"Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction." 2 Corinthians 7:4
The world needs what you are giving away! We live in a broken world that seems to continue to be dismantled by many different forces. The heartache of life seems overwhelming and even suffocating at times. The world may be broken, but you and I have the tools to help bring restoration to her people.
Over the past few weeks and months, we have been enjoying many small stories in our organic churches and our corporate gathering times. Any one of these stories would seem insignificant. When you hear about one person helping a single mom fix some things around her house you may smile at the nice jester and quickly forget about it. But what happens if that becomes the normal way of responding to situations (James 2:14-17)? What happens if a whole neighborhood takes on a positive, godly perspective of helping others (think Zac and Melissa Robinson in Youngtown). I believe the fragrance of Christ begins to swell the nostrils of people and puts a smile on their faces.
I am seeing this type of love flow from your hands and lips all around. When strangers visit a widow in the hospital, the smell of Christ begins to waft in the hallways. When an older man chooses to spend time with a teenager, teaching the teen about a skill, the aroma of Jesus gets a little stronger. When people get involved with helping others move in the hot Phoenix summer heat, the refreshment of Jesus begins to roll. When young men choose to become serious in their pursuit of Jesus by not only reading their Bibles but applying what they learn, the presence of Jesus becomes more and more tangible.
For these and many other reasons, I want to say that I am very proud of you as a community of Christ followers. Of course we are imperfect with many flaws and weaknesses. We have much to learn. The difference is that Christ is in our midst and we are each straining to listen to Him and follow His instructions. This causes our gatherings to be sweeter and something to look forward to.
I am seeing dozens of people in our community being transformed. I am seeing dozens of people in our community live out the integrity of Jesus. I am seeing the miracle of men and women, boys and girls become more and more like Jesus and I am very proud of each of you.
Together we are making a strong difference in our communities, workplaces and neighborhoods. Keep up the grand work you are doing for Jesus. I believe He is smiling and enjoying watching you walk out your faith (3 John 4).
The world needs what you are giving away! We live in a broken world that seems to continue to be dismantled by many different forces. The heartache of life seems overwhelming and even suffocating at times. The world may be broken, but you and I have the tools to help bring restoration to her people.
Over the past few weeks and months, we have been enjoying many small stories in our organic churches and our corporate gathering times. Any one of these stories would seem insignificant. When you hear about one person helping a single mom fix some things around her house you may smile at the nice jester and quickly forget about it. But what happens if that becomes the normal way of responding to situations (James 2:14-17)? What happens if a whole neighborhood takes on a positive, godly perspective of helping others (think Zac and Melissa Robinson in Youngtown). I believe the fragrance of Christ begins to swell the nostrils of people and puts a smile on their faces.
I am seeing this type of love flow from your hands and lips all around. When strangers visit a widow in the hospital, the smell of Christ begins to waft in the hallways. When an older man chooses to spend time with a teenager, teaching the teen about a skill, the aroma of Jesus gets a little stronger. When people get involved with helping others move in the hot Phoenix summer heat, the refreshment of Jesus begins to roll. When young men choose to become serious in their pursuit of Jesus by not only reading their Bibles but applying what they learn, the presence of Jesus becomes more and more tangible.
For these and many other reasons, I want to say that I am very proud of you as a community of Christ followers. Of course we are imperfect with many flaws and weaknesses. We have much to learn. The difference is that Christ is in our midst and we are each straining to listen to Him and follow His instructions. This causes our gatherings to be sweeter and something to look forward to.
I am seeing dozens of people in our community being transformed. I am seeing dozens of people in our community live out the integrity of Jesus. I am seeing the miracle of men and women, boys and girls become more and more like Jesus and I am very proud of each of you.
Together we are making a strong difference in our communities, workplaces and neighborhoods. Keep up the grand work you are doing for Jesus. I believe He is smiling and enjoying watching you walk out your faith (3 John 4).
No comments:
Post a Comment