The following Sunday after meeting Leo, I was at the same corner on the way to church and there was another man sitting down.
He was smoking what smelled like a grandfather's pipe. He had a laid-back demeanor and a gruff voice.
We chatted a bit. He began to tell me his problems... I listened intently.
He told me how the meaning of his name had a negative connotation to it.
"Why did your mom give you a negative name?" I asked
"I don't know" he said remorsefully, blowing out a puff of smoke and shaking his head.
"Well," I said "What are you going to do, live out the meaning of your name or soar like an eagle above your situations"
He looked at me intently, waiting for me to go on.
"You need to see yourself as God sees you" I said.
"Why does God care about me?" he asked.
"He sent his son to die for you. He loves you that much." I said.
"Who are you?" he asked.
I smiled and laughed. "I'm on my way to church"
He smiled.
"There is a scripture that says 'as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he", remember that" I said.
He smiled again and nodded. "Mmm. That's good" Yenta was drinking God's word right up.
"Well, Yenta. It was an honor to meet you. You are going to do great things" I shook his head.
He shook my hand and beamed.
I believe that Sunday Yenta realized that he had a purpose and that God loved him. I honestly do feel that Yenta will remember our little conversation on that street corner. It is a blessing to use God's word to lift people up. There is power in the tongue. Let us speak life over people and exhort them; words are powerful.
The past 2 Sundays on the way to church, I have met two different men on a particular corner of the street at 55th and Ashland. Last Sunday, I met Leo. This Sunday, a man named Yenta.
Leo
Leo stood on the corner, bundled up from the cold and holding a DSW bag in his hand. I remember how nice he was, a genteel manner. We chatted a bit, and he was very helpful, offering some tips about Chicago. I could tell by the way people approached him asking for a lighter and other "random needs" (to protect his identity I will not go into detail) that he was from the neighborhood.
I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to minister to him.
Granted, I've never just ministered to someone on the street in this manner, but I was obedient.
"Leo, would you like me to pray for you?" I looked him in the eye, trying to keep my body still in the chill of the morning air.
He looked at me calmly "Yes"
I walked over to him and God's power just started flowing.
He knew Jesus, he was just living a crazy life currently- alcoholism, drugs- and needed deliverance. He was hungry to be set free, because I asked him to raise his hands a bit while I prayed over him. Not only did he oblige, but he began to get down on his knees in the middle of the street.
"Oh, no... Leo, you don't have to get down on your knees... we are out in public" I warmly hugged him.
As I prayed deliverance over him, he let out a shout.
Next, the Holy Spirit told me to invite him to church with me.
Again, Leo obliged.
As Leo sat in our spirit-filled church, I could tell the Holy Spirit was doing a work on him and his eyes became brighter.
I invited Leo to come back with me every Sunday, and shared the importance of surrounding himself with people of God so he will not slip back into a depressed lifestyle.
It was humbling to have God use me in this manner- to share His love and light with someone off the street. Never would I have the power to do such a thing, particularly to the point that they would go to church with me as well. I believe this is the beginning of the street ministry.
Next post, Yenta.
One of the many aspects of Chicago that I love is the Chicago Public Library. I remember first moving here this past summer and camping out among the archives, eventually checking out bagful of books. It is such a beautiful building. I love to read and expand knowledge. They have a new downloadable Media Catalog, very convenient in the winter time when cardholders do not want to forge the bitter, cold winds to go the library.
There are several areas where I need strengthening and it is exciting to get understanding and knowledge and then apply what I'm reading to obtain wisdom. I'm a big advocate of applied knowledge... otherwise, how else will we see breakthroughs and results?
What areas in your life do you need to see a breakthrough? Where do you need strengthening? I suggest a two-pronged approach:
1. Spiritual realm: Pray and seek God on the matter. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas you need to strengthen and how to go about seeing breakthrough in that area. (do you need a better diet? get out of debt? battling pornography? etc.)
Usually, to achieve breakthrough, there is a process of renewing the mind that needs to take place. Stand on scriptures about your situation to pivot your thoughts to what God has to say about it. If God says it, that settles it!
2. Physical realm: Once He reveals these areas to you and the strategies -- don't procrastinate! Procrastinating prolongs or even blocks your blessings and promotion! Be a "do-er" of the Word and the knowledge you obtain. This is when you will start to see results.
Proverbs 4:5-9
"Get wisdom, get understanding;
Do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor."
Everyday I am blown away about this Joshua generation rising up for the kingdom. Today I found out about Steven Furtick, pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. You can watch some of their sermons online here.
Between Steven Furtick's Elevation Church and Shaun King's Courageous Church, my boldness has grown daily for the Kingdom because they are young, creative people that I can identify with. I remember growing up and just relaxing on the Outer Courts of Christianity. I've never been religious, by any means. However, I have noticed this amazing fire and love when I build a relationship with Pappa. He loves it when I enter the Holy of Holies and sit on His lap and love on Him. He wants us all to come to Him and laugh, dance and chat with Him. I notice some people have a very formal style when approaching God. If that works for them, that is fine. However, I notice that as we elevate spiritually, the relationship becomes more tender and trusting. He becomes our best friend.
It is refreshing to see what He is doing in this season and I hope many will answer the call when they hear His voice. It is an amazing journey... like a treasure hunt... I find new gems everyday.
I wrote this note on November 4, 2007, over a year ago, under the influence of the Holy Spirit and hope it blesses you.
Blessings in the Storm
There's a blessing in the storm...
Some people only pray when they are going through something.
We go through these seasons of trials and tribulations for a reason. He wants us to draw closer to Him and stop doing things our way. Our way doesn't always work.
