the searbys

I had another amazing conversation this morning here at the coffee shop. God is certainly working here in and through me.

This regular who comes through the drive-thru every day and gets a triple espresso with warm cream came into the shop today. Usually he's very grumpy, bossy and wants his drink now. Today, perhaps because of the holiday, he was laid back and looking to chat. Our neighborhood police officer, Elgin, was also in the shop so the three of us chatted a while about various things. Then when Elgin left, Ben (I later found out his name) asked me what book I was reading. He'd seen my bible sitting on the counter. I said, "the Bible," like an idiot and he said, "I know that, which book in the Bible?" I said I was reading in John. The ensuing conversation was amazing. He poured out his heart to me about his past with the church, in the military, as a hippie, and all sorts of other things. He said he loved Jesus and really believed in the way of Christ but hadn't been to church for a long time because people seemed so petty. I have to admit I was hesitant to share that I'm the interim at Harvest right now because quite frankly, we're dealing with a lot of that. But, I did. As we talked about those challenges and struggles he said, "you know, I think I'll bring my family. What you're talking about as the vision of who we should be as the church is really what I'm looking for." I hope they come. His heart was so open. This guy who I thought was so grumpy was just melted as we talked about the love of Jesus and the truth of his amazing life. That's what it's all about. I pray that Harvest can embrace that and we can begin to see how God works to heal, to grow and to impact lives all around Gainesville with hope and love. If you're the praying type, pray for us as we seek that end. My first Sunday is coming up and I'm excited, nervous, hopeful. I am going to preach a short series on the life of Jesus, focusing on the character traits that we can adopt as his disciples. I look forward to how God will work in peoples lives, not because of me, but because of the truth and magnetism of the person of Jesus Christ.

Have a great Labor day!
-joel

Wow, what a story! The love of Jesus applied to one life at a time, one encounter at a time, one bold willingness to share with a grumpy person. Now you have a new friend you have connected with! Jesus is working in you! Love, your mama  

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