Advent as Hospitality

I wrote this reflection during the 2006 season of Advent. At the time, I was a member of a religious-based organization for worker justice. We were at the brink of a new Sanctuary Movement. Consequently, I saw a need to articulate Christian Hospitality as a Spiritual Discipline due to its centrality in both the Jewish & Christian faiths as well as a singular characteristic of Christian identity. Living in the city, I saw a need to emphasis a pressing intentionality to live out the spirit of radical hospitality in all expressions of Christian ministry - especially as it relates to serving the "other".

Here's the origin piece:

It is through table fellowship, and when we welcome the stranger, that we are entertaining the least of these. In essence, we welcome Christ into our homes, churches and yes . . . into our countries. Hospitality is the way of Love. To be sure, hospitality is the quintessential expression of table fellowship, of Christ’s love and His commandment that we love one another. Christian hospitality is an act of profound grace. In contemplating the Advent season and preparing for the coming of Christ, I consider hospitality as the ultimate expression of Emmanuel. As the church, we are "God with us" to the world. Therefore, we, as the body of Christ, are called to offer ourselves and our churches as “dwelling places” for strangers and for our neighbors. In looking at hospitality in the neighborhood, I suggest we look at the greater neighborhood as our city, or our county.

As we look at the local labor crisis many of our neighbors are facing which result in low wages, wage theft, no medical insurance or benefits and intimidation, “How can we provide hospitality?” Hospitality as “doing justice”. This is certainly the case as we fight for better wages, dignity at the workplace and safe conditions for workers. One classic example of this selfless hospitality is the legacy of Jim Corbett. According to Davidson, “Corbett and others began helping refugees to avoid capture, yet he insisted that what they were doing was not “civil disobedience.” He argued instead that it was “civil initiative” -- they were upholding laws regarding treatment of war refugees that the U.S. government refused to enforce. On March 24, 1982, Southside Presbyterian became the first church in the country to declare itself a sanctuary for Central Americans fleeing persecution . . . the movement,” Davidson continues, “quickly gained attention and acceptance. At its height, more than 200 religious orders and congregations nationwide, several universities and municipalities, and more than 600 religious organizations, including the National Federation of Priests’ Councils (representing more than 33,000 Catholic priests) declared themselves in favor of sanctuary. In 1984, Corbett accepted the Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award on behalf of the movement.”[1]

Through hospitality we enact our faith. It is the encapsulation of unconditional love (agape) as demonstrated by Corbett for the “other”; “Christian hospitality is a risk taken in faith. It is an act of sacrificial joy offered in the full light of the risen Christ, a light that transforms our perspective on everything.”[2]

Miriam Davidson, “Corbett Offered Sanctuary to Refugees,” in National Catholic Reporter, Sep 14, 2001, http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/091401/091401j.htm; Internet; accessed December 10, 2006.

Hope

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

It is common for Christians to wish one another “good luck” when events, challenges or important circumstances are faced. Now, some readers may remark, “Well, but that’s not what I mean when I tell someone, ‘good luck’”. But really, what do we mean? I would venture to say that in some cases, we actually mean that we “hope” things go well. What are we hoping for, though, and in whom are we depositing that hope in?

To write about hope is usually easy when things are going well. As long as we are on top of our game or things seem to be fine, we can agree that hope is an easily attainable outlook. In addition to the ease that favorable life situations present, the ability for us as human beings to distance ourselves from the needs others, helps us to buffer our hearts and minds from our neighbor and it makes hoping easier. At least we hope so.

For Christians, hope should be defined as the diligent expectation in the faithfulness & trustworthy nature and sovereignty of God. It is faith in God that nurtures and nourishes the hope I address here. If He is faithful to His word, we can trust Him, no matter what. Throughout human history, God has been faithful to His children even when we have abandoned Him for other idols. He will keep His promises and never forsake us.

