...Wait for it...

When you were a kid, did you ever line up with your friends at a line drawn on the sidewalk ready to race to the end of the block?  Remember the anticipation?

Ready, set, GO!

That's where I feel I am now - standing with my toes touching that line.  I'm ready to charge toward the goal. For me, that goal isn't the end of the block, it is establishing a minstry center in the heart of my hometown.  The seeds of this dream were planted 20 years ago.  I believe that God's words to Habakkuk thousands of years ago are applicable to me today. 

Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.  Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

For 20 years, I have written notes, prayed for direction, discussed possibilities, and watched what God has done through others who have followed His vision for their lives.  One thing that seems to be an obvious necessity is a clear vision.  God said it to Habakkuk: write it down and make it plain.

Here's my plain vision: Establish a church on Main Street in Greenville that will give opportunities for worship, training, fellowship, and outreach - eventually, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

My toes are on the line, but this time, rather than racing against my friends, we are linked arm in arm running with a purpose toward what God has set before us.  We would love for you to join our team too.

Created with Purpose Part 2

Tonight, we continued our IN THE BEGINNING series with part two of Created with Purpose.

For anyone trying to discover their purpose in life, here is some advice:

• Make a decision.  Don't wait for writing in the sky before taking a step into your destiny.  I believe God has already put in you everything you need to carry out your purpose.  What are you passionate about? Where are you gifted? What brings you joy?  When you find that answer, you will find your purpose.  God is not waiting for you to "find His will."  He is waiting for you to DO something.  Then, He will bless what you set your hand to do just because you belong to Him.
• Patiently wait for your work and passion to bear fruit.
• Don't waste time on things that don't matter or on things that God won't bless.
• Don't step into a role just because it's the only door open.
• Don't stop pursuing your passion.  Hebrews 12:1-3
• Give up control in areas that you can't control.  Proverbs 16:3
• Find God's will in His word.  2 Timothy 2:15
• Hang out with people smarter than you who have succeeded at what you want to do. 1 Corinthians 11:1

At Transformation House, we believe we should carry out Christ's commission as found in Matthew 28:16-20 and Luke 4:16-19.  The church in general, and Transformation House specifically, should find our purpose for existence in Isaiah 61:1-3:

• Anointed - set apart and given the ability and authority to perform the following tasks
• Preach good news - our message is Christ-centered, it is the message of our daily conversation
• Bind up brokenhearted - a place of refuge, arms and words of compassion
• Proclaim freedom for captives - to help those who deal with issues of life find freedom from their struggles
• Proclaim release from darkness for prisoners - to help people who have no hope of change find the way to a transformed life
• Proclaim God's favor and vengeance - point out the truth that grace is available now but judgment waits alternately
• Comfort mourners, provide for the grieving - put our money where our mouth is, don't just tell people that there is hope, give them hope; tangibly interact with those who have suffered loss
• Restore beauty for ashes, gladness for mourning, and praise instead of despair - be different from every other place.  No long faces and no sob stories.  We are all about beauty, excellence, grace, joy, contentment, praise, and encouragement.

Sounds like somewhere I want to be!  Join us.

The above picture is the interior of the building we are praying for.  The Board of Directors for the property is deciding this week if they will approve our proposal.  The room pictured would be the gallery when furnished with a coffee bar and casual seating.  This is the area we would like to have open each evening.  Thanks for praying for us this week.

Suddenly

After four days in North Carolina at a ministry retreat, I'm at home on a rainy Monday morning.  The high temperature today will be 58 degrees, a reminder that summer is over.  While we were at the beach last week the skies were clear and the temperature was in the upper 80's.  That's quite a switch in two days!

That reminds me of a "suddenly" verse in the Bible.  The first chapter of Acts tells of Jesus' promise to his disciples just before his ascension into Heaven.  He told them that the Holy Spirit would come to empower them to spread the gospel throughout the entire world.  He gave them just one instruction: wait for it.  Don't leave Jerusalem until it happens.

Of course, Peter was Mr Fix-it.  The first thing he did upon arriving back in the city was to call a business meeting.  Something's broke, and we need to fix it.  So, he called for a vote and took care of what he thought needed to be done.  But even Peter was smart enough to follow Jesus' advice - He stayed in Jerusalem.  He couldn't sit still, but at least he didn't leave. 

Often, we have some big dream of what is ahead and feel that we have to jump in with both feet immediately in order to accomplish the task.  We become impatient and want to make things happen in our timing or in our way.  Sometimes, the Lord just says, "Wait."  In our obedience, the answer comes.  Acts 2 reads, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And SUDDENLY there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting... and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost..."

We can only see for a short distance, but God sees the eternal plan.  Peter later wrote regarding Jesus' other promise - the promise to return for his church.  Some were beginning to doubt that it would ever happen, but Peter admonished them, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

God's promise to me isn't just about me; it's about how I fit into the big picture.  Are you waiting for God to come through for you?  Be encouraged.  It's sort of like fitting a jigsaw puzzle piece in place.  You may think you know where it goes and try to force it to fit, but the puzzle will never be complete until you turn the piece the right direction and the other pieces around it are in place.  Then SUDDENLY, you have a beautiful picture.

God give me the grace to wait on you until my suddenly moment.