I'm Blessed thank you. And you?

Some time ago I made a choice. Whenever someone would ask me; "How are you?" my chosen response would be; "Blessed, thank you. And you? It is interesting the responses I get from so many people that I really don't know. People like the clerk at the bank or the grocery store. I wasn't sure it was making any kind of real impression but I kept it up none the less.

A couple of days ago, at the grocery store where I shop, got my answer. The check out girl was new and being trained by a manager who had helped me check out several times. As she started sliding my few items across the scanner she said;
"How are you today, sir?"
"Blessed, thank you, and you?", I replied.
"I'm fine.", was her somewhat puzzled response as she quoted me the damage and her supervisor handed me my plastic bag filled with my goodies. (don't ask)

About half way to the store door I overheard the manager say to the new clerk; 'Now there's a true Christian man!" I felt good, as I made my way to the car, to know that the message of my faith had come through and that if the manager was a Christ Follower (and I believe she is) that I had given her the perfect opportunity to share her own faith.

As I was basking in the good feelings of being acknowledged as a "true Christian man" I was reminded that, no matter how good it felt, it would pale in comparison to the day when I check out of this life and check in to Heaven. On that day I hope to hear the King of Kings and Lord of Lord's say; "Father, now there's a true Christian." On that day I will truely understand the meaning of being "blessed" and fully understand that THE BEST WAS YET TO COME.

What'd I Say?

It has been my blessing to have continued my ministry here in the Orlando area for I have found a new opportunity of sharing the Gospel that is somewhat out of my confront zone. I am talking about the chance to preach with an interpreter! Since moving here in 2004 I have found myself preaching to Spanish speaking congregations, Creole speaking congregations, and Vietnamese Speaking congregations. All with the use of a translator! This doesn't even count preaching every Sunday to a beautiful group of folks for whom some English is their "second" language. Needless to say, in each case, it is an ongoing challenge.

Yesterday I shared with a wonderful group of believers at the Orlando Vietnamese Nazarene Church as they celebrated their 6Th anniversary as a church and also the "Lunar" New Year. The musical part of the service was wonderful (ever tho I didn't understand a word). You could just see the presence of the Lord on their redeemed faces and hear their love for the Savior in their voices. The interpreter was amazing as he followed me around the platform echoing my every word (I hope), the people were responsive, and the Holy Spirit put it all together to make a special service.

As I thought about it, on the short drive home, I couldn't help but thank the Lord for placing me in this place right now, late in my ministry. It is a vista and positioning that I have never had before and it is incredible! I thought also about Heaven and how spectacular it will be as we come together to worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! No one will need anyone else to speak his words of praise. Somehow people from all nations will join in joyous celebration together and language will not be a barrier. I thank God for the things that He is teaching me and the blessings He is sending my way.....but deep in my heart I know that THE BEST IS YET TO COME!