The issue of sovereignty also needs to be understood. Without entertaining long and cumbersome theological language, let me say that sovereignty is understood as the unquestionable power God has over all creation. In Matthew 5:34-36 (NIV), Jesus says, “But I tell you, do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.” The earth is God’s footstool. We know that the universe is His and He controls all things. Therefore, we know that God’s power covers all of our circumstances. His care, protection and favor, are indisputable.
We may know these things, but do we believe them? We may have heard of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, but do we believe that He can take our situations and care for them in good ways we cannot even imagine? Hebrews 11:1 speaks of faith as what propels us into the heavens of hope. The certainty that God is who God is will not come through intellectualization or blind faith. Rather, it is measured by the intimacy we have with God. Only then can we live in faith, hoping in the certainty of God’s goodness and love toward us.

One final item of consideration, though. What about those times when God doesn’t seem to answer? What about those times when it seems as if God didn’t answer us in the manner we prayed for? Our hope will falter. It will be bruised and battered at times. Yet, God doesn’t sleep or slumber. His promises are eternal and steadfast, even when life seems to drop the entire dead weight of the world upon us. He will be there to take on the entire weight on His shoulders for us. Yet, none of this is easy or should ever be taken lightly. There are many Christian men & women burying there children somewhere and lifting up holy hands to heaven asking why. The issue of hope isn’t about whether we do lose it on occasion or not. It’s the mystery of hoping in spite of what we see. It’s about hoping in spite of hope, knowing that even though all things seems to be in darkness, God’s light will breakthrough at the perfect time.

That’s faith.

Holy Hands

Zechariah 10:3-5 (The Message)

God-of-the-Angel-Armies will step in and take care of his flock, the people of Judah. He'll revive their spirits, make them proud to be on God's side.

God will:

Use them in his work of rebuilding . . .

Use them as foundations and pillars . . .

Use them as tools and instruments . . .

Use them to oversee his work. . .

They'll be a workforce to be proud of, working as one, their heads held high, striding through swamps and mud, courageous and vigorous because God is with them, undeterred by the world's thugs.

Speaking to several sisters & brothers in Christ about the prayer event left me thinking - "Why did we wait so long to do this?"

The conversations pivoted on God's unquestionable presence in the prayer room. Some felt God closer than ever before.

Amazing.

The Lighthouse will never again be what it was after the prayer event. That's not because of anything anyone did. It's all about Jesus. It's all about the Holy Spirit invading the hearts of each and every one of the participants. That's because we opened our minds and hearts to God's voice, direction and purpose. Now there's an excitement that has propelled Lighthouse into a new era of prayer, praise, worship & service.

We've opened ourselves up to the mystery, power and Will of God for each of us and for this beloved community we call the Lighthouse.

Through this community:

We've been called to rebuild relationships, strengthen existing ones and dream dreams of those we may have in the future - in the fullness of time.

We've been called to serve as foundations and pillars in the lives of youth and walk alongside them as they develop into strong, Christian leaders eager to serve the kingdom of God with gladness & singleness of heart.

We've been called to be used by God as His tools and instruments. Praise God that we are only vessels and His work will glorify Him and Him alone. As conduits, we are used to serve a living God who loves unconditionally, restores what seems to be lost and broken beyond hope and transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

We've been called to oversee His work. This is both exciting & unnerving. How can it be that He should consider us for these tasks? How can it be that He loves us so much that He has imparted to us the responsibility to watch, care & supervise His work on this earth?

The prayer room event revealed something about these questions -

So real was God's presence & power that we've decided to continue to pray individually as never before and to do the event again - this time for 48 hours . . .

Next time, join us if you didn't experience the prayer room. Join us as we praise, worship, petition, cry, ask without ceasing and simply remain still in His arms . . . Join us and you'll find how powerful it is to lift up holy hands . . .

Who's in there now?

A common question asked as people come in to pray is, "Who's in there now?" Wanting to know who is currently in the prayer room seems to be just like us, isn't it? I mean, we need to know that we're not alone in this whole praying affair after all, right? It is a combination between good ol' human curiosity and a subtle anxiety. Let me focus on the latter . . .

