The Lord's Community Project

Several days ago, I read a devotion in New Morning Mercies written by Paul Tripp that describes our walk with God as a “community project” and thought how true! If I try and make it on my own, I’m often deceived when I justify wrong attitudes and actions, but others in my life can reveal to me what I often can’t see myself. Physical blindness is obvious to those who are blind, but spiritual blindness is often not recognized by those who have it—it’s a blind spot! We’re all like little mirrors who reflect the people we’re around, which means we don’t need to be isolated and alone! Time spent together builds trust and gives opportunity to help point each other to Jesus.

As the Children’s Director at Grace Church, I want to share some recent ways I’ve seen community at work. When kids spend time together in Sunday School, Pioneer Clubs and Worship, they’re learning about God through his Word, they’re getting to know their teachers and classmates, and the teachers are getting to know them. These times of gathering in community are rich! Here’s some of what I’ve seen: (1) kids hearing the Gospel and responding in faith to begin their walk with God; (2) teachers coming alongside each other to help teach, encourage and build relationships; (3) kids caring for each other and reaching out to help when there’s a hurt or a problem; (4) teachers getting to know students so well that they see their spiritual gifts develop and pray over them specifically; (5) kids and adults pouring out their hearts in worship to the Lord.

Remember, we’re in this community project together with all the tools we need--the Holy Spirit, the Word and each other! What a blessing!

~~ Shannon Gray

Posted in
Posted in

Recent

Archive

 2024
 July
Life TogetherBeing Smart with Smart PhonesShould I Forgive an Unrepentant Person?Advent Booklet: Devotions for the Advent SeasonPractical PrayerAdvent | Comfort in SalvationComfort in AfflictionRemember That God RemembersA Theology of Racial ReconciliationA Practice of Racial ReconciliationQualifications of an ElderLook UpChasing EternityChasing Eternity: WisdomThe Season of LentChasing Eternity: WorkChasing Eternity: TimeChasing Eternity: Life and DeathPiano LessonsChasing Eternity: Wise WordsConversations With ChristWhy a Spring Fling?Preparing to ShareLiving the Dream: The Joseph StoryLiving the Dream: CourageLiving the Dream: TestingFaithfulness in Times of PlentyLiving the Dream: Forgotten?Living the Dream: Cultivating FaithfulnessLiving the Dream: GuiltPancake DelightLiving the Dream: ProsperityLiving the Dream: Repurposing SinPsalm 33Discovering Spiritual GiftsAn Animated Tour of PhilippiansChild-like HumilityWho I Am In ChristThe Rat Race RiskPeace Through Scripture Memory20 Traits of Biblical CommunityThreat or OpportunityPlanning for PeopleSexuality and the GospelWhy a Fall FestivalSexuality ResourcesThe Sin of SodomBiblical Sexuality: Further ResourcesWalking Through PainWhy the Old Testament is ImportantGrief and the HolidaysPromises of PeaceChrist our ShepherdMe and MaxThe Patriarch of PeaceFighting for Joy During the HolidaysBible Reading ResourcesPraying with NehemiahDrawing Your Self-PortraitJesus Style CommunityEncouraging EldersA "One Another" LifeLearning from Physical StrugglesParents Being ParentedWhat We Know About End TimesI Love Youth RetreatsDoes God Hear My Prayer?Humility: The Key to the KingdomBlessing OthersHow the Cross Changes UsIntergenerational FriendshipsInternal Battles/External CommunityJericho's Time-Tested LessonChristmas with ZacchaeusResurrection RefugeConnecting Kids and MissionsWhen God Doesn't Feel Present

Categories

Tags