I’m practically laughing at myself because I didn’t realize
that it was Valentine’s Day today when I woke up. My initial plans were to simply read my
Bible, (get caught up on my daily reading, as I’m a few days behind!) head to
the gym and begin the process of packing my things to return to Arkansas Big Trees State Park here in California
I enjoy the drive to Calaveras County Midwest . And, it looks as if I’m just shy of missing
the full on beautiful blooms on the thousands upon thousands of trees that I
passed today. Passing through the
farmland then gives way to hills, big beautiful hills that then grow into
mountains. I just LOVE the
mountains. As the numbers for elevation
grow larger, the numbers for the temperature drop. This is one of my fave places as this is the
third time I’ve visited there in the nearly 6 months I’ve been here. The air is
crisp and has the wonderful aroma of cedar.
Trust me; my words don’t come close to describing the actual experience!
Anyway, I was able to trot through a small portion of the park. Silly me, I forgot about just how much snow had been on the mountain and it IS still winter! It was very muddy and there was a lot of running water due to the melting snow. I didn’t stay long. Just being there one last time before I head home was sufficient for me. It’s not just about the destination, but the journey. And, God’s beauty is amazing … that is all!!
As I passed through one of the small towns on the way to the
park, it crossed my mind to stop and eat at one of the local pizza places that
I’ve eaten at both times I’ve been there previously. Then I remembered a man who worked
there. I remembered him because he was
sincerely friendly and the presence of the Lord was very strong on me when I
had spoken to him. As I came back down
the mountain, I tried to talk myself into just heading home to save both time
and money. But then I realized that it
was the Lord who wanted me to stop. In
my head, asked the Lord what the man’s name was. I heard “Pete.”
So, I stopped at the restaurant. I looked around for the man as I ordered my
pizza. Sure enough, there he was. He came right up and greeted me. I told him I was glad that I saw him on my
last trip to the Big Trees because I was headed back to Arkansas
You see, the stop at the pizza place really wasn’t about me
at all. It was the Holy Spirit planting
yet another seed to a lost soul. In the
flesh, I didn’t want to take the time, and, although I love pizza, I’m watching
my girlish figure and thought that perhaps I should skip it. This wasn’t about such superficial things and
yet, even though the five minute chat with this man may have seemed superficial, the Lord was at
work. You see, I have prayed for Pete
every time I’ve been to eat there. They
are very simple, but effective prayers.
And, I believe that one day I will see Pete in Heaven. Today was Valentine’s Day and God wanted Pete
to know that He is loved. Now, I didn’t
have to say those words. That’s not how
the Lord led. I only had to be the
vessel and allow Holy Spirit to work through me. It really is just that simple. 1
Corinthians 3:6-7 He does the work. We just need to be willing to follow Him, and
His ways are not always like ours. Isaiah
55:8
I just love when this happens. Holy Spirit is amazing! You see some people may never have darkened
the door of a church and the only Jesus they ever see is through us, the
followers of Christ that make up The Church.
That’s why it’s so very important that we follow the leading of the Holy
Spirit in spite of what we think in the “natural.” I almost chose to miss it
today.
It’s God’s will that none should perish. 2 Peter 3:9 And, do
you remember that the Good Shepherd will leave the 99 to look for the 1 lost
sheep? Matthew
18:12 , Luke
15:4 We need to remember that we
are not our own; we were bought at a price.
1
Corinthians 6:19-20 You see, it would have been easy for me to simply
hit the road for home in the name of saving time and money. But I knew
that this was more than a stop for food.
If you’re a follower of Christ, I urge you to stay sensitive
to the Holy Spirit for these opportunities.
I have to tell you, nothing else will make your day quite like being in
the will of God like this. And, if
you’ve never experienced a moment like this, ask God to lead you in this way …
because He will. Trust Him. He’ll give you the words you need to say. Luke
12:12 Trust me, I pray Luke
12:12 over situations all the time!!
Remember that the fields are ripe for harvest. John
4:35, Luke
10:2 Something else I’d like to
throw out here is that we have to look at others through the eyes of God. Yes, the fields are ripe for harvest, but
remember, we don’t get to choose what the “harvest” looks or acts like. We’re sent to do the work! The “harvest” may be pierced, tattooed and
with colored hair … or perhaps Muslim, or Buddhist, etc. They are no less loved by God than you and I
are. He loves us all. We all have the invitation to be in relationship
with Him.
We, as followers of Christ, need to love more … and not just
use the word love. Love isn’t just a word. Love is a Person. That Person is Jesus. Jesus is God. He who does not love does not know God,
because God is love. 1
John 4:8 If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, you
have Love living inside of you. Don’t
block Love from flowing through you. All
too often I’ve experienced people using the word love when in reality the
presence of love in their actions was no where to be found. I get it.
We’re all human and we all have those moments. But, let’s not make it a lifestyle. Where does love begin and end in your world? We need to make the conscience choice to let Love,
God, flow through us. We need to stretch
ourselves to love more on a continual basis.
Don’t just reach a certain point and stop.
As followers of Christ, let’s purposefully be known for our
love of others. I challenge you to do
that! I believe it will make a
difference in our world.
The fields are ripe for harvest...