I can only imagine what must've been going through Daniel's mind as he returned home and, ". . . urged [his friends] to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning [Nebuchadnezzar's dream], so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:18). For me, pleading is a gross understatement. Yet, Daniel was the quintessential example of the persistent and faithful prayer warrior. Three times a day, he knelt before his God and praised Him, interceded for others and asked for his own welfare as well. Knowing God would never fail him, he urged his friends to pray. The NRSV provides the following translation of Daniel 2:18, ". . . and [Daniel] told them to seek mercy from the God of heaven. . . " Wow! Go and pray, my friends, and seek the mercy from the God of heaven. Most of the world looking into what we're doing would consider this to be an exercise in futility wrapped inside of a pipe dream. This just happens to remind me of "matryoshka" or Russian nesting dolls. Anyhow, I feel certain most of us can relate to being in a situation (perhaps we're currently going through one) were the urgency to get others to pray for something to happen is very, very real.

Despite claims of the "usefulness" of prayer by medical journals, I hope what fuels our urgency to get on our knees is due to the unquestionable belief each one of us holds that to pray is to literally stand before Almighty God's presence. In doing so with humble hearts, we can ask for His intervention with reverent audacity as we are, through the blood of Jesus Christ, sons & daughters of the King of the Universe.

As a 24/7 Prayer USA information pamphlet reads, "God reveals Himself in Isaiah 62 as a God who never ceases to be silent. He is always active, and we want to partner with Him as a Church active and vocal in prayer, day and night." We partner with God. How can we wrap our minds around this idea? I mean honestly? Isn't this just amazing? We partner with the living God, with the King of the Universe, with the Alpha & the Omega.

In partnering with God, we acknowledge God's power and ability to alter, intervene, transform, control, manifest, resolve, restore, heal and resurrect, anything in this world and in the cosmos. We partner because of His grace, mercy and immeasurable love for us - not because we have anything really to offer.

The prophet knew this. Daniel knew that he and his friends we seeking the mercy of the One who held them in His hands and knew everything about them, Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar and the dream Daniel would ultimately decipher, through God's help. The Ancient of Days had (and has & will always have) everything under His loving & perfect control. Maybe that's why we're curious about "Who's in there?" Who's in there partnering with God - gaining wisdom, knowledge, revealing deep & hidden things, granting power and setting into motion changes in time & seasons . . .?

Who IS in there?

Are you?

Watch

There's a certain beauty to early mornings. Often, areas of the city that seem to be so mundane at midday, seem to acquire a particular elegance and otherworldliness at 1 AM, for instance. I seem to feel that this is how others see us when God is working within us - transforming us into the new creations Jesus told Nicodemus about and Paul wrote of.

The ordinary becomes extraordinary and the overlooked becomes a source of marvel and admiration by others who see Christ in us.

1 Thessalonians 1: 7-10 (The Message) - ". . . The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore - you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead - Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom."

Let us pray that we are stripped of everything that clouds another's ability to marvel at what God is doing in our lives. May He divest us of all manner of attitude, actions, thoughts and beliefs which serve to hide the Christ in each of us.

God Shows Up

Job 42:5-6 (NRSV) "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

Through prayer we crossover from hearing to listening to God's voice and guidance. Through prayer, we experience our brokenness. In our naked state, we discover the futility of our attempts to control this life and the circumstances therein.

Through prayer can invite God in and let go of our lives . . . through prayer we surrender . . .

Get On Your Knees and Pray!

Dear Lighthouse Family -

A lot has happened since our initial plans for the first ever Lighthouse 24 hour prayer event.

Honestly, it seemed for a season that we would never get this event off the road. We didn't - GOD DID!

Within a month of having determined that the prayer event would take place for a total of 24 hours from Friday, December 5th to Saturday, December 6th, several members of this precious community began to take on huge chunks of responsibility in order to make this event possible. I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the amazing support and prayers!

