Growing in concrete focuses on the challenge at hand for church planters in urbanized & overpriced areas that present unique obstacles. However, we focus on the challenge to point out the champion over every situation.
One challenge is in relation to the limited resources of a church plant in comparison with large established churches. There is no school giving discounts to members, no history that binds families because of political power, no large glitzy glamorous building and there certainly is not he buffet of 10,000 well established ministries. This of course is not intended to condemn these such churches, because God uses different churches to minister to different needs. Diversity is the beauty of the body of Christ and established churches aught to be commended for their contribuition to the Kingdom of God. However, there is a sincere desire to follow the leading of Christ into new terrains which no money, architectural masterpieces or men could ever foster. We have grown in spite of these challenges and will continue as we focus on the "Champion of the Challenge."
In our individual lives we should also keep in mind the power of the presence of God. We may not have the wealth, power, privileges or resources of the next guy or gal, but God never intended for us to trust in the powers of this natural earth. Our hearts must remain as the Psalmist's heart was when he wrote:
"Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the Lord our God."
Psalm 20: 7 (NLT)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
In Time
This past Friday I sat and listened to a very well known speaker who told the story of the Chinese Bamboo tree. I did a little research of my own to discover that this inspirational story has been told by many others for years.
The Chinese bamboo is planted, watered and cared for, but very little is seen of its growth for several months. Actually, after four years of nurturing this plant all that can be seen is a small insignificant sprout. However, after four years of cultivating and having patience the plant grows at an astounding rate in the fifth year up to eighty feet. This is only possible because for the first four years that plant was developing a strong root structure, that could support such rapid growth.
In our lives we often think that if can't see results than we have not grown when reality is that if we grow without the proper infrastructure than all our growth will be in vain. This is how businesses fail, relationships fall apart and young successful people crash and burn. It is God who determines the growth of that plant, and it is God who must determine the plans and goals that He has for us. As we remain faithful, diligent and honest is our approach to being successful in the eyes of God He will determine our steps and sustain healthy growth that can be carried on to be a blessing for generations to come.
As we grow in the face of opposition, challenge and difficulty let us remember to put down strong roots and trust God for the increase that only He can give!
"Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots."
Proverbs 12: 3 (NLT)
The Chinese bamboo is planted, watered and cared for, but very little is seen of its growth for several months. Actually, after four years of nurturing this plant all that can be seen is a small insignificant sprout. However, after four years of cultivating and having patience the plant grows at an astounding rate in the fifth year up to eighty feet. This is only possible because for the first four years that plant was developing a strong root structure, that could support such rapid growth.
In our lives we often think that if can't see results than we have not grown when reality is that if we grow without the proper infrastructure than all our growth will be in vain. This is how businesses fail, relationships fall apart and young successful people crash and burn. It is God who determines the growth of that plant, and it is God who must determine the plans and goals that He has for us. As we remain faithful, diligent and honest is our approach to being successful in the eyes of God He will determine our steps and sustain healthy growth that can be carried on to be a blessing for generations to come.
As we grow in the face of opposition, challenge and difficulty let us remember to put down strong roots and trust God for the increase that only He can give!
"Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots."
Proverbs 12: 3 (NLT)
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