People are known by their reputation and our reputations are made by how we conduct ourselves. Additionally, reputation is built on how others perceive our lives.
This week I was given an assignment by accident...literally. I was in a collision at a stop sign this past week. It was immediately evident that all parties were unharmed but fenders were definitely changed. I heard the Lord say, "consider it all joy when you fall into various trials" and understood that this was going to be an assignment--not only with the woman who hit me, but the on-lookers who came out to watch and see the excitement.
After talking for awhile, it was revealed that I was a pastor at the church down the street. The climate changed from friendly, getting-to-know-you conversation to a pulling back with anger and judgment. The Holy Spirit gave opportunity to listen to their experiences and hurts brought on by others in the name of God - in churches. "Church" and "Christian" were portrayed as words of pain. "God" was still thought of as "good" but not the Church.
Our reputation as the people of God has been damaged not only because of actions in the past but because how they have been perceived. We, The Church, are not perfect and it is hypocrisy to act as though we are.
Our assignment as Secret Agents is about helping people get past the past so that they can connect with the God who loves them and desires relationship with them.
As the Holy Spirit kept working in our conversation, we were able to get past my "title" and part as new friends. It is my hope that more assignments will follow.
LINDA DOUGLASS REPORTS:
ReplyDeleteI've been going to a physical therapist for 4+ years and have gotten to know her very well. One day I took 2 of my devotional books with me. While she was working on me I asked if it would be okay to read out loud the readings for that day. She said "sure." Afterward we talked about what I had read. Then when I went back the next time I brought them again. She was looking for them and again we talked after I read them. Then I had a very heavy prayer on my heart and asked her if I could pray out loud and if she would agree with me. She agreed and I ended, praying for her as well. I feel it was an assignment and I enjoyed it and look forward to sharing again with her.
Awesome..
DeleteLast Saturday I had the opportunity to photograph a wedding.. And right before the bride could walk down the aisle the Pastor got a nose bleed, due to his recent medications he started getting them the day before, and to make matters worse for him, the medication makes it hard for them to get the nose bleeds stopped. As the groom was walking by with paper towels and water he told me that Pastor John had a nose bleed, I started praying in the spirit and that's when I heard, go pray for him, so I went over and I asked Valerie lets pray and she said yes, and we prayed. This nose bleed was a bad one it dripped like a leaky faucet, and those aren't easy to stop, but GOD.... Immediately after prayer Pastor Johns nose stopped bleeding and he didn't have anymore problems with it the rest of the ceremony.... God is good and powerful, we only need to listen and obey.. Yay God...
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