Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him. The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, 'This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.' Luke 15:1 WEBEveryone knows that Jesus came to save the lost sinner, and they were all drawn to Him like a magnet, but the religious establishment of the time grumbled about this constantly. If they had their way, the religious elite would have driven the sinners far, far away, but Jesus did not allow this to happen. He came to seek out and save the lost (Luke 19:10). In Luke 15:10, Jesus said that the angels rejoice over one sinner that repents.
I was playing in a band at a party one night when He found me during the middle of a song. It is odd to explain, but I suddenly saw myself in third person view and He instantly gave me a new outlook on life. He changed my mind. He refreshed my hope that there was something more. His loving presence came upon me in such a way that I put my bass guitar up at the end of the song, went home, laid on the floor and surrendered to His calling in tears. No one had to preach to me. I knew what I had to do.
The next morning, I went to church and was soon baptized. I prayed about quitting the band I was in, but He said no. So I had the pastor pray with me, and he said no. I needed the money anyway, so I continued playing in bands while wearing a Jesus t-shirt, and a guitar strap with a cross on it. Soon His presence began showing up in the bars that I was playing at, and prophetic words would come to me for those in the room. I preached my first sermons in bar parking lots, and they were powerful. People would begin trembling under His power, and I led some to the Lord.
Jesus has friends in low places. They may put His statue in glorious sanctuaries, but you will still encounter His presence outside those walls in the dust and the dirt. He still wants to speak with you today, but some of the super religious will look down on you and try and drive you away from Him just as they did then. Don't give up, and know that it is never Jesus who drives you away. He will reach people right where they are, and if you will let Him, He will use your hands to touch them, and your voice to speak His words to them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for leading by example. You are not a respecter of persons and in Your eyes, all of us are created equal. Please let me see people as You see them, and fill me with Your discernment, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presences and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
Ladies in Distress > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen. I love the fact I get your word pastor at this time of morning. I work the graveyard shift and when my notification goes off I know it's going to be a up lifting words and I truly appreciate it. Thank you pastor Todd
Amen thank you for yet another blessed awesome message Pastor Dion Todd
Amen Lord, amen
Amen!!
Amen!
Amen
Amen
Amen. God loves us all. Amen
Amen! We are all children of the most high God Yahweh. No one is a mistake. If you were born and live and breath God intended for you to exist. Praise you Father Yahweh!
Amen, I agree Richard.
Amen! You may be surprised where God will show up if you are willing! Thank You Lord!
Thank you God that I have learned to rely on you. My anxiety is more in control. Praise God amen
Thank you Pastor. Another great lesson today. Amen!
Thank you Jesus for loving me today, just as I am.
Amen!
Amen
Heavenly Father I thank You for been such a great example to us,lead me to understand Your word and to use it to bring those who are in need of You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Praise be to Your Holy Name oh Lord
Thank you Pastor, excellent message. God bless you.
Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion :)
Amen
Amen!
Amen and Amen, Pastor Dion! What a powerful testimony you have! Praise the Lord most high!!!
Amen
To whom it may concern,
I tried the link: Ladies in Distress and it said I was not authorized to see the contents.
Will someone Please tell me what I need to do to join the group.
Thank You
Sincerely
"Char" L
Amen.