The Good Samaritan, the next visit

Wow, our posts have nearly crawled to a halt.  Please forgive me.  We continue to move steadily towards launch.  Some minor timing and scheduling issues have caused us to push our official launch date back to September 18, 2011.  We are far from feeling ready but are moving ahead in faith and optimism.  Connections Church has been recognized as an official church plant by the General Counsel of the Assemblies of God and the West Florida District and both have blessed us with the funds we desperately needed.  As of September 1 we have double our paid staff from 1 to 2.  


Through outreach Connections continues to minister to people experiencing homelessness by visiting the jail, hospital, shelters, and day centers.  Since May, Through our partnership with The Shelter, we have restored identification for 60 people.  We have also met prescription, transportation, food, and clothing needs.  The Mighty Ones continue to meet Sunday nights to encourage people in their relationship with God and teach discipline through accountability.  Old relationships are being nurtured and new one cultivated.


 Nearly a year ago, during a visit to the jail, I met William.  William was a fifty-year-old biker adorned with tattoos and walking with a severe limp.  William was a hard and cynical man cast by many years on the road, failed relationships, and too many run-ins with the law.  He was in jail for battery and it appeared he would be remaining in jail for many more months.  I encouraged him as much as I could and asked him to notify me as soon as he received a release date.


Many months past and I forgot about William.  In April I received a special request From Donna, a classification officer at the jail, to meet an inmate who recently had his leg amputated after a severe infection.  It was William.  The man I met was not the hard cynical William I had met previously, this man broken and scared.  His release date was still months away but we began mapping out a transition plan.  I met with William regularly over the following weeks and months to encourage and make plans around major obstacles.


On Wednesday morning William was released.  I was there to meet him and we exchanged his jailhouse wheelchair with a loaner from Ability 1st.  William was release without identification, food, or housing so we set out to overcome those barriers.  God went before us in all these areas and we met little resistance along the way.  By 11:30 William had received a new Florida ID, Social Security Card, and had an appointment to talk to someone about receiving disability.  We were blessed at the Access Florida office by a woman under the tremendous strain of coping with a higher demand for food stamp assistance and reduced staff.  The interview line was three hours long (a quiet day) and there was no hope in getting through by phone, but she was moved to process Williams simple application as we stood at the counter.  


William was overwhelmed.  It is safe to say he had never experienced the power of God's unconditional love in such a tangible way.  I had the honor of watering the seed which God planted in Williams once hard heart, now slightly soften by the loss of his leg and the outpouring of God's mercy and grace.  


William's shaky housing plans quickly fell apart when a jailhouse buddy he was counting on turned us away.  William could not face the prospect of navigating the shelters in a wheelchair so Connections paid for two nights at a local motel to give him and opportunity to consider his next steps.  After supplementing the groceries we received from Catholic Charities and purchasing some hygiene items I left him for the evening, feeling very much like the Good Samaritan.  


Friday, I pulled up to the motel at 11:00 to find William sitting in his wheelchair entertaining a woman in his doorway while sipping a beer.  Apparently, William was going to test God's unconditional love as he flexed his hardened cynical old self.  My resolve was also tested as I moved into the room to find a grocery bag full of beer cans and bottles.  As we drove away from the motel I did my best ignore Williams taunt, "I guess you were being so nice to me because you thought I was a stand up guy."


For the next half hour I prayed continually as William wrestled with the man he was purposed to be and the man he had been for many years.  I choose not to react and continue to serve as the storm within William began to calm.  He spoke of resisting temptations and being encouraged on Thursday by a friend of mine who lived on the streets most his life and yet now has stable housing and a relationship with God.  I witnessed God continue to minister to William through others throughout the morning including a kind receptionist at Hanger Prosthetic, a Vietnam Vet who knew motorcycles, a severely disabled woman in a wheelchair, and a woman a parking lot.  Through each encounter William tested the legs of the man he was meant to be.  


William, once set against staying at the Haven of Rest, chose to stay there until we can find a more permanent solution.  I called on a few favors and was able to get him a bed for the month.  He will face many more temptation in the coming weeks and his old self is not done trying to exert itself.  I will continue make myself available to God so he may love William through these trials.  Please pray for me and William.     

Big Week

It was a very big week for Connections.  Monday we received word our Church Multiplication Network (CMN) funding request was approved by the by the Executive Leadership of the Assemblies of God.  Thursday we completed an application for a sizable federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The CMN approval will provide much needed funding and equally important, it marks the final launch hurdle.  We are now clear for our August grand opening.  It also marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.  I have been a "pastor in training" for a long time and I still questions whether I am ready for the big leagues.  However, I am comforted by the distance God has already brought me.  Somehow, against long odds He has refined me and equipped me for service.  My confidence is in Him, not my own abilities.

Our Federal grant application is a testament to God's greatness.  The amount of bureaucracy and minutia applicants are require to navigate to apply for a Federal grant leaves Satan plenty of room to work.  If Connections Church is awarded the grant it will provide funds to pay staff, lease space, and provide for the basic needs of those we serve.  The grant was offered at the end of June and the application deadline was Thursday.

After reading the grant details at the beginning of July I felt defeated by its bestselling novel length.  My head could not even comprehend the amount of work which laid ahead but God encouraged us forward.  It was God who created the outline.  It was God who named the project.  It was God who shaped the narrative through the gifts of our leadership team.  By Thursday morning, after one last push, the application was ready.

The final battle came two hours before the deadline.  The process to electronically file a Federal grant is equally mind-numbing.  I thought I had completed the process weeks earlier until I entered my password and hit send.  It turns out I had only completed half the process and needed yet another account and password.  I felt Satan sneering with satisfaction, but God was not done.  Despite our stress, fear, and frustration God helped Deniz navigate the last steps and thwarted the enemy by clearing the last bureaucratic bariers in record time.    

Regardless of whether we receive grant, victory has been won.  Connection's ability to collaborate, willingness to trust, and faith in God was tested.  Our confidence in God has grown.  Nothing is too hard for the Lord, not even government bureaucracy.        

Finding Balance

Forgive me, it has been a few weeks since I posted our progress.  God is rearranging furniture, moving me from outreach worker to pastor, and sometimes difficult for me to find my balance.  I've been tempted to return to my old routines; meeting basic needs and touching lives where I can. However, our mission isn't to continue doing outreach the old way, God has something new in store.  My role has changed.  Outreach worker, preacher, and executive director are all time consuming jobs.  How can I do them all?  The short answer, I can't, but when I fall instep with God's plan I find balance.

Thursday was a good example.  I have continued my rounds at the Apalachee Drop-in Center from 9:00 - 12:00 on Thursdays, there was less people than usual but I remained the full three hours putting pieces together for a grant for homeless fathers.  I headed across town at noon because I was scheduled to meet Tommy, a young guy who I helped find housing, at 1:30.  Not wanting to waste time, I decided to call Tommy to see if I could visit earlier.  As I scanned my contact, I had several listings for Tommy.  I called the first listing, phone disconnected.  The next listing simply said "Tommy", I called, different Tommy.  I was trying to reach Tommy C. and I found Tommy S.

Tommy S. is in his mid-fifties and has lived on the road for twenty years.  I took an immediate liking to Tommy when I met him last year.  There was a time, when Tommy camped nearby my office, I began most of my days with him.  We would talk about his adventures, his struggles, and about God.  I saw Tommy's life begin to transform.  Unfortunately, Tommy's progress got derailed and he disappeared for several months.  Last month he returned but our relationship had changed, Tommy wasn't interested in talking about God anymore and as happens often with people running from God, he avoided me.

My Thursday plan, 9-12 Drop-in, 1:30 Tommy C, 2:00 shuttle six folks needing clothing to Calvary Methodist, 3-6:30 work on fatherhood grant, 6:30 prayer meeting followed by business meeting.  God's Thursday plan, something different.  As I spoke to Tommy S. on the phone, I realized God had created a new pathway.  My phone was transformed from a nuisance device to a ministry tool.  Tommy and I chatted only for a few minutes, but I felt God creating a new connection.  I sat in the Chevron station just South of Tommy C's apartment and called several others; not long conversations simply, "I was thinking about you just now...".

I got a call from Tommy S. around 5:00.  He said, "I don't get many calls and it can get pretty lonely, I really appreciated you calling me today."  

How often do we plow through our days moving from one task to another, completely oblivious to God's plan?  When we forget our mission and reduce it to a schedule, stress and fatigue can easily knock us off our stride.  Thankfully, God is faithful and patient.  If we are willing to keep an eye out for Him, even in the smallest of ways, He can adjust our trajectory.  Imagine what God could accomplish through us if our focus remained on Him completely.

God, thank you for growth and adventure.  My life is not stagnant.  I surrender my ways for your ways.  Accomplish in me and through me what needs to be done to bring glory and honor to you.  Help me to be attentive to your plan and overcome the stresses and strains this world invents.  Thank you Lord for wrong numbers which turn to right numbers, draw Tommy near, may my words be your words.  Amen.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.   

