Last week Pastor Karen continued the series, Vineyard Values, by reminding us that we are to live NATURALLY SUPERNATURAL. She told us five personal stories that reminded us that God partners with us as we imperfectly try to be the mouth, hands, and feet of Jesus. God takes pleasure when we allow heaven and earth collide and see His kingdom advance. We must not overstep our bounds and assume God will act a certain way, but rather pray in obedience and leave the results to God. He is more than enough to provide, and our role is to seek to lovingly pray God’s blessing on others while we leave the details of how that plays out in God’s hands. We sometimes get it wrong, but God is still merciful and spurs us on in Kingdom work. May we be more like the mother of Jesus – listening, praying, and pondering what He has in store for us. God has MORE for us, so let’s GO FOR IT! God will use each of us when we turn our hearts toward Him.
Speaking of “Everybody Gets to Play” (which is the name of this little newsletter we send out), here are a few of the ways we’ve been ‘playing’ the last couple of weeks: praying the news, participating in communion, enjoying a delicious Mexican meal with everyone pitching in, picking up trash on a busy street, ladies enjoying a fellowship-filled ‘tea,’ worshiping with beautiful songs the worship team choses and leads, men’s breakfast and women’s Bible study, sharing our joys and sorrows on WhatsApp…. Almost everyone one of us joining in on Karen’s Lent devotionals. It’s amazing how much we all GET “to play.”
This week Allen reminded us that WE GET TO GIVE. The earthly economy revolves around $$, buying and selling, the gross national product, etc. The economy of heaven is about giving and receiving. We’ve been freely given, and we have many opportunities to give of our resources (time, possessions, ministry). Slowing down and asking God for a generous heart will lead us to people who desperately need encouragement. More than advice and admonishment, so many people just need someone who is willing to be present and listen. God, help us this week to listen to this word and let Your Holy Spirt lead us to those who need You.
With you on the journey,
Jim Roberson
Pastoral Care Team, Liberty Vineyard Church
(678) 469-8156
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