Open Our Mouths

The weary players walked into the still quiet dressing room. Sweat dripped from each brow. Bumps and bruises adorned bodies and souls. Some required help entering because they were too tired and weak to walk on their own. Some didn't realize a break was needed because habits had pushed them to mindless routine. Energy and focus waned.

During the time-out, each person gave up a treasure dear to their flesh in order to more fully engage in listening to instruction. Quietening hearts and minds seemed key to the needed rejuvenation. Small groups of players gathered to seek wisdom and direction. Individuals spent time alone to listen.

Knowing that the Spirit of the Living God would be their sustenance challenged new depths of dedication. The battle distracted so many from longing to commune with Him. Reading and hearing that He desired to give rest to the weary, to break the chains of injustice, to teach great and unsearchable unknowns, to set captives free, and to build up His church administered hope.

Silence was had. Prayers were prayed. Songs were sung. Hearts were focused. 

The time to return to the fierce battle of living in the world returned. Unity and awakening had spread so intensely within each soul. Hands lifted in worship and voices shouted the great name of Yahweh. The needed break to reenergize, refocus, reunify came to an end. The resolve to fight and open mouths to bring glory to God consumed motives with hope to move to action. 

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Thank you, friends.  I love, love, love my church. To fast and pray as a community, and to so intentionally seek God with all of you is a blessing that cannot be described. I'm thankful for Chad's leadership in challenging us to fast, and I'm thankful that so many of you took the challenge to heart. Worshipping Jesus with all of you through fasting, prayer, and singing challenged me deeply. My heart is full. 

Now it's time to put our hands to the plow and do what he is asking us to do! As a church God is asking us to open our mouths. Chad will discuss this more in two weeks, but let's not wait until then. You already know who you should open your mouth to. Is it someone you've seen several Sundays during the gathering, but you just "haven't had time to meet?" Is it the person you sit next to in class? Or the barista that knows your name and how you like your fancy drink? Is it that person that has become such a good friend that you always thought it would be too awkward to bring up spiritual things? Is it the family that lives in your neighborhood with the loud kids? Is it your sister or brother, your mom or dad? Are you going to open your mouth and share love and life through Jesus with someone? 

Let's do it, friends. Let's open our mouths. It is time. The break is over. The feast was eaten. Our friends are waiting.  

Eph 6:19-20 

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.