ONE.  I was a student at Pinecrest Bible Training Center in upstate New York.  [Pinecrest now has a new name,   Bethany Bible Training Center.]  I didn’t get along well with the other students.  One day while praying, I had a bright idea.  “Lord, I’m having a hard time loving the students all around me, but the Bible makes it clear thst You love them.  Obviously, You see something in them that I don’t see.  What is it?  Could you cause me to see it too, so I can start loving the people around me, as You love them?”

Whether I knew it or not, I had just prayed the prayer of Ephesians 1:17-21 –

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what [is] the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated [Him] at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Soon, I was seeing the students all around me in the light of what Jesus had done for them at the cross, and in the power of His resurrection.  Soon the language of II Corinthians 5 was teaching me not to see or know people after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

TWO.  For me, prophetic ministry began there, and for years afterwards I was ministering prophetically in churches.

THREE.  But then I read Mark’s version of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler. I noticed that Jesus, “Looking at him, loved him.”  Again I prayed.  “What did you look at – his face, the way he carried himself, or what?  What did you see that made you love him?  Could You teach me to look at people the same way?”

I used to look at people in terms of their choices.  Sometimes I approved and sometimes I didn’t.  But if I want to be prophetic, I need to clear my judgments and opinions out of the way.  And now I began to see people in terms of God’s intention for them.

More than ever, the language of II Corinthians 5 describes the people I see in restaurants, in stores, and so on.  But Psalm 139 also shows that God has created people with their unique gifts, talents, strengths. and weaknesses.  Each is fearfully and wonderfully made.  And then, I look at the blood of Jesus – the price God has paid to reconcile each to Himself.  And the blood of Jesus shows me that everyone I meet is valuable to God.  Otherwise, why would He have paid so much for them?

Finally, prophetic vision and flow have opened to me when I have asked God what He sees in people.”  But it’s written that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours.   So it shouldn’t surprise us that He looks at people differently than we do.  What does He see in them?  Ask Him for yourself.  When He answers, you’ll  love people as never you never did before.  And as you see p[eople in the light of Jesus’love, it’s easy to tumble into a prophetic flow.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2012, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

1. 1.     She came with a testimony. The facts of her testimony were simple:  She had met a man who was in terrible pain from a back problem, and she offered to pray for him.  He said he wanted prayer, and by the time she had prayed, she noticed his eyes were full of tears, and took this as a signal that the love of God was touching him.

1. She shared her vulnerability.  As she shared her misgivings about praying for the man, I think we all wondered, would I have the nerve to pray for someone in so much pain, and to expect God to give him immediate relief?

This part of her testimony reflected a conversation several of us had had during one of our meals together at another Gathering.  In the informality of eating together, we had discussed the question:  “What if I pray for the sick, and nothing happens?” Many of us were wrestling with this question.

1. In spite of her misgivings, she had offered to pray.  And whether God chose to heal him on the spot or not, at least, she had shown God’s love by reaching out to God in the man’s behalf.

Jesus said, “By this will all men know that you are my disciples:  by the love you have one for another.”  He didn’t say the [power of our healing gifts would show that we were truly His disciples; instead, the real hallmark of discipleship is that we show His love.

1. Then, she had found courage to ask if his back felt better.  It did, somewhat, and for a while. But what did this mean?  Was he losing his healing?  Maybe not.  Sometimes if we just rest in God, the healing settles in and becomes permanent.

1. Then she was candid enough to admit that she enjoyed feeling important as God was answering prayer.  She confessed it as a weakness, and noted that only God can do the truly important part.

As I’ve pondered this testimony, I’ve begun to realize God wisely keeps His movements sufficiently unpredictable that it makes it an adventure to reach for healing and other impossible gifts.  Why?  Because it’s much safer for us, with our all-too predictable ego needs.  In other words, God has hidden some of His greatest works behind a door of humility.  If we’re willing to risk a few minutes of mild embarrassment, it may be the price we have to pay to see God do something special for someone.  And when we weigh our small embarrassments against the price Jesus has paid at Calvary to heal and bless His people, we have to choose.  Do we love the other person enough to be willing to look silly for a few minutes if necessary, so we can reach for healing grace?

