WELCOME
The Salt Newsletter

Note: Thank you all for your patience while I was in India in November. Back and excited to keep sharing with you all!

Welcome to The Salt Newsletter, a weekly email where I aim to provide insight from scripture and teach you how to teach this to someone else. 

In Acts 1:1, Luke states that in his gospel he wrote about all that “Jesus began to do and teach.” An important model for us all because it isn’t just important for us to do what scripture says. We should be quick to teach it to others as well. Why? Because we’re the salt of the earth and that’s how you and I will make disciples of all nations!

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THIS WEEK
If you don’t have a seat at the table, don’t bring a folding chair.

read time 6 minutes

Envision yourself deciding to go to Miami—a thrilling prospect that demands meticulous planning: booking flights, securing hotels, reserving a rental car, budgeting and more. The responsibility of orchestrating every detail rests solely on you, promising a great trip but requiring so much effort.

Now, imagine being sent to Miami. Your presence is urgently required, and someone emails you a pre-booked flight itinerary. Security, the flight, and an awaiting car all seamlessly arranged just for you. In fact, all accommodations are taken care of without lifting a finger.

There are two scenarios here, but one key distinction— GOING vs being SENT.

Often, we in the body of Christ have dreams and goals to do incredible things in this world. Perhaps those desires are noble ones where we strive to build God’s Kingdom rather than our own. Still, the pitfall lies in us allowing these aspirations (no matter how noble they are) to outpace God’s divine timing. I’ve seen more often than not that this leads us to force ourselves into roles we are not yet ready for. We rush the timing and plan God has for us and we strive all the more, often falling on our face in the process.

In other words, we go rather than wait to be sent.

The directive for the week is simple: If you lack a seat at the table, don't bring a folding chair.

Allow me to elaborate.

In an Old Testament narrative, the Prophet Samuel is tasked with anointing a new king after Saul's fall from divine favor. He gets to Jesse’s house and asks (1 Sam 16:11):

“Are all your sons here?”

And Jesse said, “There remains the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.”

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”

I notice that Jesse proudly parades his other sons, each vying for the position, but it's David, faithfully laboring with his sheep, who captures the Lord's attention.

How frequently do we attempt to thrust ourselves into positions prematurely? How easily disappointed are we when blessings and opportunities pass us by and go to our friends and loved ones?

How often do we rush to claim a seat at a table, bringing our own chair to secure a place for ourselves?

In God's economy, your value is unparalleled. If a role is part of His divine will, you won’t have to force yourself into it. You won't need to scramble for a seat; the Lord will send for you. You'll be retrieved to receive the authority, anointing, and responsibilities already separated for you.

This stance may seem counter-cultural in a world that values the virtues of hustling and assertiveness. However, the Kingdom of God operates by a different paradigm. As Samuel said to Jesse, "For the Lord does not see as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

While you’re waiting, your charge is clear—pursue faithfulness and excellence in your current sphere of influence. Build unwavering trust with the Lord and with God’s people, knowing that elevation will come in due season.

TEACH THIS LESSON TO OTHERS

1. Wait on the Lord: Encourage others to patiently wait on God's timing. Just as a pre-booked flight and arranged accommodations make a journey smoother, waiting for God to send you ensures you are positioned where He wants you.

2. Pursue Excellence: Emphasize the importance of excellence and faithfulness in the current season. Just as David tended to his sheep diligently, encourage others to excel in their present responsibilities, knowing that God sees and rewards faithfulness.

3. Avoid Self-Force: Advise against the temptation to force oneself into positions or opportunities. Instead of bringing a folding chair to the table, trust that God will send for you when the time is right.

4. Focus on the Heart: Remind others that God looks at the heart. Encourage them to build a strong relationship with God, seeking His will and allowing Him to shape their character.

A PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

I thank you for all my readers who have put their faith in you. I know it’s hard to wait for your plan to be fufilled. But Lord, it is better to be in Your will than our own.

I ask that you help us all, myself included, to trust in your timing. If there is any area in our lives that you desire for us to mold and fashion to look more like you I ask that your Holy Spirit reveal where.

This week stengthen us to be faithful in the sphere of influence you’ve given us. No matter how big or how small it is. We love you.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.