So, here it is . . . December 5th. Tonight at 6 PM the Lighthouse 24/7 Prayer Event begins. We'll run through tomorrow with our last prayer time slot scheduled for 5 PM. At 6 PM we'll have our community dinner followed by worship at 7 PM. There are still some available time slots. Send us an email and we'll ensure to get you in. Thanks again Lighthouse -

Praise God people! For His grace, mercy, provision and love endure forever and ever . . . Amen!

Fasting: A Recipe for Community with God

“You know, don’t you, that I’m the One who emptied your pantries and cleaned out your cupboards, who left you hungry and standing in the bread lines? But you never got hungry for me. You continued to ignore me.”

Amos 4:6 (The Message/Remix)

Upon a first reading of this text, we can certainly see a possible interpretation as having something to do with trials. As God “empties” our pantries and cupboards, He leaves us empty and without. The taking away of provisions and blessings is intentional in order for us to “realize” our utter dependency on God.

I want to suggest an alternative reading, though. I’d like to suggest that this is a passage about fasting. Now, I’m not naturally inclined to fast and I would venture to believe that most of us aren’t by nature.

Yet, I see God telling me through this portion of Scripture to emulate Him and to make the emptying out of my own pantry & cupboard, an intentional & daily discipline in my life. The intended purpose is to remind myself of the One who genuinely provides everything in my life - no exceptions – no matter what.

What about hunger?

The word “hunger” most often prompts us to consider the physiological dimensions of the need. However, there is psycho-emotional, spiritual & relational hunger caused by a life devoid of purpose and meaning. It is paramount for each of us to recognize how our hunger (whether caused by spiritual, emotional, physiological and/or psychological needs) substantially dictates our actions. This is especially true as we seek to remove the discomfort, pangs or pain associated with hunger.

Clark Hull suggested a theory which has a significant lesson for us to learn as Christians. The Drive Reduction Theory, as he coined the term, suggests that we act in accordance to the needs are facing. We are driven by our needs to temporarily satisfy (reduce) whatever the “hunger” is in our lives – be it sexual, financial, relational or spiritual.

You can see the danger in living a life driven toward providing only conditional satisfaction to the presently insatiable areas of our lives. Here is where idolatry comes in. In essence, “junk food” and “poor eating habits” come in. Here is where persistent hunger (in either physiological or psychological form) drives us to sinful measures sometimes due to uncontrollable urges and sometimes due to desperate circumstances. However we arrive at this point in our lives, hunger determines our actions and can ultimately lead us to ignore God as we come to believe that He has failed to satisfy any or all our needs.

Malnourished Churchianity

In Amos’ lifetime, back in the day (c. 755 BC), God called him to rally against the abuses of religion as it was used to abuse God’s people. Religion was often used (and continues to be, I’m afraid) to undermine, exploit and oppress the people of God. Of course, this led to people falling away and growing ever more obstinate and incredulous toward the right relationship God desired (and commanded) to have with the people of Judah and Israel.

Although the divine mandate is tragically distorted, we remain hungry for some kind of spiritual fulfillment. In the “apparent” absence of God in our lives, we are still going to take necessary action destined to satisfy the void causing us pain, discomfort and in severe cases, malnourishment, famine, even death. This is where counterfeit religiosity and spirituality, like so many diets out there, never live up to there intended purposes. And yet, the diet industry is a booming one as is religion, spirituality and self-help markets.

There are many sisters & brothers hungering for God or for something to satisfy their unquenchable thirst and insatiable hunger for a new life, healing, peace, restoration, deliverance, change and for new opportunities. There is an unprecedented epidemic of malnourished or famished members of the Body of Christ sitting in so many of our pews across America or already having “given up” on the Church altogether.

These children of God are still subject to hunger for something bigger, something greater. Ironically, they find themselves unable to accept that God’s insatiable hunger for relationship with His creation and especially, for each and every one of His children, also include each and every one of them, too.