If it isn’t worth it to us, we don’t have to reach.  If it is worth it, we can learn to enjoy the adventure.  It really can be fun!

Count the cost, folks, and start reaching for healing and other miracles.

 Stan Smith  ::  © 2012, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

Further, we are used to ministering the gifts of the Spirit together as we traveled together and preached in all sorts of churches all over the world.  But now that medical issues have made travel impossible, how do we start connecting with the strangers we meet in the normal day-to-day rhythm of our lives?

It has seemed to me, that this season of pruning has put us where many Christians live:  hungry to experience the flow of the Holy Spirit firsthand, but without the benefit of open doors that provide a platform for ministry. Here are a few ways God has led us to connect with strangers in restaurants, stores, and more.  And here are links to a few testimonies.

Catch someone doing something right, and comment on it.  This can be enough to start a flow of the Holy Spirit.

Notice something God has created in a person, and acknowledge it.  JoAnn and I had a divine appointment in a grocery store because I heard a clerk’s voice.  “Are you a preacher?”  I asked.  He sounded like he should be.

Pay attention to nudges of conviction when God highlights someone.  This is a call to see someone in the light of Christ crucified, buried, and risen.  What would this person look like if the cross of Christ had its perfect work in her or him?  Then, I begin to speak what flows from that glimpse of Jesus.

Sometimes, by simply abiding in Christ, it becomes easy to see what God designed in someone.  Then, at the very least, words of divine destiny are ready to flow.

Seeing people in the light of what God has created them for, causes us to love them.  And perfect love casts out fear.  A divine boldness, with rich sensitivity to their feelings and even more to God’s feelings towards them, causes self-consciousness and shyness to vanish. 

Read Psalm 139 aloud to God, and use it as a prayer outline.  It’s true for you and for everyone you will meet this week.  Pray accordingly.

Spend time soaking in God’s loving presence.  The more time we spend with Him, the more easily we fall into a flow of His grace and power when we meet people anywhere.

Testimonies below:

http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/using-my-prophetic-joke-about-almonds/  Sometimes, a joke can start the flow

http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/overflow-communion-glasses/  Divine appointments can begin with simple errands.

http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/lift-up-your-eyes/.  The flow may happen while doing mundane things at home, with people we already know.

http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/overflow-communion-glasses/  God often uses “butterfly nudges” to catch Margaret’s attention.  They are very subtle and easily missed, but expect Him to use them in yours.  He will help you discern the kingdom opportunities He sprinkles in your life.

http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/11/12/dinner-with-jesus/  It can take just a moment to say, “Would you like prayer?”  Your next encounter with God may be waiting for you to ask that simple question.

I list these testimonies so you’ll have several in one place, and can encourage your friends and family to expect God to do similar things in your own lives.  Go for it, and win glory for the name of Jesus!

Stan Smith  ::  © 2012, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

“Jesus had two gifts that every believer needs.  When He went on a mission, He could go under the radar and fulfill His mission without attracting undue attention.  Then He could make a kingdom splash that would keep growing and increasing.

This theme came up at the dinner table at our last Gathering, as people began sharing about our prophetic encounters outside the church.  Obviously Jesus had (and still has) more than two gifts.  But the ability to accomplish a kingdom mission “under the radar” or without attracting undue attention would be very useful for someone in any area of government service.  Likewise, there are corporate or business cultures in which we would have to go under the radar to accomplish a kingdom objective.

Then, the other gift is the kingdom splash that goes on to grow and increase.  With the woman at the well, it began with a word of knowledge.  Soon the woman had gone to town and was telling people about Jesus.  Soon after they heard from her, they came to see for themselves.  Then, one meeting wasn’t enough as they kept coming.  Jesus remained in Samaria for several days of meetings, because one word of knowledge had launched a kingdom splash that kept growing.

In keeping with my commitment to First Do, Then Teach, I haven’t made a teaching about of these two gifts.  I waited to hear of people walking in them.

