MOVING – is the process of changing one’s place of residence or work. To move means to go in a specified direction or manner; to change position. It can also mean to change from one state, opinion, sphere, or activity to another. When one moves, it is an action that is taken usually because we are moved – influenced or prompted to do something. Positive moves entail making progress, developing in a particular manner or direction. As an imperative command, MOVE! means get going! hurry up! come on! Stop being stagnant! At times we must shift internally to have the gumption to make a move God is calling for. He has been requiring a move from some of us for some time.
Moses and the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea and were set toward the wilderness. They were circling around Mount Seir for a long time when the LORD spoke, “You have circled this mountain long enough. Now turn north…” Deut 2:3 Make a move! decide and act upon another direction leading to your goal. If you are just celebrating that you made it out of bondage in Egypt and got through the Red Sea, you’ll get stuck there. If you stay murmuring and complaining in the wilderness, you’ll never see your ultimate destination – the promised land. On Sunday, May 1st, New Life Covenant will be MOVING another step closer to our promise. For the past few years, Sherman and I have participated in a pastors consortium called Mosaix Cincinnati Network: a group of leaders who see the value in establishing and supporting multi-ethnic churches. These pastors are considering or desire for their congregations to look like Heaven on Earth. We have discussed how beneficial it would be for our churches, most of which are currently mono-ethnic like 86% of US Congregations, to join forces in some way to experience worshiping Jesus and serving Him together. We are taking steps to bridge the racial divide and lovingly walk out One New Humanity like Paul described in Ephesians 2:14-15 between Jews and Gentiles:
For He Himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace...This is so important for the credible witness of the Body of Christ in America and in our City/Region. The identifying mark of Christians is the love we have for one another (John 13:34-35). The unity of believers nationwide and worldwide opens the way for pre-Christians to believe that God loves them and sent Jesus (John 17:20-23).
We are honored to join forces with Pastor Edward Goode and the congregation at the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming (PCW), in MOVING together by taking a baby step toward the Kingdom Vision of One New Humanity. To the left is the Great Room, the space New Life Covenant will gather Sundays at 11am starting May 1st. PCW is graciously helping us ‘nest’ and grow to our next level, and we are strategizing ways that we can serve and bring the Gospel the Cincinnati Region in partnership together! Please pray for our congregations and consider where you need to MOVE!!
|
WEDNESDAY’S WORD – COMMODITY – 8/23/2023
“I wish Americans thought more like Europeans when it comes to money and work. We think work is the most valued commodity. Really the most valued commodity is time.” – Bryan
