TIME TO ENGAGE

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.

Frank implored, “It is time to engage!”

Who is Frank?

Frank is a worship artisan.  And I know that might sound unusual, but Frank is an accomplished mime, dancer, and is truly a uniquely talented man.  He has been a friend to the staff at my home church for some time.

And in the context of Palm Sunday, Frank reminded us that the folks lining the street in anticipation of Christ were ENGAGED! 

Hosannas rained down!

Coats were removed to line the street.

Palm branches were cut and waved.

The crowd was in full throat and fully engaged!

So, to create that atmosphere, Frank asked us to lift a shout and engage in praise!

I must admit, it painted a very powerful image and Frank followed that with a stirring presentation of free form movement and mime that was quite moving.

But it led me to today’s question or encouragement for us.

Are we ready to engage?

Jesus awoke each day and was READY to engage.

Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people…Acts 10:38 (MSG)

I sat yesterday with the one of the Mission Directors from a local congregation, APEX.  He is a deeply passionate young man.  He too is in recovery; 11+ years.  And he has an intense heart for the broken and addicted and he so wants HIS church, HIS friends to ENGAGE!  He has seen the need and he is ready to engage others! 

I have great hope for his and their engagement!

And that for me was refreshing. 

For this year has seen SO MANY ENGAGE; Warrior Project, HerStory, Crossroads, The Nest, and others. Whether it is help folks suffering loss or dealing with an addicted child or to provide avenues for care and service to the homeless, hurting, and addicted, I have seen a great number of folks who HAVE ENGAGED.

But I think where Frank was going and where I am today is a little different; even more personal.

Go back to that passage from Acts. 

Jesus was ALWAYS ready for ACTION; helping people.

The question is “are we”?

Have you awakened today with the mindset of action? 

Have you asked for sensitivity to the challenges around you? 

Are you ready to help?  Engage?

You won’t be disappointed if you do!

Someone was once quoted that…

One of the great ironies of life is this: He or she who serves almost always benefits more than he or she who is served.”

In other words, those who ENGAGE will be blessed!

bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8 (MSG)

So, is it time to engage?

I believe it is!

“It's not enough to have lived.

We should be determined to live for something.

May I suggest that it be creating joy for others,

sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind,

bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.” – Buscaglia

IT’S TIME TO ENGAGE!

I love you all!

OPPORTUNITIES for HOPE