  

Amazing

Just between you and I, I really had no idea how Connections would ever launch.  Yes, God has patiently groomed a Pastor and his family, raised men and women to stand by his side, created relationships within the homeless community and the community at large, raised support within the church, and overcome every obstacle, but a homeless church born during a recession? 


God continues to amaze me.  There is nothing too hard for Him.  Wednesday, during a seemingly unimportant lunch of leftovers with our Boys and Girls club hosts, God placed two more pieces of the puzzle.  By the end of the lunch we had a temporary location for our church and outreach center which will be co-located at the Boys and Girls Club during non-club hours. We also gained our future location in the abandon theater behind their existing building.  


This victory did not come from my clever planning or networking skills.  It came because God is faithful.  For months, I have been scanning real estate listings, talking with property owners, reaching out to friends of friends with money and influence, introducing myself to city and county leaders.   The mountain of impossibilities seemed to loom larger with every dead-end.  It is easy to become discouraged when you are expecting a miracle and instead you are greeted by fear, distrust, discrimination and skepticism.  However, it makes the victory all the more sweeter when God's love floods the room from a completely unexpected source.


Theresa, the President of the Boys and Girls Club, is not giving out of her abundant resources.  She was hired to make tough financial decisions and stabilize a struggling agency. They have been forced to close several clubs in our area and let go staff.  Where others refused to give out of their abundance, Theresa shares out of compassion for our community.  


There will be many more challenges ahead.  Today we celebrate God's faithfulness and provision in difficult times.  Years from now when we are ministering to hundreds or thousands, may we remember this week and how God launched Connections.


Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV)
¹⁷ “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.

Romans 8:31 (NIV)

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   

Luke 21:1–4 (NIV)

As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. ² He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ³ “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. ⁴ All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Preachin' (Part 2)

Our first  Sunday went really well.  We met in a small unconditioned room in the basement of the Boys and Girls Club.  Dylan Jackson lead worship with an acoustic guitar while Jasmine and our Dylan belted praises loud enough to be heard by neighbors passing by.  Words to our song streamed across a TV from our wall at home, as Jenna sat at a small desk at the front of the room running PowerPoint from my laptop.  Yet, when God showed up during our first song I felt as though I was standing in the finest church ever conceived by man.  It was was the same power I have felt at our well appointed home church and the simple sanctuary of Rescue Atlanta.  Where God's people are; there is His church.

The message I delivered was strong and received.  I wasn't nervous and felt God working through me.  That is not to say I was comfortable.  I preached from behind the pulpit most of the service and lacked the conversational style God is still developing within me.  The most powerful moments were when I left script and shared my heart.  That has been the strength of my outreach style and has followed me to the pulpit.  My prayer was answered; God decreased Jeff's presentation and poured from his heart.  May every Sunday go as well.

Speaking of every Sunday, did someone forget to tell me Pastors are required to prepare 100-150 fresh messages per year?  Wow, this is going to require God's strength and wisdom.  Up until this point I've prepared 50 bible study topics (maybe nearing 100 while teaching Sunday school and leading Mighty Ones) and preached 4 or 5 times per year.  For memorial services I was given a week to prepare for special events often over a month.  

Last week I lived the message I was preparing.  Every conversation and bit of news was considered as a possible illustration.  Every scripture examined carefully.  My message became part of the family; then I delivered it (twice, gave a condensed version to the Mighty Ones) and it moved out.  Monday morning there was a new message waiting to be adopted.  This one, a Father's Day message, different than last weeks but loved just as much.  

I am certain God will develop my skills and preparing a message will become easier.  I believe Pastor Larry could prepare and deliver a heartfelt message within hours.  Right now I am still discovering Preacher Jeff.  My style is still being crafted.  There are parts of Pastor Larry which have imprinted on me and will be part of my delivery, but there is much more God has imprinted on me which is still finding its way to the surface.

A week ago I, if you had asked, I would have confessed I was as surprised as anyone God chose me to preach.  I only arrived at the pulpit by tiny steps of obedience over the span of seven years.  Today, I know I am meant to preach.  Words which once only found there way to the page will now find there way to the hearts of those I serve.  God has been preparing me for this time since the beginning; lets have church!!

Preachin' (Part 1)

Connections begins holding services tomorrow for our leadership team and supporters.  I have been a minister with the Assemblies of God since 2006, I've prepared bible studies, memorial services, testimonials, and the occasional sermon, but this is the big leagues (ok, maybe the AG farm team).  It has been a great week.  


