Every Street in Every City...

"Every street in every city."  

These are the words that the Lord laid on my heart as I rode my bike yesterday.  It has been gurgling deep down in my soul.  This is not the first time I have had a heart to see the city reached and transformed for Jesus. Yet, this was the first time I thought about it this way.

Every street in the city has children.

Every street is strewn with litter that often includes used condoms, dirty needles, and broken bottles.

Every street has families trying to make it.

Every street struggles against lack of hope.

Most streets in the city have a drug dealer on the corner.

Most streets are bubbling with rage whether it comes from behind closed doors or the gang bangers who walk its dusty sidewalks.

Most streets have young men and women torn who, don't know how to make the right choices.

Most streets  harbor children who live a life of fear.

Many streets in the city have women who will sell their bodies  for a temporary high.

Many streets in the city are riddled with poverty.

Many streets of the city have men and women who use the curb as a pillow.

Many streets of the city are riddled with despair.

Every street in the city is crying out for oppression to cease.

Every street of the city needs a light.

Every street of the city is longing for love.

 

Matthew 5: 14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

We are the light of the world. It is our calling. Every street in every city needs a Savior. The children there no matter how young or old need to hear the truth. We need to be willing to bring it.

Yet, I know  that it is no one person's responsibility to go to every street. Every person must be willing to go to just one street. If we were all willing to overcome our comfort zone and reach out to just one street how would this world be changed?

Last week a woman walked into our offices at UYI frustrated because there were at least 10 children on her street that needed Jesus. She wanted to register them into our programs. I was frustrated because we had no more room.  She looked me in the eye and said, "Well, tell me what to do!" I smirked back and replied, "I could teach YOU how to do it." Relief spread over her.  A smile crossed her face, "Would you?"

This is what it is about. Those of us who have walked before sitting with those who desire to walk too.  We need to sit and tell others what we have learned. Every street in every city needs just one person who cares about their 10 kids.  If  just one person is there living amongst "the least of these." Then I KNOW that others will follow.   A light can not be hidden under a bowl.  Our little lights need to shine. Our lights need to shine...

I can see clearly now. My bike ride epiphany is here.  I want to see every street in every city filled with people who are whole,  and transformed and free.  A friend of mine reminded me today that "we play to our audience of one and all the rest are just bystanders." If you will step out of the boat and run to Jesus he will not let you sink.

 If you will go, I will show you how to get there.  I know others too who are ready to help.  Every street in every city......