SATURDAY MEETING, CORAL SPRINGS

Khian and Sanya
(Click on photos to enlarge.)

What a meeting yesterday. I was not feeling very energetic early in the day. I had been in Miami touring for several hours the day before (you will see photos and the story on this blog tomorrow), and then Waylan and Regena took me on a night out with friends; we talked and laughed in and out of a Japanese restaurant until close to midnight. I woke up the next morning at my usual 4:30, and that’s how things started Sunday, not to mention the flu-type issues vexing me all week. 

Nevertheless, when I sat down to connect spiritually with those gathered at 2 p.m. yesterday, nothing hindered the spirit or the sinews of the mouth. That’s generally what happens. Any kind of trouble disappears in light of the message, and the joy of communicating it. Twelve attended this South Florida Scripturefest. 

I spoke on my Catholic background; the condition of the world today; why I think these are the last days of the eon (“Many generations have thought they were the last generation; we are the only generation to be right”); the cross as the centerpiece of universal history; a brief history of Israel; the purpose of Jesus Christ on earth; the purpose of Christ Jesus in the heavens; an explanation of predestination; the call of Saul on the road to Damascus; the reality of the death of Christ; key differences between the gospels of the Circumcision and the Uncircumcision; the destinies of all those in attendance; the completion of the universe, in Christ.

I don't know how long I talked. It seemed short to me, but it may actually have been close to 90 minutes, which I never would have done on purpose. No one was moving, everyone was aggressively listening and letting things soothe them, so I let the good times roll.

Marie and Kate Horne; sisters

The brothers McNight: Jordan and Josh

Tonya and Ashley

Tonya and her husband Adam

Josh McKnight and Tim McClellan

Kate Horne and me. Kate was struggling with church back in 2001,
when she "happened upon" my book, How to Quit Church Without Quitting God,
at the Miami, FL, public library. That book changed her life. She has been
a great supporter of the ministry and a great friend, from that day to this.

Adam, Tonya and me.

Khian and Tanya say good-bye.

Mary Ellen heads out after a great time.

The Word went forth with power—thanks be to God. It was a complete success. Several people heard things they’d never heard before. Many people hung out afterward. So many thanks go to Waylan and Regena Dabbs, for opening their home and providing for the needs of the saints. Waylan and Regina have provided for all my needs here, and then some. I am in such good care.  

When everyone left, Waylan, Regena and I hit the hot tub with a little cognac and some white wine, conversing for at least ninety minutes under the dark Florida sky. Between the spiritual and emotional expenditures of the day, the heat of the tub, the kick of the cognac, and the warm, west wind, I barely made it to bed before sleep did its sweet thing to my surrendered frame. 

Grace and peace. It is all grace and peace, friends. Find one another. 

© 2013 by Martin Zender