But many of us have been mystified that Jesus sometimes told people to share their testimonies, and s0metimes He told them not to.  Why did He do things one way, one time, only to do the opposite the next time?

I believe He simply kept His eyes and ears open and said and did what He saw Father saying and doing.  Jesus didn’t try to do His Father’s thinking for Him.  Instead, He surrendered and trusted.  And now He calls us to do the same.

He has every right to lead us one way today and another tomorrow.  He knows what He’s doing, and doesn’t need us to do His thinking for Him.

I look forward to picking up the theme again at our next Gathering.

And of course, the big question is this:  how big a splash is God enabling us to make?  We’re all hungry to make a bigger impact. What’s the secret?

It’s probably something we already know.  Seek His glory, not our own.  Or mybe we simply need to abide in Him, spending time with Him because we love Him and want to be with Him.

Just try it and see what happens.  Soak in His presence.  Be still and let Him hold you.  Then, whatever He tells you, do it.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

How do we evaluate these experiences?  So far, we haven’t led people through “the sinner’s prayer.”  Is it really evangelism?  Should we continue?

“Are you giving them good news?” somebody asked.  Yes.  We’re talking about what Jesus is saving them for more than what He’s saving them from.

I shared a testimony in an email and received this reply.

So many think God wants to take things away from them, but He wants to give us so much if we just say “yes” to Him.

This is why it’s important to help people pursue destiny.  It focuses them not on what they’re being saved from, but what they’re being saved for.  And that one simple paradigm shift makes a huge difference in staying power, etc.  In other words, without a vision the people perish.

So far, we’re seeing that God is giving us relationships with the people around us through these prophetic glimpses He gives us of His purposes for them.  It’s then up to us to follow through with prayer and by nudging them towards Jesus day by day.

So as God leads you and uses you,  keep sharing your testimonies with one another.  God will give you more.  Not long ago, I was the one sharing them; now a table a table full of people were sharing them.  Testimonies beget testimonies.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

]]> http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/testimonies-beget-testimonies/feed/ 0 gospelsmith http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/lift-up-your-eyes-with-friends-family-or-strangers/ http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/lift-up-your-eyes-with-friends-family-or-strangers/#comments Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:38:30 +0000 gospelsmith http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/?p=582 Continue reading →]]> Lift up your eyes, whether you’re with friends, family, or strangers.  You never know what God will do.

In our Gathering a week ago, I received an unexpected flood of revelation about the beatitudes and what I call the two-story life – see http://gospelsmith.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/paraphrased-beatitudes/.

Then, a few days ago, JoAnn was facing a long day of mindless and repetitive work.  She needed to make cards and tape them to items she was preparing to display for sale.  A friend came to help her with the task.

Soon, the paper cutter and tape were  laid out on the dining table.  But JoAnn needed to go to another room to print more cards.  So she invited me to the dining table to keep her friend company until JoAnn could get back to the dining room herself.  So the friend worked and we passed the time with conversation about prophetic ministry, inside and outside the church.  “It’s all in II Corinthians 5,” I explained.  There’s the conscious effort to see people not after the flesh, but in the light of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  This glimpse of people in the light of God’s love and grace is often enough to launch the prophetic flow.  I’ve seen it happen in church many times.”

‘But lately, I’ve been seeing it outside the church.  Jesus said it this way in John 4 when revival broke out in Samaria.  ‘Lift up your eyes and look on the fields.’”  It’s all a matter of learning to lift up our eyes.”

For years I had asked God what this phrase means.  I have sensed for a long time that a harvest has been ripe all around me, and I haven’t always had eyes to see it.  What might change if I were to learn to lift up my eyes and look at the fields?

A Many have taught about ministry outside the church in the last few years, and as JoAnn’s friend kept working the paper cutter and the scotch tape, I could tell she was hungry to walk in what she’s heard.  “I think of it as a two story life,” I said.  “The first story is on earth, where we do what needs to be done, but the second story is in the heavens, where we’ve been seated in Christ.  The treasure we carry in our earthen vessels is always ready to flow with the resources of heaven.  We just have to be ready to lift up our eyes…”

“What does this feel like?” she asked.  I answered with two recent testimonies:  Two pastors had taken me to breakfast that morning, and I had given a prophetic word to our waitress.  Then, like most fishermen, I also had a story of one that got away; I told of a waitress who had simply wondered if my order was okay and had asked me, “Are you in heaven?”  “I had replied, “As a matter of fact, I am!”  But then, I should have said, “Can I get you anything?”  I didn’t think of it then, but I’ll make another opportunity, next time I see her.

