On Sunday afternoon we are gathering as a congregation to talk about the needs we perceive in our neighborhood and city. All Mission begins with such a perception. We have to ask ourselves "where are we?" before we can ask, "where should we go?" This is a deep practice in discipleship, to listen deeply to what this place is telling us.
I'm reminded of the occasions on which the patriarchs found themselves encountering God in the wilderness. They are going along their merry way when BANG--God comes to them in a dream or a burning bush or some other special way. And after the revelation there is the moment of clarity in which they recognize, for the first time, that the place where they are standing is Holy Ground. To return home, again, and see with new eyes the holiness of the place, is the task God gives us. Every generation must find renewal in this way.
So I pray that you would gather with me and your church on Sunday to see our place, as though for the first time!
Heavenly Father, it your will that we should always return to our home in you. Help us to see our city and neighborhood with new eyes full of Gospel hope. Inspire us with a vision of people as you see them. Guide us to understand how we can serve them better. Bless us with the presence of your Holy Spirit as we gather this weekend in the Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
-t
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