Lion of Judah

“The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused him of being a bore – on the contrary, they thought him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified him ‘meek and mild,’ and recommended him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.” --Dorothy Sayers

For a long time I have feasted upon this quote by the renowned British writer Dorothy Sayers. Too often our Jesus is too small. Too much we marvel at the mechanical and not the magnificent one. The Jesus of the Scripture is compelling, revolutionary, often disturbing and quite frankly messes with the status quo in our lives. He is the one I want to know and make known. It is four letters on His life, a few hours of reading material I desire to devour. I’m asking, “How did Jesus talk … act … love … think?” I marvel at the invitation, “Follow Me?” I bask in walking with Him. He has guided my steps in the darkest of days and the best of days. I know His voice and the joy of His presence. He is not a myth or an elusive historical figure. Jesus is alive. No matter how godless our society becomes, no matter how far we drift…the Gospel of Jesus will be the most compelling, life changing story in the universe and able to stir the coldest heart. This is the truth I am not ashamed to make known for the rest of my life.

“Don’t take care…TAKE RISKS!” So says the Canon Andrew White the Vicar of Bagdad who wears a flak jacket, a clerical collar and a cross. I got to meet and spend a Saturday evening with this man who pastors a church in Bagdad, Iraq. In the past few years, 1,276 of his church members have been killed. He is accompanied by a couple truckloads of armed bodyguards whenever he travels. He takes risks to sound the alarm for Jesus in a country that sees so much division and killing. Six-thousand people in his church have answered the call … in Bagdad. The Vicar says he has never been frightened even once because perfect love casts out all fear. Multiple sclerosis, bombings, constant threats and Religicide (intentional killing off of a particular religion in a given region) cannot stop this man or the Gospel. This meeting inspires me to Take Risks for Jesus.

On April 22 we hosted a Profile of Champions at the annual Jefferson Parish Prayer Breakfast. A couple hundred people got the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with PGA players Jonathan Byrd and Ben Crane. They shared the challenges and struggles of the PGA tour from a personal perspective and how they win at golf and life. One of my guests said, “I’m new to the Bible and have a lot to learn. Thank you for making this process easier and interesting. Hearing community leaders and role models share their stories gives me inspiration … Crane mentioned that Tiger Woods had/has everything a man can dream of, but has to take sleeping pills at night to sleep because he doesn’t have God in his life.”

Praise and Prayer

1.   Praise: A new lobbyist/staff/guest Bible study has launched at the Capitol every Tuesday between 12:15-1:00 in the Capitol Chapel. Pass the word to Lobbyists or staff you know at the Capitol or pass on any contacts you have, and I will invite them. You are welcome to visit if you are at the Capitol.

2.   Praise: The ministry at the Capitol is in full swing - Bible studies, one-on- one, prayer, and new contacts. It is an enormous privilege and opportunity to serve our Louisiana leaders and encourage them to take next steps in their faith. Pray for open doors, wisdom and courage. The Session goes from March 2-June 2.

3.   Praise: We got to spend Easter in Dallas with  Jonathan and Patricia.  

4.   Prayer: Beyond History (WHNO-TV) is a new television series which showcases Scientific, Historical and Medical Evidence for Faith in Jesus. I am one of the teachers and will speak several weeks on the Crimson Thread which runs throughout the Scriptures climaxing in the person of Jesus. Pray for my time in the TV studio and for the success to syndicate this show across the country and in a number of other countries, if God so wants.

5.   Prayer: Upcoming opportunities to speak with Oilfield Fellowship (Louisiana), Officer’s Christian Fellowship (Pennsylvania), Capitol Commission Event (Missouri).

6.   Prayer: After Session is over I want to meet with pastors to explore open doors to present our Political and Business Leader-focused ministry to churches through preaching and speaking to church groups. Pray. If your pastor would be open to hearing more about the ministry of Grace Adventures and the Capitol Commission … let me know. Also, I will be forming a monthly Northshore Political Leaders Forum like we have in New Orleans.

Betting the Farm on God,

Michael