Shiann brings today’s devotional thought. Be sure and read through the scripture to the story that follows:
Here is the reading from Deuteronomy 10 from The Message:
So now Israel, what do you think GOD expects from you?
Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road
he sets out for you,
love him, serve GOD, your God, with everything you have in you,
obey the commandments and regulations of GOD that
I'm commanding you today—live a good life.
Look around you: Everything you see is GOD's—
the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it.
But it was your ancestors who GOD fell in love with;
he picked their children—that's you!—
out of all the other peoples. That's where we are right now.
So cut away the thick calluses from your heart
and stop being so willfully hardheaded.
GOD, your God, is the God of all gods,
he's the Master of all masters,
a God immense and powerful and awesome.
He doesn't play favorites, takes no bribes,
makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly,
takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that
they get food and clothing.
You must treat foreigners with the same loving care—
remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt.
Reverently respect GOD, your God,
serve him, hold tight to him,
back up your promises with the authority of his name.
He's your praise! He's your God!
He did all these tremendous, these staggering things
that you saw with your own eyes.
When your ancestors entered Egypt,
they numbered a mere seventy souls.
And now look at you—
you look more like the stars in the night skies in number.
And your GOD did it.
Ron has been speaking from Deuteronomy 10 in our devotionals about entertaining strangers - making them feel welcome, safe, and loved. He has reminded us that we are to do this as families and as a missionary community at Westview.
I recently got and opportunity to see this concept come full circle. We had a young man show up from out of the blue, who had left our ranks exclaiming himself a stranger some years ago. He had rejected our community of his own free will. It was a very painful disconnect for Troy and me. We mourned his leaving for quite some time, and never knew how he was doing. I searched for him on Facebook, MySpace, and Google. His well-being has been a matter of prayer since his departure (in 2003). Six years later he returns to visit with us: his eyes are clear, he claims a job and attendance in a church. He states “I love y’all” before he leaves the room. Although he removed himself from this community some years ago, he now feels safe enough to express his love and care to a room full of people who represent that same community.
I can’t tell you how much this filled up my heart. I was afraid this particular boy was in prison or even dead. It was almost as if a piece of my heart got to come back home. What a picture of the heart of God this day was for me!! I regularly thank Him for these blessings, which are big to me.
It is infrequent that we get to see and hear the stories of our guys after leaving unless a staff member stays for an extended period of time. So accept this story as one that encourages you to keep on. God’s faithfulness is so immense.
Blessings,
Shiann
