GOOD THINGS
Good morning! In a world that seems to be falling apart do not allow your self to get spiritually fat or stagnant! We are told to stay home and too social distance ourselves from even our family members. This is hard, it would be easy to get depressed and to simply binge on our favorite shows… I urge you to shut off the technology and read more of Gods word, spend more time in prayer and worship! Prepare yourself for opportunities to do as 1 Peter 3:15 says; set apart Christ as Lord and always be ready to give a reason for the hope that you have and do so with gentleness and compassion. But how and where do we do that when we are all locked down?
Here are a few things that God has allowed me to do as I asked Him, how and where.
I was diagnosed with Type A influenza a few weeks ago. Rough timing! First time I can say I was grateful to have the flu.. NOT COVID! As I was in isolation at the docs office I took the opportunity to encourage the PA who was attending to me. As we got ready to leave I told her I was praying for her and the office staff! She stopped in her tracks, relaxing and letting her guard down. She was very weary, and this was three weeks ago. I shared a bit of hope and invited her to join us online for church. She was very grateful and her countenance was lifted!
The grocery store. We all need things. (Apparently some people need a lot of TP) as I did my normal Monday grocery run, the frontend manager was bagging my groceries. I told her thank you and said; I am praying for you all. She didn't respond. So, I didn’t continue the conversation. As I started to leave, she gently stopped my shopping cart and with tear filled eyes said; Thank you for praying. We need it!
I've made a homeless friend, Rick. He’s a believer and is in a rough place. We have become friends over the last two years. Since we cannot go to Starbucks or restaurants to work, he has been stuck in his car 24/7. Well, his car broke down. So, sent a couple guys from the church to help. They could do some of the work but not all. He had the car towed to the shop, and we put him in a hotel for the weekend. He’s all fixed up with a full tank of gas.
Burritos! Everyone loves breakfast burritos! I Made another Monday run to Burrito Kings at Garrison and Alameda to support them, small business, and Christian family. I buy about 10 burritos for the week. Spent 20 min, encouraging and praying with the owner. Then, took burritos to my staff and then to my main Starbucks at Jewell and Wadsworth. I gave the team there the balance of the burritos… they know i'm a pastor… when this thing is over… evangelism explosion time… !!! BOOM !!!!
Moose Hill Cantina.. yes more Mexican food! Small business… trying to keep open. We buy a meal to go each week. Yesterday I took Mandy the owner some PPE to keep her and her staff safe. I always let her know we are praying for her.
Now, I am not telling you these things so you can think highly of me… I'm telling you these normal every day activities even when we are in seclusion… can be a great opportunity with fruit that will come on the other side of this.
Keep planting the seeds… don't stop doing what you are doing. I am praying for creativity and that you are Jesus to everyone that you come in contact with. Praying for health, protection, favor and provision. Dont allow yourself to get caught up in the YUCK… the mess, the conspiracy and fear mongering. Everything is still about Jesus! And getting people to Him!
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Love you all and am praying for you!
Pastor Scott