Wholehearted
He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
Did you see the recent cover of Time magazine? As I was checking out at our local Fred Meyers, I couldn’t help but see the cover with these words, The Decade From Hell. Of course, I picked it up and discovered that the lead article chronicled the last 10 years of economical, political and social adversities in the U.S. and the world. It focused on all the major negative events that took place between 2000 and 2010.
Although I remember each of the events mentioned and remember the fear and devastation they brought, I also remembered that during the last 10 years, God’s work increased in various ways. I recalled the many times I experienced a little bit of heaven on earth. I thought of the people who came to Christ, the churches that were planted or revitalized and the various ministries launched in the last decade. Some of the greatest outreaches I was ever involved in took place during the last 10 years.
The largest group of people to ever gather in the Portland waterfront to worship God, took place in the last decade.
Some would only see the crisis and conflicts of the first decade of the 21st century, I have made a choice to also see it as The Decade From Heaven for the church.
We begin a new decade together in the Oregon Ministry Network family. Huge opportunities are before us to bring hope, help and healing to our communities. I would agree that listening to the “woe-is-me” news is discouraging. But remember, when you listen to the Lord you will be very encouraged. God wants to take us into a new season that exceeds our imagination and dreams. Will you join me?
The word the Lord has dropped into my spirit for 2010 is WHOLEHEARTED. God is calling us to love Him and serve Him with all our hearts. God is calling us to expect that he will do amazing things in the next year and decade. In 2 Chronicles 31, it says that Hezekiah was faithful before the LORD. He sought the Lord and did everything in accordance to God’s instruction. It goes on to say, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. I believe this is a word for the Oregon Ministry Network family. I believe it is for you as well.
The greatest sermons are yet to be preached, the greatest songs are yet to be sung, the greatest outreaches are yet to be attempted. It is time for us to prosper and move forward in faith and expectancy.
PLAN TO BE A PART OF THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
February 20 - Bethel Church at Vista Point in Medford
May 22 - Hermiston First Assembly of God
September 18 - New Life Center in Springfield
October 23 - Faith Christian Center in Bend
PRAY FOR THESE OPEN CHURCHES:
Point Valley Christian Center Assembly of God
Pilot Rock Assembly of God
Prospect Assembly of God
Rogue River New Beginnings Christian Center
South Lane Christian Center
PRAY FOR THESE NEEDS:
Juanita Pomeroy
Larry Gates
Ruth Jamieson
