Day 35 - Restoration

Finishing Nehemiah this morning before heading to church and then the airport. I came across a 'fit of carnality' that Nehemiah had with the children of Israel.  They were well into the rebuilding but trouble was rampant.  I'll quote a statement from Jack Hayfords book "Rebuilding the Real You."  He mentions "the goal of God's restoration programs will always be to beget responsible self-government instead of slothful self-indulgence."

Nehemiah was angry and God gets angry but the ultimate outcome is for the good of the person or people involved.  It is important to remember, too, God is not vindictive but will always confront evil.  He wants to restore us because He loves us.

So today I am headed on a business trip to Las Vegas.  I've been there, done that a few times as a sightseer.  I've expereinced the massive hotels, been to Hoover Dam and seen some great shows.  I have done everything 'wholesome' there is to do in that city.  It did not get it's nickname 'sin city' for no reason.  There is plenty of bad to go around.  I'm sure I will be elbow to elbow with people that are so excited to be there and partake in the feast of unbridled pleasures.  For me it is an endurance thing.  I am there for the business meeting and don't plan on leaving the hotel till I fly home. 

Lord, help me to be a radiant light as I go to this business trip.  No matter where I am may your love and passion for people always be something that is reflected in me.  Help me to help others.  Let me see into the 'broken' places in peoples lives and touch them with your healing.  Amen

So moving along the path I encounter hostile creatures.  Snakes in front of me heading away, one for a pool of water where some are swimming and one heading toward a campsite.  I look for a weapon to snuff out the life of these venemous reptiles.  I warn the swimmers to exit the pool and caution them check their sleeping quarters.  Then I wake up.  I realize I've just had a bad dream or was it?  Maybe it is God telling me that when I encounter evil before me running away from me toward others I am to be His voice warning them to be on the lookout and to also be watching myself, ready to attack if needed.