3rd Time in Broadripple

Went down to Broadripple tonight alone and walked around for a while talking to people and handing out tracts.  This was different than the previous two times.  But God is still teaching me a lot (maybe even more so in this)...

*He is SO faithful.  The Lord is so faithful.  Not only by answering our prayers (prayers for boldness in sharing, for deliverance of the fear of man, for safety, for courage, for faith) but by holding on so much tighter than we do.  I worry about slipping away some times, that my heart might grow cold, and I tend to get legalistic to "prevent" myself from doing so.  This is foolishness.  The Lord holds on to me so tight.  So when the darkness closes in, I can have confidence that He's holding on to me, not vice versa.

*God is broken-hearted for the lost.  It's not easy to talk to someone about their faith who thinks that you are a religious fanatic.  Yet we are to put on this same view as God's.  When we take a step towards that direction, He meets us there.  He grows this in us.

*Persecution.  Hearing snickers and having girls yell, "Thank you Jesus Christ man!" has an odd effect.  The Lord gives this gift to those who are willing to embrace it.  Yes, a gift.  Persecution has a wonderful cleansing effect, eliminating the fear of man and steeling our devotion to Him.  Per the Word, we will be blessed as well.  Entering where you know it will come, that's just a little hard.  It's easier to sit next to the fire and read my Bible and ask for depth of relationship with Him and greater faith.

*The blessing of the Spirit's power.  What an awesome blessing we receive when as weak human vessels, the Lord uses us!  He doesn't need to use us, but He does.  And He pours out His power on us.  It's a joy-filled experience to be used by God.  "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 12:11-12)  When we need it, the Lord pours Himself into us.


Thank You, Lord, for being so much more faithful than me.  Thank You for being so much more powerful than me.  Thanks for empowering Your will and for equipping the called.  Thank You for being so gracious, and forgiving and gentle.