Good Friday from Pastor LaShonda
 
Tuesday, I was doing my Bible study at the park. I saw a young man who I had passed on my way to the park bench near the bridge at Heritage Park in particular. Something alarmed me because he was young, it was the first day of school and I felt like maybe he was already skipping… which isn’t a good start. I kept it in my head.
 
My plan was to start in Hebrews 4 and just see how far I get. The title in my Life Application Bible is “A rest for God’s people”. I immediately knew it would be good. I started reading in v. 1 “Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "So I declared on oath in my anger, `They shall never enter my rest.” I thought to myself… God’s promise still stands today— His promise that all may enter His place of rest— humans should tremble with fear, because some of us may be on the verge of failing to be ready.
 
It may be that some of us (who say we are believers), may be on the verge of failing to get eternal rest after all. It didn’t take long for someone to show up. I looked up after reading to a man walking by on the trail. I learned later his name is Richard. He says “You’re reading the Good Book”. I responded “I assume you are a fellow Christian?” He said “Yes ma’am”. We talked more.
 
There is one bit of wisdom he mentioned that really stood out to me. I wanted to pass it on to you.
 
Richard told me “You gotta prep your heart before your right with the Lord. He used Noah. Noah had to prep the ark before it rained. Then he was right with the Lord. Jesus prepped for His ultimate death. He was right with the Lord. Joseph prepped while he stored grains away, preparing the future famine. He was right with the Lord.”
 
It just kinda hit me. LaShonda, prepping is the right now. Prepping is the most important activity anyone can do in the here and now. Jesus prepped, Ruth prepped, Hagar, Moses, Daniel, Paul (any narrative in the “Good Book”). Your main attention and focus on prepping will be required. That’s why Jesus told the disciples to drop everything and follow Him.
 
I love when my heart beats with excitement for God’s Word. The Bible is teaching us that prepping can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit. It IS a big power!
 
Just then, the same young kid walked by us as we talked, his hair slightly long and covering his eyes.. He only looked at the ground. I felt the urge to go talk to him. I told Richard that I needed to go and talk to the kid. Richard said he’s probably on drugs and doesn’t really understand what’s going on in life. I kept it in the back of my head. I caught up to the young man a bit as he started walking down the railroad track.
 
“Hey”, I yelled. “Yes ma’am”, he responded as he looked back.
I yelled  "Can I ask you a question?”.
We both started walking towards each other.
We met and we conversated: “Do you need some help?” I asked.
I’m ok, my Dad kicked me out of my house. It’s a really bad situation there.
Do you have somewhere to go?
Yes, the people around here let me stay overnight.
 
Understand that people will help you now because you’re young. But, that won't always be the case in regards to a bed to sleep in. Make good choices.
 
Do you have food? Yes, ma’am. 
How old are you? 16
What’s your name? xxxxxxx
Are you in school? I have my GED.
Do you have a job? I can’t get a job. I don’t have enough experience” (and some other excuse).
Do you need help finding a job? No, I’m going back to my parents soon.
Are you on drugs? No ma’am… I promise.
 
We talked a bit more. He left as we both said goodbye. I haven’t stopped thinking about xxxxx and it’s Friday. He is aware that I am a part of the Church and which church. He knows he is invited. I don’t know what is a lie and what is the truth in our anonymous friends' life. But, we know He needs God. We all do.
 
Don’t worry, I later went back and finished Hebrews 4. Go read it. It’s helpful!
 
Love and Hugs! LaShonda