My church family
I got to be part of a story on Thursday. Only part of it, though. And so did other people, who just happened to be available to help. The whole thing came together and as the man I was helping out said: "God gives me what I need."
He's good that way. Especially when we're available and willing to have our plans de-railed. I had to throw in a railroad term because I was on my way down to see the train ceremony on Thursday when my plans were changed.
There was a fair bit of spiritual warfare going on yesterday at my joint. From a friend being late, to a malfunctioning ATM, to a glass that decided to spring a leak when I put milk in it after using it all day as a water glass, and not to forget a malfunctioning printer, a lot of stuff seemed to be going bad wrong yesterday. It happens frequently when it's my turn to give the message at church or at the Mission.
It's just stuff you get through, though.
I love my little church family. I mean that. I have some friends that are experiencing God in their lives. In the "whatever it takes" kind of way, but they're finding out that God is very real and He is also very God. My friend wanted to return to church and I was kind of worried about the reception he would receive. It was a warm one, and I'm thankful for that. He needs us. And my church family was loving and friendly.
When I first got to church, I was surprised to see two young friends from the Mission. I spoke to them last night, and they actually showed up at my church! When I walked in, they were chatting with part of my church family. I got to share my story with the young man in a more personal way than I'd been able to in the past. He's having a hard time. I tried to show him by telling my story that Jesus does save.
Even people like me who deserved, but didn't get stoned with real stones.
My church family is growing. Another friend I met at the Mission is doing well. He has a place of his own. He's been coming to our church for a bit now and seems to be happy to be with us. He's being baptized this coming Sunday and my heart is so happy about that.
The mission field at the Rescue Mission is tough. But it's so nice to see that not only is the Kingdom growing but my church family is holding open the doors and welcoming my friends from the Mission. That in, and of itself, is something I'm happy to be a part of.
I'm also happy that God lets me be a part of other stories He's writing. Good things; Kingdom things are happening in Ogden. And that I get to be a part of that is just another testament to the best story ever told; which by the way can be told in just two simple words:
Jesus saves.
I know He does, because He saved me.
He's good that way. Especially when we're available and willing to have our plans de-railed. I had to throw in a railroad term because I was on my way down to see the train ceremony on Thursday when my plans were changed.
There was a fair bit of spiritual warfare going on yesterday at my joint. From a friend being late, to a malfunctioning ATM, to a glass that decided to spring a leak when I put milk in it after using it all day as a water glass, and not to forget a malfunctioning printer, a lot of stuff seemed to be going bad wrong yesterday. It happens frequently when it's my turn to give the message at church or at the Mission.
It's just stuff you get through, though.
I love my little church family. I mean that. I have some friends that are experiencing God in their lives. In the "whatever it takes" kind of way, but they're finding out that God is very real and He is also very God. My friend wanted to return to church and I was kind of worried about the reception he would receive. It was a warm one, and I'm thankful for that. He needs us. And my church family was loving and friendly.
When I first got to church, I was surprised to see two young friends from the Mission. I spoke to them last night, and they actually showed up at my church! When I walked in, they were chatting with part of my church family. I got to share my story with the young man in a more personal way than I'd been able to in the past. He's having a hard time. I tried to show him by telling my story that Jesus does save.
Even people like me who deserved, but didn't get stoned with real stones.
My church family is growing. Another friend I met at the Mission is doing well. He has a place of his own. He's been coming to our church for a bit now and seems to be happy to be with us. He's being baptized this coming Sunday and my heart is so happy about that.
The mission field at the Rescue Mission is tough. But it's so nice to see that not only is the Kingdom growing but my church family is holding open the doors and welcoming my friends from the Mission. That in, and of itself, is something I'm happy to be a part of.
I'm also happy that God lets me be a part of other stories He's writing. Good things; Kingdom things are happening in Ogden. And that I get to be a part of that is just another testament to the best story ever told; which by the way can be told in just two simple words:
Jesus saves.
I know He does, because He saved me.
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