Story continued . . . (sorry)

Shorts story continued (Want to start at Chapter one?) . . . so, I'm all messed up because Dr. Kumar called me 30 min. early . . . now I've just finished my opening prayer and I lose phone signal. I drop everything and race up the stairs to our bedroom. There are a not-overused pair of shorts laying on the floor (no one picked them up in the middle of the night). Like a "drunken-Jackie-Chan" master I'm in the shorts and racing back down the stairs. Bible, notes, cell phone, oh, I need my keys . . . I'm just sliding into our car when the phone rings: India! I answer and hear Dr. Kumar say, "We sorry, you continue to preach Pastor Bruce." Preaching, driving, putting on my seatbelt and trying to pull up my shorts (hadn't even got them fastened properly yet), and pulling out my notes from my Bible makes for some very disjointed thoughts. I was so, so grateful to have to stop every sentence and wait for Dr. Kumar to translate.

After parking at QFC I tried to settle in and focus on the story I was telling (the Good Samaritan). I told of how each of us follows a path trying to please someone . . . our god or gods. I spoke of how so many people tell us which path to follow. I told them the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis chapter four. I talked about how all try to be more loving or kind. I then highlighted the Priest in Jesus' story as representing a "holy man" who had too many things to do to stop and help the dying man by the road. The Levite was the highest Caste in their culture. He wouldn't even sit in the market where a Samaritan had been. He also crossed over to the other side of the road and followed his own way.

It was so hard preaching on a cell phone with no one to look at . . . I did get a couple funny looks as people drove by what looked like a naked man from their view (I wished I at least had socks on). Here I am feeling like I sound fake on the phone, getting cold and starting the car, and praying that God would somehow use this to touch the lives of those who don't know how mad-in-love He is with them.

When I came to the Samaritan in John's story, I highlighted how much he was rejected, didn't go to the temple enough, and definitely wasn't as good as the holy man who had passed by. But in his heart he heard God's call of love and chose a path that was not his. He stopped and cared for the man and took him to a hotel to recuperate.

I told them of how my little brother was saved from drowning and what it means to have someone save you when you are powerless to do anything. I reminded them that good parents love their children before their children ever know how to love them back or try to please them. I read to them John 3:16-17 and Ephesians 1:4-5. I then explained what it meant to accept Jesus' way, His gift of eternal life, free. I told them that being with Jesus forever meant there would be no fear, no more pain, tears, or death, but God's love being shared with each other forever.

I had to explain very carefully what it would mean and the following steps they would take if they stood up and let me pray for them. I was told that a good number had stood. I prayed and said goodbye. I felt relieved it was over. I so wished I had been ready for that early call.

It was two days later that my Blackberry buzzed and I looked at a new email that had arrived . . . it was from Dr. Kumar. He spoke with such honorable words and as I read tears filled my eyes. 1,200 people had come to hear an American speak to them. My voice was heard over a loudspeaker and when I explained what it meant to accept Jesus, 79 people who had never known the True God or His Son Jesus stood and are now planning with pastors that were there to be baptized.

It's really not about us, is it? We are God's Shadow (I spoke this weekend at Living Hope on being made in God's image and being connected in Jesus - more about that soon . . . I hope). We are not the spotlight, we are to reflect God's forever love. "Christ lives IN you, your hope of glory!"

You and I are difference makers . . . we are reflecting, encouraging, or tearing down everyone around us . . . I so want to share some practical prayers, thoughts, and a couple books that have touched my life. We were never meant to do life solo. Is there a part of your life you're living all by yourself? (It will always be small and disappointing if it's not including others.) Do you have lonely moments, hours, or maybe days? (I have a friend who's been lonely and depressed for several years.) I want to share the stories I shared this weekend, but in greater detail as they have so powerfully touch our families lives. These are not just self help stories, they are the path of our Creator God, the one who's nuts about us. The one who pursues us and waits for us to believe what He says about us. See you tomorrow. (Sorry it took me so long to finish the story.)