On The Box

This past Sunday at the San Juan Capistrano train station was another great time! I knew it was going to be good because of the simple fact that my mind was racing all morning - coming up with reasons why it was OK not to go to the train station. Whenever that happens I know that God must be going to do something amazing. My thoughts ranged from "it's going to be too hot down there in my church clothes", to "I need to lead worship again tonight and should really rest my voice". As I was listening to Pastor Dan's sermon and wrestling with these thoughts, an idea popped into my mind - just go down to the train station and read 1 John. This thought stood out in such direct opposition to the other thoughts I was having that I knew it was from the Lord. Especially since this would involve reading *loudly* for 15-20 minutes which would surely destroy my voice! I leaned over and shared with my wife Tracy that I was going to read 1 John at the train station.

So, after service we drove down to the train station. I knew that Tracy has been feeling led to read with me so I asked her if today was the day? She said "Yes, I'll read chapter 4"! We prayed and I stood up on "the box" and read 1 John 1-3, Tracy read chapter 4, and I finished up with chapter 5 and a gospel presentation. It was glorious!! This was Tracy's first time "on the box" and I have a feeling it won't be the last.

But, even better than that is the man who was sitting on the bench right beside us. He was visibly shaken by the gospel message. Karen had arrived when we were part way through the reading of 1 John and she said that she was praying for the man because she could tell from the expression on his face that he was being impacted. I was able to see him from where I was standing too and could see that the Holy Spirit was using the message to convict this man. After I finished preaching, I approached the man and tried to talk with him but he said he didn't want to talk. So, I gave him a gospel tract and left it at that. I have no idea what was going on but the Lord was obviously doing something in this man. Glory to God!!

Here's audio from the reading and preaching:

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