“I’m all in,” exclaimed my younger son Micah, trying to keep a straight face, straining to look as cool as he possibly could. We were playing Texas hold-em, a widely popular poker game these days and the stakes were high, well, not really, just nickels and dimes. But the game was tense as most in the Grant family are far too competitive. It used to take me a week to get over my Little League team losing.
I scanned Micah’s face closely, attempting to discern if he was bluffing. I shuffled chips in my hand, peeking intensely at my cards, and then I did it. I stood up and I challenged him. “Alright, Micah, I’m all in. I think you’re bluffing. Show me your cards.” He turned them over and grinned. Uh, he wasn’t bluffing and I lost all my chips and was out of the game. Done. Dang.
Thank God our walk with Him isn’t a game. I’ve told God, in a myriad of different ways over the years, “I’m all in. I’m yours. Fully. Completely. And unreservedly.” I’ve said it again for 2017, surrendering anew my entire life to Him. I encourage you to do the same.
“I urge you brethren, in view of the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies (presenting all your members and faculties), as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well-pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1 (Amplified)
Starting the New Year on a misty morning, praying on the mountain knoll overlooking Laguna
First Prayer Focus of 2017 (thank you for taking a few minutes to pray over these)
- That we might grow in the one overriding vision we have as a church – to love God and each other more and more
- Pray for our pastors, elders, deacons, staff and all spouses
- For Little Church to be a Spirit-filled, Word-enriched, body of worshipers, caring deeply for one another
- That God might graciously release healing in our church
- Many would walk through the doors of Little Church and give their hearts and lives to Christ
- Marriages would be strengthened; that struggling marriages would experience a breakthrough
- That we might be one in our unique differences; no division nor separation
Interpret this as you would. I see beauty, wonder, awe, movement, worship, and a heart alive
“You are most like God when you do two things – when you love and when you forgive.” Graham Cooke
May 2017 be an encouraging, inspiring, happy, and hope-filled year for all you.
Jay