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Living With A Grande Passion

“Jesus’ offer of a life changing personal experience has become such a cliche’ that even some Christians aren’t all that interested. But invite a friend to Starbucks and see if you have to ask twice. The appeal isn’t the expensive cup of coffee, but the experience surrounding the espresso. So why does the offer of knowing God find fewer eager takers? The Gospel According to Starbucks dares to ask if Christians have downplayed the visceral experience of spirituality–and then explores (as well as reintroduces) to the bone-deep impact of knowing God.” - Leonard Sweet: The Gospel According to Starbucks: Living With A Grande Passion - This book will be released in October 2006

Now, this is a book that I am looking forward to reading! It is something that I can identify with and something that I have experience over the last three years as I spent time at Issacks and the Sunshine Cafe in Junction, Texas and now at Starbucks, Cocoa Bean, IHOP and other places here in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The one thing that I have noticed and observed is the free flow of fellowship, of communication, of strangers becoming friends. After nearly two years at “My Starbucks” it has become a place where it is like home and not so much for the coffee, which is great but for the people that I have met, the regulars, who will sit down and talk, who will share, who will ask questions, who know that I will not break out my spiritual machinegun but rather I will listen, encourage and share as the Lord makes opportunity.

The only thing I have had to do is be available, to be there and to simply trust the Father to draw who He will. Since I have been going to Starbucks, there has not been one day that the Lord has not given me the opportunity to be light, not so much by what I say but by what I reflect, what we should reflect, the peace and the rest that comes when we walk daily with the Lord!

I have truly found, as is stated in the quote above, that people will respond quicker to a cuppa of coffee, then an invite to church.

Over coffee, or tea, or whatever, we have the opportunity of one on one ministry of sharing, exhorting and encouraging others and hopefully what they see, will draw them to want to know more and they will in time attend church.

We may plant the seed, another water and someone else reap the harvest.

Are we willing to be those servants, who will take time, to share a cup of coffee with another and to just listen and allow the Lord to use us as the tool in His hands to touch the hearts of others for Him?

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 21st, 2006 at 17:23 and is filed under General, Coffee Conversations, Relationship, Friends. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

13 Responses to “Living With A Grande Passion”

  1. Denise Says:
    June 22nd, 2006 at 15:18

    Hi Paul, would love to drop in some time for coffee, gotta love Starbucks, but I would love the company even more:-) You have a blessed day. Hugs Denise

  2. Paul Says:
    June 22nd, 2006 at 21:22

    Hi Denise,

    Just sitting here at Starbucks, enjoying a cuppa coffee and fellowship with friends.

    Indeed it is the company that enjoy. Maybe when I get to Colorado Springs, in the future and my son makes a run from the YWAM-SF Base to Denver, we can catch you all for a cuppa of Coffee.

    Josh is with Youth With A Mission - Strategic Ministries and is in China now and is based out of Colorado Springs.

    Blessings my friend,

    Paul
    The Georgia Cowboy

  3. Elizabeth Says:
    June 24th, 2006 at 00:19

    Seems that what most people want is someone to listen and to care! Love goes a long ways to drawing others to HIM!!

  4. Denise Says:
    June 24th, 2006 at 09:45

    Came by again to wish you a wonderful weekend my friend, yes indeed would love to meet for coffee if we ever get to Denver together;-) (((Hugs)))

  5. Tammy Says:
    June 25th, 2006 at 09:13

    Hi Paul. It is so awesome the way God is using you to reach people in such a loving, caring, non-threatening way. You have a wonderful ministry and I pray that God will continue to use you to reach otherwise unreachable people. Have a blessed Sunday!!

  6. Paula Says:
    June 25th, 2006 at 20:18

    I miss our coffee conversations…

  7. Paul Says:
    June 26th, 2006 at 08:45

    Hi Elizabeth,

    That is the one thing that I have learned over the last couple of years as I spent time at Starbucks, Cocoa Bean and other places, is often times, people just need someone who will listen and not necessary say anything.

    To simply share the love of the Lord is what it is all about, His love and for that person to know that you do care and that is what draws them, the Christ within.

    Thank you my friend for blogging by and always encouraging me. It means a lot.

    Wrting for the King,

    Paul

  8. Paul Says:
    June 26th, 2006 at 08:47

    Hi Denise,

    Thanks for blogging back by to say howdy :)

    Someday, we will share that cuppa of coffee there in Denver.

    Blessings to your family and you my friend.

    Writing for the King,

    Paul

  9. Paul Says:
    June 26th, 2006 at 08:51

    Hi Tammy,

    Thank you so very much for the encouragement. It means a lot to me. Sometimes, days are just days, and we ourselves, need to hear from the Lord and then He sends Elizabeth, Denise, you and others to remind me of that.

    Thank you so very much my friend. Have a blessed week!!

    Writing for the King,

    Paul

  10. Paul Says:
    June 26th, 2006 at 08:57

    Good Morning Paula,

    I miss the coffee conversations too :)

    Have to catch you all on the weekends when you have time.

    Be blessed and have a super week!!

    Your friend and fellow blogger,

    Paul

  11. Kat Says:
    June 29th, 2006 at 15:08

    Hi Georgia Cowboy, Long time no visits from me. Your site looks great and I am glad you are meeting lots of friends at the Starbucks! have a great day! :) Later Gator

  12. Paul Says:
    June 29th, 2006 at 19:32

    Hi Kat, Thanks for blogging by! A very pleasant and welcomed surprise! Have a super weekend my friend! Later Gator, Paul

  13. paul Says:
    July 2nd, 2007 at 19:46

    Thanks for coming by the Cocoa Bean Cafe, I appreciate your time in my store. Please think of us in your prayers.

    Paul
    Co-Owner
    Cocoa Bean Cafe

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