BE THE CHURCH

Have you thanked Him?

Have you praised Him?

Have you made it your priority to agree and cooperate with Him today?

Have you taken that deep breath and listened for what He has for you today?

1 Timothy 2:1 (The Message)

The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.

Yesterday as my local Pastor returned to the pulpit from a little hiatus, he picked back up on a theme he had pressed pause on prior to venture to sunnier surroundings.

He has been helping to define or for some “redefine” our ROLE as “the church”.  Not where we GO to church, but who we are AS the church.  And as he was wrapping things up speaking to the “type of church” he wanted to see his congregation AHOP in Xenia to become, he identified some desired attributes.

He said he wanted to see AHOP become a CHURCH that was known for its compassion.  That it would become a church that was honoring, a church that was unified and committed to healthy relationships.  He wants his “little c” (his church) to be one that is committed to its mission of “Learning Christ, Living Compassion and Loving Community.”  And finally, he wanted to see AHOP become a church where folks found HOPE!

And that last point reminded me of something I had shared on Saturday from that same stage, that… 

Hope is the physician of each misery. ~Irish Proverb

...God who gives you hope will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. I pray that God will help you overflow with hope in him through the Holy Spirit’s power within you. Romans 15:13 (LB)

But now go back and review those attributes or targets for my home church. 

Then think about YOU as a part of the "church", your particular gathering and think about YOU as a cog in that wheel.

Are you ready to be compassionate today? 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts… Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

Are you ready to be honoring in your speech and action?

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 (ESV)

How about demonstrating unity with GOD and with others?

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 

Philippians 2:2 (ESV)

Committed to healthy and affirming relationships, ones that demonstrate commitment and patience?

love each other, be deep-spirited friends. – Philippians 2:4 (MSG)

Ready to offer a hopeful word or share in the promises you know to be true?

hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts – Romans 5:5 (ERV)

If you are ready to do those things, then it sounds like you to are ready to “be the church” today.

I hope you are. 

I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE