Coffee Anyone

I love coffee in the morning when the weather is cold outside. At the office I have two coffee makers. My favorite one is a Bunn Automatic and the other; I don’t know its name. It does not make a good cup of coffee. There is one problem, the warming plate on the Bunn is broken and so does not keep the coffee hot after it is made, thus the need for the second coffee maker. So I make the coffee in one and then transfer it to the other, not a big deal. There are times when I am so inclined to get a new Bunn and forget the other “just warmer” coffee maker but the cost is prohibitive. So I live with the diversity.

Yesterday while making the coffee I thought about the difference between the two makers and associated it with the church. We do not have all “Bunn church members”. For example, some are gifted by God to make things begin but do not have the gifting to continue it. Others do not have the gifting to begin things but once they learn the vision they can keep it going. Nether is more important than the other is. They are both needed to enjoy the “church coffee”.

All too often we try to make everyone the same and we lose the beauty of diversity and the power of unity. The church has been designed to be different in gifts and function but congruent in purpose and goal. Trying to squeeze everyone into the one cup only frustrates and confuses the wonder of the Spirit in individualizing and unifying the church at the same time. The Body is unique in this. If we are one in Christ, we will communicate. And if we are individual in Christ we will animate.

If this is not understood the one who begins ministry with vision is criticized in not continuing what is begun. They are unfaithful, quickly bored, or light. The one who supports the ministry begun is looked down on because they may not have creativity, vision, or ingenuity. Both critical spirits are wrong and blind. God makes and continues ministry with different abilities and gifts. Why is it such a struggle to like and admire the God-given differences? Fear? Impatience?

So let me ask you. How is your coffee? Are you allowing your “coffee gift” get cold or old? Are you using what God has given to you? So if you are one who begins, begin. If you are a supporter, support. We will only be blessed, happy, and productive when we use our gifts and enjoy others do the same.

Enjoy diversity! Delight unity!

Have a Cigar

I’ve been laughing for a day about this. I so love God’s laughter and can’t wait to hear it. Don’t think to heavily on this one, just enjoy! Will

Last Wednesday as I worked in the office, a lady walked in with bright orange flyers offering them with a smile and firm handshake. She began her pitch with directed eyes of a strong and sincere saleslady. As she quickly handed me the action-compelling advertisement I looked honestly, hopefully, at the promised offering. It read:

“Medina Cigar Opening” –
Purchase 3 cigars and receive a free Roxor Cigar.
Purchase a box and receive a free Perdoma travel humidor.

Besides the fact that I did not have a clue of what a Roxor Cigar or Perdoma travel humidor, I tried to look educated having an inside smirk. “You can visit our website at www… and make sure you come by and enjoy the store.

To which I responded, “Well we are kind of in the opposite direction of purpose as we are a church and counseling ministry for those desiring to shed habits they feel are controlling them”. She quickly recovered with, “That is ok, you can come to the store and just enjoy the talk, fun, and maybe have… we are getting our liquor license and… (her tanned face is getting sun-burnt) Well, I think you could enjoy it”. I smiled knowing she felt like, “How in the world did I miss the 4 ft. sign on the window? How do I get out of here?” Not wanting her to be in cardiac arrest, I started asking about her business and life, sincerely.

Long story… her husband and her, both policemen in Cleveland for over 10 years were beginning this endeavor. She was an undercover cop for drug deals, prostitution, gambling…, which I think may have been easier at this time than talking to a pastor about buying smoke and spirits. I am not discussing whether smoking and drinking is ungodly or an acceptable action. That’s beyond this.

She changed the topic to religion, a safer place for her, she thought. She was, ahem…, is a Catholic. “What do you believe, she queried” I tried not to enjoy her moving to another topic only to realize another uncomfortable discussion (for her) is forecasted. I began to present the gospel through the difference in doctrine and practice of the two beliefs. “Do you go to Mass and do you give the communion every week, she stumbled. I love this whole communication. Literal and symbolic, works and faith, confess sin to a man or God, prayer and the Bible, priest and pastor, all were being patiently placed in the proverbial pot.

I sensed the continual prodding of the Spirit to graciously present God as the only Truth, Christ as the only Mediator, and the Spirit as the only Assurance. It really started to be comfortable, at last. God has a providential way of providing prodding that will produce promising possibilities, alliteration intended.

As I spoke I realized that we lived in very different worlds, apart, as God predicted in Christ. We are to be in the world and not of the world. God brings bridges to bear His gospel to an otherwise unusual encounter. I am prone to speculate that God laughs. I have felt this for years. This was fodder for laughter the whole day. But in back-thought, I needed to see my part in His plan. God had planned from the beginning of time, week, and day that she would come to the office and hear about pure salvation. What an encouragement for witness.

Every time this occurs I know God has designed it. They walk in, or God directs them to me. Fun living. But it is true for you also. Today God brought someone or something to you which He wanted in His plan of presentation pleasures. The act may be interesting, like mine, or mundane but it is invested in you.

Well, I will probably travel by and visit the new endeavor of smokes and spirits. She had mentioned that she and her husband may visit The Fountain… I guess a soul washing needed, hopefully.

So have a cigar, proverbially speaking. Look for the unusual smokes or spirits that will grant you entrance to the hearts most needy.
And don’t be surprised of the store or salesperson. God loves laughter.