Greetings to you in the name that empowers and transforms, Jesus Christ – THE Risen Saviour! What a beautiful start to September we are enjoying…and so ‘warm’ today! I trust that you had a great weekend and Monday – with pleasant surprises and specific blessings that touched your needs and concerns. Today I will be praying for your, asking the Father to make his presence known to you in ways that you will understand and are able to respond to.
Much is happening in our community – the school season is starting, the “Back to Church Sunday” signs are up, school buses are moving along the roadways, sunrise is a ‘little’ later, the school crossing guards are holding up their signs, evening begins a ‘little’ sooner than usual, and moms/dads are walking the children to school and bus stops. I appreciate the the transitional times in our lives for they teach us to acknowledge that life is on the move and remind us that God is at work.
I want to give you a quote that keeps me grounded: Information doesn’t transform cities. Conferences can’t transform a city! Education can’t transform a city! Having citywide ministry programs or large networks cannot transform a city. Only the presence of Jesus can bring transformation, and only individual people willing to get on the altars of prayer to contend for His presence will become the kindling for God’s fire. It may seem strange, but the simple act of living our daily lives by faith in our neighbourhood is manifesting the presence of Jesus. Remember when there used to be “Block Parent” homes … maybe there needs to be “Block Christian” homes where friends and neighbours know that there is a ‘safe haven’ from the storms of life.
In fact, if I understand the Bible properly – as a believer in Jesus, I am a ‘temple’, – a structure that contains the Holy Spirit. Therefore I am a ‘safe haven’, so that where ever I happen to be or whoever I am interacting with…I can manifest the presence of Jesus. I find that a little humbling in its simplicity. No wonder the Psalmist declared: Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you, show me the way I should go, for to you I lift my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:8 – 10 NIV. Now take a moment with me and carefully read those words and let them sink into your “temple” and then pray this prayer with me: Good morning, Lord! I don’t know where You are going today, but wherever You’re going, I’m coming with You! – Sheila Walsh.
Have a great day…be the presence of Jesus – “this little light of mine, I am going to let it shine!”