Backyard Prophet

By David A Lyons

I know a backyard prophet whose heart is pure and full of Christ’s love for others. He sits on street corners, people’s back yards, by hospital windows, in hospital rooms, cemeteries, and church parking lots singing blessings over people, places and things. It could be 100 degrees or 30 degrees, rain or shine. Holy Spirit says go and he obeys.

I was in a few dark places that I chose to go, yet this man travailed and prophesied and never stopped warring on my behalf each and every time. If a friend is in need, he is there. If you’re going through it, he will go through it with you. He is kind to everyone even when he is insulted in so many ways, more than just one. You can tell him about your problems and his answer is always the same, “let’s pray about it and let’s find scripture to speak over this situation.” 

 God has used this backyard prophet to help me find my true identity in Christ.  He has been used by God to help me conquer all of my fears. He has been used by God to sing healing over our state and city and capital. He smiles at problems knowing who God is and what God will always do. His heart cries for the broken. He loves on the unloved. He is always the first one to say yes to anyone who is in need of prayer. He teaches the ones who want to be taught. He is truly a friend closer than a brother in my life and in our city and in our state. 

He is not afraid to sound the shofar. He anoints the land with oil and tears.  He always meets people right where they are in life, never judging, but always speaking life. He is a true example of what it means to be the salt of the earth and a burning light. He tells the truth and always gets your mind thinking. He can make you laugh because he carries the joy of The Lord with him wherever he goes. Some pastors may not agree with him but we do. Some pastors may not understand what he is doing but we do. Praise is his weapon! He is my best friend, teacher, intercessor, and most of all a God given gift to all of us who know him. He is Jacksonville’s backyard prophet.

The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, but there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24