E-Devo April 14, 2010
Greetings!
So, last night I stopped by Starbucks. No, not for a coffee or some quiet time out of the house (but either of those reasons will usually get me there.) I went to Starbucks to participate in the Tuesday night Bible study held by our church there. The store had a few other lone customers and then this very excited group of Christians. You’d think they’d had one too many espresso but they are just that excited about studying scripture, their church, and sharing Christ with others. It was great, and it fits so perfectly with our next Sunday series: Christians in the City.
On Sunday, we looked at some of Jesus’ last words after his resurrection as he visited and taught his disciples for the last time on earth. His words are concerned with two main things 1) our understanding of Christ and 2) our witness for Christ. For the next five weeks, we will consider this last imperative particularly for us here in Miami… South Dade…Cutler Ridge. How are we to be witnesses for Christ here- in the places where we live, shop, work, go to school? Jesus instructs his disciples to wait in the city until they have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit for their mission. Their mission will start in the heart of the city and take the gospel to all corners of the earth. Jesus knows the gospel mission can take hold in the city and grow under the power of God. It’s important for us to know that God has a plan for our city and, we, the Christians living in it are part of that plan. Redeemer Presbyterian Church, a vibrant church in New York City captures it so well in their vision statement: To build a great city for all people—through a gospel movement that brings personal conversion, community formation, social justice and cultural renewal to New York and, through it, to the world.
As part of my sermon preparation and spurring our witness, I’m going to be asking and observing about what it’s like to be a Christian here for you. Some were born here; others of us have landed in Miami and are trying to grow where we’ve been planted. But all of us have a mandate to be witnesses for Christ. Send me your ideas about the series…invite me to your workplace…start praying about follow up and opportunities to “build a great city.”
Peace,
Pastor Amber
Prayer Concerns-
· Condolences are prayers are requested for the family of Suze Dudley, a CRUMC member who grew up in the church and recently lived in Boynton Beach; and Betts Kidson and her family in the death of her 19 year old granddaughter Lindsay Morris.
Coming Soon-
· Health Ministry Team meeting will be held after church this Sunday, April 18.
· Children’s Sunday, April 25th- Staff and Students from our Preschool will join us to celebrate Earth Day. They will share their favorite bible songs from the year and we’ll see a slide show from Chapel with Pastor Amber
· Sunday, May 2, will be Men’s Breakfast at 8:30 and the Blood Drive Mobile will be here before and after the service. Please set aside a few minutes!