own abilities.  Through God’s grace we have been selected.  We are unlikely ministers, less capable by earthly measures than many, but our hearts are willing.  When we received God’s anointing we were rough, immature, and untested.  Through trials and perseverance we are being crafted into precision tools so every man can see God at work.  By faith we will win victories over poverty, addiction, depression, and hate.  Our servanthood methods may appear unconventional.   We will seek wisdom and guidance from those God has placed in authority over us.   Our expectation is to see men and women raised to serve at our sides.  When God brings revival to Tallahassee we will be ready.  David is said to have had a heart after God, now we strive to achieve the same.  David’s story also contains a cautionary tale of excess, temptation and loss of vision.  We understand we will face similar challenges.  May God protect our hearts and give us the strength to stand.

1 Samuel 16:6-12

6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD."

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these."11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?"

     "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep."

     Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives."

12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features.

     Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one."

1 Samuel 17:38-50

38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
     "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was only a boy, ruddy and handsome, and he despised him. 43He said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 "Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!"
45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

1 Samuel 24:1-7

1 After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi." 2 So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.

3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave. 4 The men said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.' " Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul's robe.
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. 6 He said to his men, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the LORD." 7 With these words David rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.

1 Chronicles 11:10-47

10 These were the chiefs of David's mighty men—they, together with all Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had promised- 11 this is the list of David's mighty men:

     Jashobeam, a Hacmonite, was chief of the officers; he raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed in one encounter.
12 Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men. 13 He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. 14 But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
15 Three of the thirty chiefs came down to David to the rock at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17 David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!" 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 19 "God forbid that I should do this!" he said. "Should I drink the blood of these men who went at the risk of their lives?" Because they risked their lives to bring it back, David would not drink it.
     Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.
20 Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 21 He was doubly honored above the Three and became their commander, even though he was not included among them.
22 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 23And he struck down an Egyptian who was seven and a half feet tall. Although the Egyptian had a spear like a weaver's rod in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian's hand and killed him with his own spear. 24 Such were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada; he too was as famous as the three mighty men. 25 He was held in greater honor than any of the Thirty, but he was not included among the Three. And David put him in charge of his bodyguard.
26 The mighty men were:
   Asahel the brother of Joab,
   Elhanan son of Dodo from Bethlehem,
27 Shammoth the Harorite,
   Helez the Pelonite,
28 Ira son of Ikkesh from Tekoa,
   Abiezer from Anathoth,
29 Sibbecai the Hushathite,
   Ilai the Ahohite,
30 Maharai the Netophathite,
   Heled son of Baanah the Netophathite,
31 Ithai son of Ribai from Gibeah in Benjamin,
   Benaiah the Pirathonite,
32 Hurai from the ravines of Gaash,
   Abiel the Arbathite,
33 Azmaveth the Baharumite,
   Eliahba the Shaalbonite,
34 the sons of Hashem the Gizonite,
   Jonathan son of Shagee the Hararite,
35 Ahiam son of Sacar the Hararite,
   Eliphal son of Ur,
36 Hepher the Mekerathite,
   Ahijah the Pelonite,
37 Hezro the Carmelite,
   Naarai son of Ezbai,
38 Joel the brother of Nathan,
   Mibhar son of Hagri,
39 Zelek the Ammonite,
   Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,
40 Ira the Ithrite,
   Gareb the Ithrite,
41 Uriah the Hittite,
   Zabad son of Ahlai,
42 Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, who was chief of the Reubenites, and the thirty with him,
43 Hanan son of Maacah,
   Joshaphat the Mithnite,
44 Uzzia the Ashterathite,
   Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite,
45 Jediael son of Shimri,
   his brother Joha the Tizite,
46 Eliel the Mahavite,
   Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam,
   Ithmah the Moabite,
47 Eliel, Obed and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

Psalm 17:8-15
8 Keep me as the apple of your eye;
   hide me in the shadow of your wings
9 from the wicked who assail me,
   from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10 They close up their callous hearts,
   and their mouths speak with arrogance.
11 They have tracked me down, they now surround me,
   with eyes alert, to throw me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion hungry for prey,
   like a great lion crouching in cover.
13 Rise up, O LORD, confront them, bring them down;
   rescue me from the wicked by your sword.
14 O LORD, by your hand save me from such men,
   from men of this world whose reward is in this life.
   You still the hunger of those you cherish;
   their sons have plenty,
   and they store up wealth for their children.
15 And I—in righteousness I will see your face;
   when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

The View So Far

As you know we are looking forward to planting a church in Tallahassee.  We have chosen this blog to craft our vision and discover our purpose.  We thought a recap would be worth posting as we allow God to shape our future ministry.  The following is a compilation of our mission statements.

