The Latest....05.21.07
Monday, May 21, 2007
5/21/07:
Tonight, I want to briefly share from my quiet time this morning and hope that it encourages you and help you to see God’s hand and continued leading in this new movement in our life.
I have been reading through the book of Isaiah this month. As I share how a certain chapter spoke to me this morning, please keep in mind that this is not meant to be an interpretation of this text, but rather how the word (which is living and active, Heb 4:12) spoke to me and applied to our situation TODAY.
Last week as our Church Planting Boot Camp finished, we were challenged to express what God has put into our hearts and what we hope to see happen in the area he called us to. This was difficult for us to do because in so many ways it feels beyond the “norm” and outside our grasp. For this reason alone, we have come to recognize that it truly is from God and with Him, it will be possible as we trust each step of the way. As we have come to this place of faith, we have found the courage to truly express our vision to see “a movement for ALL people that OVERFLOWS boundaries and transforms our region and beyond”. The boundaries prevalent in the Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor area are years of “polarization” economically and racially that has left the cities once known as “twin cities” as distant strangers.
Isaiah 19:23-25 says, “23 In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. 24 In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria—a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.”
As I read this, I dug a little deeper and realized that the Egyptians and Assyrians were “polarized” and enemies at this time in history. God, in fact, was saying through Isaiah that there would be a “highway” that would come to CONNECT these two nations and that they would serve (or “worship” in another translation) TOGETHER. Not only that, but that God’s people (Israel) would be in the MIDST of the land and would be BLESSED.
If you have been following our story, you know that God has called us to dwell in the MIDST of SJ/BH and to live in an area known as “Fairplain”. As I read these verses this morning, I could not help but feel as if God was confirming our call to this area and His heart to OVERFLOW and connect these two cities once again and to do so through people who are willing to live, worship, and serve together.
Will you pray with us that God will work through this new church plant and the people involved and truly overflow these long standing boundaries, bringing people together in worship and in service to this region? We know this is only possible through Christ and the work of His spirit and look forward to seeing How God works in this region. We value each of you and trust that God in the same way desires to speak into your life and work through you to transform your family, friends, workplace, community, etc. May we all continue to labor in this together? As 1 Thessalonians 3:12 says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
In Pursuit,
Brian
posted by Brian @ 10:31 PM,
2 Comments:
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At May 29, 2007 9:24 AM,
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We are trusting and praying with you as you continue to faithfully follow His leading in your lives. May God continue to make his mighty hand evident and real in your marriage and ministry. Blessings and love, Dad B.
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At June 06, 2007 9:52 AM,
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Hellllo :)
I'm so excited to see what you guys are doing in the near future! We are praying ever so much as you start a new chapter in life. You are going to such an intense place of need and I know they are going to benefit from your knowledge and love of God so so much!!
Love Kara
