TENT-MAKERS

Definition of LIGHTHOUSE:a structure (as a tower) with a powerful light that gives a continuous or intermittent signal to navigators

2: beacon 
Definition of TABERNACLE: a often capitalized : a tent sanctuary used by the Israelites during the Exodus
b archaic : a dwelling placec archaic : a temporary shelter : tent

2

: a receptacle for the consecrated elements of the Eucharist; especially : an ornamental locked box used for reserving the Communion hosts

3 a house of worship; specifically : a large building or tent used for evangelistic services

The Apostle Paul was a tent maker, among other things. So, what exactly is a "tentmaker?"

Acts 18:3 "Paul moved in with them (Aquila & Priscilla), and they worked together at their common trade of tent-making." (The Message) - Yes, Paul, at one point in his life, had a day job. A regular 9 to 5'er. However, he didn't merely toil at making tents for no reason. Rather, he leveraged his profession to advance the Gospel.

So, to answer the question, a "tentmaker" is someone who has a career and a passion to let God use them in their career to further the Gospel. Like Paul, God may call them to vocational ministry, or not. The point is, a "tentmaker" uses their career as a propellant for ministry. The earliest revivals began during the ministry of Jesus and afterward through the apostles and by Paul.  These "tent makers" stood as the lighthouse to the lost and unsaved; forgotten and outcast; affluent or not.  Their tents a tabernacle in which to share the good news and the message of Jesus Christ.

When we think about the practical purpose of a Lighthouse it has a warm comforting feeling about it. We imagine ourselves out at sea needing a port in the storm and thankfully, hundreds of, maybe thousands of years ago, someone who saw the need for such a structure had an "Aha" moment. But every great achievement by man, interestingly enough reflects some story or problem addressed in one book, consistently throughout the ages. 

But before I head down this path I want to mention first that it was exactly 5 months ago today (Sunday Oct 24) that my self and pets in tow, landed on this rock where I was raised. It marks significant mention because of the days leading up to and including this day. Secondly, it is my first day back here in more than 3 months and for those of you who follow and have been waiting I wish to ask for your forgiveness. Third, my transition from Oregon to New York has not been an easy one, in spite of the fact that I was raised here. I have struggled to find a new church family, a tent whereby the lighthouse in my life burns brightest when I am in fellowship within the tent.  So, as I am welcomed into the fold of this new home called the Lighthouse Tabernacle, I wanted to dig a little into the origins and specifically the impact these 2 words, when joined together, can change lives.

Back in Paul's day being a tent maker was an ordinary profession, but one that would propel ministries around the world through the ages, simply because of HOW God chose to use Paul for His purpose to serve the kingdom of heaven. Now, when you understand that a tent provides shelter from the elements and that a light house is a beacon in the darkness, even in the bright of day, and then understand the definition of what a tabernacle is then you can clearly see how God is in every little detail, speaking to us through subtleties such as these.

Over these past months I have been without a tent; my lighthouse was concealed by everyday realities and a rash of self-pity and discouragement; and well, I hadn't found my new home...place of worship where I could have fellowship and refreshing, renewal and feel the warmth of the Holy Spirit as it takes over when we are awash in worship.  About a week ago I decided to put some prayers in my prayer box. I was in a valley and I desperately needed sanctuary and some answers to prayers. I felt myself going down a familiar road and rather than allow the lies to take over, I followed what I know to be true...the word of God. In one week God answered 3 prayers. While each one profoundly impacted me, as He always does when He taps me on the shoulder and says "I never left you"; the one that was the most needed was finding a new place to call home on Sunday mornings. A new home that had a core belief that we need to be building people for the glory of GOD. 

But as desolate as I was feeling, it occurred to me that what of those who have no tent, are without a lighthouse to guide them home or a tabernacle in which to raise their eyes and hearts to the best Dad there is and give thanks and praise.  I knew what I was missing, needing, wanting, thirsting for because I drink from the water of life. So as I sat in church, yes I got lost again but not discouraged, arms raised standing next to a woman I had just met moments before but whom I had spoken to by phone at least 3 or 4 times in the 2 days prior; tears streaming down my face I knew God had brought me home. My prayers have always been that He would lead me to where He needed me to be, where He knew I could be nourished and where He knew that He could use me to serve a greater purpose than occupying a seat every Sunday.

And as amazing, (this story has many blessings but it would take too long to share, so this is the condensed version), there is a young man in this fellowship named Aaron. Aaron, who I have not yet met, but have heard incredible things about, has a passion for our youth. He and a brother in Christ have been gifted and chosen to share the gospels to kids down in Alphabet City in Manhattan. And what makes it so very special is that the kids are loving it. They weren't even aware they were been rapped the gospel message until the DJ let the cat out of the bag, and the kids went wild. Aaron was bringin' down the house and God was lighting the way. Without even realizing it, Aaron became a tent maker and God is using him to be a lighthouse for these kids who don't know the Father Heart of God. They don't know how to trust the Father because they only know the earthly ones they were given. They do not know yet how God has great plans for blessings and not curses, for purpose and direction in a world gone crazy with distractions and high tech gadgetry; they have not yet seen the miracle of answered prayer or the peace of fellowship with one another, someplace safe from the atrocities and harsh realities of this world. They do not yet see that God's vision and heart for all Hos children is for prosperity and purpose; faith, hope...LOVE.



So for us tent makers, it is not our job to make them come into the tent or listen to the message or see the light..that's God's job. Our job is to be obedient to the calling He has given each of us and prayerfully walk in that purpose, seeking to be and do His will, and allow God to be.. GOD! So as I wind this down, and please forgive me if it is a little disjointed-I might be a little rusty, I want to ask you this question: "Are you a tender of the flock or the border collie that keeps them moving; are you trying for your glory or His; are you willing to give your life for another, so that no sheep are left behind?  



When I came to NY, I knew I was on His mission for BFF International. I have beat myself up horribly over the time it has taken me to adjust, acclimate, find my tent, or raise it much less; Sunday I found the lighthouse, and I hope and pray that as I become part of this tent revival ministry, that God will allow me to be His lighthouse in the days, weeks, months and years to come. That through my love of God, His light becomes that beacon of hope for our youth who have not yet met "the Father Heart of God".



pebble out