God in our midst - Shaping us for Service

We are most like God when we are loving and serving. I am filled with this truth today - as last Sunday still fills my heart. People connecting deeply with God and with one another. I think about moving ever deeper into 2007, I realize the glorious moments that await us. This year of Revelation, Renewal and Redemption (as I have shared previous) has started out incredibly well.
It will be a year in which God will reveal deep things to us - like Peter's revelation of who Jesus was - "You are the Christ!" And renewal or spirit and joy - 2 Corinthians 4:16; "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." (NIV) God is restoring to many their joy and purpose and this is connected deeply to the people He is redeeming. We have already seen God's working in our midst as people have come to know Christ in the first few weeks of 2007 through the combined efforts of LFC.
We are endeavoring to live "heart first" and connect all we do back to souls.
As I think about moving deeper into 2007, I think of the facilities we will build this year - simply tools to train, fellowship and connect with the hearts of people. I think about the people who God will use to help us carry on the mission of LFC and the ones who will love "heart first". This was made clear this past Sunday at our Ministry Faire, that even amidst the drizzle and downpour people's hearts were filled with sunshine and joy as they greeted each other, shared their ministry team and others were eager to sign up to find our more. Many were connected with dates to shadow and become more acquainted. Over 200 names appear on our sign-up sheets of people saying; " I want to serve."

The church is not defined by what it separates itself from but what it
gives itself to.

May it be said of each one of us - that we gave ourselves to the things God had for us. We might be feeding the under-resourced in our community kitchen, eradicating graffiti in our streets and alleyways, leading our children, cleaning, painting, giving ourselves to leading others in worship - this is our revelation, to serve others, this is our renewal - to give our lives away in order to be recharged, this is redemption - (not our works) but others seeing our works and glorifying God in heaven.

• Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV)
  
• Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

We know that what catches the attention of God is not our actions but the hearts behind our actions. It is our hearts that are growing into serving the Lord and erupting into praise and purposeful service. If you were not with us for our Ministry Faire this last Sunday, you can still get connected with a ministry by stopping by the information tent (red tent) this Sunday and getting set up with a time to shadow - team leaders will make it simple for you by contacting you and plugging you in. I was so proud of our teams this past Sunday who made our ministry faire such a success. Our worship time featured the song: All that I am, in which we sang: "I surrender to you Lord" and many did in worship and in signing up for various areas to use their gifts and talents. if you did not get a chance to hear the message it is available online too and at no cost. You can access it by this link: Serving is God's Idea. Each person is valued. Each gift is celebrated. And when challenges arise, we are committed to resolve each one in such a way that it honors God and builds biblical character, while serving as a witness for the Lord. The potential of souls being saved, lives being transformed and advancing God's Kingdom in our midst is almost more than I can handle. It is exciting and our future is bright. May we all find our places in service - applaud those serving now, encourage them and see growth take place, In Jesus name.