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"They that
wait
upon the Lord
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up
with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
they shall walk, and not
faint."
Isaiah 40:30-31
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Sometimes it seems like prayer is the last resort, doesn't it? Well, I guess we should pray....
This month I am calling all of us, as a community and individually, to create some fallow ground in our lives and in our hearts and in our minds, letting us quiet ourselves long enough to receive the refreshing rain of the Holy Spirit that will replenish us and give us new ears to hear.
This prayer and listening thing: it cannot be hurried, it cannot be forced. While we wait we spend time in communion with God and in meditation on the Word.
Why now, you ask? This month?
It is my observation that many of us are on personal journeys where we desperately need guidance and direction for the new year. Some of us simply need to feel the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit on our faces. Life Discovery is going through some changes with new schedules and opportunities and we need to hear what the Lord has to say to us collectively as a faith community.
We have so much to do--so much we could do. Why not just get busy? Make some decisions and forge ahead. Onward Christian Soldiers!
But unlike Nike, we don't "Just Do It!"
We pray first.
Prayer isn't the lazy cousin of "do something now!" Prayer is the essential starting point before "doing anything now."
"Prayer," says Ann Voskamp, "isn't a substitute for action. Prayer is the source of action."
Remember Bill Hybels' The Power of a Whisper? Remember his porch rocking chair--the spot where he would always go when he needed to talk to, and hear from, God?
Set time aside. Find that special place of rest and comfort in your own home; open your Bible on your lap (and maybe a new journal or notebook); open your hands and ears to your Heavenly Father. Talk to Him....and save lots of time to listen.
You might even consider fasting during this time, maybe for one meal a day or for one day a week.
We're offering some additional opportunities for prayer together this month. On January 17th Pat is opening her home in the evening for intercessory prayer. On January 21st we are having a soaking prayer service that includes personal prayers for healing. (Check your E-news next week for more info on these.)
I look forward to hearing what He has to say to you.
First we pray.
Greg
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Fellowship of Followers
Sunday, January 13, 6:15 PM
at Debbie's house
Okay, fellow disciples, we're going to do it this time--finish discussing the last couple chapters of Penetrating the Darkness. This book has proven to be rich with understanding and insight on battling through prayer. Many of you say you have used it like a resource book, going back to it over and over again. Be there for this wrap-up conversation. We'll also talk about the year ahead, so if you've thought about joining this discipleship group now is the time. Call Debbie for the address and directions to her house at 623-329-5333.
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Women's Study
Monday, January 14, 7 PM
at Gayle's house
The women of Life Discovery gather once a month to study, share, pray & fellowship. There's much to be learned from other women who love the Lord and long for deeper connection with him.
A new year is a great time to start. This month we have an open discussion time along with prayer. If you've been thinking about joining in on this study, please come. Call Gayle for directions to her house at 623-340-1470, and get connected!
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Every Tuesday Night, 6:30 PM
at Community Church of Joy
21000 N 75th Ave, Glendale
Be sure to let your friends and family know about this dynamic video series presented by renowned experts on relationship and divorce issues. If you have recently gone through a divorce, please come. It could be the best thing you have done for yourself. Call Jerry for more info at 623-972-7651.
Our 13-week DivorceCare series is on-going. You are welcome to join in at any time. We meet in the church lobby.
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