Lord, let me walk like ELI.

I went to see "The Book of Eli" last night. WARNING: if you have not seen the movie...then you may not want to read any more.
This moving starring Denzel Washington was a great movie. I must say that the premise was a post-apocalyptic account of a man who was guided by God to a place where he found the last remaining bible. He unearthed the bible hidden by debris and was told (by God) to take it west. Not knowing any more than that....he headed west....walking. He walked for 30 years, across the United States...not being deterred by anyone or anything that stood in his way. He read God's word EVERY DAY....placing it in his heart.
He was confronted by vandals, vagrants, murderers, a comfortable life, sex, money, water (of which there was little supply).
One of the key lines in the movie when he was talking to the young girl who fled with him....when she asked about the "old times" or pre-apocalypse....he said;

we had way too much, people used to throw away things we now kill each other for

(this may not be an exact quote...but its close)
As he fought off and killed those that would cause him harm, or keep him from what God called him to...he used uncanny skill in battle, and had unnatural ability to avert harm. He did however (eventually) forfeit the braille bible.
It wasn't until he reached the west coast of California...San Fransisco that we find out that he is blind and that he had walked for 30 years, fought and killed the bad guys and was directed only by his FAITH.
He then met up with a man that he completely orated the entire New King James Bible...which he had memorized.
The journey of Eli was so inspiring.....I was convicted that I live too much by sight... and not enough by faith. I was reminded that when faith is all that you have.....it is sufficient.

Psalm 67 – Global God

Psalm 67 – Global God
I got an email this morning before reading this passage….from Mari, a dear friend of ours. Mari was in the youth group with Brandon at my old church….she was good friends with Luis (from our church) and was instrumental in the Father’s plan of salvation for him.
Anyway, Mari is now in North Africa….serving with the IMB (International Missions Board) to teach English. But the main purpose for Mari being there…and the reason she signed up for this 3 year commitment, is to reach her region for Chrst.
So this passage this morning with words like nations, people and the ends of the earth….really made my mind and heart turn toward Mari. Then after reading Mike’s post I thought….okay….we are all teaching English is some capacity, but what is our real purpose. What are our barriers?
Mari has to be careful with her communication because she is in a Muslim country that is closed to the Good News. She communicates and talks about “the Father”, “prying for her”, Chrst the “LRD” the Kingdom….the same Kingdom we press into and try to make more tangible to our neighbors and our city.
Please join me in pryer for Mari, that the soil she is working will become fertile. That the language will ‘click’ and she is better able to communicate. Pry for Dora, Falicia and Amanca…who she asked we pry for.
I am cc’ing Mari to this email. If you want, let her know you are prying for her….what a privilege we all have to pry and openly communicate with the Father and each other. Love you guys!