There are things you discover only by stepping out in faith.  I have enjoyed the process of developing a message to share.  It has called me to go deeper into the bible than I have ever gone before.  This job comes with great responsibilities and I don't take them lightly, but it also comes with great blessing.  God has given me a backstage pass to His show;I see passages from Old and New Testament blending together like never before, I feel His guiding hand from words chosen to the type of background for the presentation; simply amazing.  He has increase my confidence and understanding so I can pour into others.  Remember when your parents gave you the keys to their car for the first time, something like that. 


I am nervous too.  What kind of voice will God give me?  What style will he craft in me?  Will I bring him Glory?  Will I be able to express my overwhelming joy while portraying God's message clearly?  Will I break free from convention and preach as He would have me preach; can I be my authentic self?  


Lord, do not allow me to shame you; let your words of wisdom, encouragement, conviction, and love pour from me.  Decrease me, leaving only you. 

Running the Race

I coasted this week.  It wasn't that I didn't accomplish anything.  I completed our application for funding, introduced myself to Boys and Girls Club (our summer hosts), established a new relationship with The Shelter and the jail, organized our finances (now that we have some), and had productive meetings with our core team.  Looking back over the week, I definitely coasted.

We purchased new bikes last weekend for the whole crew.  All of us need to exercise more and we have a great trail not far from our house.  On our first trip I dreaded every uphill and sought out every downhill.  Uphills require work; your heart pumps, knees strain, and you often have to shift to a slower gear.  On the downhill there is a breeze, your body relaxes, and you are encouraged not to pedal at all.  Unfortunately,  there seems to be more uphills than downhills.  Which means if you are riding for the downhills and dreading the uphills; enjoying the journey may be very difficult.

Friday morning Jasmine and I woke early and headed to the trail.  In the middle of the ride my perspective changed.  I was no longer seeking out opportunities to coast; I wanted to get the most out of my effort.  Why wake up at 5:00 to coast?  I met every uphill with a new exuberance; a chance to push myself, a chance to test my endurance.  On downhills I shifted to a faster gear and continued to press.  I was surprised at how much ground I covered.  When we got back to the trail head I was exhausted, my legs felt rubbery and my breath was ragged, but I knew I had gotten the most out of the experience.

As Christians we are tempted to coast.  We dread the next challenge and seek the easy days.  Have you noticed there are more challenging days than easy days?  If you are living for the easy days finding joy in this life is difficult.  What if we allowed God to change our perspective?  What if we welcomed challenges; pushed ourselves, allowed our endurance to be tested?  What if we fought the temptation to rest during the easy days and kept pressing forward?  

Paul referred to the pursuit of God as a race.  Running a race well requires focus, endurance, discipline, and stamina.  These same attributes are found in Christians who are seeking God to the fullest.  How well are you running your race?  Are you giving God your best effort or are you simply trying to survive until the end? 

Acts 20:24

²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:24

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  

Galatians 2:2

² I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Galatians 5:7

⁷ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?  

2 Timothy 4:7

⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Another Step Closer

My Christian life is much like walking on a moving sidewalk.  There are times my pace is easy and progress seems effortless.  There are times I try running ahead, only to find myself waiting for the rest of my companions to catch up.  There are times I feel like I am at a stand still, yet God continues to move me forward.  There are times I feel like bolting in the opposite direction, but I've learned I always end up back at the same place.

I have been pursuing God's vision for my life for several years.  Eight years ago I stopped running in the opposite direction.  Seven years ago began learning how to serve.  Six years God taught me forgiveness.  Five years ago I began to trust.  Four years ago He revealed his vision.  Three years ago I learned to wait.  Two years ago the vision sharpened.  One year ago He blessed me with leaders.  Yesterday I stepped from the moving sidewalk to the space between.  Today I praise God for His patience, faithfulness, and encouragement.  Tomorrow I step to the next sidewalk to continue my journey.

As of today I am no longer the Outreach Worker for the Big Bend Homeless Coalition.  I am the Senior Pastor of Connections Church and Executive Director of Connections.  We begin Sunday service as a leadership team on June 12 and launch August 14.  We have been blessed with funding, a free office and meeting space, and barriers which once seemed impossible to overcome have vanished.  My part in all of this; faith and obedience.  Which loosely translated means I stand when I feel like bolting and I inch my toes forward when God says move.  The rest He handles.  It is His plan, His battle, and His victory.

I am better equipped today than yesterday through God's process of healing and restoration.  It is often uncomfortable and challenging.  There are days when I long for the comfortable life promised on TV.  Yet, when I consider what God sacrificed to bring me here, and the emptiness I felt while living the American dream; I freely choose God.

