The Favor of God ... During Elections!

By Emerson Work

With heated campaigns fueled by billions of dollars and election results fresh in our minds, I am reminded that the real answers to what we truly need are found elsewhere:

Psalm 85

For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah.

1 Lord, you poured out blessings on your land!
You restored the fortunes of Israel.
2 You forgave the guilt of your people—
yes, you covered all their sins.
3 You held back your fury.
You kept back your blazing anger.

4 Now restore us again, O God of our salvation.
Put aside your anger against us once more.
5 Will you be angry with us always?
Will you prolong your wrath to all generations?
6 Won’t you revive us again,
so your people can rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.

8 I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
9 Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.

“The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all. When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expect the comfort of his being reconciled to us.” (IVP New Testament Commentaries)

Can I Only Imagine?

By Emerson Work

Since our I Can Only Imagine (ICOI) Sunday, I’ve been thinking about that phrase.  It takes on different meaning when you change the emphasis on the words.  Try it… Say it once emphasizing the “I.” Try again but put the emphasis on “only;” or again, with the emphasis on “imagine.”

I think I prefer the emphasis on “imagine” and that sense of endless possibilities.  When the focus is on the word “only,” I’m struck by my own limitations.  Matthew, however, reminds us that Jesus said, “…with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26).  How reassuring that is, and how encouraging to know we are not bound by our limitations and shortcomings when we stop living for ourselves, for our stuff , and follow Christ. 

Sometimes I have trouble really imagining how things could be because I’m too practical, too economical.  I can’t really grasp God’s infinite, incomprehensible greatness.  Since Sunday, however, I’ve really been thinking about what our church ministries would look like when funds are freed from servicing debt and available to do God’s work. I am imagining:

v  the day when our dedicated Youth space above the Family Life Center is completed 

v  when we can have a Middle School Praise Team, as well as the High School Praise Team, and they can leave their equipment in place for impromptu worship sessions, or rehearsing new songs 

v  when we can have space for small group Bible studies at various times throughout the week, more space for the large group on Wednesday nights, and space where students and youth staff can hang out and invite friends to without having to book a room in advance  

v  when we have more resources for curriculum, speakers, or guest artists who will challenge students to grow deeper and develop their spiritual gifts  

v  when we have a finished kitchen and more opportunities for eating together and getting to know one another 

v  when we could host dinners for families that are enjoyable, inexpensive nights out, and yet could also help us raise funds for more students to attend Momentum and retreats 

v  When we can have lunch with visiting missionaries and hear more about their experiences firsthand

v  And the list is just beginning…Let’s keep imagining, thinking, and praying about these things.