Often these individuals are driven toward all manner of destructive actions against themselves and/or toward one another. As they continue down a spiral of unending despair, anger, shame, guilt, angst and/or confusion, just to name a few of the countless feelings which can overshadow and eventually take our lives hostage, their hunger, sadly enough, will more than likely be for things other than God. Although we will still desire to be satisfied, fulfilled and ultimately digest something that will enliven, invigorate and nourish our spirit, malnourished people living within malnourished Churchianity will be encouraged to choose from a smorgasbord of spiritual options rather than to nurture a lifelong hunger for the only true bread and for living water.

So, what about Fasting?

Amos 4:6 challenges us, although I believe it commands us, to fast from all the things that keep us from God. All too often we have harbor excuses for not praying, reading scripture, participating in some kind of Christian community and for not pursuing God with our entire being. We fast from prayer, so we slowly loose our connection to God and we begin to rely more on our control and on ourselves. We fast from scripture, so the narratives of salvation history seem to grow dim as we substitute those narratives with stories that reveal the cynical, vain and worldly dimensions of this shadow world. We fast from community and we experience loneliness, anxiety and depression. We fast from God and we entertain the notion that life just is what it is. Consequently, we will then fast from joy, hope and from genuine love.

To purposely keep ourselves for a time from individuals or things that keep us from God will reveal to us how much we are dependent on everything but God. In experiencing this state of emptying out, we can begin the process of being filled by the Spirit of God. The emptying out our pantries and cupboards removes all manner of clutter which keeps us from living Christ-centered lives.

It isn’t that we are to fast choosing those items which contend for the path of least resistance. We are to intentionally choose those idols which cause us to choose between God and them. We when fast from food, the Internet, iPods or from people, we are essentially seeking to reconfigure our lives and to put all things under God’s Christ. In that way, when we do finally come back to turning our computers on or calling a friend, we now do so acknowledging the blessing, but not without recognizing the power our hunger and desires have over us. We, therefore, fast from things that enslave us so that we may live as free people. Free from all things that challenge our faithfulness for our first love, which is Christ.

The purpose of emptying out ourselves is to recognizing how easily we can become subject to our ego, desires, ambitions, pride, shame, guilt, pain and other needs, hurts or “dreams”. It is a daily reminder of our sinful and unfaithful predisposition being willingly subjected, in humility and obedience, under the sovereignty of God.

Finally, there’s a profound lesson for us to learn from this – our dependency is not fully on God. We are double minded and ignore the God who is here, there and everywhere; the God who willingly and lovingly provides everything – even the bread of life.

See you @ Bible Study -

IN Christ,

Daniel

Kingdom Scraps

I never thought of abandoned blessings. Have you?

In The Message translation of Matthew 15: 27, Jesus replies to the Canaanite woman, “It’s not right to take bread out of children’s mouths and throw it to dogs.” The woman answered, “You’re right, Master, but beggar dogs do get scraps from the master’s table.” If we continue to read we find Jesus heals the woman’s demon possessed daughter as a consequence of her faith. Later on, we find in Matthew 15: 34-39, that from a small amount of food (seven loaves plus a few fish) Jesus is able to feed over four thousand people. They ate to their hearts content and there were leftovers and in some cases, to be sure, scraps.

This is so like the kingdom, it is from discarded or insignificant remnants that we find God breaking into human history, overturning oppressive circumstances and bringing healing to brokenness. It is in the leftovers & scraps that we find hope. Perhaps we desire God to provide us with fresh, out of the oven opportunities. If we conceive of our ministry as being unconventional and in some fashion challenging the status quo of “Churchianity”, then we would arguably pray for God to present innovative and “prophetic” avenues of ministry for us. However, I believe that it is in finding kingdom scraps, the discarded blessings God presented to other servants which somehow they felt weren’t going “anywhere” (or God took out of their mouths), and see them as the exact opportunities God intended for us to gladly receive and prayerfully work with satisfied and contrite hearts. If those pieces of bread taken from children’s mouths happen to fall on the floor underneath the Master’s table, then it is for us – in humility and obedience – to get on our knees and be content with all but a foretaste of the kingdom. For if we are willing to receive only but the leftovers of what God’s intended for others, then we will be ultimately blessed with results beyond our wildest imaginations.

