I believe that we are in transition from the church moving from the place of being an institution and becoming a family. Ever since the beginning, God has been into building family. It was a structure that God put in place even before the church.
The coming harvest will be many who have never experienced family. Multitudes in fact will be coming from severely dysfunctional families. Children abandoned and many sold into the sex-trafficing industry. They will need safe places to be able to be deprogramed and healed by the power of the Spirit. Places that don’t reject them when they fall but Mothers and Fathers that nurture and guide them ins their new found faith in Christ.
One of the things I loved about the “Chosen” Season II was the focus on the disciples as they learn to become family. Men an d women from diverse backgrounds learning to accept one another all around the person of Jesus Christ. It is only the power of the Lord that allows us to walk in such intimacy.
The woman at the well in John 4 was changed instantly as she came in contact with Jesus. Tradition states that she was a witness for Jesus the rest of her life. In fact, she told the emperor of Rome’s daughter about Jesus just before she was executed for being a follower of Jesus. Thats the power of family. Jesus said this in John 1:12 John 1:12 (ESV)
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,”
Children means family. Read this again in Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
I received the following from Ana Nunez this morning. It was part of her morning devotional reading. It was so encouraging to me, I wanted to encourage you with it. Its from “Global Prophetic Alliance”…
“This right here is such a word for us! God is doing something Great and in the midst of that he is uniting us as family first. Very thankful for each of you and for the more he will add to us... I'm surrendered to it all!
Family
Don’t give up! Don’t be discouraged because I am bringing others alongside you who will help shoulder the heavy load you have been carrying. You need a family to gather around you to encourage, love, sharpen, and push you forward! You were created for community; you were never meant to journey alone!”
This Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
“Lay down the false burdens that you’ve picked up or that have been placed upon you. Allow My love to wash away all your performance and striving so that you can pick up the light yoke which has been designed for you.
Each of the people that I am bringing into your life carries a piece of the puzzle to unlock Heaven in your region. As you link arms and connect with them in a unified cause, the whole picture will come together creating a mosaic of what heavenly family looks like. Learn how to plough together in this season so you don’t burn out before reaching your destination. Pace yourself with others so you can partner with Heaven’s larger vision of harvest and restoration on the earth. See how much more you will accomplish as you work together as the unified Body of Christ!”
Prayer: Father, I recognize my need for covenant family and I repent for where I have tried to do life on my own. Help me to learn to work with others in unity to bring you glory and increase your vision on the earth.
Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Amen, Thank you Ana!!
Family is also Practical. I want to give the following as a prayer request. It’s regarding Cornerstone’s finances. God has been so faithful to us for the last 30 years; this Sunday being our 30th anniversary of Cornerstone. We are clearly in a time of transition which can be pretty challenging. Should you prayerfully consider the following…
Pray the Lord will sustain us. June has been a tough month for church finances. We've had a lot of expense on top of regular expenses . (Bruce Allen and Don Potter conferences; flights and hotel costs were double to what they usually are) The church covered all expenses. That's my biggest burden that I'm surrendering to the Lord!