What is so encouraging is that what the devil means for bad, God can use for good.
It is written in 1 Peter, Chapter 5,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble"
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)
Have you ever felt like people were attacking you? Or that you have searching for Truth for so long, but haven't found it? Do you feel like something's missing in your life? A void?
"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
Do you want to be consumed in the darkness, attacks and disappointments for the rest of your life? Money, fame, boyfriends/girlfriends.. they all pass away and only offer temporal fulfillment. Is it possible to find eternal fulfillment? What does the Lord have to say about the devil and his temporary solutions?
"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." (1 Peter 5:9)
Therefore, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
For so long, I was a Christian, but there seemed to be a blocking, a mountain in the way of the abundance that God promises His people.
Have you ever felt like this?
I assure you there are blessings in the storm. And we can move mountains through our Faith in Him.
You see, my friends, the Lord has something to say specifically to you.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen."
Do you feel so good reading that the way that I do? To know that our sufferings are to humble us so that we can not take credit for our success? To ensure that God gets the glory? What I like about this scripture is that He will not take the glory and step on you (um, do we know people like this in the workplace and friendship circles?). He promises to RESTORE us and make us STRONG, FIRM and STEADFAST.
His Word reveals there is so much more than that for those that obey Him. I'm not perfect and we all fall short. Because of His grace, though, and the blood He shed on the cross, we can repent with our heart and move forward in faith that we can follow the path that He has set for each and every one of us.
Yes, He has a special purpose for you on this earth. You are here for a reason. Did you know this?
There are so many blessings for obedience. I stand before you a witness, a living testimony, that He is true to His word. According to Deuteronomy 28: 2-13 these are Exaltation, Health, Reproductiveness, Prosperity, Victory and God's Favor.
HOW CAN WE DRAW CLOSER TO HIM
When we die to flesh and live by the spirit, edifying our spirit with His word, we draw closer to Him and His glory. People ask me how I am so close to Him and how can they draw closer? Let me tell you, when we ask Him into our lives, repent, and obey Him we will naturally want to know Him more. He will fill that void in you.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be given unto you."
Each day, I step forth in faith and prayer to wait to hear from Him on how I should lead, how I can share my testimony, and what I need to learn from His word that day. Subsequently, I draw closer to Him.
The devil keeps us busy so that we "don't have time for God"
To combat this, I start the day reading His Word (the Bible) and I go to sleep reading His Word.
Abide in this beautiful place with Him. He will protect you
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him" (Isaiah 59:19)
That is so true. For so long, the attacks almost consumed me until I drew closer to the Lord.
Now, the Lord fights for me, and I hold my peace (Exodus 14:14)
He has a special purpose for you, too, on this earth.
I hope this note edifies your spirit and leads you, too, from a life of HOLES to a life of WHOLENESS.
God is good and His mercy endureth forever.
No matter what, God wins in the end. I pray you join me in living a life of eternal happiness with the true winner.
It's gonna be a brighter day.
Love,
Keisha Dawn
Scripture Meditation:
1 Peter Chapter 5
Hebrews 13:5
James 1:2-4
Zechariah 4:6
2 Timothy 1:7
1 John 4:4
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"Be strong and of good courage" - Joshua 1:6, 9, and 18
So, this morning I woke up and read some devotionals in the ole in-box. There was one in particular by Streaming Faith that just resonated by Shaun King, pastor of the new Courageous Church in Atlanta, Georgia. His words were so powerful that I decided to check out his blog here.
When I read his testimony about how God saved him from death, and what Shaun is doing now for the kingdom it all makes sense. I have gotten to know Pappa's (Pappa=my term of endearment for God) ways and His signature is all over Shaun and his wife's life. Here is his devotional today through Streaming Faith. I hope it blesses you!
Love,
Sister Keisha Dawn
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Win the Entire Race
Shaun King
Did you see Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt demolish three Olympic records this summer?
The guy was so doggone fast that he started celebrating before he crossed the finish line and still left everyone else in the dust! He was widely criticized for being so boisterous, but something was lost amidst all of the criticism of his swagger.
Usain Bolt trained like a madman to lead the pack in the start of the race, the middle of the race, and in the end as he crossed the finish line.
He knew that if he was going to break "unbreakable" records and win gold medals, being a great starter was not enough. Getting a quick start and pushing hard through the middle wouldn't be enough either.
Usain knew that he was going to have to use all that God gave him from the starting block to the yellow ribbon, if victory was really going to be his!
Hear my heart - in this season the Lord wants you to get a fast wind behind you so that you'll get a quick start, but far too many of our dreams, our ministries, our business, and even our marriages, launch with the loud, flashy boom of July fireworks, but fizzle out at the first sign of bad weather.
This isn't good enough. God did not just call you to get married; He called you to stay married. The Lord didn't just plant a vision in your heart to start a ministry or business in your community; He called you to start a ministry of business that would endure the challenges of our time and still be alive and kicking to tell the story on the other side!
While staring into the face of his young son Solomon, David said in 1 Chronicles 28:20: "Be strong and of good courage, and act. Do not be afraid or dismayed; for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until all the work or the service of the house of the LORD is finished."
In his prayer for the Philippians, the Apostle Paul said it this way, "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil. 1:6)
Overnight wonders and fast starters are a dime a dozen. The true test that you and I must pass is whether or not we have prepared to win the entire race. My prayer for you today is that you will allow the Spirit of God to give you the endurance that you'll need.
Shaun King is Lead Pastor of The Courageous Church in downtown Atlanta. A king of spacermulti-Tasking, Shaun is a proud husband, father of four, grad student, regular guest on NPR, and an avid blogger at ShaunInTheCity.com.
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