rants of a beggar

Mark 10:13
One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Children are so impressionable and responsive to the environment around them. Their world is formed on the perspective they have of the family and people in their lives. They have no choice but to assume the good intent of the world that surrounds them.

As time passes we grow hardened by the fallen world around us. We become victimized and hurt by the people we’ve trusted, and assumed with our best interest. Layer after layer we learn to guard our heart, as we learn to fight through the pain, or become crippled by it.

Maturing is a natural and healthy process, but it doesn’t change who you are in your CORE. In our heart of hearts, rest all the insecurities and dependencies we carried as a child. Deep down we all want to be LOVED and NURTURED. But have become damaged and broken, by other damaged and broken people.

Before Christ, I imagine a child that is lost and crippled by the world around it. Drowning the need we have to be LOVED and NURTURED with temporary pleasures that leave us unsettled and wanting more. Thrashing blindly in the water, thinking that we are swimming and living the life we’re supposed to be. But it isn’t until we STOP and TURN to Christ, do we understand truly WHO we are, and the LIFE we are called to live.

Mark 10:15 “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

It is in our CORE that we must come to Christ not only as our King, but as our Father that loves us. Surrendering our fear/guilt/pain through complete and absolute dependence on Him. In our CORE dependence on HIM we find unwavering strength and security and learn more of Gods love and our identity.

Uncertainty creeps into my mind as a fog gently rolling in..
A path that once shown clear.. now lay hidden beneath me..
All that has passed.. now becomes questioned..

“Was I wrong? Why am I here? Where do I go?”

Words wrestle in my heart… Insecurities wreak havoc in my mind..
Peace flees.. Mountains escalate..
Tasks that were once simple.. now become unbearable.
Each step forward gives more reason to give up.

Yet in the most deafening of circumstances.. a still voice arises

“Why do you anguish for a life that is not your own?”

Infinite.. Shepherd.. Savior.. Compassionate.. Fierce.. Kind.. Merciful.. Gracious.. Divine.. Patient.. Sovereign.. Intimate..

Our Mission: To equip MEN to equip OTHERS

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

How do we equip MEN?

Community- Roots is meant to foster authentic community that enables us to Mature in the body of believers.

Ownership- Roots will challenge men to take OWNERSHIP of their personal walk with Christ, as well as their Role in the Home and at Church.

How do we equip OTHERS?

Unity- Roots will STRONGLY urge Men to be apart of UNITY events such as 1prayer and MOMENTUM.

UNITY means we are not just here for ourselves but also for our community. It’s acknowledging the only way to fully reach it,  is by joining hands with other churches and making an effort to take this community back for CHRIST and not just our church.

Service- Roots men will be required to get involved and give back to the church/community.

It will be our core intent to motivate Men into action and equip them to serve in their area of influence and gifting.

Roots is a leadership development process focused on MEN in the church.

A beggar cries out on the street corner..
seeking.. waiting.. hungry.. weary..

A crowd of people briskly walk by..
unhesitant.. unconcerned..
Consumed by routine and schedules.. a thing they call “life”

In the distance comes a rider.. a man on a horse
Gently disrupting the ordinary..

Cars stop abruptly.. People pause suddenly.. Storefronts come to a halt..
Voices clamor.. mothers whisper.. sons inquire..

A stranger on a horse… seizing the air around him..
His presence, not of this world.. commanding the attention of his surrounding.

the voices of the people echoed.. “Who is that man?”
His identity unknown.. yet so familiar.. hidden from the lips of the masses..

As intrigue stirs and people draw in.. held captive by this stranger
A voice from the corner arises.. that beggar whom everyone has ignored…

“HE IS THE KING OF GLORY!!”

As the beggars voice resounded through the crowd.. fear and awe struck them..
It was as if scales had fallen from their eyes.. and the identity of the man had now been told.

This is the story of a vision I had during National Day of Prayer. It served as a wake up call for me toward our community. No one knew or recognized Christ as He rode through our town.. yet it was in the cry of a beggar, that His glory was revealed.