8 Men, 8 Candles, 1 House

8 men gathered last tuesday night at the new house/ministry headquarters with 8 candles to do battle...more about that in a minute...

So, let me first digress or upgress (is that a word?) about ministry headquarters. This house that God has provided has truly been a miracle and blessing to our family. God miraculously sold our house in Florida prior to moving and now He has provided a place for our family. Melody and I are intentional about saying that this house belongs to God...that perspective is so important to us. God owns it...we are simply stewards. We live in such a culture of "ownership" that finds worth and value through stuff. Houses are used to arrange for stability and security. Look at my house, look at my yard, look at my stuff...the one word connecting all of this is..."my". Basically, we are saying "look at me". We want to be noticed and affirmed...so we use our surrounding and material things to validate our worth. All of that to say...these "trappings" exist for us too. So, that is why I fight to say this house does not belong to us.

This week, though, has been a celebration of community and servants. Each day, friends have come over to help clean, paint, pray, and serve. I can honestly say that I've never felt this welcome and affirmed in moving to a new place...even though Birmingham is not entirely new to us. Growing up in a pastor's home...we constantly moved and had to get adjusted. So, this week has been refreshing to have others gather around us and help out.

Back to the candles...So, last tuesday night was powerful and quite a blessing. 8 men/friends gathered at our house for a time of sharing and blessing over the new home. We ate pizza, heard various noises that men make when gathered in close quarters, and celebrated story. I was able to share about the last few years and how God brought us here. Then, the house went black. All lights were turned out representing the darkness and shadows. We lit a candle in the center of the room and talked about Christ being the only source of light. Then each man was given a candle. After lighting from the central candle, men began to move through the house carrying the light. It was quite an amazing picture...light moving into all corners of the house. As they walked, they prayed and interceded on our behalf. Battle was taking place. We prayed against the enemy's desire to bring darkness and shadows into this home. We prayed for the light of Jesus Christ to fill this place and cover our lives. As we prayed, the Light chased away the darkness and provided a covering/blessing over the home. What a picture of brothers surrounding a brother and a family.

Father, we commit this home and headquarters to You. This place is yours. More importantly, we are yours. So, use this home and use us for whatever...really, whatever You want to do. Thanks for 8 men. Thanks for 8 candles. Thanks for being the Light.