The other day, a friend shared her reflection on this same passage. She suggested the following, “The children who the bread was meant for did not consume the bread as real hungry children in some third world country . . . They could afford to let crumbs fall. . . Like those children, there are many that God has blessed who have not hungered for the total bread and have not utilized the God given meal to the fullest. When we abandon ourselves at God’s feet we will not only be able to benefit from abandoned blessings that others have not used fully for the glory of God - blessings that now fall to us, but we will be elevated to equal and even higher positions because of our humility and submission.”

How have we been humble, obedient and diligent stewards?
How have we appreciated the meal God so lovingly prepared for us? Have we shared this meal with others to such an extent that the dishes are clean and there are no leftovers? Let us pray for God inspired leftover recipes and let us share the meals with all who hunger for justice, healing and righteousness.

See you @ Bible Study. . .

In Him . . . alone,

Daniel

Take the Red Pill

Based on Luke 14:25-34 (The Message)

25-27 One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. 28-30 "Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.' 31-32 "Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce? 33 "Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple. 34 "Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing. "Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

In the film, The Matrix, one of most engrossing scenes is that of Morpheus' meeting with Neo. The famous proposition - to take the Blue or Red pill - has become the source of all manner of philosophical and spiritual conversations, books, etc. What I find most compelling about the entire exchange between the two characters is that most of what Morpheus is telling Neo about the life he knows is actually, quite accurate. As Christians, however, the pills only point to a greater reality. They're signs directing us to a choice we must make, namely, genuinely following Jesus signifies turning our back on how things used to be in our lives. It means giving everything over to God and that includes what we hold most dear to us.

The notion of pills is a fascinating one. The blue pill suggests we are living a life of habit. A life without purpose or, in the best case, superfluous purpose. Doesn't it seem as if most human beings in the United States live out their time on earth enacting a series of rote behaviors and perfunctory actions that are woven into a rationalized existence? Despite socio-economic factors, I see this as a reality of our contemporary existence that truly transcends all financial circumstances, levels of education, race, ethnicity or gender. All levels experience angst, feelings of stagnation and wonder about tomorrow as being typical & mundane. How are we living and ultimately, for what? What are we living for? I’m afraid that the answer is not that distinguishable between a Christian and a non-Christian. All of our lives are affected by these circumstances and by the sense of complacent routine.

Ironically, there is safety in the typical and a sense of superficial comfort that tends to limit or discourage living out our full potential. I believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, if faithfully lived, challenges everything we know about life. In fact, I am convinced that the nature of living for Christ alone will disarm and dismantle all of the trappings and insecurities we have about living as God desires us to live. To live for Christ is to live in genuine freedom. It is to embrace our brokenness, embrace our humanity and find that in the process of becoming whole, we become family. We become everything that typical families tend to shield, hide or rationalize. The shame, guilt, interference and loyalties so often associated with blood and family ties are forfeited so we become a family by the blood of Christ.

In this new society, in this new “Matrix” of community, we disregard all that is about us - we dies to self in order for us to receive life in its abundance, in its fullest expression. The blue pill is the security we have in the tangible and in the now. It is the pathway of excuses for why things are and the rationalization for they need to continue to be the way they are. Whether its family, ministry, work, school or other inter/intrapersonal exchanges, we can continue to live through them – making due and getting by – or we can be transformed in such a fashion so as to become all that God desires us to be. That’s what the red bill is all about, I think. I’ll take some license and suggest that it’s pretty amazing that the pill that causes all of the scales to fall from our eyes and sees things for what they really are is red like blood. All too cool.

