Specific, beloved, first born, children of God.. living and learning life "together, but separate ;-)"
As we finished up our study of Jacob and Esau's family drama this AM, we had a excellent review and discussion of Revenge vs Reconciliation as themes in our own lives and stories.
As always, I'd love to see a continuing discussion in comments on the blog and as always, I'm personally available to talk with any of you... both as a friend and as a Christian brother.
Talking Pts.
- The story of this family resonates deeply with all of us. It is our story.
- Wounds inflicted are real.. and cause damage
- God's mission can be accomplished even amidst Man's conflict and despotism.
- We are defined by Who we are but also by what we do.
- A spirit Revenge roots us in a constant state of bondage. Linking us to a moment, event, or an action and inhibiting us from forward motion and growth.
- A spirit of humility and service empowers and encourages us and others.
- Reconciliation does not come without sacrifice.
- Reconciliation is practical and requires communication and context to seek resolution.
- We can choose humility and service or... meism.
- Our God is an awesome God of reconciliation and redemption.
- We must choose to join God in his work rather than constantly asking him to join us in our work.
- Is God in your life, or are you in God's life?
For the FALL - Open Door will focus on a Missional Renaissance as a Life Community. We will learn and deal with Life issues first using the Bible and the Holy Spirit to seek out where God is working in our world today, right here in Midlo, around us...
(BE)Key Themes for coming weeks:
- Jobs needed
- Needs vs Wants personally, collectively
- Current roles are related to our purpose exactly how...
- How does our faith intersect with the workplace...
- Listening for simple things, simple solution
- what does ministry mean exactly?
(SERVE) Our Life Community must have an external focus in addition to our collective time on Sunday AM.
- What is your plan for service in ministry?
- How are you equipped for ministry?
- How and where are we serving in God's mission and God's world? rather than ours...
- Are you willing to document a plan for YOUR service? if you don't write it down, it won't likely happen... work with others, personal accountability.
- Do you have a scorecard for your personal ministry?
Fernando Ortega's song: Anita's Heart was what I wanted to open with and discuss. The parallels for what Rebekah must have felt when Jacob left... a child leaving home... trust in the Lord for a relationship for each of us... Hope for a future...
I'd suggest a listen along with some personal reflection on how this song resonates with you. Who and what must you leave behind to join God in a "Missional Renaissance" - Reconciliation is the beginning of redemption and relationship.
