SCRIPTURE: “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
OBSERVATION: Rebellion and Redemption. That is what Zephaniah’s letter reads. Jerusalem is likened to wicked wolves who seek to devour the innocent from morning until night. Heaven watches, waits and warns. Giving every opportunity for hearts to turn, humble themselves and course correct.
How is Zephaniah’s letter reading you today?
APPLICATION: Last week, I took my Son & Daughter to the Elevation Worship Concert here in Seattle. It was a fun time hanging out together. I’ve been purposeful over years to book worship nights like this with my kids so we can share experiences together, giving us shared memories of when Heaven changes the atmosphere. Sometimes, bringing a personal message to our hearts. Priceless…
I’ve led my family to worship experiences like Kari Jobe, Bethel Music, Hillsong Worship and more. Elevation did not disappoint! Yes, it was a concert and they killed it as live performers. But it was much more than that. The presence of God was tangible. Hearts responded, including my own family.
As a Dad, I’ve led my kids through 22 years of following Jesus together.
I’m blessed with Three Arrows of Legacy in my quiver; 22, 20 & 16.
Life is Good! (Psalm 127:4)
And yet, this side of Heaven, life isn’t good all the time. Six years ago, began a new chapter of following Jesus Off the Map together in faith. Life had thrown us a Suddenly that changed everything… and yet, Jesus never changed. His heart for us and Heaven’s ability to reach down and bring beauty from ashes is showcased within my family. Grateful.
Out of all of these concerts, this last one was the most rewarding for me. Why? Well, even though I have kept a freedom within to worship freely in public settings.. my kids have not. They shut down pretty hard for a while. I don’t blame them.
So, during the concert I was lost in my own moment honoring my King for what He has done in and through my life up to this point… and to my surprise, when I opened my eyes, I saw what completely cracked my heart open on a different level.
My daughter was standing beside me with both hands raised, singing with all her heart, eyes wide open and tears streaming down both cheeks in a heart cry, declaring her absolute surrender and identity as a Daughter of the King of Kings… Jesus Christ.
This wasn’t a soft, weak nor meek stance. My daughter chose to make a stand as a young woman, who has been through more than most at her age, who trusts Jesus to make it all count for the Kingdom. My little girl, in a blink of an eye, had transformed into a formidable weapon of righteousness. I was awestruck by who my daughter has become.
She knows who she is. She is a Girl. An instrument of God’s Love and Purity. Jesus gave me this word for her before she was born. In fact, before the doctor told us she would be a girl, her Heavenly Father shared exactly who she was created to be. This is why I named her “Kaitlyn”… which means “Purity”. Have I mentioned how much I love my daughter? Hehe, just sayin’ 🙂
We never talked about that moment… don’t need to. I know exactly what was going on. Jesus was being honored. The Heavenly Father was declaring my daughter’s identity over her. And the Holy Spirit was confirming all of this by the manifest presence being experienced in that moment. She was simply responding to how good God is. Specifically to how good God has been writing her own life story.
My daughter has a song and a story!
So, this morning… sitting in yet another PNW coffee shop, I’m writing what’s on my heart and taking inventory from where I’ve come so I may stay the course for my future. Such gratefulness for how Jesus has led us through those Suddenlies to this side of the promise. But the journey is not over yet…
Many have come and gone in my life over the past 6 years because of my story and even those closest to me seem to not stay. Paths converge for a time, but when they hear chapters of my life story, most don’t know how to handle it and predictably make a course correction putting distance between us. Although sad to experience, I understand and don’t blame them. I still choose to run my race and follow Jesus Off the Map.
Although lonely at times, I take great comfort in my Three Arrows. They have been the focus and the fruit of my life’s work up to this moment. I have legacy! This morning, I… as my daughter before me, take great comfort in the Song and Story Heaven is singing over me.
There’s nowhere I’d rather be
When You’re singing over me
I just wanna be here with You
I’m lost in Your mystery
I’m found in Your love for me
I just wanna be here with You
Here in the waiting
I won’t worry about tomorrow
No need to focus
On the things I can’t control
All my attention
On the wonder of this moment
Jesus, Your presence
Is the comfort of my soul
PRAYER: I love you Jesus. Thank you for making it count. I believe the fruit of a man’s life will make a place for him. My kids’ lives echo who I am and whose I am! Grateful to be a son. Grateful to be loved by You. I trust You. And for what You have promised… I choose to let go and simply be with You. Nowhere I’d rather be.
OFF THE MAP 