The list is endless!  Pray we must. We don't have to agree about one of these serious issues, however, if we can't come together in agreement to simply pray for our nation, then we have a much bigger problem!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

We are currently a country divided. As the war of words heats up around social media, at the water cooler or on that bus ride, passions are expressed and tempers seem to flare. While many people are able to talk peacefully about the state of our union, it’s not always a conversation we want to hear or read!  So, yes, our country is indeed divided, there is absolutely no reason division should happen among God’s believers! If you want a restoration in this land, start praying for it!

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NLT)

 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.  Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.This is good and pleases God our Savior

It occurred to me lately that with these heated debates and tossing of opinions, we may be forgetting one important part of our faith- to talk to God- PRAYER! How often in the last week have you prayed for our leaders? ALL ELECTED LEADERS CURRENTLY SERVING? The fact is, whether you voted for someone or not, doesn’t mean you can stop praying for that person or their leadership “so that we can live  peaceful and quiet lives”- it doesn’t say pray for impeachment or a recall! Scripture tells us we are to pray for those in authority.

 Please understand family, I am not pointing fingers anywhere other than home here! I’ve ranted and raved on my opinion, but I find my passion more wrapped in useless words instead of firm, steady and unceasing prayer! I’d say what this country needs more than anything is a loving Father and His favor and blessing! We recently heard an entire campaign built on Hope and Change- God himself is the hope and change we need- no political gain or loss will ever compare to the gain we receive when we turn to our God in prayer, or the loss we will experience when we don’t!

As we begin our series on inspiring outreach opportunities in the church, I thought about all I have seen right here in my community. My current day job is managing a church office here in Colorado. There isn't one day that goes by that I have not witnessed some sort of outreach. From the campaign to gather and donate food to the local food bank to the daily English as a Second Language classes that take place throughout the week. For a small congregation, this is one of the busiest churches I've seen! We often witness those mega churches doing worldwide outreach and making such a wonderful difference for many around the globe. I find it truly inspiring to see the "smaller families" being just as active, and impacting their communities by showing some Jesus love in their own backyards!
Mark 8:34 tells us that there is no benefit in gaining the world, and losing our soul. We are to take up our cross daily. Jesus was trying to explain just what it means to follow him, to be filled with the desire to follow His will and to do His work, even when the work is hard- physically, financially and emotionally. He gives us what we need to follow through, as he says to lay our burdens on Him, His load is light and we should rely and rest in Jesus.- Matthew 11:28-30

So! Let’s chat! Tell me about some awesome outreach opportunities you are blessed to take part in. What is your church- big or small- doing to share the good news and how is it impacting your community, your congregation and your life!