Some of you know that I encourage our seeker groups as they are going through the Story of Redemption (www.StoryofRedemption.com - an evangelistic Bible study for postmodern culture) to start living out the life of Jesus. Introduced in part 5 of the series, we use a set of missional lifestyles or practices called "BELLS," adapted from Michael Frost. These are the practices for those of you who have not seen them before:
When we start practicing these BELLS in our group, people always come back with amazing stories. So, I wanted to share this story with you of something that happened to me.
Today, I got in one my "BLESS"ings. I was at the gas station, and there were two Asian-American men--the store clerk, and one of the customers--going at one another. Apparently the customer had swiped his card to get gas, drove off without getting the gas, and someone came behind him and filled up with gas using his card.
There was a lot of yelling, as the customer was demanding to get his gas paid for, and the clerk/owner? said that that would be money he would personally have to pay for, so he was not going to do it.
It was getting out of hand--kind of like the opening scene to the movie "Family Guy" in the convenience store with Don Chealde.
So I asked how much the gas was, and the clerk said, "$38.10." So I said, "I will pay for it." They both looked a bit shocked. The customer said, "Are you sure?" I said, "Yes. God has been generous to me, and I'm a Christian. Just pass it on."
The store clerk said, "If I had let him have the gas, I would have had to have paid." The look on his face was an implied thank-you.
Probably one of the best $38.10 I could have spent, as it brought immediate peace to the relationship and situation. And hopefully God will use this in some way to touch these men's hearts and think about God and Christ.
Just wanted to share! Keep up your BELLS! They are as much of a blessing to you as to others!
What are some ways that you have seen God at work through simple blessings?
Comment
Thank you, Ron, for sharing! I find that when we are looking for these BELLS opportunities/experiences throughout the week, God provides them. And we grow through this. It is also great to be able to share with someone each week how you have seen God at work!
Thanks James, for sharing your bells experience. That is a great example. Would love to hear more such experiences on this post. I just had an experience that falls in the learning and listening categories. I was studying the Book of Job and reflecting on it. The Holy Spirit, I believe, revealed that Job's wife and the three friends were being manipulated and used by Satan as part of his permitted attack on Job. I.e., they were just not random or even well thought out comments but rather part of a skillful deception employed by Satan to destroy Job and his faith and ultimately to bring dishonor to God who was proud of Job, his righteous servant. Again, James, thanks for sharing the BELLS with us.
You did great Brother! you remind the Christians how to show the love of Christ to our society .
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