My scripture reading for today took me to Jeremiah chapter 29.  I was captivated by verse 7 which states: “….seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

We often think about prosperity being a condition of finances.  But as I read this chapter this morning, what challenged me was the spiritual condition of the city.  The definition of prosperity is, “a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition.”  This is a challenge to us as Christ-followers to make that we are constantly growing and nurturing our relationship with Christ.  Because when we prosper in our relationship with Christ, it helps those around us.  It is stated in our focus verse for us as a Church. 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

On Sunday we talked about being the Body of Christ and how we are not spiritual consumers.  We are spiritual contributors.  Why?  Because we understand that the Church does not exist for us, but we are the Church, and we exist for the world.  As we prosper in our relationship with Christ, so too will the “city” that we are in.  So too will the Brainerd Lakes and Park Rapids areas.

What are you doing intentionally to share the hope, love and kindness of God to the world that you live in?  The world around you?  Your family?  Your friends?  Your co-workers?  Your cashier at the grocery store or gas station?  Don’t pay at the pump because it’s convenient.  Go inside and show love and kindness to the gal or guy behind the counter and encourage them.  Not for your benefit (although it will benefit you) but for their benefit and to bring glory to your Father in Heaven.

I am looking forward to what God has for us on Sunday as we look at practical ways to intentionally love our neighbors and truly live out what it means to be the Body of Christ to our communities.

Pastor Dave

​Ephesians 4:2-6 states, Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
 
Hebrews 11:1 gives us the biblical definition of what faith is: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

This past Sunday we talked about being a Community of One Faith and what that looks like for us as a church.  We need to not only be faithful to who we are, but faith-filled in our daily living, prayer life and expectation of what God can do through us.

Now I know that exhaustion and fear can show up at the most unexpected times in your journey of faith; but God is always faithful, and waiting for Him will never disappoint you.  When faced with challenges that don’t make sense, you can remain confident of God’s greater purpose.  Fear can be paralyzing and sometimes you’ll need to engage your faith to take action or to wait.

Be encouraged, because the details of your life don’t escape the all-knowing, all-powerful. and ever-present God of the universe.  You can embrace opportunities for growth in every situation, knowing that His timing is perfect and He’ll open the right doors at the right time.  Strengthen your faith and trust God, knowing that He’ll provide divine connections to accomplish His plan and purpose in and through you.
I believe God has trusted our church with a mission to share His HOPE with others.  My prayer is that we as a church will be faith-filled, and faithful to His mission and take some risks in order to share with others who Jesus is and the hope that He can bring to their lives. 
 
We cannot do this alone, we must do it together and that makes us a community of hope.

Pastor Dave