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
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
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