Called Out

I try to start every day with some alone time in my living room with my Bible, my journal, a pen, and an open heart to God. It's simply my way of trying to dedicate each and every day to the Savior of the World, the Creator of the Universe.

Honestly, some days are AMAZING. Other days, it seems pretty ordinary. I know that's not what I (or God, for that matter) desire, but it's the way it is.

Today was one of those amazing days, a day that calls me to action.

After doing my normal reading, I had this thought pop up that I should read Isaiah 42 & 43. I wasn't sure why, but I didn't figure that mattered. All that mattered was that I go read and listen for anything that would stand out to me. And then I came across this . . .

"Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,

the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise."

As I read these words, I had this strong impression that I needed to receive them as a message for God regarding the Gardner campus and Indian Creek Community Church as a whole.

God is doing a new thing at Indian Creek. It's a new chapter. A new work of His grace in and through us. In the desert and wasteland of our society (a place where hope is being lost and where what used to placate our need for true life is failing), God is launching a stream of living water for His people. A stream of living water that will lead to everlasting life. I believe the Gardner campus is a part of the fresh work that God wants to do in Gardner. I also believe that God wants to see His streams of living water flowing from the other churches already in the Gardner community. The campus we are launching is one part of the whole, the Church of God, the People of God.

I know this can sound like convenient reading of the Bible, picking out something that simply makes us feel good. But, I don't think that is what's going on here. Because the verse that caused me to go back and read the text above was this one:

"Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob,
you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel."

I believe God is calling me, and the Gardner campus, to a place of reliant prayer. Here is what I wrote in my journal:

You are making a new way for people who are far from You in Gardner. That
they may experience Your streams of life. You are doing
the work! But, You desire to use us, Your people. However, we must become humble
before Your throne. Lay open before You. You are asking for total submission, no
holding back. This is not a call to one person or family, but to a
community.

I will be in the Prayer Room at Indian Creek Community Church tonight from 6:30 - 7:30pm on my knees before God. I would love for you to join me there.

I read an interesting article today about the legacy of our nation's 43rd President. It's written by a guy who attended the Civil Forum on Global Health held in Washington, D.C. on World Aids Day. Rick Warren conducted an interview with President Bush that centered around PEPFAR and it's impact in Africa over the past few years.

I thought it was a great read. You'll need to set aside a few minutes to read it, but I highly recommend that you do so. I'm guessing this is a side of American politics that you don't think about too often. I know I don't. Read it here.

I don't want to editorialize too much here, but I have to say that reading this encourages me. I am a member of the ONE Campaign, and I'm proud that our country is doing something to help those in need of help across our globe. I know there can be a TON of disagreement about many things when it comes to our current Presidential administration, but I hope that this encourages you in the same way it encourages me. Every tax penny that I've given that has gone to this type of work is totally worth it.

Official activity regarding the Gardner Campus kicks off this week! I'm pumped! I'm praying every single day (often multiple times a day) for this effort. It's exciting to see some of the first things beginning to take shape.

Here's a run-down of what's going on:

• Free Hot Chocolate and Coffee - Several folks who are a part of the Gardner campus will be handing out free hot chocolate and coffee to anyone who attends Santa's Workshop, an event hosted by the Gardner Parks and Recreation Department. It's going to be a great time of celebrating Christmas with our community from 5-6:30pm. Come join the fun!
• Neighborhood Christmas Desserts - In the next week two Gardner families will be inviting their friends and neighbors over to their house for a relaxed time of sharing life and tasty desserts. What a perfect way to share the love of Christ with your neighbors! Way to go! Want to host one at your house? Go for it! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out.
• Gardner Hour of Power - I'd like to invite anyone who's willing to join me in prayer for the Gardner campus to show up next Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. We'll meet in the Prayer Room for a time of seeking God and listening to His heart.

There are a TON of other things coming, and I'll post more on that later. I just wanted to throw this out there now. This is going to be a GREAT WEEK!

What exciting is going on in your life these days?

As most of you that read this know, we are heading towards planting a campus of Indian Creek Community Church in Gardner, KS. A few things have been decided, and many more things are in the works.

We have come to final decision that the campus will begin meeting in April 2009. Hopefully, we will have a meeting location determined in the next week or two. Some very encouraging conversations are taking place.

Do you want to hear the latest about what's going on with the Gardner Campus? Drop me an email, and I'll add you to our update list (the first edition of which will come out this week).

Please keep praying! Exciting things are under way!