The rhythmic thump of the paper cutter continued, and so did the questions.  Suddenly I realized that God Himself had foreseen this conversation and had spoken into it at the last Gathering when He had given me insights about it.  I offered one last explanation as JoAnn returned with more cards and they finished the display.  “Frankly, Jesus taught us all about it in the beatitudes.”  And suddenly, the nudge came to lift up my eyes because God had a word for our friend.  I lifted up my eyes, and there was the word.  I gave it.  A few moments later, she had to leave, but her eyes were tearful as she said, “Thank you.”

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

]]> http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/lift-up-your-eyes-with-friends-family-or-strangers/feed/ 1 gospelsmith http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/lift-up-your-eyes/ http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/lift-up-your-eyes/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:33:37 +0000 gospelsmith http://miraclelifestyle.wordpress.com/?p=572 Continue reading →]]> In John 4, Jesus surprised His apprentices by starting a revival by asking a amaritan woman for a drink of water.  As He explained it later, He said, “Lift up your yes and look on the fields, for hey are white already to harvest.”

These words have tugged me for years.  Has there been a harvest all around us for years, but we just haven’t known how to step unto it?

In our Gathering last week, I received an unexpected flood of revelation what I call the two-story life – see http://gospelsmith.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/paraphrased-beatitudes/.

Then, a few days ago, JoAnn was facing a long day of mindless and repetitive work.  She needed to make cards and attach them to items she was preparing to display for sale.  A friend came to help her with the task.

Soon, part of the workflow was laid out on the dining table.  But JoAnn needed to go to another room to print more cards.  So JoAnn invited me to the dining table to keep her friend company until JoAnn could get back to the dining room herself.  So the friend worked and we passed the time with conversation.  Soon we were talking about prophetic ministry, inside and outside the church.  “It’s all in II Corinthians 5,” I explained.  There’s the conscious effort to see people not after the flesh, but in the light of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.  This glimpse of people in the light of God’s love and grace is often enough to launch the prophetic flow.  I’ve seen it happen in church many times.”

‘But lately, I’ve been seeing it outside the church.  Jesus described it this way in John 4 when revival broke out in Samaria.  ‘Lift up your eyes and look on the fields.’”  It’s all a matter of learning to lift up our eyes.”

For years I had asked God what this phrase means.  I have sensed for a long time that a harvest has been ripe all around me, and I haven’t always had eyes to see it.  What might change if I were to learn to lift up my eyes and look at the fields?

A lot of people have taught bout these things in the last few years, and as JoAnn’s friend kept working the paper cutter, I could tell she was hungry to walk in what she’s heard.  “I think of it as a two story life,” I said.  “The first story is on earth, where we do practical stuff that needs to be done, but the second story is in the heavens, where we’ve been seated in Christ.  The treasure we carry in our earthen vessels is always ready to flow in the resources of heaven.  We just have to be ready to lift up our eyes…”

“What does this feel like?” she asked.  I answered with two recent testimonies:  Two pastors had taken me to breakfast that morning, and I had given a prophetic word to our waitress.  Then, like most fishermen, I also had a story of one that got away; I told of another waitress who had simply wondered if my order was okay and had asked me, “Are you in heaven?”  “I had replied, “As a matter of fact, I am!”  But then, I should have said, “Can I get you anything?”  I didn’t think of it then, but I’ll make another opportunity, next time I see her.

