A Predestined Parlay and Christlike Character

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  - Matthew 5:16

God did something incredible in my life this last Friday (exactly one week after my terrible car accident). I was working at Michael's and I was checking out a customer's purchases. This young woman (whom I later found out was called Candace [names have been changed for my friend's security]) and two gentleman (Bartholomew and Thaddeus [if I am making up names, I might as well have fun and choose Biblical names]).

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  - James 1:22

As I was checking out their purchases, I must have flinched because I pulled something, at which point I mentioned the accident in which I was injured. Candace asked if she could pray for me, which of course I welcomed. What had not occurred to me was that she meant NOW. And Candace stopped everything, at my register, in the middle of a mild rush, to pray for me, Bartholomew and Thaddeus bowed their heads behind her and we had a prayer session in the middle of Michael's. I have had several people offer to pray for me at work before, I have had a few incidents where I couldn't lift things because of my fibromyalgia or what have you, and someone has offered to add me to their prayer list, and I welcomed it, but I can't tell you how awesome (in the real meaning of the word, not the watered down one) it was to have someone care enough to pray right there.

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. - James 2:24

In all honesty, at a register, you get flashes of people's personalities. I see hundreds of people a day, and I communicate with them in this little strange microcosm of reality. And I have to say, I pride myself on being able to understand people right away now. Even the way Thaddeus, Bartholomew and Candace engaged and paid attention at the register, the way Candace said "How are you today" and meant it, even before they prayed for me, their behavior screamed "I care."

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." - 1 Peter 2:21

Candace mentioned that their church was having a conference this week, and that she would like me to come. She wrote down the information. I said that if I could find a ride (I am not yet back driving, because of medication) I would try to come. As they left I heard Thaddeus say, I could have given her a ride."

"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." - Philippians 2:12

I have to say, this is what was going through my mind. "If these people are an accurate representation of the kind of people, and the kind of faith that is in that church, I HAVE to be there tonight."

"Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in clambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying." - Romans 13:13

And so I was. I bummed a ride from my Dad. He was so nice, he said "Heather, anytime you want a ride to something that has to do with Church, I'll drive you."

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." - 1 John 2:6

When he dropped me off, I bumped into Bartholomew in the hallway. He seemed so genuinely excited to see me. He took me right back into the room where everyone was, introduced me to everybody, found Candace. And they engaged with me immediately. There was no awkwardness, there was no hesitation, like "I need to find out if you're the kind of person I want to hang out with." It was "If you're willing to be here and seek God with me, no matter anything else you're the kind of person I want to hang with." It wasn't like the normal testing the waters feeling, I was made to feel like family, instantly.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot." - Matthew 5:13

And I can't begin to tell you how amazing the first night of the conference was. The conference was called Firefall, and the first night Corey Russell (of the International House of Prayer) spoke and Melissa How (of Jesus Culture) lead worship. I must admit, I did not recognize Melissa until she sang, at which point I realized I had been rambling at someone I musically admire with no off switch earlier in the night. (Face palm) But here's the thing, she treated me like family, they all were amazing.

"Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." - 1 Peter 4:16

Pastor Russell's message was so full of the spirit, there was no fluff, it was Biblically sound, and in fact inspired two upcoming posts. I was moved by his message, and the prayer, and the worship. They prayed for healing for me, and someone I had just met that day, but now consider a good friend already (let's go with Jedidah, just for fun) gave me a ride home, out of the goodness of her heart.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." - Colossians 3:17

Because three individuals were amazing examples of Christ's love, I have now attended two more conference services, been inspired to four new blog posts (after struggling so hard to find inspiration) and maybe my search for a new church home has ended.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16





*A fun little note: 

Candace was the name of the Ethiopian Empress who was converted by the Eunuch converted by Peter in a chariot in Acts 8:27. It is said that the Candace (the name of her dynasty, like the Tudors not like Henry the 8th) was so profoundly moved by the testimony of the Eunuch and the truth of Christ that many souls in her nation were also saved.  

In addition Bartholomew is a Patronymic (a last name used as a first name - or a name derived from the name of a paternal ancestor) and was likely also known as Nathanael, who was described in the Bible as a man who knew no guile, a true honest man.

Thaddus was also known as Jude, the author of Jude, and Jude is known for the incredible love in his personal faith. 

And finally, Jedidah was the mother of Josiah. Josiah was the son of the wicked king Amon, but because Jedidah was a follower of the Lord she managed to raise her son in the way of the Lord and Josiah was a good and Godly king. Jedidah was known for exuding her faith in the Lord. 

So all my Biblical names were chosen carefully for the character of the individuals I met.