One only needs to wipe the sweat from their brow to know of the dog days in August are more than just a random saying. It’s hot and the humidity is palpable. Not so thick that you can cut it, but enough to know the perspiration won’t evaporate before soaking into the clothing that is now clinging to the body. Each rotation of the pedals propels the bike forward. The work is needed to help maintain the temple of God’s Spirit. Although things interfere, the exercise is a welcomed event.
For more than two decades I have been walking in tune with the Lord. Gifted to me on a Monday night on the ides of September in 1997, God brought me to a dinner meeting and afforded me the opportunity to hear His call and respond. That night shook me and the rest has been even wackier since. Present were: realtors, gov’t contractors, business owners, pastors, truck drivers, singers, restaurateurs, and more, all called for one reason or another that Monday night. And many of the others received the gift of salvation and baptism of Holy Spirit the same evening. “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 1: 13 ESV)”
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s (Matthew) house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. The teachers saw this… and asked the disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? (Mark 2: 15-16 NIV)’” The same reasons Jesus was eating with Levi and others was still in effect over 1900 years later. Mark continued to share it: “Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (2: 17 NIV)’” It is in Him we live!
Wow, His call was still beckoning from the seats inside Matthew’s home, to the dining room seat I sat on that solemn night. Some who were in attendance have passed on, but others are still sharing their walk today. For you, where did you first hear his call and answer? If you haven’t now is the time to listen and respond. You have to do nothing, just receive. Yes, it is screwy. It baffles the mind and senses, because it’s nothing you can do. It’s something that is done for you.
Events unfold every day, some to your liking and some to your dismay. Challenges are designed to reveal what God has put in you. We don’t always look our prettiest as we go through them and that is ok, but the point is to go through them. The victory comes in our going. Take time and be a light that shines so others may see and be drawn to the light that comes from within. (Matthew 5: 16 ESV) The time for seclusion is over. Be present in all that you do! God is with you…
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story comes from the memory of a dinner invitation. My resurrection night came in the middle of pursing a childhood dream of playing a professional sport. That night caused me to pursue another from then on. I have walked away from more than I care to remember in pursuit of Him. Don’t stop pursuing! He is with you. If we veil our light, who will see?
A simple prayer: Jesus thank you for dying for me and washing my sins away. Place your Spirit in me and let me shine for You! Amen. Remember He is alive forevermore!
Matthew 5:16 ESV “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Mark 2: 15-16 NIV “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’”
Mark 2: 17 NIV “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
Ephesians 1: 13 ESV “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
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