The rhythmic thunk of the paper cutter continued, and so did the questions.  Suddenly I realized that God Himself had foreseen this conversation and had spoken into it at the last Gathering when He had given me insights about it.  I offered one last explanation as JoAnn returned with more cards and they finished the display.  “Frankly, Jesus taught us all about it in the beatitudes.”  And suddenly, the nudge came to lift up my eyes because God had a word for our friend.  I lifted up my eyes, and there was the word.  I gave it.  A few moments later our friend had to leave, but her eyes were tearful as she said, “Thank you.”

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

With that in mind, I’m led to reread Genesis 24.  This story of Eleazar finding a bride for Isaac can speak on another level, giving us a parable of how we might expect angelic help as we engage in the harvest, finding a bride for Christ.

To keep this article short, I’ll simply list the verses in Genesis 24 and what they suggest about angelic activity in the harvest.

Verses 11-12.   Elie’s focus.  Elie focused not on the angel, but on God’s covenant with Abraham.  It was God’s covenant, not an angel, that gave meaning to Elie’s mission.  The angel simply facilitated a success in three stages.

Verses 13-20.  Stage One, Selection.  A random idea on Elie’s part gave the angel something to work with to create a coincidence that would begin to testify that God was setting the whole thing up.  “I’ll ask the girl for a drink of water.  If she’s the one for Isaac, let her volunteer to water my camels also.”  And then, a few minutes later, Rebekah gave drink to Elie and his camels.

Verses 22-33.  Stage Two, Escalation.  It was important to find the right girl, and she had to be from the right family.  So after the angel helped Elie choose the right girl, the next coincidence was that she was from the right family.  If angelic help guides us to the right person to share Christ with, the escalation factor is the next step.  For Isaac, several people would have to make decisions if the bride was to come home with Eleazar and marry Isaac.  She would have to consent, and so would her family.

What began as a conversation with one girl became an opportunity to lodge with a whole family.

And while seeking a bride for the Son of God, the escalation factor applies again.  If the woman at the well was the first, the escalation factor led her to testify, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could He be the Christ?”

Verses 33-67.  Stage Three, Decision.  Rebekah and her family all had to choose for her to go to marry Isaac.  The coincidences the angel had arranged helped convince everyone that God was setting everything up.  This helped them make the right choices.

In gathering a bride for Christ, the Holy Spirit is the one who brings conviction that leads to saving faith.  But angelic help can set the stage.

Can we expect angelic help in the harvest?  If so, we can expect God to lead us to individuals who will lead us to families or groups, who in turn will hear our message.  Expect escalation.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

It started on Sunday as I sat with my four crazy friends at the dinner table.  God is nudging us all into new exploits in healing, but none of us were sure how to begin.  Then, last night, I saw what to do.

Part One – it’s about 30 days from Thanksgiving to Christmas.  That’s the duration of each round in this race.

But even if I have to start late, thanksgiving is how the race begins.  Step One is to collect testimonies of healing that have happened in our lives so far, and thank God for them.  The principle here is, “To him who has will more be given.”  If we already have a few testimonies, God will give us more.

The other endpoint of each round is Christmas, the day when Jesus was born into this world.  Our goal with each round is that we have a fuller presence of Christ the Healer in our lives.  But between the endpoints are about 30 days.  And the goal is to lay hands on somebody and reach for a miracle of healing on every one of them.  Even with sporadic results, we should have at least a few testimonies by Christmas, and be ready to start another round of Thanksgiving again, and another 30 days of reaching for more.

The purpose of the race.  The purpose is to see more of Christ born into our lives — in this case, Christ the Healer.  As we hunger for more of Him, He is sure to build our faith as we let Him lead us into ministry encounters.  And testimonies are sure to accumulate, and then momentum can build.

Two ways to race.  I’ll gladly do it by myself.  It calls for me to reach for healing miracles about once a day.  If I fall behind, I can double up and minister to several people in a day.  And it probably wouldn’t matter if I finished a few days late.  Or a group of four crazy friends could run the race together.  Together, we could easily minister to 30 people in 30 days.  If anybody developed a testimony, we all could say, “Look what God has done for us.  Then, having something, we could expect God to give us more.

