Jesus was just passing through the town of Jericho when He
noticed a man who wasn’t very tall, trying to get a look at Him. This man, had climbed a tree to get a good
look – and Jesus noticed him. Jesus is
always noticing people and when He notices them He engages them and brings to
them the offer of salvation. That’s how
it worked with Zacchaeus and Zacchaeus accepted.
He notices people because He is intentionally looking. He said in Luke 19:10 “The Son of Man has come to seek and to save
that which was lost."
This is why He sends us out as His Secret Agents...He is
still seeking and saving the lost.
This week, as you are just passing through the things of
your day, ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to notice people...people who
are trying to get a glimpse of God...to see if He’s the real thing or
not...Pull a Jesus on them and engage them right where they are and let them
see the real Jesus in you
Fall is the time of year when people return to routines and
add new ones...use this time as a Secret Agent to. take risks of invitation—inviting people to church,
LCG, events or like my friend recently did, invite them to dinner!
The story of Zacchaeus ended with his salvation and the
salvation of others. All because Jesus
noticed him. May the same be true of
those you notice this week.
Speaking of noticing people, the ladies retreat opened my eyes to a whole new outlook. Everyone wants to be touched, delivered, blessed at a retreat, we go expecting and wanting.. I go all about me, God I am ready for whatever it is you have for me, fill me up Lord, me me me... This year I prayed with a friend that I would not just know that He has changed me, that I would feel it in my heart, I would receive it not just know it. And the neatest thing happened, the retreat no longer became about me, but about others, there were two ladies sitting at my table struggling, with the struggles of this world, and I told God, not about me, break my heart for others.. And He did.. and Oh wow, its soooo much more than receiving for me, its powerful and peaceful and joyful. It opened my eyes to a whole new out look... To a new and improved relationship with the Lord.. And it didnt end there, I attended church on Sunday morning and during worship, God told me pray, not just pray, but to go to Pastor Bob and tell him I was ready to pray for services, intercede, and wherever else he made need me, ofcourse to be honest I was thinking pre-service, not what God was suggesting and Pastor Bob was delivering.. After confessing my small but yet still hindering confession of how before when I prayed for services, I did so for others, but also for the feeling of feeling important, yet another veil that was removed at ladies retreat, selfishness and unworthiness, but thats another story of a whole other adventure.. God is Great.. So the prayer God and Pastor Bob invited me to join was more than I expected, but what a privilege. Pastor Bob after listening to my confession, said "Thank you and then he asked if I would be willing to pray online too?" Thinking that this was not for some time and that I could prepare myself for it, I said "yes". Then I was informed we were praying after service.. I put on my armor, and took all thoughts captive and I when service was over I went as His Princess Warrior and I prayed online.. So what does this all have to do with watching, looking for and engaging others? Simple with this whole new outlook, I so expect to be here soon typing away at all the new adventures God has given me, because after all, its not about me, but about others and my heart breaking for them as Gods heart breaks... YAY GOD...
ReplyDeleteQuick note.. Praying Online, should be Praying on the prayer line at the front of the sanctuary where others can come and receive prayer. Not praying Online as in internet, Just thought I would clarify for others who might not know this..
ReplyDeleteSo today while waiting for a friend to arrive in the parking lot of Smiths Cafe, I saw a transaction taking place, and this is what I got from it, a man in a El Camino pulled up to a house, another man came out of the house, they introduced themselves and shook hands, then the man from the house continued to check out the El Camino, I got the impression the man driving was looking to sell it and the man from the house was looking to buy it... But what stuck with me was the stance of the man selling it, his stance made me want to cry, as though this was a transaction that he desperately needed to take place and he was at the mercy of the man looking to buy. My heart went out to him and I felt led to say a little prayer, "Lord take care him and his needs, let this sale take place". Then my friend showed up and I went in to Smiths to have coffee with her... I don't know what happened with that sale, but I DO know that God has him covered... Thank you Jesus..
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