We are two weeks out from our inaugural church service. We have been having church in our homes and many fellowship and prayer times. The "inaugural" church service will be the first time we have the whole team here together. It is also the first "push" for having some neighbors and friends join us. Up to this point we have focused on building the kind of family that "those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47) could find love in, and among God's children.
Today I reflected with Francine how God has a plan, and it is not ours...
Isaiah 55:8
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
There was a plan in place to send out the planting in September. We have been here two months already and were trying to get things moving early. There has been a frustration at times with not seeing things progress how I imagine. Should I be surprised by this? I shouldn't... but none the less I am.
Building family is not a quick process, even in those who share the same blood. Uncovering sin and our character flaws seems to be more prominent than preaching the gospel. Then again, I think the gospel is spelled out and exhibited in this very process.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
In all of this I am wrestling with the ability to keep this all in mind. Is there weakness? Yes, lots. Is Grace and work powerfully? Of course. Do I walk the walk and talk the talk? Only in Christ; which is the real trick.
I have been on my knees much of the time here. I ask, "Why? When? What?" Then I stumble on with each day. It seems everything has been a surprise and things our completely out of my control. Yet, isn't that what I signed up for? It is Christ who is at work in me and in the Kingdom of God.
Amazingly God is working to "restore/resurrect" me, each member of the team, and those around us with equal perfection. His power is made perfect in all this weakness. The best part about weakness is that we don't even have to work very hard on that part. We are just weak naturally. I guess accepting that is the challenge, right?
Please pray for us to love one another, lay down our lives for the "least of these," and maintain our acceptance of God's joy, peace, and perfect power. Amen.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Spirit and Faith
I waited at the river
My soul and I
The current swirled near and far
I beckoned the waves
"Come carry me away"
Off to that yonder star
I walked in the water
My soul and I
The current swirled round my feet
I felt the water tug my foot
"come see my resting place"
Surely it is grand to see
I jumped in the river
My soul and I
It will carry me firm and true
I floated amidst the life within
"now you see my rest"
That will only find the few
IE
Galatians 5:5
For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
Psalm 31:5
Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
And I'm not talking about jumping in the Columbia river and drowning myself... if you were wondering.
My soul and I
The current swirled near and far
I beckoned the waves
"Come carry me away"
Off to that yonder star
I walked in the water
My soul and I
The current swirled round my feet
I felt the water tug my foot
"come see my resting place"
Surely it is grand to see
I jumped in the river
My soul and I
It will carry me firm and true
I floated amidst the life within
"now you see my rest"
That will only find the few
IE
Galatians 5:5
For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
Psalm 31:5
Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.
And I'm not talking about jumping in the Columbia river and drowning myself... if you were wondering.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Enemy
The past week has been one of the hardest since being here. Francine has been pretty sick and that has made doing things more difficult for her and the family. We do not know how her health will play out in this new place. We've been pretty encouraged up to this point. She is having what we call a "flare-up". It could last a few days or a few weeks. Please pray for the former.
Even though she has not felt very well, we have been able to have many people over to our house. The fellowship has been very inspiring and encouraging. The family we are building is really great. I think we all feel the bond growing daily. We hope that it will start overflowing more and more into the people around us - and I know it will!
This is the most literal experience I have had of Acts 2:42-46, and we are praying for vs. 47.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Along with all of this we are working through some sins that have arisen among us. I think that we are dealing with it biblically, but it has been a bit of a curve ball for the team. We have come closer together as we face Satan's attacks. Although sin is nothing to celebrate, it is wonderful to see the love and concern for one another well up to face this challenge. With prayer and guidance I know that God will overcome these obstacles.
We had a meeting with the Spokane leadership team this past weekend. They shared their experiences during the planting of the Spokane church. It was encouraging to see their excitement not only for our endeavor, but reliving their own adventures. Remembering what God has done always invigorates me for what he will do.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Even though she has not felt very well, we have been able to have many people over to our house. The fellowship has been very inspiring and encouraging. The family we are building is really great. I think we all feel the bond growing daily. We hope that it will start overflowing more and more into the people around us - and I know it will!
This is the most literal experience I have had of Acts 2:42-46, and we are praying for vs. 47.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Along with all of this we are working through some sins that have arisen among us. I think that we are dealing with it biblically, but it has been a bit of a curve ball for the team. We have come closer together as we face Satan's attacks. Although sin is nothing to celebrate, it is wonderful to see the love and concern for one another well up to face this challenge. With prayer and guidance I know that God will overcome these obstacles.
We had a meeting with the Spokane leadership team this past weekend. They shared their experiences during the planting of the Spokane church. It was encouraging to see their excitement not only for our endeavor, but reliving their own adventures. Remembering what God has done always invigorates me for what he will do.
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Growing Roots
We had our first church service on Sunday July 29th. It was about half the team that is planting the church in Tri Cities. We spent the time singing, praying, and sharing about what God has done in our lives up to and during this time. It was very encouraging and unifying.
Colossians 1:3-6
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people — the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world — just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
I love this scripture because it fits so well with the journey we are on. Faith was challenged and increased in the beginning. An outpouring of Love came next as we arrived and got settled. Now I am convinced that our continued Hope springing from our Lord Jesus combined with that faith and love will surely create something grand.
It has taken over a week to sit down and finish this post. We've moved two more couples in that are part of the team. The third floor apartment move-in was especially ache inducing. As encouraging as the influx of more disciples has been, it has also created a "church-gap" (I just made that up). There are still loose ends and responsibilities for some members outside of our start-up process. I am wrestling a bit with how to transition into full-speed as a team. I think part of it is just having patience. Yet, I think there will be a learning process for us all; which I believe will entail some difficult life changes we may not be totally prepared for.
I am looking over the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah and finding much to ponder. I look forward to celebrating together the laying of our "temple's" foundation (Ezra 1-4). I am attempting to anticipate the difficulties of finishing the building of the "walls" of God's church here (Nehemiah). I am eagerly praying about the wonders God will accomplish in his own name in this wild process.
Things seem slightly chaotic right now with all the transition of our members. I am turning daily to prayer just to rid myself of doubt. The Devil is attacking subtly, as well as directly. Please pray for the saints!
Colossians 1:3-6
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people — the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world — just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
I love this scripture because it fits so well with the journey we are on. Faith was challenged and increased in the beginning. An outpouring of Love came next as we arrived and got settled. Now I am convinced that our continued Hope springing from our Lord Jesus combined with that faith and love will surely create something grand.
It has taken over a week to sit down and finish this post. We've moved two more couples in that are part of the team. The third floor apartment move-in was especially ache inducing. As encouraging as the influx of more disciples has been, it has also created a "church-gap" (I just made that up). There are still loose ends and responsibilities for some members outside of our start-up process. I am wrestling a bit with how to transition into full-speed as a team. I think part of it is just having patience. Yet, I think there will be a learning process for us all; which I believe will entail some difficult life changes we may not be totally prepared for.
I am looking over the stories of Ezra and Nehemiah and finding much to ponder. I look forward to celebrating together the laying of our "temple's" foundation (Ezra 1-4). I am attempting to anticipate the difficulties of finishing the building of the "walls" of God's church here (Nehemiah). I am eagerly praying about the wonders God will accomplish in his own name in this wild process.
Things seem slightly chaotic right now with all the transition of our members. I am turning daily to prayer just to rid myself of doubt. The Devil is attacking subtly, as well as directly. Please pray for the saints!
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