Do you believe in Angels? Sure there are many accounts in scripture of The angelic host in the Heavenly’s, and of some who came in bright lights to visit earth. But, do you believe that they are among us? Masking in human flesh?
Hebrews 13:2 Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.
Well…. Let me digress. This past summer I was following my usual routine on a Friday morning. I had just come on bike from my men’s bible study and was going to my coffee hangout, Wild Flour Bakery on Spring St in downtown Charleston. I came upon a little old black lady pushing a cart on the sidewalk. The Spirit told me to offer to buy her a coffee and then once side by side in the shop , the Spirit nudged me to offer her a pastry as well. She thought for a moment, eyeing all the choices and settled on an apple turnover. We walked outside and I could tell that she was concerned with the dilemma of pushing her cart while trying to carry coffee and a pastry so I offered to walk with her the few blocks she was traveling. I carried the coffee and pastry and Ms. La Prince pushed her cart. She briefly shared her story with me- that she was a 91 year old widower from New York. But, more than anything she testified of the goodness of God. I sensed a deepness to her understanding and experience of His love and goodness like never before. I left her presence on cloud nine! Later that day, I testified to my wife of how much more I received than I gave ” this little old black lady”.
Then a couple months passed with no sight of Ms La Prince. I thought of her occasionally and the scripture that says it is more of a blessing to give than receive. I gave out of the little I had and received so much more in return.
Then, the above occurrence happened again. This time, I came upon her a couple of blocks from Wild Flour. I immediately hopped off my bike and walked with her. This time I asked more questions and she shared more of her story and that of her family. As we arrived at her destination it was obvious to both of us that we wanted to pray together. So we stood together , this 52 yr old white guy with a little old black lady and prayed in this inner city neighborhood. Arm in arm we prayed and had “Church” right there on that sidewalk! Of course, I again was on a cloud as I walked back to my routine, praising God for His goodness! That He blessed me again through Ms La Prince. Now , fast forward to this past November. We had heard that a family friend by the name of Yvonne had moved to town. We reached out to her and began helping her get connected to Charleston. She was staying at an extended stay hotel while she looked to see what God had in-store for her in Charleston. As we, my wife, Yvonne and I chatted one day, the subject of Angels came up. I very briefly shared with Yvonne my meetings with Ms La Prince. Then Yvonne tells me that the Spirit just confirmed to her that I had indeed entertained an angel. Not once but twice!
Now, I did not know what to think of all this until early this morning. The Spirit loves to wake me in the wee hours of the morning and share insights with me. Well, this morning, as I was praying, the Spirit brings up Ms La Prince and let’s me know in no uncertain terms that I indeed had entertained an angel! Twice!
Over the last two years I have experienced many wild things previously foreign to my Spiritual journey. Hopefully, you have read some of my blog and are privy to what I am saying. Well, I must digress again…, hang with me please… I’m almost done! On my way back from Fl last January, I noticed car after car with NY tags. Now, a few cars and it’s no big deal. But one after another kept passing by me on I- 95 between Jacksonville and my exit to Charleston that I had to take notice. It has been a year since that “strange” occurrence.
Time and again I am prompted that New York has something to do with my story and the adventure God has me on. After years of trying to sell our home, a couple living in NY bought our home this past summer. I have learned to see these promptings as “smiles” from my Father. Reminders that He is here and in control and that I can trust Him. He loves to encourage His kids!
God wants to come close to you! To take you on an adventure that will stretch your faith and Spiritual thinking and seeing! To give you a much deeper understanding of my favorite name He gave us to call Him, besides Abba that is…
It is …. EMMANUEL! GOD WITH US!!!
God tells us through the prophet Jeremiah-
Jeremiah 29:13
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
He is with you now but wants to reveal much more to you. If you and I will seek Him with all our hearts.
You may read this and write me off as a kook. But, it is my hope and prayer that my story will spark in you the desire He has placed in your soul to seek Him with all your heart. For only then will you truly be satisfied!
For then, you will have been found by the Living God!
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind, but now, I see!”
-excerpt from John Newtons Amazing Grace , published 1779.
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH- peace to you, Jonathan
