Pure Love 3 - More of the Presence

In God's love, any time, situation, or place can become the ideal moment for people to encounter Christ Jesus.  Here's a testimony that happened this summer.  One day a warehouse manager had an employee give me a bag of cement that I discovered was ripped open.  When I refused it, he told me that if I didn’t want it, I’d have to carry it back to the warehouse myself and choose another one (but, only employees are authorized to enter the warehouse).  I wanted to open my mouth, but Jesus met with me in that moment.  I yielded to the Lord, and let go of any rights I supposedly had to contend for better treatment and service.  Immediately, I saw the presence of God fall upon the man.  In an instant, his whole demeanor changed.  He spoke kindly to me, and had another sack brought to me.  He even told the employee to make sure I approved of the new sack.

Afterwards, the Lord explained to me what had happened.  By forgiving the man and yielding to the will of God, I had opened the way, who is Jesus (John 14:6), to encounter the man.  Instead of being locked into darkness by "unChrist-like" behavior from a Christian, the man was given a moment of freedom to behave how Jesus made him to be.  The Lord told me that since his heart wasn’t hardened through this ordeal, it would remain more open to the Lord.

Years ago, the Lord told me that the answer for Lichinga was more of His presence.   Lately, we’ve been seeing the importance of seeking what God Himself has made the priority for Lichinga – His presence.  Presence is everything.  We pray, Lord, help us to live for your presence!  You are all our city needs.

Love,  Tyren and Tiffany Haynes

Pure Love 2 - The Presence

As we love God, who is worthy of our love, He enables us to love people.  As we simply love people, we set the stage for them to have amazing encounters with Jesus that no person, mere method, or project could produce.

A Christian and a man of another faith were debating.  The unbeliever was openly denying Jesus Christ, the only Savior.  The Lord’s compassion moved upon me for this unbeliever.  I made a comment to the Christian about how he shouldn’t be arguing with the other man and coming against his opinion.  I could see the love of God penetrating the heart of this unbeliever.  I said to both of them, “No matter what people believe, Jesus knows who He is.  He is the Son of God and the only Savior.”  The presence of the Lord came upon the unbeliever.   I could see the argument in his mind (against Christ), but he shook his head in agreement and said, “That’s right.”  Then, he just stood there looking bewildered because of what had just come out of his mouth.  God’s presence revealed what this man truly believes about Jesus, even though he is not willing to put his faith in Christ.

The love of God awakens people to the reality of who they truly are.  Who they are to God has nothing to do with their mere religious credence.  If we love, we can help prepare people for encounters with Christ that can change their lives forever.

In love with Christ,  Tyren and Tiffany Haynes

Pure Love

The Lord continues to invite us into the simplicity of His love which includes loving our neighbors as ourselves.  As we love people, we are also learning to enjoy valuing people – even when they seem contrary to the gospel (Matthew 5:43-48).

A man of another faith frequently comes to me and asks me to buy eggs from him when I am at the market.  Often, he doesn’t greet me.  Instead, I am met with a pushy demeanor, selfish remarks, and unpleasant behavior.  I asked the Lord to help me love him, my neighbor.  I chose to think good thoughts about him from that time forward.  Then, I began to see what God sees – a completely different person than the one that was in front of me.  The Holy Spirit also shared some of the secrets of this young man’s heart with me.   One day at the market, I began to prophesy to him about his life, who he is really is, and explained why he had a strong desire for some worldly things.  He listened intently, and thought for a little.  Then, he asked me for a Bible so he could read more about the Lord.  I am planning to highlight some scriptures in the Bible to encourage him in his life, and in learning about the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Pray that this young man’s heart might open fully to the good news of Jesus Christ.  Pray that we may continue experiencing the presence and power of God as we simply love people with the Father’s heart.

Love,  Tyren and Tiffany Haynes