photo credit: WanderingtheWorld (www.ChrisFord.com) ‘Letting Go’, United States, New York, Montauk via photopin (license)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6, Nasb
Recently I heard a sermon that quenched my soul. Like a rushing waterfall, it drenched heart places long forgotten. Or maybe not forgotten—just set aside. For years. I love how God has caused this desire to resurface.
When I served as a women’s ministry director about 15 years ago, I wrote a letter to the church secretary who also was a dear friend. I shared my longing for our church to replicate the Acts 2 church: Christians who loved each other well and shared with one another, who met together regularly and feasted on God’s Word, who lived vibrant Christian lives and daily witnessed people coming to Christ. Their experience sounded so fulfilling and meaningful.
Years passed, and my Acts 2 desire waned. Like the scent of fresh laundry, it dissipated over time. Sadly, our family eventually left our congregation due to a doctrinal issue. Departing from our church of 11 years thrust a sense of homelessness on me. We left loved ones behind, many of whom didn’t understand why.
Soon thereafter, God led us to plant a church with a couple of families, and we began gathering in a rented space. Our congregation grew and flourished. We were grateful. Our children were happy. But then people began leaving for one reason or another.
My husband, the pastor, decided to take a sabbatical this past summer. We prayed God would reveal His will during this interim. All of a sudden, out of the blue, before we could catch our breath … HE DID!
In an amazing progression of events, God led us to join with East Hickory Baptist Church to engage in a church replant. This past Sunday, a pastor from VerticalLife Church in Newton, NC shared a replant vision with our congregation. And guess what?!!!
He spoke about the Acts 2 church. He used it as a model, an example of God’s desires for His church in East Hickory, NC. His message—which truly was a word from the Lord—gripped me. Inspired me. Penetrated me.
The sermon also exposed my need for repentance in regard to Proclaiming Him to Women Ministries. I don’t even fully understand the exact sin on my part although it involved more me-focus than Jesus-focus. Something in my heart has shifted in an incredibly good way, and I’m so grateful to God for His mercy and grace. While I don’t have all the answers, I know change is on the horizon.
I am so excited about church and PHtW Ministries.
Please join me in praying God will inspire this ministry in the direction He desires. I don’t know what that looks like for the book I’m writing, the audience I’ve been trying to grow, or future publication. But I know this: God is filling my heart to share the Gospel with excellence. He’s increasing my passion to teach the Bible effectively. I yearn to shine for Jesus, lifting His name higher and higher so countless people can know Him, grow closer to Him, and share Christ with others. We have a world to reach! And it starts with the people we interact with in our daily lives.
I might not have a college degree or all the right connections. I don’t possess unlimited resources, and I’m certainly not ‘hip.’ But I do have the Lord Jesus Christ by my side, guiding me every step of the way. I have God’s Word in my heart and hands, and I treasure my relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.
I’m letting go and free falling into God’s arms. We’ll see what He has in mind…
As for you, my friend, I’d love to know how the Holy Spirit has been working in your heart. Please take a moment to comment below, or drop me an e-mail. If I can pray for you, please let me know how. That’s always a favorite for me.
Until next time, love to you in Christ,
Emily
Tweetables:
I yearn to shine for Jesus, lifting His name higher and higher. (Click to tweet)
I’m letting go and free falling into God’s arms. We’ll see what He has in mind… (Click to tweet)
Emily, your heart always sounds tender to the Spirit of God. I’m excited for you, for your family, and for your fellowship. Thank you for reminding us our walk and talk must be all about Jesus. Lately I’m sensing the hugeness and the seriousness of the responsibility inspirational writers have to get this priority right. The world needs the Lord; it doesn’t need me.
Blessings ~ Wendy
Dear Wendy,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful, kind, and Spirit-led words. They mean much to me. I love your last statement – so true for all of us. May we decrease and Jesus increase (my paraphrase of Jn. 3:30). Thanks for taking the time to read my post and comment. I appreciate you!
In Christ’s Love,
Emily