Each time I go online, my home page is, well, my homepage. And everytime I look at it I'm reminded of how little I've blogged lately. But to be honest, I haven't had the desire to blog much lately.
This past week in particular was a tough week. It seemed that Satan was on the prowl around here. And when you have many young Christians, that can mean severe damage or what seems like it, all at once. And so it seemed that there was bleeding all over the place and we were trying to stop it everywhere. If the church is a people then anytime one of those people is hurt or has their life shaken up, it can resound in pain for the whole body.
It just got to the point where I wasn't sure what was going to happen in several relationships...still a few in limbo. But in the midst of this, something happened that wasn't just neat, I believe it was God interveening and saying, eh, ed, this is my gig and I'm in control, no matter what it looks like at any one moment.
We've been talking about what it means to be the church Jesus envisioned. Sunday I spoke on Unity. Not what I had planned on speaking on, but what was most needed to address at the time. I really can't stand it when, after church, people come to you and tell you that you just delivered a "nice" message, especially when you know their lives and you don't see anything happening. But I don't find that too often here. So, on Sunday several people who were struggling with this issue of relationship breakdown and gossip in particular came to me and told me how they had needed to hear this...and then they walked upstairs, where we were having a spaghetti lunch put on by our men, and proceeded to sit down with the very people they had walked away from in broken relationships not too long ago.
That was a wow moment for me.
I don't like tough weeks. But sometimes it's exacly what you need in order to see God.
There were many other things like that last week, that I can't share. Don't get me wrong, There were many things where, things are worst this week than last week, but the truth remains...God wants us to know, this is his gig, and if we're faithful, he'll take care of the detail.
Let's keep our eyes on Jesus!
I had a good friend call me yesterday and through our conversation, just reminded to get the right perspective on some of these things. It's so easy to lose a Kingdom perspective and be reduced to a me perspective. Me perspective stinks. Thanks Sandy, I needed that.
Posted by edNice to see you back on the blog lines. We miss you Vun and the kids.
Sorry to hear about the struggles you have, but awesome to hear how God is working in your lives.
Posted by: IanSatan is truley an anoyance...He causes distraction, and frustrates followers joined in a common goal. To bring others into freedom in Christ.
I have seen his tactics...they never change. Reintroduce an "old life habit"...enitice and distract the child of God from their puropse.
The same thing happens all over. It's easy to forget that the power that saves is the same power that delivers. We didn't have to do anything to be saved...just declare that God is our King. The same goes with telling satan to get lost. We need to delcare it. Call him what he is... a Coward of the One True God...In Christ's name Satan is made uterly powerless.
It is never under our own strength...Put on the Armour and stand my friend. I know I am preaching to the choir...be encouraged... you are being lifted up!!!
I Praise God for you and what you are doing.
Remember...Satan does not ignore churches that are advancing Gods kingdom...You have put yourself in the line of fire and he wants nothnig more than to get you to stop. If anything be enouraged that you are a target.
Love you man
Posted by: donYou're right! But I'm realizing that sometimes it's more than just Satan doing his thing. Sometimes it's just God testing us to see whether we are learning the lessons he's been teaching and to see whether those lessons will lead to greater trust, obedience and faith through the testing time, and whether we need to go back to the drawing board in those areas or are ready for new lessons.
Beyond all that, thanks for the encouragement. Looking forward to a day where distance will not be a barrier to relationship. On this or the other side.
Miss just sitting down and shooting the breeze.
Posted by: ed