Greetings from Austin Street

The candle is lit...

Happy Saturday!  All is well here at 811. Team Meeting #4 for the Allred #27 behind us. Pressing rapidly to the weekend event.  I was humbly honored to deliver the scripture focus for the day at the meeting today. I delivered the message from Ephesians 5: 20 “Give thanks for all things to God the Father, in Jesus name.”  I felt most honored to prepare and deliver this message as I have never known a woman to be asked to speak in a pastoral role at a team meeting.  The theme for the day was gratitude.  Through “walking around in this scripture for several days, speaking it, reading it, memorizing it, praying about it I believe I finally began to understand the meaning of this passage.  I do not think we are to give thanks for all situations in which we find ourselves whether they be by our own volition or they were thrust upon us.  But by offering up the sacrifice of praise in a situation, finding a way to give thanks in adversity, we can understand what the phrase “in Jesus’ name means.”  The things that are in Jesus’ name include things temporal and things eternal ,being loved by our Creator,  forgiveness, mercies, for Christ and a host of other things.  What Kairos offers the ones they serve is not a promise of release from prison, but by sharing the gospel in written word, conversations, reflections given in the talks and being a living authentic example of a Christ centered life What is offered is the opportunity to choose a release of a self-centered life and into a Christ-centered life of forgiveness and abundance right where they are. Please continue to pray for the team and those they will serve as the weekend approaches.

But I think the greatest blessing I witnessed today was standing next to Bruce as we entered the time of prayer circle where each team member prays for each member individually. Bruce was pretty anxious about this part of the day because his words do not always come out as he would like. One of the team sensing Bruce’s nervousness told him, “You can do this.”  He walked up behind each member and gave them these words of affirmation, “God loves you.” There was not a dry eye in the house.

Dear God, thank you for showing me the way and going with me in it. I am in absolute awe of your great wisdom, understanding and creativity. Thank you for being so profoundly involved in every area of my life. Lord, my interview is less than 48 hours from now. You know the importance of this conversation of questions and answers. Lord, I think I am a good pastor. I believe with very cell in my being that you have called me to this, but I know that it must pass through man. Lord, this is really hard, but I ask you to prepare me for whatever the decision is that is made by this panel. I know that you understand the desires of my heart, where I need to go and it is you who will get me there. You are in charge and somehow no matter what the outcome everything will be ok.  But I also pray that the mountains of doubt will be removed from me and the hearts and minds of those who will ask the questions. I pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will to go before me and be present with anointing and that I will be found worthy of moving forward.  I trust you Lord and love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30: 21

Take joy in the journey praying as you go and journey with me my friends one more time.  I am asking tonight for fervent prayers for a young woman who is in the hospital right now suffering with acute liver failure.  Her name is Amber Schlatt.  Please include her family in your prayers. Wear comfortable shoes and get some sleep. Love you all, Bruce and Gaylene