God's Love Does

Why does the shortest month of the year always feel so long? Snow has bombarded us, but sometimes a good book in a cozy spot makes life pleasant. 

I’m reading The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer, where he states, “God is always previous. In practice it’s where God’s previous working meets man’s present response…” I like that phrase, framing again what Jesus said in John 5, “My Father is always at His work…” The question is, are we responding with Him? 

At the School of Kingdom Ministry, I try to encourage the practical pursuit of God. I often begin by asking folks for testimonies, instances where, in the last week, they noticed God speaking or working around them and joined Him in His work. I call it “leaning in.”

Sarah shared how their family were looking to celebrate her husband, Garrett’s, birthday. The kids wanted to go to his favorite restaurant. But to make the outing even more special, they decided to make it a “treasure hunt.” 

Now, a “treasure hunt” is an activity about hearing God that we employ in class. You spend time praying, asking God for clues (words of knowledge) about the lost “treasure” He is seeking. We all know that God’s ultimate treasure is people. He longs for them to know how He feels about them. He’s always at work, so we pray, asking God for a few details about His treasures, like what they might be wearing, where they might be located, or maybe a situation they might be facing. After a few minutes of seeking God, we take the clues we’ve received and go out looking for the “treasure” to bring some unexpected encouragement. 

Well, that’s exactly what this family did. Around the table, everyone shared what they sensed God say:  A blue jacket, hat, work boots, a man, were some of the hints. They all had various things to share, but nothing that seemed like a location from which to start.

“Why don’t I write down my top five favorite restaurants and place them in a bowl?” Garrett said. “The one we draw out will be the place we’ll go for dinner and look for God’s treasure.” That all sounded good to them.

God's ultimate treasure is people

The kids believed it would be Five Guys Burgers and Fries and, lo and behold, that was the one he randomly selected. They were excited. 

After they arrived and ordered, they carefully surveyed the customers, but couldn’t find anyone matching their clues. “Maybe he hasn’t arrived yet.” Every time the door opened, the kids would check to see if someone matched their clues. Finally they saw him, a young man in a blue Amazon delivery jacket. A blue jacket was one of their clues. 

As he passed their table, Garrett, who works in logistics himself, and knowing the weather conditions had made deliveries challenging, said, “We really appreciate the work you do and would love to encourage you today.” He shared how his family were presently on a treasure hunt and all felt that he was highlighted as their treasure. This young man was floored, looking at a table of smiling faces. “We’d like to pay for your meal, and offer you this gift card,” something they’d pre-planned as a gift. The man was so grateful and thanked them profusely. The exchange was heartfelt but quick, and off he went back to his truck. 

This little family was thrilled that they’d found God’s treasure, and a few minutes later, that young man came back to their table, still marveling at the encounter, thanking them again. “This means so much to me, thanks again. By the way, are you believers in Jesus?” They smiled and said they were. “I knew it!” he said. Such a great lesson for everyone. An example that God’s love does things.

Later that same day at a small group I attend, a friend shared how he felt the Lord inviting him into adventure this year. He, too, wants his love for Jesus to touch others in ways they aren’t expecting.

He got creative with a plan. He went to the bank and bought rolls of quarters. He then visited three or four local laundromats and offered to pay for peoples’ loads. What a great idea!

People were puzzled but so grateful as he said, “I want to bless you today.” Then the idea grew inside him, so he decided to offer quarters at these laundromats for the rest of the year. In fact, he decided to create a raffle, with the grand prize being a brand new washer and dryer for the winner. Collecting names and information, he intends to randomly select a name at the end of the year and purchase and deliver a new washer and dryer to the person and location of their choosing.

Again, I was blown away by the truth that God’s love does things.

I’m convinced that God is constantly looking to bless and reveal Himself to those around us. When we catch that revelation, we’re able to join Him in satisfying work. That’s how it operates in the kingdom—it’s freely received and freely given. Our reputations are tied to His, and that truly warms the heart.

Prophetic Prayer & Communion
Mark your calendars! The next PPC will be on Sunday, April 11th, 7-9pm at Northstar. Childcare won't be provided this time.

Basic Prayer Training
Saturday, March 20th, 9:30-11am at Northstar. A quick training on the vision, value, and protocols of Northstar's prayer ministry.

K I N G D O M P R A Y E R I N I T I A T I V E S
kingomprayerinitiatives.com

This is the ministry and financial platform for the assignments God is setting before us. We anticipate that this will give us a broadening scope of ministry in the city and around the world. Rus is involved at Northstar as an elder and presides over prayer ministries, and also serves around the city as a pastor, elder, and leader in the movement of prayer.