He Sees The Best

¹¹ The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” ¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

 ¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:11-15; NIV 2011 Edition)

This passage in Acts is just a snippet of the full account of a man's transformation into his manifest destiny. This man's name is Saul and in his era, the mention of his name would strike fear in the hearts of men who proclaimed to serve God. His reputation proceeded him wherever he went so much so to the point that he hungered greatly for the chance to persecute believers and kill them. Surely there was no God in this man at all.


But everyone was wrong. Including Saul himself. How could a man who once persecuted those of the Christian faith grow to become one of the most influential Biblical authors of all? And what does this say about our God?

God has a divine plan for our lives.  I've grown to believe that nothing in life is a coincidence. So much so to the point that when I think about it, every action of my past impacts the unraveling of my future. Perfect example: choosing a college. The college that I chose had a direct impact on the friendships I've been able to have and the jobs I've been able to have as well. God is so thorough with the big and small details of our lives that he leaves nothing up to chance.  In the life of Paul, his story would not be one of such compelling turn around had he not been such a strong persecutor of the faith. Not only that but God picked this specific chain of events to happen so that everyone can know that it was He who did it and not man. That happens a lot in my life, what about you?

Our faith depends on our relationship with others. Ananias was a vital part of Paul's faith story. Had Ananias been disobedient to God's calling, Saul may not have ever seen again. Sometimes in life, we come in contact with people who activate our faith and act as "checkpoints" in our spiritual faith. Pastor Andy Stanley of North Point would call these Providential Relationships.  In the same way that Saul's conversion required obedience from both Saul AND Ananias, we too have to be obedient to the call that God has on us to act in the lives of others. As tough as it may be to stand in the gap for or even minister to someone whom we feel is a lost cause, still do it. If God is leading you to do something we have to be obedient. Lives depend on it.

God can use anyone. Saul was known as one of the most ruthless antagonist of the Christian faith in his time.  He brought fear, terror, death and destruction to those who believed and showed no remorse about it. Now if God can use a man like this, why can't he use you? Or me? Or the person in our life that we've "written off and just turned over to Jesus?" God has a way of using not only the ordinary, but also the most unlikely of persons to share the Gospel. I think that is the beauty of our faith. God has a way of using people on a daily basis that represent the transformation that only comes in Christ. God uses the drunkard, the heathen, the sin-encourager and more to give Him glory through their transformation.

Isn't it so amazing that God does not discriminate who He uses to carry out the Great Commission? It doesn't matter WHO you are or WHAT you've done or WHERE you've been, God loves you all the more. Even if people have written you off in life, God sees more in you than man could ever see. You are useful to God and He would love to see you make a difference in the lives of others. In Christ, we are never without purpose. Our commandment is to show His love towards one another and share His message. No matter what we have going on in our lives, we are useful, we are loved, we are His.

Have you seen a miraculous transformation in someone in your life? Have you ever been lead by God to activate someones faith? Has God moved in your life in a way similar to Paul's? I'd love to hear your story.


Mount Pilgrim Mime Ministry- "The Best In Me"

Lay Down Your Harp and Lead

"27 But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, 29 so that no one can boast in his presence. 30 He is the reason you have a relationship with Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31

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The bass guitar has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I've been playing for basically half my life and some would say, and I wouldn't argue, that it is a dominant portion of what defines "me."

Through music I have been blessed to meet some amazing people, some of whom I call dear friends. I've ministered to the lives and hearts of many, travelled the united states, ministered inside the heart of a major woman's correctional facility, recorded albums, won honorable mention for a Billboard song writing award and more because of this gift.

I'm grateful, but it's time to move on.

In my current season of life, one of the men of the Bible who I've gravitated to is David. David was a shepherd boy who grew up in obscurity and was oftentimes overlooked for his physical statue and humility but would one day become one of the greatest kings of all time. He stands out because of our similarities. He too played his harp faithfully before the king and had the ability not only to groove but to soothe. David played in the kings court but little did he know that he would become one.

But that would require sacrifice.

One of the cool things about being in the presence of a king is that you pick up kingdom minded thinking. My bass playing has allowed me to sit under great biblical teaching and other kingdom minded things that I wouldn't have gotten without it. In me playing bass for God and David playing harp for Saul, we've learned kingdom leadership. But just like with David, I've realized that elevation for me might only come by laying my harp down.

New identities.

In laying my bass down effective at the end of March, I realize that I will be taking on a new identity that may not look like the old. But sometimes that's needed to grow. Comfort here on Earth to most people means living a defined niche. You may have always been known as "the [insert thing you do really well or that people admire about you] guy" to your friends so comfort is in keeping that life up even though it might not be your true calling. Who you've always been isn't necessarily who you will always be meant to be.

The next chapter.

In closing, I just want to encourage you to examine your heart and find not only where God is leading you but also where He isn't. It's a sign of disobedience to continue to operate in a mindset or skill set that God no longer wants for your life. Don't feel like you have to be ashamed about God reinventing your life and reassigning you. It will lead you closer to your purpose.

Don't be afraid to lay down your harp in order to pick up your crown.