He was born just before the Great Depression. Times were hard. Life was hard. Yet as a youngster, that was all he knew. Migrant parents who moved often to find farm work along with his natural red hair made him an easy target for bullies. I often wondered if those challenges forged his firm but gentle nature. In time he grew to become the man I knew.
My dad always prepared breakfast for us and drove us to school. Being a small business owner allowed him the flexibility to do such things for me and my siblings. But like all dads, the cadence of time marched on and he went to his eternal rest several years ago. Yet his memory lives on. He has been in my thoughts often these days. Then a few days ago I had a dream about him.
I saw him standing in the kitchen cooking eggs but not in a small pan like when I was a child. Instead, he had a very large pot. And rather than his usual fried eggs, he was scrambling them. He turned and looked at me but did not speak. He was too focused on the task at hand. He was preparing for a large number of people who were hungry and expected to arrive soon.
Finding this dream to be different from what I usually recall of dreams, I made it a matter of prayer. At first I thought perhaps I was just missing my dad and dreamed of a fond memory. Then I was alarmed, wondering if I or others near would soon join him in final rest, that place where our bodies decay yet our souls are still fully alive.
Determined not to let the dream upset me because I know Jesus said we have peace Him (see John 16:33), I prayed again. Then clarity came. I heard a whisper, “Many are about to come alive and when they awaken, they will be hungry. Who will be ready to feed them?”
Many who do not know Jesus or recognize His Spirit are asleep. But when God sends His Spirit to draw them to Himself, their souls will awaken and they will be hungry. So the call is sent to those of us who know Him. Will we be ready to feed them, to show them the way to find soul satisfying sustenance? Let us prepare and be ready to serve wherever He may lead, to whomever He may send us.
Peter was called to feed His sheep, so like him, let’s say, yes, Lord!
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:17 NIV
Reflective Resource: The resource below is recommended for your continued encouragement.
It all started when I was growing up with a lot of yelling in our house. I did not like it but did not know how to help. When we went to church, I was given a chart listing the books of the Bible with numbers to show how many chapters were in each book. I wanted to fill in the chapter spaces like a coloring sheet but later decided what I wanted even more was to be honest. It was intended for me to actually read each chapter before rewarding myself with the small pleasure. So I began to read. As I added action to what I read, the changes in our house amazed me. This was the beginning of my journey of seeking God through reading His inspired words found in The Holy Bible.
Recognizing the life changing impact such a simple exercise brought to me, I wanted to encourage others in Bible reading. This little book is the result, but rather than a two page list of books and chapters, it includes a list of chapters that can be checked off, X’d through, circled, or whatever other marking system you might choose. There is also space to add notes and suggestions for rewarding your progress. Enjoy it at your desired pace or share the experience with a friend or child working through their own Sons of Light or Daughters of Day trackers. Whatever your preferred method, may you find the treasure Jesus has for you as He said:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV
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| Many Blessings, tanja dufrene Warrior of the Word, a Bible engagement ministry, was created as the Spirit whispered, “Where are the people who need to hear? Go to them.” What followed were a plethora of flowing ideas for social media posts followed by books, resources, and our WarrioroftheWord.faith website. These passion projects are developed at a cost of both spiritual and physical labor, as well as financial support. Your purchase of the resources help our work continue. So, thank you in advance for your consideration. We pray you will purchase, share, and gift these Spirit whispered words to others who also need to hear. Blessings on all who reverence and trust the Lord – on all who obey him! Psalm 128:1 tlb Prayer is the foundations of this ministry. Please pray with us that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us, providing wisdom, direction and needed resources. |
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