This is an in between time. This is a time of transition. In many ways this is a time of wandering in the wilderness. When God called his children out of slavery in Egypt he could have magically whisked them off and dropped them down into the promise land. He did not do that. Instead he led them on a journey through the wilderness, a journey that lasted for more than 40 years. WHY? Because God needed time to transform his children from slaves into a nation ready to posses the land. God used the time in the wilderness to shape and form his people. God has a track record of calling his people into the wilderness.
Consider these examples...
- Moses spends 40 years herding sheep before God calls him in a burning bush
- Israel wanders for 40 years before crossing the Jordan
- Joseph and Mary are commanded to flee into Egypt
- Jesus fasts for 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry
God calls his people to spend time in the wilderness. It seems in the wilderness we are formed and shaped in new ways to listen to God. Following each wilderness, God calls his children into a new reality and future- one that could not even be conceived of before the wandering and wondering time.
So, take advantage of our "wilderness time." Let God shape us as individuals and especially as a church. Be in prayer for the elders and Western Hills. Continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we move into the future.
Love Ya Much
Scott
4 comments:
I'd love to see the Elders involve the Deacons in this process. We're praying for the future of this church every day.
As long as we have nine elders, a Youth Minister, Childrens Minister, Youth Intern, two administrative assistants in the office, a volunteer accountant, janitor, lawncare, praise team, a host of Bible class teachers and a dozen or so deacons I think you guys will be able to pull off a meaning worship service. In fact, they've been awsome. Keep up the good work!
I agree with Lane that Western Hills has plenty of qualified people on hand to make the worship service meaningful. I also know from personal experience that worship is what my heart is doing, not what is happening in front of me. My own personal wilderness wanderings have been times that I have learned to trust in God for all of my sustenance. I have learned not only that "God is enough" but when I let Him, God wills for me to do far bigger things for Him than I ever dreamed on my own. As the whole of Western Hills collapses to their knees and submits to His will for the body, He will surpass all of our imaginings and dreams.
Loved the wilderness analogy, Scott. Keep up the good work -- and, are you Moses? :-)
I love the idea that we are pilgrims in the Wilderness. God is giving us time to come to know Him and His will for this church. We need to be still and know that He is God.
Yes, Sarah, I think Scott M. is a Moses. He is certainly doing his part to lead us through this Wilderness time.
This is an exciting time to see what God has in store for us. Just being in the office two days a week and seeing the excitement that Scott M., Scott S., and Matt have would be enough to let us know that we have a lot going for us. God has put us in good hands and I think it is no accident that these three men have come together at this time and in this place.
I am praying for the Elders to listen to God's voice and follow His lead.
You guys are doing a great job.
Love, Marie
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