Listen Closely

And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:19

Years ago, after I had my first child, the Lord spoke to me through Pastor David Ireland and said, “As you hold your children, I will speak to you and give you answers and direction.”  I took that to mean that whether I was interacting with my children through some form of bonding or just watching their lives develop, He would speak to me.  God has done just that.  Although He does speak to me at other times, it seems that in this season of my life, He usually gets my attention through my children.

I remember a special time when Pastor Andy and I took our children on a family vacation, a periodic vacation, away from the cares of the world, is something that I strongly suggest.  Everyone needs a time of rest away from the cares of the world.  The bible says in Psalm 127:2 that “He grants sleep or rest to those He loves.”  If the Word says it, I believe that it should be done.  Anyway, back to my point.  While on vacation, I was observing my son Robert.  He is one of my children who tends to be the most reserved in public, but of course, I know him to be different at home.  But lately, I’ve noticed that he is not only watching people, but that he is drawn to them.  On vacation, I saw him not only playing with children he had never met, but he was also talking to the parents of the children much more than usual.  One day, he was talking to a complete stranger who had no children with her.  Being a responsible parent, I told Robert that he should never talk to strangers.  Just as I said it, I heard that Lord say, “This is the way my people should be – free to love and embrace others.”  That seems to be a truth most saints have yet to walk in, even with each other.  It certainly is a challenge to do what the Word says in Matthew 18:3 and become like a little child.  But we must do it!

Pastor Andy has stated that he’s praying and believing that in the next 6-12 months, the common heathen will be drawn to our church, seeking a place of refuge and safety.  We all know that the harvest is ripe.  If God truly has called us to this church, then we must get ready for the harvest that is coming our way.  We cannot afford to shrink from our God-given responsibility to nurture those souls.  Family, we have a lot of loving to do.  But don’t worry.  God will give us grace for the race because we are here for such a time as this!

Love and Peace,

Your First Lady