1. As the foundation of Connections is laid we will implement the lessons we learn from the homeless camps to grow a strong fellowship.  The elements needed promote deep relationships are all present.  We are in a battle for survival.  We have an adversary.  We feel outnumbered.  We must overcome.  The victory is ours.  


2. Connections will be a marriage of our one-on-one relational ministry with the Rescue Atlanta Church experience. Creating strong relationships is important but nothing can match the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives. 

4. Connections will adopt the servant leadership model, it is bible proven and ordained by God; it seems good to us and the Holy Spirit.

5. Connections will share this message with all the people we serve.  We will encourage them to seek God’s forgiveness while forgiving themselves and others.  They will be freed from their past and empowered to live in the present. 

6. Connections will develop a clear, passionate vision. 

7. Connections does not desire to serve a God we can fit in a box.  We accept God’s sovereignty.  In doing so we understand there are answers we do not  possess and may not possess until we are face to face with God Himself.  We choose to live by faith and submit to God’s authority over our lives and circumstances.  We will seek an understanding of God, His plan, and our purpose through His word.

8. Connections will encourage others to develop a deep prayer life with God.  We understand the barriers which stand before us are too great for us to move, but through prayer and petition and by His will, mountains will crumble. We will not prosper unless we adopt the habit of prayer.  We can not fail if we seek God with all our heart, mind, and soul.

9. Connections will follow God’s instructions and accept it’s authority.  We will not edit His word.  We trusts the Holy Spirit’s guidance in understanding the historical context of scripture as well as the modern implications.

10. Connections is committed to serving the ones God loves.  We will seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit so we have God’s love and encouragement available to share at all times.  We will pray without stop.  The journey will not be easy, but God will lead us to green pastures.

11. Connections will defeat the critical spirit by being ever watchful against it’s influence.  We ask God to search our own hearts and motives and to teach us His ways.  We will defend the weak and be a voice against injustice for God’s glory and honor, not our own.   

12. Connections will place it’s faith in God.  We will seek His will in every action and ground our policies in His word.  When conflict arises we will view it as an opportunity learn and grow together.  We will stand firm even in the face of public opposition, trusting God has our back.  We will live at peace with our community, sharing the love of Christ with all.  

13. Connections will believe God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. "Like Ezekiel, we stand in the valley of dry bones.  The homeless are the cast-offs of our society, the broken, the once was, the never was, and the might have been.  As God did in the desert, He will do again.  God will knit those we serve back together, He will create an army, and by  their example our neighbors will know His glory, our neighbors will know our God is mighty to save." 

14. Connections will seek to praise God at all times.  We promise to teach our neighbors why we celebrate. We will encourage worship over production and style.

15. Connections will have the courage to see what we lack and freely submit to God.  We will encourage those we serve to recognize their sin and be washed clean.  Through God's grace and mercy we will fulfill our purpose.  True freedom is available for all who recognize the mire and muck.  We will fly.

16. Connection will choose to believe all things are possible through God.  We will not limit God’s ability to move mountains by relying on our own understanding.  We will encourage others to expect miracles.

17. Connection will resist the devil’s temptations.  We will clothe ourselves in God’s mercy and grace.  We refuse the distraction and false promises of the world.  We will share God’s mercy and grace with the oppressed, while encouraging them to lay their heavy burdens down and accept a better garment.

18. Connections will seek to partner with the Body of Christ, assuming it's role as part of the church. It will dedicate itself to running it's race well and seek to avoid unhealthy rivalry. We will be committed to matching the pace set by Jesus not the pace set by the world.

19. Connections will encourage those we serve to make room within themselves for God to reside.  As God moves in we will walk alongside to protect them and teach them.  We will not abandon those we serve.  We will accept the responsibility to shepherd the flock God provides.