Hand to the plow

I think I have finally reached the point where I am not counting down the days; Days until the move, days until our first service, days until everyone from the team has arrived, days we have been here...

Now it is less new, less adventuresome, more mundane, more like "life". I believe this is a good thing. I enjoyed the initial ride on the wild side, but now it is time for the next phase. This entails the day to day grind of not only just living out our own family dramas, but putting our shoulder to the plow of God's work for us.

We've been reading, studying, and preaching about the book of Mark. It has been decided that we would use this book as our entryway to God's word for the people we are reaching out to, studying with, and teaching. We are pretty excited to see what God will do.

This past weekend we went out to Howard Amon park to meet people and invite them to our church. It was an encouraging time and we met many people, some very interested and some rude. Sunday we had our first home grown visitors. One man and one woman. Both are planning to be regulars at our get-togethers.

I feel like we are now in the perseverance mode. We need to continue with what God has called us here to do. The initial burst of energy will wear off, the weariness will set in, our strength will fail; that is, unless we turn to God with complete faith again and again.

It is faith that brought us here, it is faith and hope that is compelling us to preach, it is faith (theirs and ours) that brings the lost to us, and it is faith that means something to Jesus.

Luke 18:7-8
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?

First Service

Sigh... (of relief)

I think this is the way I am feeling about our first service having come and gone. There was a perception for me, of monumental proportions, of what our beginning would look like. I'm sure that every church planting has visions of packed rooms, God's power, and a desire to "feel" the buzz. It is just a guess, but I think many a missionary has been surprised by what God really has in mind.

Packed rooms...
Our first service had visitors; and more than just brothers and sisters from other churches. A couple from Walla Walla who have a son I knew as an early christian. An Aunt who as Amber from Spokane put it, "one of a 100 family members and cousins" here in Tri Cities. My mother visiting from Wisconsin and another person I guess I didn't meet. I think we had our hands full just with this.

God's power...
The fact that we even had the service pretty much proves God is powerfully at work. I'm not sure if any of us were ready to go, but God is. Leading up to and during service we had many needs and sins being tackled just among the team members. I personally had to repent of being a big Jerk to my wife for much of the week prior. Others were saddened and broken by betrayal. Still others wondering if they are in the right place at all. Ruben talked about crying out to God in prayer like never before. God's power?

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.

I think we will be reminded of this regularly by our perfect and awesome God.

God is doing something great and we may just be privileged to see it when it happens if we are faithful.

The Buzz...
Or maybe how I am feeling right now; the fizzle. We will have to combat this feeling thing. The Spirit is working in and around, (and outside) our feelings. What I feel means very little. Yet it seems to matter greatly in the moment. I want to be on the mountain-top all the time. I'm sure Moses did too.

Exodus 19 - Moses went up on the mountain
Exodus 32 - Moses comes down to a major mess

I'm not on the mountain-top right now. I am in the "mess," as well as part of it. God gave Moses his plan and he gives it to us as well.

John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Those who were being saved...

Less than a week away from the inaugural service! It seems like it has been a long time in coming. I will take my comfort in the fact that it is God's perfect timing.

It has been amazing getting to know the people in our city here. In the past couple of weeks some friendships have bloomed with neighbors, coworkers, and baseball parents. I am excited to see what the Spirit will do with these...

Pray for Corey, Mandy, Miguel, Paul, Jeff, Corene, Sonja, Brien...

And God added to their number daily those who were being saved... (Acts 2:47)

I've been pondering this scripture and imagining each person I meet to be starting the journey to resurrection. I eagerly await getting into the bible with them and seeing their faith grow.

My mother is coming to town this week for a visit. It will be great to see her and share what God is doing here with her. We will be having many family members visiting in the next few months. I hope to balance family with Family. May the Spirit work it all out, Amen.

Matthew 12:46-50
While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

My prayer is that our Church family here truly becomes the reflection of Jesus' family of believers.