Tragedy

This morning a drunk came to my door and asked for help. He was a sorry sight, dirty, sick, long hair and worn out clothes. I quickly went to get him some food. He was very unappreciative, so I determined that he owed me a little information about himself. In slurred, slow speech he told me his name didn't matter to anyone. I told him that he needed more than physical food, that he needed the Bread of Life to fill his empty soul. He was very offended at this, hurtling curses loudly my way, then He exclaimed,

I serve Jesus; He's my King!

This contradiction interested me, so I asked him if he knew the way to Heaven.  He looked me in the eye and said angrily, "Look, you are destined to serve Trinity.  Me... I serve Tragedy!"  He went on to explain how tragedy sticks to people like himself.  I said that Jesus died to take away tragedy and give us real life.  He clenched his fist and repeated angrily, "Tragedy!  Tragedy!"

I said, God loves you and sent his son Jesus to die for you, but you have to repent of your sins and accept Him as Saviour.

He stood up, wobbling, and cursed vehemently as he walked away.  The next time Tragedy comes to my door, I'll simply hand him so food and say, "Jesus loves you."  Tragedy may remember those three words and be saved, but likely I will never meet him in Heaven, because of his name.  Who named him that anyway?

On becoming the Senior Chaplain

Dear Lord,

I thank you Father for answering all of my prayers.  You have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that You can do exceedingly above all that we ask or think.  I live on a dry, parched planet, but Heaven has oceans of abundance.

When I pray, I cut a little hole in the bottom of Heaven, and the blessing comes through.  So long as I pray, the hole remains and enlarges.  When I stop, Heavens moisture ceases to fall.  The showers of blessing we need are a  prayer away.

How often I forget that this is Your Word and we are Your instruments.  It is not our work and You the instrument.  If we are yielded You will use us skillfully at whatever task You want.

I thank You for the calling to be the Chaplain of UGM.  It is the inner-city missionary post I have dreamed of.  I live in the middle of it, have housing and food supplied, am in charge of evangelism into the community.  I trusted in You and You gave me the desires of my heart.  I'm glad I didn't quit.  I pray that I'll pray and pray and pray to see You work marvelously here at the Mission.

You have given me a guide book - I & II Timothy to measure and adjust my performance.  Help me to read and study this portion continuously.

I pray You will help others to support our appointment.  Nevertheless, it is not what they think but what you know that counts. 

Living in these last days, I pray You will use me as a soul-winner and preacher and intercessor.

Give me, I pray, zeal for You and Your cause.

In Jesus' Holy Name I pray,

Amen.