For you (we) are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.
"Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God's people.
Once received no mercy;
now you have received God's mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10).
We are chosen. We are God's possession...because of that we are rescued from darkness and able to live in His glorious light.
Many times we have clients who are walking in darkness. There is the darkness of not knowing God, the darkness of futility in believing one can never 'make it' the darkness of despair in living in grinding poverty every single day...the darkness of broken relationships that seem past being able to be restored...
and yet we are called to "show others the goodness of God."
As a chosen people, together in our community, how do we do that? One way is through all of our churches working together. Love INC is a great vehicle for this to happen!
As The Church we have opportunity to impact our community. A current big issue in our community is homelessness and lack of affordable housing. We routinely get several calls a week from families and/or individual who are homeless or about to be. Of course, this is a complex issue with few 'easy' answers, plus it will cost something...financially and also in other ways as we interact with real people in real situations.
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.: (Isaiah 5:7).
How can we answer God's call? At this week's Pastor's Prayer time, the Mayor of our City came and shared his heart. Pastor's were able to ask questions and make comments. It's a great beginning of Working together.
Other ways to get involved? Go to City Council meetings, get involved in City Government. Several ideas are being floated about ways to help. Perhaps changing City ordinances to allow overnight camping on Church and business properties. Eugene has been doing this for some time now. A plan for transitional housing...some families only need a month or three to become stable again. Could churches be a part of that? Love INC has a "Homes of Hope" model. Feel free to call Corrie and chat with her about that.
This is a PRIME time for The Church to step up. The Church community can be visible in helping solve a serious issue in our county. There is a wonderful openness about our being able to help with this community issue.
Yes, it is a HUGE. I am reminded of Zerubbabel and what the Lord said to him; "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. YES!!!
GOD is always up to something. Something new and fresh. "Behold, I will do something new, NOW it will spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness (of camping, being homeless) and rivers in the desert. (the loving kindness of His chosen people, bringing HOPE). (From Isaiah 43:19).
Once we had no identity...but now we are God's people..."and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~~not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO." (Eph 2:8-10).
Lord, release your people into a mighty stream of living water that works with our community to bring ways of shelter and housing, demonstrating your incomparable love! Place your people everywhere and grant great freedom, boldness, wisdom and stamina to complete this great work!
By His Spirit,
LaCheri
Call Center Manager
"Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God's people.
Once received no mercy;
now you have received God's mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10).
We are chosen. We are God's possession...because of that we are rescued from darkness and able to live in His glorious light.
Many times we have clients who are walking in darkness. There is the darkness of not knowing God, the darkness of futility in believing one can never 'make it' the darkness of despair in living in grinding poverty every single day...the darkness of broken relationships that seem past being able to be restored...
and yet we are called to "show others the goodness of God."
As a chosen people, together in our community, how do we do that? One way is through all of our churches working together. Love INC is a great vehicle for this to happen!
As The Church we have opportunity to impact our community. A current big issue in our community is homelessness and lack of affordable housing. We routinely get several calls a week from families and/or individual who are homeless or about to be. Of course, this is a complex issue with few 'easy' answers, plus it will cost something...financially and also in other ways as we interact with real people in real situations.
"Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.: (Isaiah 5:7).
How can we answer God's call? At this week's Pastor's Prayer time, the Mayor of our City came and shared his heart. Pastor's were able to ask questions and make comments. It's a great beginning of Working together.
Other ways to get involved? Go to City Council meetings, get involved in City Government. Several ideas are being floated about ways to help. Perhaps changing City ordinances to allow overnight camping on Church and business properties. Eugene has been doing this for some time now. A plan for transitional housing...some families only need a month or three to become stable again. Could churches be a part of that? Love INC has a "Homes of Hope" model. Feel free to call Corrie and chat with her about that.
This is a PRIME time for The Church to step up. The Church community can be visible in helping solve a serious issue in our county. There is a wonderful openness about our being able to help with this community issue.
Yes, it is a HUGE. I am reminded of Zerubbabel and what the Lord said to him; "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty. YES!!!
GOD is always up to something. Something new and fresh. "Behold, I will do something new, NOW it will spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness (of camping, being homeless) and rivers in the desert. (the loving kindness of His chosen people, bringing HOPE). (From Isaiah 43:19).
Once we had no identity...but now we are God's people..."and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God~~not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. WHICH GOD PREPARED IN ADVANCE FOR US TO DO." (Eph 2:8-10).
Lord, release your people into a mighty stream of living water that works with our community to bring ways of shelter and housing, demonstrating your incomparable love! Place your people everywhere and grant great freedom, boldness, wisdom and stamina to complete this great work!
By His Spirit,
LaCheri
Call Center Manager