Looking Above and Beyond

[vc_single_image image=”9209″ img_size=”925×500″ alignment=”center”][special_heading title=”Looking Above and Beyond” subtitle=”by Laurie Hergenrader” separator=”yes”]

The Word in Scripture

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.  John 4:35b

Reflection

In the book, The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, on Day 17 he discusses a place to belong referring to the Church.  To quote Pastor Warren: “When Jesus walked the earth, God worked through the physical body of Christ; today he uses his spiritual body.  The church is God’s instrument on earth.  We are not just to model God’s love by loving each other; we are to carry it together to the rest of the world.  This is an incredible privilege we have been given together.  As members of Christ’s body, we are his hands, his feet, his eyes and his heart.  He works through us in the world.  We each have a contribution to make.”

As I stand on my balcony and look at the skyline of Denver, I count the number of construction cranes towering over the city – 11 one day, 12 on another day.  As Denver continues to grow, we can see people all around us that need the message of salvation.  Jesus referred to this as the “spiritual harvest of people”.  We must invite people in with open hearts and receive them with love and acceptance.   By looking above and beyond in our vision to grow as we invest in the future of Central, we need to continue to make it a warm and welcoming place to serve their needs.  I know that’s how I felt when I walked through the doors of Central two years ago.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us in our vision to see what you want us to see and do as we open our hearts and doors to the community around us.  Amen.

Intention

Think of the name of one person that you envision in need of salvation.  Pray that our vision to grow at Central will meet the needs of that person should they walk through our doors.