Yesterday, I shared with someone that “we”, our “team”, were working hard to accomplish a certain task.  It’s a massive undertaking and certainly not a job for the weak in spirit.  There are certainly ways I may be persecuted for the actions I am taking in faith.        There are countless ways human beings persecute and judge each other. It could be scary if He wasn’t in my corner.  Admittedly, this is a sobering and odd thought before coffee.   I am pressing forward to finish the next task, as He has called me to His purpose clearly on this one.

God has given such clear direction and encouragement to me every step of the past week.    When the Holy Spirit tells you how to get something done to honor Him, you do it.  There is absolutely zero chance I would argue against Him at this point and every chance I will fight for what He leads me to accomplish for His Glory.  Yes, Lord, I will contend for the faith you have planted in me. I will fight for you and your church with every ounce of Truth and Grace you have given to me.  Please, Father God, continue to let me be quick to hear, slow to speak and even slower to anger in any form, even disappointment.  Thank you for showing me your desire that we love with even deeper and greater intention.  Thank you for reminding me we all serve one purpose with different gifts.  It makes perfect sense to me in this moment why you would want to see all of the gifts dancing for you.   You are my soul, God, not the surface.   If I am to be a fool for anyone, I will use every gift you have given me and go dance wherever you call me.

Here is the hardcore Truth in what I told this person about our team working hard.   A few years ago, it would have been a very stretched version of the truth to say, “our team”, if I was doing a project with a few people. I was always the kid who did 95 percent of a team project in school.  My standards are ridiculous and my work ethic paired nicely.  To say the very least, it would have been  an extremely diluted version of the Truth to say “our team”.

Fast forward until my Baptism 15 months ago.  He changed all of “that” from the inside to the out.  I may have fought some of the changes, but He wins, every time.  Today, it is pure Truth when I state WE ARE.  God the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit have made their power very clear and present to Team MC.  That is to say team Mark & Carol.

There is not any other way to explain my being awake before 5 a.m the past three days.   Well, certainly not being forced awake and forming complete sentences.

I am forming complete sentences without coffee at 4:45 a.m.  Only He can make that happen.

Thank you, Lord, for loving us all so much!  Thank you for sending your son to pay for our sins and balance your Truth and Grace.  Thank you for that sacrifice so that we can all have a spot at your table, through accepting your son, Jesus, as our Savior.   Thank you for pressing your spirit and message through Shelby’s sermon at church yesterday.  Clearly, you used him spectacularly.   I love you.