The Challenge

This past Sunday I shared with you that I believe our church is at a crossroads - a crisis of faith.  Our world is changing - and not for the better.  Our nation is in a state of moral and religious decay; Our government is rushing into uncharted territory, debating changes that if enacted will fundamentally change our world (and not for the better). People are hurting, jobs are scarce, money is tight.

During this time of trial we can do one of two things...

• We can hunker down, focus on ourselves, and become a prisoner of our circumstances. 
• Or we can take a cue from Peter:

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.  1 Peter 4:19

Even when things are difficult, when we are suffering, lets be faithful in doing good, remaining steadfast in the Lord. We can also take a cue from the Macedonian churches,

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity 2 Cor 8:2

Even though we are poor, we can reach out to others with love, ministry, and the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

I believe that God wants to radically change some things in our church. I believe He wants us to take our eyes off of ourselves, and look outside to the world around us.

We have something that the world needs more than healthcare, more than a job:  We have the life-changing power of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. I believe that God wants us to take our focus off of us and our needs, and He wants us to reach out to the world around us, and seek to meet their needs - practical and spiritual.  The question is not whether God wants to use us - but HOW does God want to use us. 

Challenge:  I told you that I will pray and fast between now and the end of the year. Praying daily and fasting one day per week, seeking God's face for the direction of our church; for direction on how He want to use us;  Seeking Him specifically for what He wants us to be involved in.

Will you join me? I would like to have a group of people that commit to fast one day a week, and pray with me, and seek the Lord for direction.

*Some have asked when I will be fasting.  My day to fast will be every Wednesday.  If you can join me on Wednesdays so that we can be in unity, that is awesome.  But if another day works better for you, no problem.

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Pastor Clay