Why a group helps.  Sometimes as was one of us reaches out for God’s healing power, we wonder, “What if nothing happens?”  The whole onus is on each of us as individuals.  But, as part of a group, we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

So I’m inviting my four crazy friends, and other friends in other nations to join me in the race.  Then we’ll all be able to say, “I’m involved in an international prayer experiment…”

Call it a prayer experiment.  That way, we don’t have to try to convince others that we have great healing ministries.  Instead, we can introduce them to Christ the Healer.  And as joint-owners of the testimonies, we can strengthen one another to receive more from God.  So if you’re nervous about what to do if you minister to people and nothing happens, this gives you a covering.  “I’m involved in an international prayer experiment,” you can say.  Then you don’t have to worry that you’re promising something you can’t deliver.  Then you can forget about yourself, and lovingly reach for Jesus.  And that’s when faith works:  when we get our attention off ourselves – my faith, my gifts, my anointing, my, my!  But when we see Jesus and His love, His presence makes healing easy.  And if you’re in another nation and want to run the race with us where God has put you, let us know.  Then we’ll be able to say it honestly:  “We’re involved in an international prayer experiment.”

Your Invitation.  I’m going to do this, whether anyone joins me or not.  I’ll start on Thanksgiving, which is November 24.  But I’m determined to keep it persona and relational.  It isn’t meant to be an annual event with a lot of hype and publicity.  It’s simply a way for a few friends to stretch our gift mix, and to take our first faltering steps into power evangelism.  Step-by-step, the Holy Spirit will show us how to stretch beyond ourselves.

And how do we reach for miracle testimonies?  I’ll have to answer that with more articles.  From what I’ve seen of miracles and healings in the past, the mysteries and paradoxes make it a wonderful adventure.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com

 Terry lives and works on a remote hilltop with a breathtaking view.  He’s spending a lot of time soaking in God’s presence there, to the point that what he’s receiving from God is so rich that it’s led Terry into a disconnect from the media.  It’s a big change for him; his career has been in media production.  But now he’s found a presence of God that preempts his old interests.

One rainy day, he felt a need to get out sand connect with people.  He drove down an impossible muddy driveway, hydroplaning as he went.  Eventually he passed a house where a young man in a sleeping bag was trying to rest in a doorway.  Terry was moved to stop and ask, “Are you all right?”

And as Terry neared the doorway, he heard the young man ask, “Why do I hear angels singing?”  I don’t recall how Terry answered, but I’m going to suggest why the young man might have heard angels.

I’m not sure he really heard angels, but I’m not sure he didn’t.  Here are a few reasons why the heavens might have opened for him.

Jesus calls us to spend time with Him before He sends us.  This is what He did with the twelve — see Mark 3:13-15.   As Terry has been responding to this call, it is only reasonable to suppose that something of the heavenly atmosphere of Jesus’ presence would go with him when Terry was sent.

God has already lifted all believers into the heavens, and angels are part of this environment.  Hebrews 12:22 says we have already come to the heavenly Jerusalem, where the town dwellers include an innumerable company of angels.  So it should be normal to hear them singing at times.

If God sent His angel to help Eleazar find a bride for Isaac, how much more will He send angels to help find the bride of Christ.  Eleazar’s story is in Genesis 24.

Jesus commanded, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the harvest.”  (Matthew 9:38.)  From other scriptures, there seem to be three main laborers:  men, angels, and the Holy Spirit.  Surely the Lord of the harvest knows whom to send, and how to have them work together.  But again, if angels are part of the harvesting crew, it shouldn’t surprise us if someone overhears the angels singing.

Did the man really hear angels?  Maybe, and maybe not.  But if he did, it points not to us but to the Holy Spirit, who is poured out on all flesh.  “I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath.”  (Acts 2:19)  And the passage goes on to tell the young man in the sleeping bag that if he will call on the name of the Lord, he shall be saved.  So in the end, it all points to Jesus and the saving relationship He seeks with the young man.

So as you go out sharing Christ, don’t be surprised if someone hears angels.  But in the end, it isn’t about us and it isn’t about them.  They’re in the background, but the real story is all about Christ and His people.

Stan Smith  ::  © 2011, GospelSmith  ::  www.GospelSmith.com