Serendipity in the Target Parking Lot
Serendipity - the good luck of making unexpected and fortunate discoveries. (Dictionary.com)
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3)
*************************************************
I ran into a friend at Target last night. Stopping by on the way home from work, it was dark, bitter cold and windy and I was trudging across the parking lot and heard someone call my name. Hesitantly, I turned around hoping it was some other Jimmy that was being called because all I wanted to do was get in my car and go to my nice warm house. When I turned toward the voice, I saw a friend of mine waving from the next aisle.
I was instantly glad to see him. Now, bear in mind that I see this guy every week at church and often during the week. He is a Christian brother, another single guy, and a friend. We stood there and talked for a few minutes to catch up on things at our respective jobs, share a couple laughs and talk about some church going-ons. It was an enjoyable few minutes and when we said our "see you later's", I left feeling better.
What is there about running into our Christian friends out in public? If you are like me, you get a warm feeling that only a Christian brother or sister can give. Your spirit recognizes a kindred spirit within them and that is the Spirit of God. You kinda want to shout out, "Hey! There's my brother (or sister) in Christ!"
Paul was thankful for his fellow believers at Philippi because they were supportive and encouraging to him. They sent him packages of needed items and took care of him. That's what we are to do for each other. Support, encourage, provide good things (I prefer jellybeans. Mike & Ikes or Necco wafers). Are we thankful for our friends? Do we express it to them either vocally or in other ways? Do we get a good feeling when we are around them? Do we thank God for bringing them into our lives?
Let me state publicly and for the record.....I am thankful for my friends. God has blessed me with Christian brothers and sisters that I in no way deserve. But, then.... He is God. He loves me even though I don't deserve it. He provides for me even though I am not worthy of his provision. That's GRACE, my friends. Now, wouldn't it be cool if I really had a friend named Grace?
Before you go to bed tonight, thank God for the friends He has brought into your life.
Be God's,
Jimmy
posted by Jimmy @ Wednesday, January 19, 2005
3 comments
3 Comments:
What happens if you don't believe in a God or Gods? Seriously, where's the physical proof? What if another religion like Hinduism is right and the Christians are wrong? From one's own perspective their own religion is almost always right. I'm sure there's a nonchristian out there saying something like "I'm sure they're wrong and I'm right."
This isn't a troll or meant to insult your beliefs. This is the US where everyone should be free to worship anyway they please. I truly respect that principle and I guess I'm wondering how do you really know you're right and the other religions are wrong?
I know the answer "the spirit told me" but isn't that what people in nonchristian religions also say?
Anon - thanks for reading and posting such a good question. Any religion whether it is Hindu, Buddhism, Musim, Christianity, Judaism or even a "non-religion" like atheism or agnosticism is based on a personal belief. That belief (I think) is based on our life experiences with or without religion. I am a Christian because I have felt the working and leading of a higher authority in my life. That higher authority is God, Jehovah, Yahweh. The Christian belief works for me because I have trusted in that higher authority (God) and have felt His presence in my life. As a result, I believe that Christianity is true and other religions are not. Please believe that I don't say or write this as a glibly written sanctimoniously holy statement. It is simply based on my personal feelings which cannot be taken away by anyone else because I experienced this. Other religions have their own higher authorities and belief systems and I understand and respect their rights/freedoms to believe or not believe. I would never be so callous as to say "you are wrong", but as my faith has affected me, I would try to share that with others so they might be aware and make their own decision...not necessarily based on historical or written facts, but based on pure faith and belief. I hope I gave some type of acceptable answer and if you would like to discuss further, please indicate so and give me an email address for you. Thanks again for reading and questioning.
I simply believe what the scriptures say:
"Jesus answered, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
~ John 14:6
Post a Comment
<< Home