The traffic whirled around me as I headed downtown this afternoon.  I grew up here, but five or six years have passed since I've driven in Chicago rush hour traffic. 

As
I approached Pastor Robert's house for a late-afternoon ministry planning
session, I noticed a homeless man standing in the middle of the road holding a
sign and asking for help.  I scrambled to get ahold of the few coins in my
cup holder while rolling down my window and attempting not to impede the flow
of traffic.

God
helped me out and turned the light red.

As
I reached across to hand the money out the window, the man's eyes
focused on a McDonald's bag in my passenger seat.

Now that's what I need...  I'm sorry-it's empty...  

A Bible.  Huh?

It
took me a moment to realize that the homeless guy was not hoping for a
hamburger.  Rather, he noticed my Bible on the seat wished aloud that he
had one.  I
would have given him my personal Bible, but I hesitated for a second, a little
sad to give us something so precious to me.  

Suddenly I remembered that I
had received a free Bible just the other day.  It came with a purchase I
made at the local bookstore, and it was on the floor in my car.  Trying
to beat the green light, I scooped it up and held it out the window.  What
a beautiful smile landed on this man's face as the Lord answer his prayer.

I
didn't even have time to ask his name, but I know that the Lord has a plan for
his life.  I know because I almost didn't bring my Bible today.  I
know because I don't typically drive around with an extra Bible.  I know
because I don't always stop and give out money.  I know because the light
turned red at just the right moment.

Then it
turned green.

Seconds
raced - Compassion responded - Truth reached out

Heaven touched earth

KINGDOM CAME.