Sunday, November 29, 2015

The Spiritual Janitor



When I was in high school, I wrote and recorded a song about a Sunday School teacher of mine. There aren't many people who live out what it means to love and encourage others better than Mr. Lussi. Every year, I look forward to him calling me on my birthday to sing Happy Birthday, which is something he does for hundreds of people.  This song captures a few of the fun and encouraging aspects of Mr. Lussi.

The Spiritual Janitor
by Andrew Robert Allen

I know a certain man he is a janitor.
He cleans and mops and sweeps and dusts that's what he gets paid for.
Each and every morning he calls people to say. I want you to have a very, very happy birthday.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

On every Sunday morning he goes to church to teach.
He loves the kids so much he goes with them to the beach.
When I'm sleeping in my bed to refresh myself anew.
All the sudden a man comes in and crows cock-a-doodle-doo.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

He likes strawberry ice cream and Dr. Pepper too.
To Mrs. Lussi he says darling I love you.
Sometimes when he's talking he don't know the word to use.
He'll call the thing a "jafer" and then you'll know his news.
If you need a friend to get on his knees and pray, well Mr. Lussi is faithful so wash your blues away.

He's a Bible toting spiritual man who uses a holy sword.
He don't care what the people think.
He's always praising the Lord.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Prayer for Paris

View of Paris From Notre Dame
View of Paris From Notre Dame
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -Hebrews 12:2-3

Lord, it seems like there is so much evil in the world. It saddens me to hear about events like the terrorist attack in Paris. How can people be so deluded that they believe killing hundreds of people honors you and meets your desires and wishes?

Even in the middle of this tragedy, please let your hand work to provide comfort and healing to families, individuals, and communities. Let your people, churches, and missionaries have opportunities to minister and provide hope in the midst of sadness, confusion, and a sea of darkness.

Let your light and love break through the darkness to provide strength, shelter, and the ability to move forward, holding on to you. Pull down spiritual strongholds and reveal the lies keeping people in bondage to a false god. Only your love can give them fulfillment and purpose.

Let the extremists experience you in dreams and realize that in Jesus there is hope and life that can be lived abundantly rather than dominated by fear and hatred. Turn around their devotion and commitment to a false god into a powerful movement among MBBs that they would boldly share their faith and invite friends and family into relationship with you.

In You there is hope, joy, love, and comfort and I ask that you pour this out on the people of Paris so that they experience you in real and tangible ways.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew

Sunday, November 01, 2015

The Proverbs 31 Woman

Over the past few years I've read several articles that talk about the Proverbs 31 woman. She's held up as the Biblical model to aspire to. The more that I've thought about it, the more I've realized that my mom is the Proverbs 31 woman.

She is an excellent wife and worth far more than jewels or riches. My dad trusts in her and she's done him good all the days of her life. With her hands she is able to whip up a tasty meal, clean a house with great skill, and keep a family well clothed.

When she goes to the store, she is skilled at getting good deals on quality items. She gets up every morning to talk with God, read the Bible, and write in her prayer journal.

Throughout her life she's been compassionate to the children she's taught both at school and through church activities. She's a great listener and friend to many people. She partners with my dad to make good financial decisions and they seek to fulfill the great commission through prayer and supporting the church, missionaries, and other ministries.

When she speaks, there is wisdom that comes from lots of time spent with God and she's one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. I am glad to call her blessed and so is my dad.

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands and let her works praise her in the gates." (excerpts paraphrased from Proverbs 31)

She doesn't do what she does for recognition or praise but she is a special lady and as good as they come. Of anyone who lives like the Proverbs 31 woman, I think she does a great job. Many people love their mamas. I sure love mine and think she's probably the sweetest, most compassionate, loving, and best person I know.

In pursuit of His best,

Andrew
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