In Our Midst

Near the beginning of this Bible Study, we, as most of you know, did a study in the book of Ephesians.
When we were starting our study there I had many questions for the Lord.
"Why did You have us start this Bible Study?"
"What do You want to do through this?"
"Why are we reading in Ephesians?"

And as God often does, He spoke through His Word and gave me a verse as an answer.
This answer came through Ephesians 2:22
"In Him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

From the very beginning it was God's goal that we be a people and a group where God's presence could dwell.
This came about through our submission.
There was much struggle as there will continue to be.

But, this is the Invitation, Promise, and Challenge that the Lord issued to us. 
And, I believe that God is bringing that to fruition in our lives.

An interesting thing that happened recently:
A few weeks ago we had a Bible Study in Pioneer park. While we we worshipping the Lord, praying, and being in fellowship together, about three people came over by where we sitting in the park. One lady said several time, "You guys just have a nice vibe." Also, a good number of dogs ventured over into our group of people. And it seems that people were just generally attracted to where we were.

And, I believe that this is due to the Spirit of God dwelling with us.
Because, though my friends are awesome people, it wasn't us who were attracting people.
It was the Spirit the Lord dwelling in our midst.

God is fashioning us into a people who walk with the Lord where ever we go.
In our homes, with our friends, at any and every place we go.

But now there comes in a new part.
We need to go out.

God didn't bring us together so that we can just talk to each other about Him.
We are called in the Great Commission to go out into all the world!

This is going to be a huge year of change for all of us.
I believe that the Lord has some very crazy things He wants to teach us.
But, in all of it, He is calling us to go forth and declare the glories of Him to everyone.

He is Emmanuel, God with us.
And He will be our strength through it all.
As we keep our eyes on Christ, He will use us to change the world.

Glory to God!