This morning started out really well. Got up and read my Bible and hung out with God. Took a shower, took Jacob to Michelle's, stopped and got MORE gas and came to work. Got here around 8:30. Since that time five people have called the church with heart breaking news.
Call number 1
A woman called and just left the phone on the table. We could hear the arguing and fighting. Ann finally called the police in fear of violence breaking out. I know this couple and my heart hurts for them.
Call number 2
My sister called incredibly upset. She had gone by and told a woman she would come today and move into a trailer. She packed her stuff up yesterday and as she arrived to the trailer park, someone was in the trailer. The land lord had told her she would keep the trailer, but someone else showed up with money in hand. She has no where to go and is hurting. My heart is broken for her.
Call number 3
A woman had tried to call me last night while I was in a Africa mission trip meeting. I returned the call this morning to only find out she is addicted to Lora tab and her husband is about to leave. She was hysterical and doesn't know what to do. My heart aches for her and the pain she is dealing with.
Call number 4
A grandfather of someone I care for just had a heart attack. They love their Grandpa and are worried for him. I've been through this, my heart hurts for this entire family. Losing a Dad is so hard.
Call number 5
One of my best friends tried to call last night but used a different phone. I called the number this morning and spoke to his wife. A pastor friend's wife was hit by a truck (neighbor hit her) and killed her instantly. The church and this pastor are devastated. My heart hurts for this church and pastor.
So many people are hurting all across our planet. So many people just in our church are hurting. But, none of this is catching God by surprise.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
I love what god has called me to do, but there are days I long too hear good news. Today is one of those days.
I don't understand how people deal with life without Jesus!
Lord Jesus, please comfort each of these families. I know you are in control, but they need you to minister in their life in a very real way. Please give them an assurance that you are in complete control. A-men!
Yesterday evening I spoke at the city council meeting to share with the city leaders just how badly I want our church to begin making a difference in this community. Thought you might enjoy reading what I shared.
City Council Meeting
My name is Dean Herman and I’m the pastor of 5 Point Fellowship located in the Colony Theater. We are a church plant and have spent the past three years in the Colony. During the past month I’ve met with the mayor, chief of police and city administrator. It was suggested that I come and speak to all of you this evening also.
Please understand I’m not asking anything from any of you. All I want is for you to understand my heart in making a difference in this community.
I want to read a few verses of scripture very quickly. This comes form the gospel of John and Jesus is just about to be taken captive and crucified. In the previous chapters you will find Jesus preparing his disciples for what is about to happen. In chapter 17 Jesus prays for himself, his disciples and for all his believers. (read from here)
John 17:20-23
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: [23] I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
I believe it is past time that we continue praying for Jesus to answer our prayers and we begin to be the answer to his.
[20] "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
So many times churches open their doors and ask people to come in, including ourselves. But Jesus never said wait and ask people to come. He told us to go. The word go appears 1,352 times in the Bible. I want to GO. I want to begin to show people the love of Jesus and not just talk about it. I’m tired of fighting with other churches and church people about church problems. I want to show people Jesus loves them so they can believe in his message. That was Jesus prayer for me and all his children.
I’m just not sure how to do this. I’m asking for suggestions. Here are a few we've thought of:
1. 4th of July – coordinating with city officials
2. Begin taking people from Bi-Lo to Ingles and give them a ride back
3. Begin some kind of help for the thousands of men addicted to porn
4. Want to create some type of a teen center to provide a safe environment for our teens. Number one time kids are getting pregnant is from 3:00 – 5:00.
5. Free events for the families
6. Marriage enrichment for the community not just the church people
ALL FREE
Mark 2:17
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Picking up right where we left off yesterday, "How can I find that passion for Jesus?"
2. Pray - conversing with God
One of the primary ways we get to know someone on a very intimate level is by conversing with them. Talking to and listening to. God has given us that opportunity to converse with Christ and it is called prayer. So many people do not understand the power and privilege of prayer. Without it, you'll never know Jesus in an intimate manner.
Many young believers ask, "how do I pray?" Great question. In fact the disciples asked that very question.
Luke 11:1a
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray,"
Jesus taught his disciples what we call today the "Lord's Prayer." When asked how I pray or in teaching others to pray, I use the example of Jesus Christ. It is very simple"
P raise
R repent
A sk
Y yield
Here is the Lord's Prayer. I like the way Matthew records it.
Matthew 6:9-13
" 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, (Praise)
[10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Yield)
[11] Give us today our daily bread. (Ask)
[12] Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Repent)
[13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Jesus didn't use an acrostic but this helps us understand how to pray like Jesus. Is this the only way to pray? Absolutely not, but it is a great way to get started. The point is to hang out with God. Talk to Him, listen to Him, allow Jesus to become your best friend.