On a scale with 1 representing everything always must stay the same and 10 representing I like to walk on the edge of tall cliffs and think about what it would be like to fall, what is your risk level? How much risk are you comfortable with in everyday life?
In the stories God has given us in His word, we see over and over again the principle of risk. In fact, faith is not faith at all without the element of risk. As a result, God brings the opportunity of risk into our lives to grow our faith and trust in Him. My goal for LW’s new series, “RISK LEVEL” is to move us to new levels in our willingness to step forward and take the risks God is placing before us. I trust God will bring clarity for your next steps of risk throughout this month.
It is clear to me that we not only need to take risk in our individual lives, but also as a church. So, what is our next risk (step)? We will be moving to three worship services starting Sept 9th (8:15, 9:45, and 11:15am). We are doing this because we want to make room for those who have no church home and little or no understanding of the grace and power of Jesus Christ. My emotions resonate with Nehemiah 1:3,4 when he understands the devastation of the broken walls and burned out gates of Jerusalem. I am not so concerned about Jerusalem, but what I am passionate about is the broken down lives and families as well as those with burned out emotion, passion, and energy who think things can never change. Our world had bought into the lie that brokenness is the way it has to be and there is no hope or real solutions. Living Water carries the name of Jesus Christ, and He is the solution to a broken world. So, we will do whatever we can to reach those who are far from God and share with them the grace we have found.
Here is the first call to action as we prepare for three services and impacting our communities…
I am challenging everyone who calls LW “their church” to fast and pray each Wednesday until Sept 9th. This is what Nehemiah did before rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and this is what LW needs to do as well. Fasting is simply an intentional way of intensifying our spiritual lives and our prayers. Practically speaking, you can skip a meal, restrict certain foods or not eat for the day. The method is not important, what is important is that we do this together. This Wednesday, I am asking that you focus on Matthew 9:35-38. Specifically, I’ll be praying for verse 38:
38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Click here for a link to a brief, but good explanation of fasting.
I am looking forward to the results of our risk,