After you take from the cup and drink his blood. After you take the red pill, my friends, all of your inter/intrapersonal experiences will be altered because they will no longer be about you. They’ll be about Him. About Jesus. It’s when we begin to live for him, that our lives become sincerely noticeable to us for the first time. We’ll notice our hearts for the first time, for they will begin to beat for others and break for others – for the first time. It’s when they begin to break for others, that we begin to live as fulfilled and purposed brothers & sisters. No longer as singular entities trying to make sense of it (the blue pill), but rather, as members of a body seeking to live out the purpose that He instills in us (the red pill). Once He notices you, you’ll notice yourself as one of His children. Once you realize what God intends for you, you will proclaim it from the top of the roofs and from the highest mountains.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you. It seems all too appropriate as Morpheus warned Neo about the uncertainties of his future journey should he wish to take the red pill. The problem with many messages proclaiming the transformative power of life in Christ is that seems too romantic. In fact, it is false advertising. The truth, as Morpheus, offered Neo, comes with a price. Scripture clearly promises that trial and tribulation will come to those who seek the kingdom with all of their hearts & minds. At some point in time, you’ll be taken through the valleys, the wilderness and experience suffering of some kind. It’s only right and sincere to share this “full disclosure” with each of you who may seek to renew (Neo) your commitments to Christ. It may be that you're just about to take the red pill for the first time - a brand new (Neo) start to your life; it's great to read all the fine print before you choose.

So, now that the terms & conditions have been laid out before each one of you – before me as well, mind you, we need to consider this. . . If we are to be the dynamic, living and organic body of Christ in the city and to one another, then we need to figure the costs. We need to make a conscientious decision to follow him – no matter what. That’s the red pill, people. Only truth is offered. Truth that will lead to healing, forgiveness, freedom, wisdom, grace, peace and above all else, God’s immeasurable love. But like Christ, we will experience hardships, division, challenges and confusion. If we tell Jesus that we’ll go wherever He goes, then we need to be ready to rough it. Count the costs, follow Him anywhere He goes, no matter what. Seems a bit harsh when compared to the comfortable routine we called life. Perhaps that what’s so scandalous of our faith, we die to self in order to live. Once we’ve crossed over to the other side, the red pill, we will encounter a joy, purpose and life unlike anything previously imagined. All I offer is the truth. It’s up to you. Which pill will you choose?

Daniel

Uprising!

Welcome to your Lighthouse Prayer Room Blog!

This is such an exciting time for all of us at the Lighthouse. God is definitely in the house!

On Friday, May 23rd at 6 PM, we will kick off our first ever 24-hour Prayer Event. The idea is to have all of us - every single member, friend & guest of the Lighthouse - sign up for an hour of prayer between the hours of 6 PM on Friday the 23rd to 6 PM Saturday, May 24th. Our
24-Hour Prayer event will conclude with breaking bread (dinner & fellowship) followed by our weekly worship service at 7 PM.

This is an international event. Please check out the 24/7 Prayer website at:http://www.24-7prayer.com/. The site is amazing and filled with incredible testimonies, reflections and updates on this international prayer phenomena which we are now a part of. In fact, just click on "Find Prayer Groups" and search the list. You'll find us identified as The Lighthouse Prayer Room Miami. We will have Christians around the world praying for us and providing support along the way. Let's all start praying for this event - TODAY! A Prayer Pledge sign-in sheet will be available after every Saturday worship service starting on the 26th of April through May 17th. Be a part of this ministry. Your life will never be the same!

Please keep this campaign in your prayers. We want to expand to a week of 24 hour prayer, later to a month and eventually, reach the goal of 24/7 prayer for 365 days. Can you imagine the impact our prayers will have on the city, on the Lighthouse, on family, friends, on our communities, on children, education, ministries, healing & reconciliation - both locally and globally? Can you imagine?

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14 over the next few days. Read it over and over and pray. Pray that the Spirit of the Lord comes upon each one of us and opens our hearts & minds to being brought out into prayerful ministry, set down in the midst of our city and led to pray, prophecy and be a presence - radiant, peaceful and powerful. Let's us ask the Lord to use us so that he may be glorified and those that were once dead, may receive the Holy Spirit . . . and live.

Finally, send us email. What are your prayer requests, praises & testimonies? If you'd like to share them with us, email us at: lighthouseprayer.miami@gmail.com. Please let us know if you're OK with us posting your email for others to read and pray over. Thanks!

See you at Bible study!

Grace & Peace,

Daniel