⁶ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, New International Version)

 ¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13, New International Version)

⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. (2 Corinthians 4:8-11, New International Version)

² In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. ³ The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (Exodus 16:2-3, New International Version)

²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27, New International Version)

God is Good

It has been an amazing week for Connections.  God is the same today as he was yesterday and he will be the same tomorrow.  When His people turn away from evil and earnestly seek Him He will show up in extraordinary ways.  The smallest steps of faith move mountains.  Connections Daily Devotions capture how God worked this week.  

Friday, May 13

¹ When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1,2
 

I enjoyed our first prayer meeting, thank you all for attending.  I am looking forward to our next.  Something powerful happens when we gather with one heart and one voice.  During His ministry Jesus brought a diverse group of individuals together.   When He died they scattered.  Per His instructions, they gathered together in Jerusalem and waited.  On the day of Pentecost Heaven opened and the Holy Spirit was poured out.  Jesus knew his disciples would remain a group of individuals until they learned to lift their voices together.  Please continue to pray for unity.  May we be knitted together as one body with one voice.  We are Connections. We have been chosen for this time and this place for this mission.  We, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, will impact the world. 

Sunday, May 15

⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14-16  
 
Faith is a verb.  To faith is to love.  Those we serve will come to know God through our actions.  Encouraging words grab attention, but a failure to act wounds.  Pray Connections serves sincerely with encouraging words and matching actions.  Pray we will find ways to go beyond convenience and schedule to meet every opportunity to demonstrate our faith and God's love.  Pray Connections avoids making empty promises by seeking God's will in every need. 

Monday, May 16

"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

We will make the greatest impact when we put Jesus center-stage.  My success in outreach these past years has not been based on any special skills or abilities.  It is actually the contrary.  I am not a gifted outreach worker.  When I arrived at the Coalition I was so far out of my depth I had no choice but to rely on Jesus.  As people began lining up to see me I realized they were not there to see me but the light within me.  There have been days I have been tempted to take credit for my popularity, but those days never end well.  To successfully serve He must become greater and I must become less.

Please pray for the blessing of humility.  Connections will succeed not by our talents and gifts but by the light we reflect into the world.  Ask God to take you beyond your comfort zone.  It is easy to learn to trust and rely on Him when you can no longer touch.  Pray the people who God will send to us will encounter Him.  May we always radiate with His love.
 

Wednesday, May 18

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”  Luke 12:10-12

As I mentioned in a previous devotion I was asked to share my testimony with the Iron Men of Freedom Church.  I have shared my testimony many times with individuals and with large groups.  I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me to the words to share.  God has asked me to give my complete testimony only twice.  The first time was with a Christian young man who needed to be encouraged to cherish the woman God had blessed him with; the second time was last night with the Iron Men.

Obediently, I prepared a message which shared the unflattering details of my life before I knew God.  I was certain it was the message God wanted me to share; someone's life was at stake.  The message was well organized, supported by scripture, and ready to be delivered; then I entered the church.  The Iron Men group was much smaller than usual.  I saw Pastor's truck in the parking lot and heard him joking with a few others in the kitchen.  Our Connections meeting was to begin in a few minutes and I was beside myself with fear.  I stole a few moments in the classroom across the hall to pray, "Father, please do not let me shame you."

Our meeting went well; your fellowship is soothing to my spirit.  7:00 quickly came and it was time for me to join the men.  I entered a room of fifteen Elders, Pastors, Prayer Warriors, Pillars of the Church, a Missionary, a Doctor, and friends.  This was my audience?  Maybe God had it wrong; too late to alter my message.  I leaned heavily on Luke 12:10-12.  As I found my voice, it was strong and unwavering.  I spoke from a simple outline and let God choose my words.  I was confident, even during uncomfortable details.  As the evening progressed God provided confirmation through the blending of my message with words offered by other speakers.  When the evening was over I was approached by several men who thanked me for my testimony.  I appreciated the support from everyone, and was deeply touched by the encouragement of Pastor Larry.

God faithfully walked me through a difficult situation; one my flesh wanted to run away from.  However, by trusting in His promise I received validation and encouragement.  Please pray for the courage which can only be found through God.  As we climb closer and closer to launch our faith will be tested.  Pray we have the strength to stand firm.  As you find yourselves in new situations, do not fear, he will never leave you or forsake you.  Thank God for His faithfulness and guidance through the process and face new challenges with joy.

