When was the last time you were amazed by something or someone? Maybe the better question is: When was the last time you were amazed by Someone? We really should be in a constant state of awe at the goodness of our Heavenly Father. And sometimes, as in my case, awe of Him is about YOU! Let me explain…
Amazed At The Word
The light of the Word – amazing!
I recently preached a message on Genesis chapter 11. That’s where we see the Tower of Babel. There are many lessons to be learned in that chapter. I won’t recite all of them here! There were two issues in Babel. One was man’s rebellion against God. Second, Mankind was united in heart and purpose. God acted in judgment by confusing their languages and dispersing them across the planet. But judgment was also an expression of mercy and grace. God’s actions put a check on Man’s unbridled sinfulness.
Our Father truly does delight in showing mercy. And that message was brought back to my mind just four days after it was preached! This is where you come in…
Amazing: God In YOU!
Rebecca – center – Turning Point Crisis Pregnancy Center
My wife and I attended the annual fundraising banquet hosted by our local crisis pregnancy center. We support the great work they do. It really is amazing to see how God works through so many people to save lives and change lives. This year presented some special challenges to the center. And it was very uplifting to hear the accounts of the people who joined hearts and hands to keep the ministry moving forward.
But that annual banquet took my thoughts back to Babel. The problem there was purpose, not unity. The Lord’s own observation was that nothing would be out of Man’s reach if he remained united. But Man’s purpose was continually evil. And that’s the contrast. If our purposes are good and Godly then there is nothing the Body of Christ cannot accomplish together!
Hearing those life-changing stories was a blessing on multiple levels. One was being personally acquainted with many of the volunteers. In fact, there were a number of people there who also support EquipUs and have volunteered to be part of our mission teams. I know the work and witness of the churches these folks attend. And if you take a step back and see each segment of work as a piece of something larger, you are overtaken by amazement at the Lord Who accomplishes so much through people who are simply willing to serve. We really can’t do anything apart from Him. But we really can do all things through Him!
Amazed At His Handiwork
And now, we have a mission team set to depart for the Dominican Republic. Once again, it is the combined efforts of so many faithful people. If you have prayed, contributed, or been part of a previous team then you have a stake in next week’s mission. You may wonder why I included previous mission volunteers.
I challenge every team with the fact that they are building on work done by others. Our missions may seem like events. But they are better viewed as streams of ministry. What is begun by some is finished by others. The Apostle Paul put that idea in these terms:
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
And that is why he would call believers God’s handiwork (see Ephesians 2:10). That word can be translated as masterpiece. Our Father is painting His masterpiece with the good works He has ordained for us to do. And while we can’t see the finished product, we know He does everything infinitely well. So the conclusion will be amazing and beyond our ability to imagine.
Finishing Well
Click to check it out!
Our last event of 2023 is our first EquipUs Online Auction. It begins November 20 and concludes December 4. Right now people can donate items or services to the auction. We will continue to keep everyone informed as the start date nears. You’ll get info on how to register as a bidder and all the other things helpers would want to know.
Finally, the Truth Hunter Podcast is out. This week’s episode will drop by Friday. Please remember this is an effort to enlarge our reach so we can staff an increasing need for Helping Hands Mission Teams. In the podcast world, audience is all that matters. Any new podcast will get promoted (or not) in direct proportion to the listens it gets.
So please check in on our podcast page or on the Truth Hunter Podcast on Spotify. Please listen and leave your comments. But if listening just isn’t your thing, you can still help out. Just hit play on an episode then mute the sound and go watch a ball game! When we hit the minimum audience size then the podcast will be picked up on additional outlets and that is the goal!
For all the things you do for our Lord’s Kingdom, I truly am amazed and so appreciative. And that is a fitting way to begin this month of Thanksgiving!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Lord, I’m Amazed By You (by Phillips, Craig and Dean)
You dance over me, while I am unaware; You sing all around, but I never hear the sound.
Lord, I’m amazed by You – Lord, I’m amazed by You – Lord, I’m amazed by You, how You love me.
You paint the morning sky, with miracles in mind; My hope will always stand, for You hold me in Your hand.
Lord, I’m amazed by You – Lord, I’m amazed by You – Lord, I’m amazed by You, how You love me.
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