Ps. 56:9 (NKJV) states, “…this I know, because God is for me”. Both the Message and New Living translation put it this way, “God is on my side!”
It’s good to remind ourselves that He is on our side and that He has our best interest at heart. I believe He cares for us more that we realize many times.
So start out 2012 by reminding yourself that God is on your side!, and then expect GREAT things ahead!!!
1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
Another version says it this way, “…And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper.”
Many times we look for the spectacular or the shock and awe of God and all the while He is gently leading us with a whisper or a gentle nudge from behind to continue on the path that He has laid out for us.
Today, take time to listen to the gentle whisper of God as He desires to lead us today and everyday closer to Him!
Matthew is a friend of HPC and this made me think…
My Idea: Occupy All Streets
Posted on October 19, 2011 by PastorMatthewBarnett
Americans are experiencing anger and frustration over a government system that has let them down. Occupy Wall Street and The Tea Party both have their opinions about what is wrong with America. I have no perspective on this except to add a challenge to the church.
THIS IS THE CHANCE FOR THE CHURCH TO OCCUPY ALL STREETS.
When bickering arises in America it’s time for the church to quietly begin investing into every street in America and to turn loose the largest volunteer army in the country – the church.
We need to occupy our communities with practical solutions, innovative ideas, and an infusion of resources to show the world that the churches greatest hour is when the world needs us the most. We can literally make a mark in the housing market, unemployment, and poverty.
Candidates from both parties, in the upcoming elections, need to see our impact so strongly that they start referencing churches and their proactive plans in their stump speeches.
Occupying all streets would position the church to start a revolution of social transformation that can rewrite history. The type of transformation that combines acts of service and community investment but always with a strong message of Jesus being the real source of change.
This is the churches moment to shine IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS. I totally understand the anger from every side of the political battle. Our political system has failed us repeatedly.
But in the midst of this time of such anger, just maybe we can OCCUPY ALL STREETS with practical service and undying compassion that, underneath the surface of this bitter climate, could just be the turning of the tide this country has been waiting for.
Jeremiah 6:16
(MSG) God’s Message yet again: “Go stand at the crossroads and look around. Ask for directions to the old road, the tried-and-true road. Then take it. Discover the right route for your souls. But they said, ‘Nothing doing. We aren’t going that way.’
(NLT) This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’
God spoke to His people Israel encouraging them to follow Him, the Godly path or way, but as we read we see that they choose not to follow His way which leads them to enslavement to another people group.
I believe today God continues to encourage us all to follow the Godly way, which leads to rest and freedom, not enslavement to another “force”. Choose the Godly way/path before you today and every day. Is it not clear to you? Then stop and look for Him, ask Him for the path to take.
Choose today to follow hard after God and He will make His way known to you and I.
Melanie and I are back for a time of reconnecting with pastor Dino and the crew at Healing Place Church (HPC). It was from HPC that we first launched out of in Oct. 04′ to move to Charlotte, NC to plant a new life-giving church. We believe we are reconnecting for a greater future in ministry, we will keep you updated as God continues to unfold His plan for our lives!