Saturday, May 21

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Fellowship is one of the greatest gifts from God and essential to our success.  I thank God he has surrounded me with people who are willing to join together with my voice and seek God's will.  At Thursday’s prayer meeting I witnessed God's hand at work.  We entered the room as individuals but left the room as one; the product of simply lifting our voices as one.  Obstacles which threatened to crowd out our vision were suddenly gone.  Within five minutes after our prayer we received confirmation about new streams of income and a place to begin meeting on Sunday mornings.  Somebody say, THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Prayer is a powerful.   Prayer is essential.  Please continue to find time to pray during the week.  Pray for the each of our leaders.  Pray for Megan, Bonnie, Dylan J, Michael, and Jon that God would make their heavy burdens light.  Pray for Kelly, Destiny, Jason, Jasmine, and Rachel that God will bring order from chaos.  Pray for Dylan F, Jenna, Nikki and Billy for strength to stand against the temptations of the world and empowerment to bring the light into the darkness.  Pray for Deniz and I that we remain true to God's vision and trust in His providence as we step out in faith.  May God provide for each of our needs and may we be richly blessed so we may share those blessing with those we are called to serve.  

This Way to Launch

Connections Leadership Team recognized we were beginning to focus so much on the launch variables we were leaving less room for God.  To return our attention to God we have organized a prayer meeting schedule and shared devotionals.  Below is a snapshot of our first week.    Devotion One   13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[Joel 2:32]14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15   Our focus needs to return to those God is seeking to reach through Connections.  I am convinced God wants to do something miraculous through us and through the people we serve.  Yes, God is concerned about the physical and emotional suffering the homeless community endures. However, he also sees them as His people who He will bless to bless the world.  There are few who can see their potential, even within the church, but I know you can.  God has shown me your heart.  You believe in redemption.  You believe in the power of God's love.  You believe Jesus died so none should parish.  Now is the time to put your beliefs into action.  We can sit on the sidelines with the rest, or we can answer the call.  As for my family, and my people, we choose God!  The homeless community has been placed in our hands, they are within reach, through them a miracle is about to be born. It is our job to activate this dormant and dismissed community. Please pray for the coming flood.  Pray we reach a number worthy to be called His army.  Pray we reach a people who will represent Him well.  Pray their afflictions be healed in miraculous ways for the world to witness.  Pray God's glory shine through the people of Connections.  Pray they be blessed with an abundance of health and providence.  Pray for the words to speak into their lives.  Pray God increase you capacity for patience and compassion.  Pray His will be done for His Glory, for His Honor, AMEN!! Devotion Two  8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8  Good Morning!!  Ever feel powerless?  Sometimes it seems there are too many variables in life's equation to ever reach a solution.  Connections is pressing towards launch and yet there are so many details yet to be revealed.  I admit to feeling overwhelmed at times.  However, God continues to return my attention to the earliest church.  Can you imagine how overwhelmed Jesus' disciples felt and yet God had a plan; that plan included the power to complete the mission. There have been more setbacks than victories this week, but at the same time I feel we are standing on the brink of success.  Our mission's success is dependent on our ability to break through the barriers and conventions of this world and seek the empowerment God has promised.  Please join me in prayer today that we as individuals and we as a church will receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the unimaginable.  It is foolish to believe we can accomplish a God size mission without God.   Devotion Three  2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV) As we get closer to launch we can expect to face new barriers and old temptations.  Standing on the front-line isn't easy.  I have witnessed many good people's knees buckle under the pressure and turn back.  God allows us to undergo these challenges so we may become battle hardened and more confident in Him.  The enemy is aware of what you are about to become; the breakthrough you are about to experience and will do anything to convince you to quit.   Please pray for the people God Has placed on your left and your right.  Pray they remain strong and reach their full potential for the glory of God.  Pray for peace in the present and coming battles.  When under pressure take heart, the Devil pays little attention to the dead.  When in the midst of turmoil find joy; know you are in God's will and something awesome is about to happen.    Devotion Four   Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27   I've been asked to share my testimony this week with the Iron Men of Freedom Church.  As I prepare I've asked God which parts of my history to share.  I lived years being polluted by the world; years moving away from God's presence instead of towards.  Yet, God has forgiven me and accepted my humble rededication.  I am blessed to serve people in distress; those others might overlook.  I know what it is to be lost.    However, I am tempted daily.  The wounds inflicted by sin may never heal completely but in my weakness God demonstrates His strength, grace and forgiveness.  As I allow myself to be convicted of my polluted desires God corrects and shapes me.  It is by His strength I remain on course.   Please pray for strength to remain unpolluted by the empty promises of this world.  Seek God, allow Him into your life completely.  Recognize the Holy Spirit's conviction, ask forgiveness and be healed.  Pray God will protect our hearts and minds against the enemies schemes.  May our mission be pure and faultless; anything less is a waste of time. Devotion Five 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Mark 16:15-18 When I consider Jesus' expectations for his followers I don't measure up very well.  He expects us to be fearless, yet I spend much of my time worrying.  I prayed today for strength, wisdom and courage.  I am quickly approaching the end of the runway and my plane still doesn't have wings.  I have tried buying wings, building wings, and willing wings but they all fall apart.  I have been told by others who dared to take a leap of faith, God will allow us to exhaust every imaginable human resource to remind us to trust in Him and Him alone.  Well, if that is the case, God should be along in moment now.  I suppose one way to learn to trust God is to pick up a snake, I am praying it doesn't come to that.  However, having the faith to stand in the fire when He asks so he can conquer our fear is a worthy lesson.   Father, I submit myself to your will.  I will stand in the fire and face my fears.  Defeat my fear and trepidation; grow my faith.  You are a mighty God.  There is a great distance between where my understanding ends and your wisdom begins, therefore teach me to trust and rely on you.  I surrender, I do not have the answers, I do not have the money, I do not have the ability to complete this mission.  Father, you are the creator of all things, you hold all the answers, you own all the world, there is nothing too great for you.  I will trust and rely on you.  I seek your will for my life, I seek your will for Connections.  Father, grant me courage to hold this ground, my enemy prowls and test my defenses and resolve.  I will not yield, I will not run, I will trust and rely on you.  Father, I want to be as sure of my mission as Paul.  He knew your plan did not include dying by snake or poison.  Lord, craft me into the man you need me to be.  In Jesus' name, Amen!!  Devotion Six 4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4,5    Connections is more than a ministry of one.  It is a "Spiritual House" being formed through our unique gifts and talents.  Jesus is our cornerstone and you are an instrumental part of His ministry.  Connections' leaders are the first stones; they must be solid and in alignment with God and each other.  I am grateful for each of our leaders.  You have each been an answer to prayer.  We are diverse, passionate, and dedicated.  I am confident we will succeed.  Please pray for each other.  Pray we learn to work in concert.  Pray we learn to celebrate our differences.  Pray our relationships solidify.  Pray God will raise the next generation of leaders from within His church and the community we serve; may our impact be felt in the homeless community, the impoverished community, Greater Tallahassee, the Big Bend, the Panhandle, Florida and our Nation.  Nothing is too hard for our Lord.  Devotion Seven 1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1,2    I enjoyed our first prayer meeting, thank you all for attending.  I am looking forward to our next.  Something powerful happens when we gather with one heart and one voice.  During His ministry Jesus brought a diverse group of individuals together.   When He died they scattered.  Per His instructions, they gathered together in Jerusalem and waited.  On the day of Pentecost Heaven opened and the Holy Spirit was poured out.  Jesus knew his disciples would remain a group of individuals until they learned to lift their voices together.  Please continue to pray for unity.  May we be knitted together as one body with one voice.  We are Connections. We have been chosen for this time and this place for this mission.  We, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, will impact the world.

