November 8, 2024
“If you have faith, you may not say coincidences.”
~ Mike
Last night as I was setting up our new invitation cards, Mike come up to me to tell me that he just met a man in the pizza place who he invited to our prayer meeting. He was telling me how alive and intrigued the man was about joining our group. Mike told me that the man gave him his card and wished he had something to give to him. I said, “you mean like this,” as I handed him a new invitation card. Mike’s eyes lit up in awe with a smile. It was a tiny miracle. This is one of many stories that were shared last night.
It was compelling to begin with That’s Who I Praise and Don’t Stop Praying. As we gather each Friday night, we come from the world and it is a declaration of faith to move from the world into the heart of Jesus with praise. There is power in His name. Praise is the antidote of the enemy. When we praise, we cast out demons: the lies, the anxieties, the negativity, and the idol worshiping. It is through praise we are renewed in spirit, mind, and hearts. It is why saying “Come Holy Spirit” or speaking the name of Jesus ten times can change any situation and bring about a layer of unexplainable peace.
When one Mike speaks, the other Mike speaks so often. This Mike shared a story about another non-coincidence, yet act of faith. He was waiting to get a procedure done and filled with anxiety and fear. at a particular moment, he decided he would not get the procedure done. It was not for him. After he dressed, knowing how upset his family would be at him for the decision he was making, a young girl who was alone in the pre-op room next to him was also riddled with fear. However, she was alone and she was not ready to skip out on her procedure. She was brave and willing to go through it. Mike thought, “if she can do it, well then I certainly can.” He got ready for the procedure (for the second time) and told the doctors and nurses, “I’m ready. Let’s do this!” If he didn’t stay, then everything else changes. Had that young girl not been in the room next to him, then everything else changes.
God uses people we encounter everyday. Angels on Earth to bring us closer to Him. I can almost say with guarantee that every single member of our Heart to Heart community has been brought to our group because of a small encounter with a stranger or someone you have known for years. Believe me when I tell you this, you are not here by coincidence. You are here by an act of FAITH. You are here because of your TRUST. You are here because of your BELIEF. You are here because Jesus has called and chosen YOU. But the most beautiful part about it is that you are here because you said YES.
Wherever you are, whenever you show up, and whoever you are…you are welcome into our family. There isn’t anyone who is turned away. A new member was reminding us of the breadcrumbs that Jesus had put into her life throughout the past two years that led her to Heart to Heart. The question/statement that stood out to me the most when she was sharing her story was “why me? Who would think that you guys [Janine and Marissa] would choose invite ME to come to this prayer meeting?” The truth is we INVITE you all. Timing is everything. God is never early and He is never late. When it is time to invite all of you personally or individually, it is in His time. It is the obedience in extending the invitation, which is why these cards are important for you to have. Keep inviting others! It is so hard to get caught up in the fear of judgement and rejection when we invite people into our hearts with Jesus, but it’s time to BRAG about Jesus. It’s time to annoy people with Jesus. What better (or who better) to annoy them with? You belong here. Every single one of you and every single other person out there because we all belong to Jesus.
The prayer teams were powerful as they are every week. It is inspiring to watch the same people get in the chair each week and new brave ones to sit in it. The power of laying hands on each other in the name of Jesus brings about a healing I have never witnessed before. It never gets old. It never is the same. He is never outdone in generosity, healing, and the grace He wants to give each of you. The individual ministering, encouragement, and visions that are a result from prayer teams is nothing short of amazing. I am witnessing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. We can never stop asking for what we want. Is it your back to feel better? Is it your fear of going to school? Is it the tumors riddling your body? What is it? Say it! Name it! Ask for it! What is the worst that can happen? You have a moment with Jesus and your family showing you love and fellowship. There is nothing to lose with asking, but there is everything to gain.
The tiny miracles are everywhere. The extraordinary in the ordinary happens every day. The angels among us are everywhere. The invitations are endless. The open doors are right in front of you. As Brandon Lake said it so perfectly, open your heart, open your hands, open you eyelids! … He’s got more dreams, more plans, more blessings!
Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen. Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide.
