What would you love to see God do?

What would you love to see God do in your life?
Stop and dream a little bit...

What would you love to see God do in your family?

What would you love to see God do in your neighborhood?

What would you love to see God do in your work place, in our church?

Did you take some time and dream? Did you ask God what He wants to do in each of these areas of your life?

I love the prayers in Ephesians. They are so powerful, inclusive, expansive and personal.

Read again the end of the prayer in Eph 3.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Can you picture Paul standing, almost elevating as he prayed this prayer over the church?!?!
What was Paul seeing and believing?

"To Him be glory." 
What is Glory? - The rays of the sun beaming down on the universe. Possibly like the celebration of the MN Miracle. The celebration of the coach raised on the shoulders of his players as they run off the field in victory. The celebration in heaven over one person saying "Yes" to Jesus' love and being adopted in His family. The bright shining beauty, wisdom, power, love, mercy and grace of Jesus being unleashed into a person.

"To Him be glory in the church"
In the church - God stepping out of the invisible realm right into the reality of the lives of His church. Possibly like U2 singing in large stadiums across the world. Possibly like the Vikings beating their opponent in the US Bank Stadium. Possibly like Tom Hanks ruling in the cinema block buster again. Jesus loves to do His great life changing things in His church; forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, tough love, yes to prayers, no to prayers, healing of souls, mending of marriages, rescuing wandering children, bringing life to dead things and more.

"To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations"
Generation to Generation to Generation to Generation...

As we start this fall, what are your prayers?
What is God going to do in us, through us and around us?
Let's join Paul in this world changing prayer.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." 

Imagining together,
Pastor Chris

Throughout the summer we have focused on 1 Cor 16:13 and three of the commands God gives us. Be Alert. Stand Firm and Grow Up.

Now, let's look at the fourth command.

1 Cor 16:13 "Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong."

Be Strong.

Strong in what sense?
Physically? Relationally? Emotionally? Spiritually?

Yes.

I think God is saying, life is tough, so become tough. Be ready to handle life with Christ and for Christ.

So, when the easy route is to take a short cut, refuse. Do what is necessary and right.

When co-workers are compromising, do not follow their lead. Make you own path and be ready to communicate what needs to be communicated.

When conflict arises in a relationship, have the strength to lovingly talk things through.

When temptations are looking good, get tough with Christ and say, "No."

Do you have thick skin or thin skin? Get tough with Christ and handle the criticism, sarcasm and negativity. Let your identity come from Jesus, not other's thoughts about you.

When a friend or family member is wrestling with giving into a temptation or making a poor decision, give them tough love by speaking the truth gently and lovingly.

When culture or others seek to cause you to compromise your faith, get tough and stand firm-no matter the consequences.

How are you doing with God's four commands that come from this verse?

Are you growing in...
-Being Alert
-Standing Firm
-Growing Up
-Getting Tough

Seeking to follow God's commands together,
Pastor Chris