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the overflow from back2school

I had the honor to visiting two pastors in Baltimore, Maryland on Monday and hearing what God is doing through them and their churches.  It was amazing.  Yet I have spent the last couple days living in and celebrating in the shadow of all God did on Saturday through our back2school event.  986 kids was amazing, and I am blessed to be part of a church where God works in great ways.

I wanted to take this devotion and just share some of the things that God has in my mind and heart as the over flow from the weekend.  You may not get much out of this, but you need to know that through what God did, we are about to see more outpouring of God's goodness and more people coming to know Him.  When we share Jesus with people, people change.  We change.  That is the number one reason we do anything.  Do you agree?  It is time to serve people with no strings attached, and while we serve them, share Jesus.  No.  Don't beat people over the head with Jesus.  Share as you serve and let them see Jesus.

And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.

To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.

Read on for some of the things that blessed me:

--- listening to kids and parents say "thank you" and mean it.  Grateful people are so cool

--- giving Nick a hug for the 2nd year in a row.  This kid is so awesome. Last year he had to warm up, and now we are friends. I love his smile.

--- watching people as they listen to the story of the good samaritan and hope.  They are hearing truth that can and will change their lives. Praying over them was awesome (and I continue that).

--- the commitment of volunteers who say I am here until the end and are smiling.  Many of those aren't from our church.  I am so proud of our volunteers.

--- my girls served and I watched them do a great job.  I am so proud of them and grateful that my wife is on the team with me.

--- as the kid's were getting their new socks and shoes and having their feet washed, I loved watching our folks share with them and look into their eyes, little kids and big kids alike.

--- I saw people from outside our church get a vision for serving others.  They got it.  They are taking it back to others. Partners rock.

--- we had more people partner with us than ever before. Organizations.  Churches.  Individuals some I know and some I don't.  Working together is sweet.

--- commitment levels rise.  Our core leaders did a great job and I am so honored to work with them.  Wow...

--- seeing Jesus work.  Talking to people about His hope.  Watching the beginning of life change.

Next year will be bigger and none of us will ever be the same.  We are called to lift up Jesus and serve those we come in contact with.  It is all for a reason.  When we lift Jesus and serve others in His name, lives are changed.  We might not see it all right now, but we are seeing lives changed one at a time.  Our commitment is to do just that .... share Jesus.

Demonstrating the love of God to our community is not something that just happens.  It must be planned and have great follow through.  Life change doesn't just happen because we are nice to people.  It happens when we with purpose share Jesus with the people we meet.  Serving these people opens the door to share.

There are people in need all around you.  What are you going to do today and tomorrow to help others know that Jesus can and will change their lives for eternity?  The overflow from back2school leaves me seeing and knowing we serve a great God.  There is more ahead of us.  Are you with me?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I am pumped to see what God does in your Community this year! I am glad to be a part and ready to help other churches SEE what CAN be done!
August 10, 2010 at 10:50:00 AM EDT
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