Serving One Master

I am a servant, not a politician but sometimes I forget.  The process of launching a ministry is difficult; even more difficult when funding is uncertain.  Recently, while soliciting for support I notice I began customizing my message to my audience.  Do you know the word "God" and "Jesus" have become taboo in certain circles?  


What if Connections could have a building to provide homeless services as long as we did not mention God or Jesus in the proposal, would God bless our mission?  What if someone was willing to give $500,000 to us as long as we agreed to not hold a worship service?  The answer seems simple, yet I found myself seeking favor from people instead of seeking God first.  Fortunately, God is patient and allowed me to see my mistake and make corrections.


Connections belongs to God.  Without God at the center it does not have a chance of success.  If I remove God from the front page or attempt to disguise our mission because I am concerned I will offend a potential funder, I risk offending God.  Connections is God based and will succeed because we choose to honor God above man and above the things of this world.


Are you hesitant to share your faith out of fear of offending?  Do you decrease the importance of Jesus in your life to gain favor with your peers, instructors, or boss?  Are you ashamed of God?  The world is changing.  Sexual immorality, drunkenness, hedonism, and lying are becoming the accepted norm while Christians retreat to the closet.  


On Thursday, I had an opportunity to attend the National Day of Prayer in Tallahassee on the steps of the Capitol.  Last July I sang for God on the steps of Georgia's Capitol.  On both occasions I felt freed from the weight of the world.  Expressing my faith and my love for God on such a public stage was exhilarating.  How much impact would be felt in our communities if we stepped away from fear and into public?  How will the world know God if they see no difference between Christians and everyone else?  Shouldn't we be dancing and singing and loving with abandon?  


"Dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt,sing like no one is listening,and live like it's heaven on earth."  This Celtic proverb captures the heart God desires to grow within us.  To share the love of God properly with the world it is time we begin living our faith out loud.  Connections chooses to strive to love Jesus as He loves us.

  

   ¹³ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:13, New International Version, ©2011)

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33, New International Version, ©2011)

 ⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
 ¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
 ¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (Matthew 4:8-11, New International Version, ©2011)

⁸ I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, but you have not been like my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes. ⁹ You have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, idols made of metal; you have aroused my anger and turned your back on me.
 ¹⁰ “‘Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel—slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone. (1 Kings 14:8-10, New International Version, ©2011)

¹⁰ At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, ¹¹ and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. ¹² Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, ¹³ but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:10-14, New International Version, ©2011)

 ¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15, New International Version, ©2011)

Every Heartbeat for Your Glory

Alabaster Jar

By Gateway Worship

This alabaster jar
Is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet Lord
It's less than You deserve
You're far more beautiful
More precious than the oil
The sum of my desires
And the fullness of my joy

Like You spilled Your blood
I spilled my heart
As an offering to my King

Here I am take me
As an offering
Here I am giving
Every heartbeat for Your glory
Take me, take me

This time that I have left
Is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet Lord
It's less than You deserve
And though I've lived astray
And though my days are few
You gave Your life for me
So I will live my life for You

Like you spilled your blood
I spilled my heart
As an offering to my King

Here I am take me
As an offering
Here I am giving
Every heartbeat for your glory 
Take me 


We began singing Alabaster Jar three years ago during our Sunday Worship.  The Alabaster Jar comes from the story of a woman who poured a very expensive jar of perfume on Jesus shortly before his death.  It was an act of worship only Jesus understood.  Witnesses considered the woman unworthy and foolish; Jesus received her humble sacrifice.


The song reflects the desire of my heart.  My journey with God began shortly after I returned to Church.  I simply made myself available to God, "use me Lord."  I knew my sin, I knew my worth, but I offered it anyway.  To my surprise he took me up on my offer.  I serve today because I learned freedom through surrender.  The road is not easy, but it is the only road worth traveling.


In today's Contemporary Christian world "Alabaster Jar" doesn't make the rotation very often anymore.  However, we sang it last Sunday.  I sang the first verse and most of the chorus with zeal, "hear I am, take me!"  


Then I hit hurdle I had overlooked in the past, "every heartbeat, for your glory".  Whoa hold on, back the Jesus Van up, every heartbeat?  That is a major claim; am I truly living every heartbeat for God?  Should I be making this claim before examining my heart?


Anybody else ever fall into the trap of dividing your time from God's time?  It looks something like, "I just spent hours praying, now time for some me time."  or "I spend my day helping others, tonight is going to be about what I want."  Sound selfish?  Yep, it sounds selfish to me too.  It is certainly not true to the lyrics.  Maybe I should sing, "Here I am take me as an offering, here I am giving, a few heartbeats for your glory, as long I get mine".


Are you offering God your best or your leftovers?  Was that the difference between Cain's offering and Able's?  Was it the difference between the woman who gave two coins and the other who gave much more?  Was it why Jesus was so pleased with the woman with the alabaster jar?  


What would giving every heartbeat for God look like?  Perhaps it is not even humanly possible; yet God calls us to strive towards it.  From the outside a life dedicated to God looks difficult.  In Philippians, Paul speaks of the suffering he has endured and yet the letter is filled with the words "joy" and "rejoice"; an upbeat letter about misery?  


Paul's faith and reliance in God grew as he faced hardship.  Satan threw his best at Paul, but he remained focused on his mission.  Satan's words, "Paul, you deserve a break, you've done enough, let someone else bear this burden for awhile", fell on deaf ears.  Our pursuit of God does not keep us out of harms way, (it often draws us into the thick of the battle) but the more we live for God, the less vulnerable we become to Satan's traps.       

___________________

 ³⁶ When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. ³⁷ A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. ³⁸ As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

 ³⁹ When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”
 ⁴⁰ Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”
   “Tell me, teacher,” he said.
   ⁴¹ “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. ⁴² Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
 ⁴³ Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”
   “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
 ⁴⁴ Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵ You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. ⁴⁶ You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. ⁴⁷ Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”
 ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
 ⁴⁹ The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
 ⁵⁰ Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:36-50, New International Version, ©2011)

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² Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.
   Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. ³ In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. ⁴ And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
 ⁶ Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
 ⁸ Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:2-8, New International Version, ©2011)

___________________

 ⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
 ⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. (Mark 12:41-43, New International Version, ©2011)

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¹⁹ for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. ²⁰ I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.  ²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:19-230, New International Version, ©2011)