July 2024

Ever precious greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! It is my great honor and privilege to share my heart with you once again. The ocean water was a bath-like 80 degrees. Debbie and I were in the Florida Keys celebrating the goodness of God for our second anniversary. We turn off our phones and just chill. Nothing to do, but just do nothing. Intentional rest is our lot for the restoring of our spirits. A refreshing filling of our tanks by the living Spirit of God so that we might get back about His business on our return.

I say this not to complain. I do not. It’s just the reality of the work that we do. Some of the people that we work with, be they male or female, can be likened unto spiritual vampires. When we are done working with them, there is a real sense of spiritual draining – almost dread. A spiritual exhaustion that only those on the front lines of spiritual warfare can really know. It is easy to become discouraged and disheartened as the dregs of sin challenge us every step of the way. The enemy (relentless) does not give up souls easily; he fights brutally to hold on to his captives. Freedom is not free, but has been fought for and bought by the shedding of Blood.

It is written, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11:12)

We went back to the same bungalow for our anniversary as we had on our honeymoon. It’s nothing special, but very special to me because my Debbie is there; and for a moment, nothing else is demanding her attention – she is all mine. I sometimes ask my guys, “Do you think the Lord chose you because you are special?” They generally say, “No.” I then tell them, “He did not choose you because you are special, but you are very special because He chose you!” It gives them a sense of humility and worth all at the same time. So it is with my sweet, sweet Deborah Ann – she sure did not choose me because I was special. Indeed, I was a rascal of the basest sort. But, I feel very special because she chose me! As did the Lord, she chose to set her love on me; and therefore, as unto the Lord, I aim to be faithful!

Generally, apart from my antics, my week consists of three days in the jail and three days of discipleship/counseling. I have a calling, and therefore a mind to build men of God out of rascals. And always, one day of intentional rest with Debbie. I also teach a bible study on Wednesday nights at U-Turn 4 Christ and at our personal home group on Friday nights. My life is joyfully full. The rest of my time is spent seeking quality time with Debbie, who is busier than me! She remains, forever, my earthly joy. At the end of a day in the jail, I am spiritually exhausted, having just taught six to eight bible studies on the different pods and evangelizing and discipling both individually and corporately as needed. It is, however, a wonderfully satisfying exhaustion because I know I have poured into these men exactly what the Lord has poured into me for so many years.

Last year, on our first anniversary, we met a nice couple in the Keys. They were having problems getting their boat situated, and Debbie and I came alongside them and helped. Without knowing them, we saw their need. This year, they remembered us. When we saw each other, we talked and reflected, and they invited us out on their boat. At first, we were hesitant, but then we went. Full sun was the rule, a balmy 82 degrees, and did I mention the ocean water was a bath-like 80 degrees? We decided we would suffer through it! Manning our sunscreen – of we went into the wild blue yonder! The water was a dazzling plethora of blues and greens as we skimmed across it like a rocket! A warm breeze in our faces euphorically tickling our senses. Dolphins were just of to the left enjoying their daily forage for fish. Out of the bay we went, into the deep, open ocean. The water changed hues (as emotions change our moods) when the sun peeked in and out from behind the powder-puff white clouds. Meteorologists would tout cumulus clouds galore. . . fairweather’s sweet testimony.

Finally, a mile or so out, we found a sandbar of about 10 feet deep. We anchored, and before you could think a thought, I was in the water. A devout surfer from days gone by, I was an avid waterman and an adroit swimmer. Deb and her newfound friend were not far behind. They tossed me a pair of flippers to ease my swim, and into the drink they jumped! Casually lollygagging, they floated around on their noodles (those modern-day floating devices) and chatted about the goodness of God. We were drinking in a surreal earthly moment of bliss in Christ. . .

Suddenly, we heard the sound of a motor of in the distance. We saw a Jet Ski with a young couple on it heading in our direction. They came zooming right over to us to ask for directions! Very curious. As you may guess, that is the last thing you ever want to ask me! Here we are out bobbing around in the middle of the ocean and somebody out of the clear blue comes to ask me for directions! If this is not of the Lord, I don’t know what is! I swam over to their Jet Ski, quite quickly with my flippers, and hung onto the side of it. They turned it of as I proceeded to ask them where they were really going. I shared with them the living Christ Who alone is the Way. They seemed to have an ear to hear. I was able to share the fullness of the gospel with them. Then willingly, with heads bowed, they received prayer, as Debbie and her friend were of in the distance praying for them. Treading water, I blessed the couple in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!

It is written, “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, go near, and join thyself to this hariot [Jet Ski] . . .then Philip opened his mouth, . . . and preached unto him Jesus.” (Acts 8:29, 35)

It’s as we walk and live by faith that the Lord places people in our lives. Those who have eyes to see know this Truth. The Lord does not need us to witness or share His Word for Him. But in His sovereign design, He chooses to work through us. It’s no different with prayer. He does not need us to pray, but chooses to bring His will to pass through our prayer. Thus, He co-opts us into His good purpose and will. He endues us with a sense of purpose in His good Purpose.

God’s will always bestows His highest glory and our highest good. Jesus commanded (always desiring God’s glory and our best), “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Upon discovery we learn, much to our delight, that the two are intrinsically combined. Alas, always in school we lament, “Why do I fight so hard against Him Whom I need so much?”

God jet-skis people into our lives everyday. The question is: “Do we have an eye to see?” and, “Are we looking by faith for the Lord’s opportunities?” Maybe today you feel weary. Perhaps you are stuck in the mundane trenches of this world’s depressing mindset. Get in the Book! Do not be weary in well-doing! In due season thou shalt reap – if you faint not! He is forever risen! Repent afresh and get under the precious cleansing Blood; be ye filled afresh! Be encouraged – the enemy got his teeth pulled on Calvary, and now he is just gumming you with his lies! Listen – the sound of a motor of in the distance – yes, your. . .

“JET SKI IS COMING!”

JOYFULLY IN JESUS,
LOVE, PHILIP