03 May 08 - 11:55
Old Friends
Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. You've already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it's time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don't understand why you don't join in with the old gang anymore. But you don't have to give an account to them. They're the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself.
I Peter 4:1-5 (MSG)
“I want prayer to leave the street life behind”, so Cindy grabs her hands and prays for her. Then she starts to roll up her sleeves and “B” says, “I know you, didn’t you used to work in the corridor? Don’t you remember me; my name is “B”.” And Cindy quietly acknowledges that she knows her. “B” gets all excited and wants to know how Cindy left the life, so Cindy explains the process. Then “B” looks at me and says “You know me too, you used to ride in a different van about 12 years ago when I used to be on the other side of town. Yes, I remembered her and all the ladies she used to hang with, and then she tells me they are all dead now. All those beautiful young ladies, ladies filled with hope; gone, gone before they even knew what joy there is in a life lived for Christ. Gone because of drugs, sex and murder, gone because of satan’s deception.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 (NIV)
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:4 (NIV)
After our encounter with “B” I was very concerned for Cindy and how she felt after seeing someone that knew her in her old life. I should have known better than to be concerned; Cindy’s faith and gratitude for her new life in Christ is like a breath of fresh air. She was so glad she got to see “B” and tell her what Christ is waiting to do for her also. “B” just shakes her head and says she still waiting for God to change her life. Those are fightin’ words to Cindy so she tells “B” ‘God IS waiting to change your life but you need to surrender!’
“L” quietly approaches the van, “I’m so glad to see you ladies, I haven’t worked the streets since I met you 4 months ago. I need prayer for my 2 sons, they are into drugs and I don’t know what to do except pray.” “L” the best thing you can do for them is pray and we will join in prayer, prayer for healing of addictions in this family, prayer for a mother’s strength to be a good role model, prayer for the hearts of her sons to be open to the life God has for them. And a prayer of thanksgiving that you are no longer working the streets but looking to the One who loves you.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 (NIV)
“Hello, we are from Abide Ministries – 70x7 outreach, would you like a lunch bag and an Easter Basket?”
“Yes, thank you I would. And where did you say you were from? I know the scripture 70x7, it means to forgive. I’m so thankful you are giving out lunches, Easter Baskets, and prayer, we all need Jesus.”
Cindy holds his hands and prays with him and again God blesses us. I pray we never stop being surprised by God. After an evening of tears He always shows up with an encouraging Word for us from a complete stranger and joy fills the van. It doesn’t matter how many lunches we give away, how many hands we hold in prayer, how many tears we shed, He always sends us someone who encourages us and blesses us by their joy in knowing Christ.
Have a blessed week,
Donna
P.S. if you would like to help support the work of this ministry make checks payable to Abide Ministries with 70x7 on the memo line and mail to:
Abide Ministries
16333 Terrace Dr.
Roseville, Mi. 48066-2028
No comments
No trackbacks:
