Night of Prayer Round 2

Once again, God has shown up in special and powerful ways. Last night our elders led our time of prayer, and helped us to focus on the community, our schools and our leaders in our church. It was a time of open, honest communication with the Creator at a level I've been hoping to see for some time.
Our numbers were a little more than last week, and one significant increase was in the area of our youth. They not only attended, but they participated in prayer as we broke into groups. What a blessing!

I have to say, though, that I was very grateful for the direction and sacrifice that our elders took in taking on this role. Especially Gary. If you were there, you heard how he is NOT an up front person. To quote him, "In my mind one's company and two's a crowd, so you can imagine what this is doing to me!" Which got a great laugh. But he stepped up and did what he believed God has called him to do. He sacrificed his comfort and his reputation to glorify God. That takes courage and commitment, but it also takes obedience. Thank you, Gary, for being all of that and doing so with a humble and willing heart. And thank Jon and Terry as well for doing the same thing. You men are being great examples for us all.

For us as a church, our challenge is similar to that taken on by our elders. To make a difference in this church, in this community and in this valley, we need to ask ourselves if we're willing to LIVE OUT the words of our prayers from last night. As Pastor Bill reminded us to pray, "Yes Lord, this is what we want!" So let's get after that which we are praying for. Let's support our leaders in the city and in our schools by praying for them and finding out how we can work alongside them. Let's support the local church community by praying for them as often as we can. Let's support our schools in prayer but also find ways to come alongside and help them as they teach our kids. Let's look for opportunities to partner with the schools in service opportunities such as helping with lunch duty, assisting with classroom, office or library work. And let's support the church that we call home by praying for ALL of the leaders, not just the staff. ALL of our leaders need to be lifted up as we move onto the next steps that God has for us.
To our church, let me challenge you. (I know you love it when I do this!!) If you aren't serving and you have the ability to do so, it's time to stop being selfish and get off the seat and serve. Don't be afraid! (Your fear is of man, and you're not giving God a chance to bless your socks off by putting man ahead of God.) Trust God - from the bottom of your heart. If you believe what you/we prayed last night, and agreed that "Yes, God, this is what we want", then let's get moving. Let's get after that which we've been called to and celebrate. I'm looking forward to it. I hope you'll join me. See ya in church...