What was a POTENTIALLY scary or uncomfortable experience became probably the BEST conversion I’ve had in weeks, months, years… 

A wandering walking person motioned to me as I was getting gas in my car, listening to a work meeting, eating my breakfast. Yes, I  multitask while I get full service gas at this particular pump, and my window was closed, I couldn’t understand what the gentleman was saying, making a circle image with his hands. I continued to set up my pump station assistant,  through the open passenger window, a gas guy whom I’ve been working with for 5 plus years, and then figured I should open my window to the motioning grey hair gentleman. I never felt in danger, but I was already wondering if I had cash or coins to give. His eyes were so kind and I really thought he was going to ask for money and yet his smile was priceless. He even said later: “I bet you thought I was going to ask for money” – he never did.

As I opened the window to the conversation, I was filled with the Spirit pouring in. This man saw my round bumper sticker magnet that said: “JESUS IS COMING”, “everybody look busy”). He wanted to tell me: ‘YES, Jesus is coming back soon! He talked about rapture. How this world is only temporary.’ And to his SURPRISE, I was able to complete most all his sentences and verse recitations. He was just as Spirit appreciative as me to talk Jesus.

Talk Jesus with compassion and Corrective Vision towards this world. These are not rose-colored glasses that all on earth is hunkydory, these are lenses that focus on scratches in society, broken frames od living, smudges of truth. We see what Jesus sees, sadly, and wonder what where and when… Jesus WILL come back to get us, coming again with us as His army. We do need to get ready, not just looking busy but being into His business here on earth. 

I really don’t know if this man at the gas station was homeless, his name is Mike. I know another homeless man Mike around the corner from there who is super awesome to talk with. I wonder if this man simply looked like homeless (I think maybe  I often do with all the stuff piled in my car) – and we are all perceived to the physical eye to conform or not to “normal “. Well, it IS special in NOT conforming to this world. See, with corrective vision (seeing the world through Jesus eyes) and being seen by Jesus, that we are to be doing our FATHER’S work by the Spiritual gifts GIFTED. We are also to be seeing life with a lens of forgiveness. We also are to come to the Lord in a broken spirit for His repair, not come with a sacrifice we duct-taped together like a bumper held up on a car – but with a full need for an engine overhall – or at least our windows cleaned.

I did want to get back on the road, I’m glad that I was wrong to worry, we ARE jaded these days. The world is worldly and we blend in to that. I AM glad I opened my window – my car window and my heart window. I remembered thinking “is there any catch to this?” – even my gas station guy looked at me knowingly as he handed me my receipt. No – just a good faith conversation – and maybe even the gas station guy listened in – maybe. I DO thank the Lord for this pit stop to gas up my car and my spirit  – a fresh filling – a refreshing experience. I WILL TAKE ENCOURAGEMENT ANY DAY. 

Window not washed by human hands but sparkling clear by Jesus. 

That my friends is Corrective Vision. 

Amen 

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A psalm scripture from David who realized that he needed repentance and a clean heart. He realized that the Lord gives repentance. We should all ask for clean hearts and corrective conviction no matter what worldly ways we have. Come with a broken spirit – looking for a clean up – a carry on encouragement.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
    and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
    and justified when you judge.
Surely I was sinful at birth,
    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;
    you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    so that sinners will turn back to you.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
    you who are God my Savior,
    and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.
Open my lips, Lord,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
    you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart
    you, God, will not despise.

May it please you to prosper Zion,
    to build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,
    in burnt offerings offered whole;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.