Divine Appointment
I would like to address a subject that was brought to my attention yesterday as the sea-graced wind swept through our hair atop the grande Castillo De San Marcos in St. Augustine. My friends and I raced to the top of the structure and were so blessed to have a tour guide approach us in our venture. He was a senior citizen of much appeal who was abundantly knowledgeable on the subject of this particular fortification. He explained to us the equation of effectiveness of the cannon atop the fort. In addition, he also told us of the many sieges the structure survived, and the psychological warfare the fort proved to boast against it's foe. All of which were fascinating as the eyes erased modern structures and penciled in ancient schooners abroad over the vast sea.
Dan Thompson was the name of this winsome character. He spoke to us also of the spiritual entities that exist in and around the macabre of old St. Augustine. As I too was once greatly intrigued by the paranormal, I chimed my perspective, "Ghosts are merely demons drawing our attention away from our relationship with God and onto themselves." To which Mr. Dan, reared back his head and agreed wholeheartedly. I then referenced the latter portion of Luke where Jesus appears post resurrection, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39) Jesus, knowing all, could have easily rebuked his disciples and said "There is no such thing as ghosts", however he acknowledges them and draws a contrast.
We continued to delve further into scripture, now realizing we were both Christians. Dan, myself, and my friends then spoke of end times prophecy, of ministry and other encouraging topics. We touched on the effectiveness of prayer, which spurred me to realize a missing element in my weakened faith.
Recently, I have felt disconnected. Exhausted by the relentless onslaught of sin and temptation. My faith has suffered as sin entered my life. Therefore, also a haze clouded my relationship with God. It became clear that I have expounded too much energy fighting temptation then simply utilizing the escape route and simply walking away from it. All of this seemed to surface from a simple conversation of entertaining the demonic.
As our conversation progressed, I hinted to Dan that this was his ministry. Perched atop one of the nations oldest gun emplacements, he was able to affirm those in Christ. Unfortunately he was not fully able to be an outspoken witness by regulation of the federal government, but surely through friendly conversation he could seek out believers and encourage them on their way. This is what Dan did for me.
He noticed that no one had gathered around us during our time of theological exchange to which he summarized as "Divine Appointment." As stated above, religious heresay is not welcomed by on duty government officials. However, neither were any rangers or tourists gathered in the southeastern quadrant of where we stood. Dan told us that this was normally the busiest sector of the fort, and as we looked around at all of the field trips and tours around us, we did realize that we were the only group in that particular area. Either this was an example of the darkness trembling at the light, or simply "Divine Appointment."
I share this story not because of it's supernatural and everlasting impact on me, but because it is that of an everyday experience. It is these little experiences that teach us a little at a time. These experiences that grace us every day, that we seldom realize shape us and guide us in the way that we should go. It's as if we bounce from place to place, stumbling unknowingly through the uncertainty of life only to be affirmed by unexpected encouragers such as these. God conceals his presence in the mundane and He directs our paths unbeknownst to us. Upon His throne the Father gently tweaks and mends each and every individual scenario through each and every individual's life in His own omniscient way.
Dan Thompson was the name of this winsome character. He spoke to us also of the spiritual entities that exist in and around the macabre of old St. Augustine. As I too was once greatly intrigued by the paranormal, I chimed my perspective, "Ghosts are merely demons drawing our attention away from our relationship with God and onto themselves." To which Mr. Dan, reared back his head and agreed wholeheartedly. I then referenced the latter portion of Luke where Jesus appears post resurrection, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” (Luke 24:39) Jesus, knowing all, could have easily rebuked his disciples and said "There is no such thing as ghosts", however he acknowledges them and draws a contrast.
We continued to delve further into scripture, now realizing we were both Christians. Dan, myself, and my friends then spoke of end times prophecy, of ministry and other encouraging topics. We touched on the effectiveness of prayer, which spurred me to realize a missing element in my weakened faith.
Recently, I have felt disconnected. Exhausted by the relentless onslaught of sin and temptation. My faith has suffered as sin entered my life. Therefore, also a haze clouded my relationship with God. It became clear that I have expounded too much energy fighting temptation then simply utilizing the escape route and simply walking away from it. All of this seemed to surface from a simple conversation of entertaining the demonic.
As our conversation progressed, I hinted to Dan that this was his ministry. Perched atop one of the nations oldest gun emplacements, he was able to affirm those in Christ. Unfortunately he was not fully able to be an outspoken witness by regulation of the federal government, but surely through friendly conversation he could seek out believers and encourage them on their way. This is what Dan did for me.
He noticed that no one had gathered around us during our time of theological exchange to which he summarized as "Divine Appointment." As stated above, religious heresay is not welcomed by on duty government officials. However, neither were any rangers or tourists gathered in the southeastern quadrant of where we stood. Dan told us that this was normally the busiest sector of the fort, and as we looked around at all of the field trips and tours around us, we did realize that we were the only group in that particular area. Either this was an example of the darkness trembling at the light, or simply "Divine Appointment."
I share this story not because of it's supernatural and everlasting impact on me, but because it is that of an everyday experience. It is these little experiences that teach us a little at a time. These experiences that grace us every day, that we seldom realize shape us and guide us in the way that we should go. It's as if we bounce from place to place, stumbling unknowingly through the uncertainty of life only to be affirmed by unexpected encouragers such as these. God conceals his presence in the mundane and He directs our paths unbeknownst to us. Upon His throne the Father gently tweaks and mends each and every individual scenario through each and every individual's life in His own omniscient way.
I am certain both Dan and I were equally encouraged by our conversation. Yet had it not been for his simple statement of "Divine Appointment", I would have given credit to my own boldness and biblical knowledge. Through our short time together, and upon reflection thereof, I now see how God operates subtly in the everyday. Great is the magnitude of this observation and imperative is it that we hold no shame for who we are in Christ! How then may we observe God when we hide our faces from Him?! For it is my prayer that we all would seek his workings in our everyday, and that we would be inclined to be sought after by both God and men so that we may be willfully led down the omnipotent road God has laid before us. Amen.
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| "Theological Exchange" From left: Dan Thompson, Thadeus Goncalves, Andrew Zaiter, Ben Akins |
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