Today my dad and I went to a pawn shop in McAllen. My dad had been hanging on to some things that he needed to let go of that were hindering him from moving on. Or so I said. A fair deal was made, and the transaction of memories for cash took place. He wound up with enough money to buy a new refrigerator, which he badly needs back in Tennessee at the house. We looked at each other and we both agreed, “It’s only dust.”
While there, I was able to talk with three men about the Gospel. Earlier that day I had meandered over to the firearms, because I love guns, and was interested in looking at a bolt-action, high-powered rifle. Then the Lord stepped in, and we were off. Imagine this: I am holding a 30-06 Remington 700 bolt-action rifle, and I am witnessing to a 60-year-old man who is helping me. I had my FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) shirt on, so the conversation as to what I do for a living came up. We chit-chatted a bit, and then he said it. “I don’t believe a whole lot of that stuff that is written in there,” he said. He was talking about the Bible. I smiled and looked at him. Lord help me if I didn’t just hear myself 10 years ago in his words. That happens a lot, you know. Boy, was I wrong back then.
I said, “You know, I had trouble with the idea that a man could live in the belly of a large fish for three days for quite some time myself.” Then I read in the book of Matthew where Jesus said it happened, just the way that He said He would spend 3 days in the Earth and rise again. That happened too. I believe every single word in that book now. The Bible is the greatest book ever lived.
There was so much that we talked about. He had questions. I tried to answer them, and I hope I did well. The words that came out of my mouth were the words of the Holy Spirit in me. I felt so good. So filled with the Holy Spirit. So much so that if you asked me what I said exactly, I couldn’t repeat the words. I can recall at one point the man’s mouth moving as he was talking, but I was too busy praying in my head for him that I could not hear what he was talking about. It was time to speak, and the Lord gave me the words. Read what Jesus says about what comes out of our mouths in the form of “words”…
Matthew 15:7–11
What a statement. Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees and how they were upset that the disciples were eating without washing their hands. That was His answer to them. This upset the Pharisees, and someone came back and told Jesus that they were upset. Jesus then said something that seems to tie it all together.
Matthew 15:13–14
We can all apply this to our lives and to what we say to others on a daily basis. When I spoke to those men, particularly the one that said, “I know ‘The Big Guy’ is up there, I just don’t believe all of the stuff that is in the Bible happened.” Whoa. Thank you, Lord, for the words and the smile on my face. I felt His mighty presence with me as I said, “Well, whether you believe it or not, it happened, and God loves you.” I said, “He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for all of our sins on the cross, so that you can say what you just said about His Word, ask for His forgiveness, and He will love you just the same.” He looked at me a bit puzzled. Then he smiled. This happened two more times that day, with my dad sitting out in the truck waiting on me.
Please do not think that I tell you of these opportunities that the Lord has provided for me to bring glory to myself. I am Christian in the sense that I know only what God shows me. I am strong in His Spirit only because God has made me that way. I am His because I have gotten down on my knees and I have begged my Heavenly Father to have His way in me, and to send me wherever He wants me to go. It is the Holy Spirit in me that allows me to be present in the moment to help people every day. I am humble. I am honored. I am the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. Not through David Keith. Jesus! All honor and glory to God.
I am going back to that pawn shop. Those are good men, ready for the Living Word.
Lord, thank You so much for Your Grace. We can only dream to even come close to Your love and patience and understanding for us. Jesus, You came down to Earth, knowing that You would have to die a horrible death in order for us to be forgiven. Lord, please help all of those wonderful people that are lost in the world right now. Those that feel that You are not with them. Those that feel like they have fallen away from You, or that You have abandoned them. Lord, let them know tonight that You are with them. Right next to them, ready and waiting for them to call on You. Let them know that it is time to accept You into their lives, Father God. Let them hear our prayers. Heavenly Father, help us to use the gift of words that are filled with love and forgiveness and understanding to help those that are around us that are in need. We love You. Thank You. You are so amazing. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ we pray!
Amen!
Shalom.
DK
