Devotions at Caesars

The bible is full of stories where God asked people to do some awkward and strange things. Things like telling Peter to go fishing for taxes or Joshua to march around a city or Naaman washing seven times in the river to be healed. Every time it served to build their faith and fulfill God’s purpose.

Have you ever been asked by God to do something that you felt was strange? Maybe a little or a lot out of your comfort zone?

I was in Las Vegas at a Travel Convention and throughout the week had been enjoying my morning quite time in my room. Just me and God in Sin City. The last morning of the conference I was up extra early, excited to be going home later that day when I began my bible study. As I prayed I know God was telling me to take it downstairs.

As I walked around I bought my breakfast and was looking for a quiet place to sit and continue my study. There were a few tables on the edge of the casino floor and I knew that’s where He wanted me to be. I felt very awkward as I laid out my bible, notebook and coffee. Then prayed again and said, “Okay Lord, I’m here.”

The sound of slot machines and people talking was everywhere and I wondered why here? I do believe a large part of it was to test me and see if I would obey. As I began my study, which was about prayer, it mentioned how Daniel prayed three times a day with the windows wide open. He was in full view. He publicly worshiped the Lord and it didn’t matter what the world or the law thought.

I’m sure I stood out – sitting in the casino at Caesar’s Palace reading my bible, but the longer I was there the more I enjoyed being exactly where God wanted me to be. The study mentioned another man that was watching people and as he was he was shooting them with prayer. The man would look directly at people, make eye contact with them and pray for them.

Some people would walk by without any reaction, but some would do a sudden about face and smile. Sometimes a person’s demeanor would change. He said, “Looking at people with a love God gave, they looked back and acted as though they wanted to go with me.” “I felt then that for a day I saw a little of that marvelous pull that Jesus had as He walked along the road day after day.” (Circle Maker – Mark Batterson)

I knew then why He wanted me in the casino. He wanted me to see people that I was to pray for and as I did, I experienced one of the most incredible times with God. I saw maintenance workers that looked as though they had been up all night, tired and exhausted. A simple smile let them know that they were noticed. I saw waitresses that were serving others and trying to make sure people were taken care of, act surprised that I said, “good morning,” to them.

Travelers were either just getting up for the day or finally coming in from a long night. Faces revealed so much – tired, lonely, excitement and laughter. I wondered how many of them know God and know that they matter?

It was quite an experience to make eye contact with different people and in that brief moment say a prayer for them and send it off with a smile. The reactions were varied, but it was still an amazing experience.

God had one more surprise for me that morning. Just as I was gathering my things to go to the conference the song Amazing Grace played over the sound system. Isn’t that just like God to show up in the most unique places and ways. Even in the casino at Caesar’s Palace.

My prayer

Father, thank you for this lesson in prayer and trusting Your leading. What an incredible experience You gave me and reminder that You love and care for everyone. You will meet us wherever we are to reach us and Your amazing grace has no boundaries. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

“Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”